Sports films have had quite a beneficial relationship with the Academy Awards. From Best Picture nominees Raging Bull, and The Fighter to Best Picture winners Rocky, Chariots of Fire, and Million Dollar Baby, the genre has continued success in pop-culture conversation and awards bodies. However, as the Oscar race leads to the 94th Academy Awards, the latest sports film set to crash the awards season is Reinaldo Marcus Green’s King Richard. A film that evokes the spirit of Rocky with its infectious charm and underdog spirit.
King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams and the rise of his two daughters Venus and Serena, two women who would revolutionize the world of tennis. The film travels through their road to success in the 1990s and, in particular, Richard’s “plan” in training and guiding their careers from the streets of Compton, California to the clay of the French Open and the iconic grass at Wimbledon.
Does King Richard follow the sports film tropes?
Yes, it does, but it’s for the best. Zach Baylin’s script allows the film to breathe within the tropes of the genre but also provides a constant supply of both comedy and emotion. From practice sessions in the rain to family move nights watching a beloved Disney princess, Baylin’s screenplay provides a balance that allows the film to separate itself from the sports film of today.
This ensemble is easily one of the best of the year. Aunjanue Ellis shines as the matriarch of the Williams family. Ellis is fierce, passionate and shows that sometimes, the person behind the scenes should receive equal acclaim. While Demi Singleton is a delight as Serena, it’s Saniyya Sidney, who’s the film’s unsung hero. Her star-making performance shines as Sidney can evoke and balance the emotion of a rising tennis star while remaining loyal to her family. In addition, audiences should credit Jon Bernthal, who goes against type in his comedic turn, as Rick Macci.
Getting to the man of the hour, Will Smith may finally, after a four-decade-long career, be on his way to his first Academy Award. Smith brings his infectious charm while incorporating the unyielding determination of Richard Williams. Smith’s performance will both anger and enrich cinephiles with laughter and smiles by the film’s end.
While I mostly loved King Richard, the film suffers from a common biopic problem – criticizing Richard’s central character. As mentioned before, Richard William’s approach will anger and frustrate cinephiles. However, because of the hindsight being 20/20 and knowing the superstars the Williams sisters will become, it’s hard to argue that Williams’s methods didn’t work. The length of the film is also a deterrent from giving King Richard 4 reels. At almost 3 hours, the film does suffer from pacing issues, especially in the middle of the film. Editors could have tightened up the movie quite a bit.
Despite those issues, King Richard is one of the surprise hits of the year. It’s a film that was expected to be nothing more than another sports film. But, in turn, it is a compelling family drama that shines a light on resilience, determination, and the true story of an underdog.
