Movie #2081 ........................."King Richard" (Redbox)

 Movie #2081 "King Richard" (redbox) I really enjoyed this biopic of Richard Williams, father to Venus and Serena.  The movie focuses mostly on Venus' rise, while Serena is always in the background, learning along with her sister, but waiting for HER time to come (the next movie?).  All the while we are watching Venus'  career unfold, we are focused on her dad's style of coaching and his philosophies of life.  Now we aren't told about the previous family he had (and walked away from, evidently) nor any of the possible ineffective decisions he made along the way --- the film really is tilted his way, but he isn't portrayed as a saint by any means.  While watching, I sometimes cringed at something he said or the way he acted, but then I'd look down the way, and it ended up to turn out good for the kids, for the most part. The most important takeaway   from the film, I felt, was how this road to success was far from easy --- coming from Compton, with no places to practice, no money to back them up, nosey neighbors who see endless hours of practice to be abusive so they call the police, the prejudice, and more prejudice, and more prejudice, either for their young age, or being females, or having the color of their skin.  So because we know Venus will end up to be a successful player for a time period in World Tennis, along with the hard work the whole family puts into that success, the film comes across quite inspirational!  and a fun watch.  I'd give it a strong 4 and recommend it to others.  And there's just enough of tennis to not make it too boring for those who aren't much into the sport.  And here's a final plus --- the acting is extraordinary --- Will Smith takes on the look, the stride, the posture, and the voice of Richard, and makes him quite a sympathetic figure (Even when I remember him as a laughable character  when I watched him in the stands on t,.v.)  -- Will seems to be  a very strong contender for best actor this year (my bet is with him); then, there's his wife who is very strong at protecting her kids and wanting them to be able to be kids and still be good at tennis -- she is also nominated but I think Ariana from Westside Story may take this supporting actress award; and the girl who plays Venus is quite talented --- would be fun to see her do more.  Bottom line?  Film shows how parents deal with talented kids, esp. when faced with prejudice.   

"KING RICHARD"    2021        2 hours and 24 mins    pG-13

A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard Williams

Director:  Reinaldo Marcus Green

Writer:  Zach Baylin

Stars:  Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis , Jon Bernthal