Trailer:
People may doubt that the Oscars have formulaic representation in the category for Best Picture, but it would be a lie. Every year there is at least one “feel-good, bio-pic, based on a true story” type contender that tugs at people’s heartstrings and this year is no different. Enter “King Richard.”
The movie is a biopic based on tennis legends Serena and Venus William’s father, Richard, who created a plan for them to achieve success at an extremely young age. And just because this film follows the Oscar Best Picture formula, it doesn’t mean it’s any less than other nominations. In fact, there is a true and powerful message to take away from the “rags to riches” storyline, it just falls in that categorization.
Richard William (Will Smith) knew his daughters were destined for success. In fact, he created a near 15-year plan on how to execute that success. Using tennis as an outlet and distraction from getting caught up in the streets of Compton where they grew up, Richard Williams threw his daughters, Venus and Serena into tennis.
Training them to eventually become professionals, he began entering them into tournaments before they even had true representation. Desperately seeking coaching and guidance, originally Richard Williams was turned down by coaches and clubs due to the inability to support them financially, Richard coached them on spare tennis courts in their neighborhood until they improved enough to enter Junior competitions.
The story paints an idyllic childhood for his five children, despite it being probably anything but. The camaraderie between Serena and Venus and their three sisters is infectious and we experience amazing performances from the child stars Saniyya Sidney (Venus) and Demi Singleton (Serena). Look out for future movie's from these too
When Will Smith “turns it on,” there is quite literally nothing he can’t do. After a series of Oscar nominations and losses, “King Richard,” proves that Will Smith is a winner and it’s time for him to collect. Paying his dues. Will Smith has achieved Oscar nominations in the past, “The Pursuit of Happyness” for example and although he was famously snubbed for his incredible role in “Concussion,” he is an Academy favorite, despite never winning. Well, 2021 just might be his chance.
With a little too long run time of two hours and twenty-four minutes, the movie itself could have been a little shorter to make it more digestible, but otherwise, it is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Oscar Predictions: Best Actor (Will Smith), Best Picture (King Richard) and *possibly* Best Supporting Actor (Jon Bernthal)
Movie Score: 7.5/10
And that’s the sitch.
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