Playing in theaters.
Streaming on HBO Max through December 19th.
Will Smith has earned a high place in cinema royalty with a long and proud career. From making us cry with a powerhouse performance in that one episode of Fresh Prince (you know which one I'm talking about) to redefining "badass" with Bad Boys and taking risks to push boundaries with incredible experiments like the criminally underrated Gemini Man. Mr. Smith has perpetual energy and lovable charisma that has yet to be matched. His best and most profound achievements have often been his films about historical figures, both long past and contemporary. Such as his portrayal of the incredible boxer Muhammad Ali. His latest offering, King Richard, chronicles the efforts and determination of a father and his detailed plans for his five daughters. Notably, his young Tennis prodigies, Venis and Serena.
The story follows Richard Williams (Will Smith), a father of five daughters living in Compton. Having been raised when racism was significantly harsher (to put it mildly), Richard sets out to provide a better life for his family. He has drafted a detailed plan for preparing his daughters for the world, including helping two of them become some of the greatest names in the world of professional Tennis. We see their ups & downs, their trials, and tribulations. Not to mention a few reminders of how important it is to occasionally think outside the box and challenge what is considered the "normal" approach to achieving one's dreams.
The main driving point of the film is the cast. Everyone, especially Will Smith, delivers stunning performances. Everything from emotional, dramatic scenes to funny family moments is delivered with conviction and contagious energy. Although this is Will's show, along with Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton (who play Venus and Serena, respectively), the MVP award goes to Jon Bernthal for showcasing his ability as an actor, playing a character wholly departed from the grizzled anti-hero he typically plays. It's always nice to see talented actors get the chance to stretch their talents.
As you might expect, the film touches base on the many issues with systemic racism. What makes this specific take on the subject particularly important, at least to me, is how it reminds audiences that unjustified hatred and anger can go both ways. We are all just as capable of becoming as awful as those we may deem as evil if we are not careful. If we are to truly overcome, we must all do better for each other. Granted, in many cases, the need for better change often falls onto one side more than the other, but the point still stands.
The cinematography is gorgeous. Photographed by Robert Elswit, late of Good Night and Good Luck, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, and Nightcrawler (along with an incredibly hilarious Nespresso commercial), his style can best be described as slightly exaggerated naturalism. Just stylized enough to invoke a particular feeling without coming off as flashy. It's much more of a delicate balance than you might think, and he nails it every time.
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green, known primarily for television and a few short films, showcases his ability to handle character-driven narratives. He has a fine-tuned sense of pacing and appears to build great chemistry with actors. I look forward to seeing what more he may have for us in the future.
King Richard is a relevant and heartwarming film that inspires goodness in all people. Something we desperately need much more of right now. If you can do so safely, go see it in theaters. If you're not quite ready for that yet, let this be another piece of encouragement to consider signing up for HBO Max if you haven't already. I promise you, they did not pay me to say that.
Check this one out.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
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