King Richard

Coached initially by their father, Richard (Will Smith), Venus and Serena Williams (Saniya Sidney and Demi Singleton) meteoric rise to the top of the tennis world would be fraught with adversity and challenges from expected and unexpected angles. But, with their eyes on success and their father’s “plan,” the two would eventually blow the lid off the game as it’s understood. This is a glimpse of their childhood. Written by Zach Baylin and Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green this autobiographical portrayal of the Williams family is straightforward enough, but, it’s Smith’s performance as Richard that sends this otherwise ordinary sports feature to the next level. And, while the overall outcome is already a known quantity, getting to know the motivators and supporters of the Williams sisters success is a fascinating, and sometimes cringe inducing tale worth examining, this is where the magic is hidden. Although the film runs a bit long at two hours and 18 minutes, if you’re looking for your feel good film for the holidays, you’ve found it. King Richard is rated PG-13.