Family
bonds and destiny are at the heart of King
Richard, the true story of a father’s unwavering vision to groom his
daughters into world champions and achieve the American dream. It features an outstanding performance by Will Smith
and is an uplifting crowd pleaser.
Richard
Williams (Smith) is a black father in
Compton who develops an ambitious plan to train daughters Venus (Saniyya
Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) to become the greatest tennis stars ever.
In a largely white world and racially charged background, the Williams are a
loving, supportive family placing a premium on education. Richard dreams big, taking
his girls from rundown courts to upscale clubs using his guile and boldness,
and then engaging top tennis coach Rick Macci (Jon Bernthal). When Macci wants
to enter the girls in junior competition and later entertain potentially
lucrative endorsements, Richard objects preferring to do things his way. With a
special match scheduled between Venus and a professional tennis champion, the
Williams clan captures the tennis world’s attention and the adulation of girls
everywhere.
Smith’s
Richard, himself traumatized by the absence of a supportive dad, not only
coaches his girls and manages their careers, but empowers them with a belief
that their hard work will pay off. Imbued with boundless energy, his
indomitable spirit collides with conventional wisdom and even runs afoul of
his wife Brandi (Aunjanue Ellis in a strong role).
The
screenplay has some witty moments, but the real life drama is compelling. We
know what the Williams sisters did as sports legends, but how they got there makes for an inspiring, heartfelt story with a
gem of a role for Smith that won’t be forgotten come Oscar time.
***1/2
of **** stars (add ½ * for Smith fans)
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