King Richard (2021)

Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green

Starring: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal

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

As expected, I didn’t enjoy the movie all that much. Not for any reason other than the fact I find tennis to be an incredibly boring sport. I’m not a sports person in general and therefore refrain from watching sport-themed movies. I watched ‘King Richard’ simply because it is one of the 2022 Oscar nominees for Best Film.

‘King Richard’ is a biography about tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. Although I’m not a sports fan, as mentioned, I am familiar with these sisters and was interested in seeing how it all started for them. A 20-minute documentary would have sufficed, I guess, as I found this 144-minute film just a tad too long for my liking, and almost lost interest halfway through. The annoying Father, Richard, with his selfish, know-it-all attitude also made for an unpleasant watch. Will Smith delivered a fantastic performance as Richard, though, and I won’t be surprised if he walks away with the Oscar for Best Actor, having been nominated.

The other problem I have with biographies is that they are predictable. No matter how many obstacles there are, you know from the beginning what the outcome will be – providing off course you are familiar with the person in question.

I hated the racial remarks. I always steer clear of films dealing with racism, and didn’t realize ‘King Richard’ would contain so many racial issues. I don’t like racism in real life, and don’t enjoy seeing it in movies.

Performances from the entire cast were top notch. Aunjanue Ellis in particular was magnificent as Brandy, Richard’s wife. My gosh, this woman can act! She, too, received an Oscar nomination and she certainly is a worthy candidate.

I must admit, I did enjoy the film’s final moments. Still, it was much too long a movie to keep me interested or entertained. This is so not my kind of movie.

‘King Richard’ received 176 award nominations, winning 44 so far. It received 6 Oscar nominations.

Would I watch it again? No. Once is enough.