Will Smith is back in Oscar baiting form as the father of Tennis megastars, Serena and Venus Williams in King RIchard. As Richard Williams, Smith returns to a more dramatic role, which a performance we haven’t seen since the likes of Ali, which brought him as close as he has ever come to Oscar glory. But with King Richard, this maybe the role that finally gets him past the finish line.
Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons. The profoundly moving film shows the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.
This is not just another sports drama, rather than the entire focus being on the Williams sisters rise to the top of the tennis world, this is more of a character study of the man who was the driving force behind their rise. The talent was there, but the sheer drive of Williams to get them there, with his predetermined plan is something to behold especially with Smith bringing the role to life. The dogged determination at times reflects Will Smiths own trials and tribulations in his career on his rise to the top that have also been well documented.
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters And Men) simply brings out the best in Will Smith and he commands the screen, much like Williams as a overbearing presence that simply will not quit and will not stop fighting until his girls achieve the lofty goals set. The young Williams sisters as played by Saniyya Sidney (Venus) and Demi Singleton (Serena) are simply outstanding. Naturally as talented as the Williams sisters themselves the two young stars are so believable in their roles, you will forget that these two young ladies are simply playing roles, such is the uncanny form that they play.
The only let down in the film really is the actual tennis sequences, that veer from dull to uninteresting for the most part. Venus showdown with Sanchez Vicario has a big build up, but if you’re unaware of the result you may be gripped, but it doesn’t translate all that well to the big screen (also see Wimbledon starring Paul Bethany and Kirsten Dunst) and actually detracts from the rest of the film.
The Blu Ray has some additional features, including deleted scenes, A making of, Will Smith as Richard Williams featurette and another featurette with Venus and Serena visiting the set. The extras are nothing new and the deleted scenes are interesting, but if you’re want more on the real Richard Williams, the extras here don’t add anything.
King Richard is a superb sports drama which ranks up there with the likes of Any Given Sunday, Bull Durham & the recent Ford Vs Ferrari. It’s all about Will Smith and he definitely drives the movie but the two young talented actresses much like the Williams sisters (Who popup in cameos in the film) are the future for sure. Watch this space.
KING RICHARD is the highly anticipated and inspirational true story of Richard Williams, which will be releasing to Home Entertainment on 21st February.
