Will Smith is back in the spotlight again, and this time it is for a good reason again. Before this film, his last few films had received more criticism than praise for his performance and the quality of the movies overall. Then recently Will and his wife's relationship became the ire of much talk as details about their extra marital frolics came to light and were personally discussed on Jada's Red Table Talk. Thankfully after this stunning performance, Will can remain in the spotlight in a more positive manner, and we will probably be seeing much more of him as he starts his Oscar campaign for best actor, and King Richard might get a nomination for best film, but it will not win.
King Richard is the story of the Williams family and their rise to fame. It mainly focuses in on Serena and Venus's Dad, Richard, who has had a plan written up for their training from the moment they were born, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that his daughters reach their full potential, which to him is superstardom in the realm of tennis. His daughters' success is also the key to their family getting out of the ghetto in Compton. Initially Richard is having a hard time getting his daughters a professional coach that will take them on for free, but eventually he finds the right man. Venus gets chosen as the star and rises to local fame as she dominates at the tournaments, but Richard decides he no longer wants her playing in these tournaments, so the coach quits. This leaves Richard in a state of flux again as he must secure a new coach, eventually he finds one that will take them all and move them to Florida.
Richard is played by Will Smith, who takes over this persona of Richard excellently. He really transforms into this character. His appearance looks haggard like he is constantly exhausted. He has bags under his eyes, and his posture also exudes tiredness. He has a slight hunch where he leans forward when he walks and a semi-wide gait. Will also pushes out his front teeth, which is something that the real Richard did, so he really got into the role, which is why he is getting so much Oscar buzz. The other person that is in the conversation with him is Benedict Cumberbatch for his role in Power of the Dog, which has had limited theatrical release, but it will soon have a widespread release on Netflix.
The role of Richard in his daughter's life has some resemblance to that of Lavar Ball. Lavar Ball was a heavy media presence for a year or two as he came off as an overbearing dad that meddled too much in the affairs of his kids. Richard comes off this way towards the end of the film, but initially he just comes off as a loving and committed father. He is more than willing to always help his daughters in any way possible, and as far as committed goes, he does not care if the sun is shining, or if it is torrentially down pouring there is practice. Richard starts to feel a little overbearing once there is some tournament success, but he really starts to come off poorly when they make it to the Florida tennis compound. The coach starts to get irritated with all the rules Richard has and how emphatic he is that they stick to the plan. Also, the media starts to flock to him badgering him about why Venus is not playing in the tournaments and when she will go pro. Richard also interrupts one of her interviews and although he was just trying to protect her, he looks a little too protective.
Most of this is explainable through the looking at his past. He grew up in the time of segregation, so he was constantly being beaten on and demeaned. Not to mention that there were the initial scenes where Richard had to stand up for his daughter when the guy was cat calling towards her and the other run ins he had with the guy. So, it makes sense that he was overly protective, because for a long time he needed to make sure they all stayed safe
Overall, this was a solid family sports drama. The movie felt like it was at its best when the family was interacting. The tennis scenes were good, but they were not nearly as compelling as when they had a conflict over if Brandy had a say in the decisions made about her daughters, and the real emotional peak of the movie came from Brandy and Richard's argument in the kitchen in their new house in Florida. There was so much emotional energy that the emotional harm being done to their relationship was almost palpable. The girls playing Serena and Venus also shine brightly. They play off each other so well and have real chemistry. From them being able to say lines in unison to their almost constant euphoria. It is a beautiful family that makes the most out of what are initially not ideal circumstances.
This movie was quite good, but it did struggle to reach a full emotional peak. It felt like it had the potential to be more of a tearjerker than it was, but it was still well above average. It was a good story, and it was assisted with some great acting. The run time being two hours and twenty minutes was a little long, but it did not feel too bad, but that could be because I watched it at home on HBO Max and took a few breaks to go to the bathroom and get breakfast. I give this film a solid 4 stars. It is well worth the watch.
Other Movies This Week:
Monty Python: This was funny and self-aware, but I do not think it lives up to the hype.
Life of Brian: A Christmas and Easter movie with a little bit of sacrilege sprinkled in.
Moonrise Kingdom: A modern day Romeo and Juliet with comedy mixed in with a dose of charisma.
Ghostbusters Afterlife: If Young Sheldon and Ghost Hunters collaborated to make a movie, this would be that movie, a fun time at the theater.
Jagged: An intimate look at the rise of Alanis Morrissette and through her first album tour. For some Morrissette unattached herself from the doc, but I do not think it did anything negative.
Blazing Saddles: A Western parody that still holds up, the last fight scene where they went through the studio was a little much. Some of it did not age well, but it might be excused due to it being a parody.
New Rankings:
Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 3.5 Stars
Life of Brian: 2.5 Stars
Moonrise Kingdom: 4 Stars
Ghostbusters: Afterlife: 3 Stars
Jagged: 4 Stars
King Richard: 4 Stars
Blazing Saddles: 3 Stars
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