Some might call this "The Will Smith Show," but I'd call it a world class, top of the line, king of the crop performance that I knew Smith was capable of pulling off. After years of film after film failing to execute on the greatness that Smith possesses finally this film showed me what a powerhouse Smith can be in any given role. This is by far the greatest performance I've seen in Smith's entire career that includes "The Pursuit of Happyness" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." He portrays Richard Williams with the grace, and determined attitude the man conveyed. Will Smith disappeared into the role. I didn't see Will Smith portraying Richard Williams, I saw Richard Williams. A true example of raw talent that was held back for so long, I'm just happy to see Smith really show his true talent and it is limitless. The great thing about this film is also that Smith isn't the only thing that makes this film shine brightly. The cinematography and the lighting in this film is absolutely brilliant. There was always this hue and the colors weren't always the brightest, but very hazy and dusty. It felt like I was in the time period the film is set in. The choice to cast unknown young actresses to play Venus & Serena Williams was a smart one, it made it easier for them to own the role and made me believe I was really watching Venus & Serena. The director did a really good job at making sure the film stayed focused on being about tennis and the development of the Williams' sisters and found a way to make it interesting and engaging. Mrs. Ellis who plays Richard's wife is given the most pedestrian role, but she manages to keep up with the others and holds her own in many scenes. She did such a good job I actually remember her character and her importance to the overall story, even if she wasn't on screen as much as her husband. Jon Bernthal who appears unrecognizable also blends in with his character, and too gives a worthy performance and showed Bernthal is ready for the next phase of his career, which is to prove he can carry a starring role in a major film. The costuming is perfect, and captures the time period which complements the cinematography. The only nit-pick I have is the unnecessary involvement of the young punks that intimidate Richard. It didn't really go anywhere other than to show why Richard is so determined to make his daughters tennis greats so they don't have to endure the suffering he had to. But this element of the film just suddenly comes to a halt after a final short confrontation. Then Richard and the punks become allies after this altercation. But once that's out of the way, the film focuses on what the film is about and that is tennis and the fight Richard had to provide Venus & Serena with the best chance to thrive and survive. I can't recommend this film enough. If you like Will Smith, a heartfelt sport drama, phenomenal acting, beautiful cinematography and costumes, and one minor story hindrance, I hope you see it. 9.8/10.
Review of King Richard
