“King Richard” Review
(From Left) Serena and Venus Williams (Demi Singleton and Saniyya Sidney)get advice from their father/coach Richard (Will Smith) in “King Richard.”
It’s rare to find a genre that can be very predictable but still endearing. The sports film is one of those. While many underdog sports stories follow a similar formula, who doesn’t love the stories of “Rocky,” “Miracle” and “The Fighter?” Now in theaters and on HBOMax, “King Richard” takes a look at what it means to truly be an underdog and the dedication it takes to make it to the top.
The film stars Will Smith as Richard Williams who spends his entire life building up his family for success including Venus and Serena Williams (Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton). When an opportunity for his daughters to become tennis stars presents itself, Richard does everything he can to push his girls to their full potential no matter how crazy it may appear.
What makes this film work is Will Smith who gives an incredible performance. Richard’s dedication to his family is admirable as he works hard to provide for his family, prevent crime from entering his household and keep Venus and Serena successful both on and off the court.
Sidney and Singleton are also fantastic as Venus and Serena who try to themselves to stardom in a sport that is largely dominated by white people. Their quest for perfection is not only inspiring, but realistic as well. While tennis isn’t exactly my sport, this film and these actors drew me into this world the same way “Ford V Ferrari” drew me into auto racing.
While an engaging film, there’s very little in this sports biopic that I found to be unique. If you like inspirational sports stories, then “King Richard” is going to appeal to you. There are some really inspiring sequences, like when Venus plays in the pros for the first time and when Richard gives his daughters pep talks about how to succeed. But I don’t think the film came together in such a way that leaves a massive impact.
But, in many ways, this film is still a fantastic look at success. It’s inspiring and focuses on the value of hard work, everything you’d expect in a sports film. Like I said, many sports films are predictable but endearing and “King Richard” was no exception. With Will Smith giving it his all in a, no doubt, soon to be Oscar-nominated role, there’s very little to object to in the film. All hail the king.
