King Richard

With the many films that Hollywood has produced, biopics have certainly become a common genre that has graced the silver screen for a number of decades. I believe what makes "King Richard" a bit different than most is the fact that it's more about the father of two famous tennis players than it is about the tennis players themselves. 

Armed with a clear vision and a brazen 78-page plan, Richard Williams (Will Smith) is determined to write his daughters, Venus and Serena (Sanlyya Sidney and Demi Singleton) respectively, into history. Training on Compton, California's neglected tennis courts--rain or shine--the girls are shaped by their father's unyielding commitment and their mother's, Brandy (Aunjanue Ellis) balanced perspective and keen intuition, defying the seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing expectations laid before them. Knowing they need a coach to sponsor Venus so the expenses won't overcome Richard and Brandy, they ultimately hire Rick Macci (Jon Bernthal). Based on the true story that will inspire the world, "King Richard" follows the uplifting journey of a family whose unwavering resolve and unconditional belief ultimately delivers two of the world's greatest sports legends. 

Others to round out the cast are Tony Goldwyn as Paul Cohen, Mikayla Lashae Bartholomew as Tunde Price, Daniele Lawson as Isha Price, Kevin Dunn as Vic Braden, Noah Bean as PV CC tennis pro and Josiah Cross as TD. 

This was brilliantly directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green ("Monsters and Men" '18, "Joe Bell" '20) plus TV and shorts. Although this filmmaker doesn't have a plethora of feature film experience, what he does have is quality. This is truly an artist who dwells on his craft instead of just cranking out money makers, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for that. The characters in his films simply come to life, as with this film as well. His directing of Smith will undoubtedly garner Smith an Oscar nod, and with that, this director will go far. It was equally written well by a virtual unknown, Zach Baylin. This writer is obviously a natural which is rare since most writers that start with feature film screenplays are typically choppy and questionable at best. This was cohesive, concise, well sequenced all with a tight script. He does have a film that has been announced for a 2022 release which is "Creed III" which he writes. If that film is anything as well thought out as this, it should be a want-to-see film. Jon Bernthal as the coach also gave a stunning performance and also could garner him a supporting Oscar nod as well. Smith's rendition of Richard went back and forth between protectiveness of his daughters and the realization that they ultimately had to make their decision of what they really wanted to do with their future in tennis. So, one minute the audience is cheering for him, and then another minute, you wonder what he's thinking. This is compelling acting.

Whether you are a tennis fan or not, this is a compelling expose of one family's determination to triumph in spike of any obstacles involved. Considering I'm really not a fan of tennis, the almost two and a half hour running time sailed right along, and that's the sign of a well crafted film. The acting, directing and writing will astound.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                                    Rated: PG-13                                             144mins.