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8

IttiacesDec 2, 2017

Wonderful retelling of the events leading up to and around the 1973 iconic tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Solid performances by Emma Stone and Steve Carell who are in turn very well supported by an excellent cast.Wonderful retelling of the events leading up to and around the 1973 iconic tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Solid performances by Emma Stone and Steve Carell who are in turn very well supported by an excellent cast. Overall the film is very well put together, and the story told in a way that keeps your interest piqued even if you are already familiar with the outcome. There were a few dips in the middle where the pace slumped slightly, but thankfully they were shortlived. The focus of the film is divided between the match itself and King's sexuality which she felt the need to keep hidden. Homosexuality being a more taboo subject in those days. I thought the film would flowed more easily had less time been devoted to King's love-life. Although interesting, the level of detail was far and above what was necessary to tell that aspect of her character, and it definitely distracted from the main subject. An excellent account of this event all said, and I really enjoyed it.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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5

Rebecca31Nov 28, 2017

I'm not a fan of tennis or most sport to be honest and it's a rare thing to get a tennis movie but in 2017 we've gotten two, Borg vs McEnroe and Battle of the Sexes. Borg vs McEnroe was filled with suspenseful and energetic tennis matches andI'm not a fan of tennis or most sport to be honest and it's a rare thing to get a tennis movie but in 2017 we've gotten two, Borg vs McEnroe and Battle of the Sexes. Borg vs McEnroe was filled with suspenseful and energetic tennis matches and rigorous training sessions so there's a definite possibility that it affected my expectations for Battle of the Sexes but for a tennis movie I was expecting just a little more tennis.
The 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell). Stone and Carell really make this movie, they're brilliant absolutely perfect casting. Focusing mostly on the life of Billie Jean King, gender equality and equal pay for women. The story definitely drags in the middle but it's entertaining where it counts. A terrific performance from Emma Stone in an otherwise forgettable movie. With Borg vs McEnroe not only did I enjoy tennis but it made me want to watch it whereas Battle of the Sexes reminded me why I don't watch tennis. I was bored. The entire movie was building towards this dramatic ending and thankfully when it finally arrives it does not disappoint. A lukewarm recommendation.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

Compi24Oct 10, 2017

"Little Miss Sunshine" co-directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton blast us back to the past with "Battle Of The Sexes," a period drama that coasts smoothly on the backs of its two, incredible lead performances, but also falters in trying"Little Miss Sunshine" co-directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton blast us back to the past with "Battle Of The Sexes," a period drama that coasts smoothly on the backs of its two, incredible lead performances, but also falters in trying to spread itself a bit too thin narratively, thematically, and in terms of perspective. Its heart is most definitely in the right place though, and even with its overly serious take on everything involved with the 1973 match in question, its the earnestness of it all that ultimately makes it all watchable in the end.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

BrianMcCriticJan 2, 2018

This is a fine piece of work with many great performances even as it lacks the punch to deliver grander results. It fails to grip the audience emotionally while it serves up a all around professionally made film. B+

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

RalfbergsJul 7, 2018

The storing it is based on is quite interesting and if you like tennis then the movie is especially interesting for you, but I still feels like it lack emotion a bit in it and for it to be a better movie it lacked some entertainment value at parts.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

FedorkoNov 13, 2017

This movie was predictable. Steve Carell had a mediocre performance, but Emma Stone did pretty well. The script made me laugh out loud at points that were supposed to be serious. I believe that if you make the villain sympathetic, or allowThis movie was predictable. Steve Carell had a mediocre performance, but Emma Stone did pretty well. The script made me laugh out loud at points that were supposed to be serious. I believe that if you make the villain sympathetic, or allow yourself to understand where a character is coming from, you've accomplished the hardest goal as a filmmaker. Bill Pullman was so one-dimensionally evil, it made the movie unrealistic. The movie was sterile, safe and didn't have a message that made people think. It's a movie for the liberal echo-chamber. Don't see this movie, it'd be supporting the wrong kind of Hollywood movie: the bland one.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

moviemitch96Oct 1, 2017

Yes it mostly follows the standard predictable biopic formula, but it also takes chances and isn't afraid to be bold or daring in many instances, all while remaining a funny, charming, and all around uplifting true story. Emma Stone and SteveYes it mostly follows the standard predictable biopic formula, but it also takes chances and isn't afraid to be bold or daring in many instances, all while remaining a funny, charming, and all around uplifting true story. Emma Stone and Steve Carell work off of each other's performances wonderfully, and both have their fair share of both humorous and touching moments. Overall, it's definitely crowd-pleasing entertainment that you can't go wrong with, whether you know how this particular battle turns out or not!… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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5

saintdeckyOct 16, 2017

Battle of the Sexes is a break-neck paced, long, basic movie, with great casting and some good performances. But I couldn't help but feel disappointed, despite not even having any expectations for this movie in the first place. It's nowhereBattle of the Sexes is a break-neck paced, long, basic movie, with great casting and some good performances. But I couldn't help but feel disappointed, despite not even having any expectations for this movie in the first place. It's nowhere near a terrible movie, just nothing special or anything that grabbed my attention.

Acting: The casting was perfect, as Emma Stone and Steve Carell look exactly like Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. They brought some good charm to the otherwise confusing bag of emotions throughout the film, which I will get into. Carell and his portrayal of Riggs is the best thing to come out of this movie. Every time he steps into a scene, he brings so much charm and joy. The movie wasn't funny to me overall, and Riggs wasn't especially hilarious, but he did bring the only laugh I had during the entire movie.

Pacing: The pacing is very fast paced. I don't have a problem with this, but the issue arose when it came to emotions. Things would happen so fast that I just started feeling sad in a scene, and two minutes later it's happy again and feels like a completely different movie. The scenes were too quick to completely comprehend the emotion most of the time. There were also times when I had no idea who a character was. Margaret Court just shows up, and I didn't even realize it was her until she was about to play. The movie is also very long despite its fast pacing, reaching 2 hours. I never thought such a fast paced movie could bore me, but this movie certainly did.

Humor: Towards the beginning, the movie is clearly trying to be funny, but does die down a bit and relies more on charm as the movie drones on. However, I didn't find it funny. The way the jokes were written were subtle, which is fine, but subtle to a point where it would only be funny if you knew or were friends with the joke teller.

Plot: This movie suffered from the same thing as Sully: the lack of a natural villain. Jack Kramer was the closest thing they had to a villain, so that was the best they could do, making nothing feel at stake or intense. Another big thing is that this whole story doesn't make for a great movie in the first place. The whole final match versus the two (which was the best part of the movie) was just a publicity stunt basically. So to make this into a movie, there is a lack of stakes, of intensity, and even of meaning, besides, obviously, the powerful statement of feminism and women's equality, of course. But otherwise, nothing was really at stake, as most audience members know this whole thing was just a joke. If everything else about King's and Riggs' lives that were going on at the same time were engaging and interesting, then it would be better, but the problem was that it wasn't. We get one short scene at the dinner table with Riggs' wife, who we don't see until another short scene later on, then she disappears and comes back at the end, and we're supposed to care about their marriage or whatever. We don't get to sympathize much with a man who is doing this whole thing as a joke. What I'm trying to say is, the main idea of the plot, the final game, doesn't make for a good movie, as there were no stakes and we know there are none. If the two players' stories outside of the game were more interesting, then it would be okay, but they weren't, because the movie was too fast paced to sympathize or feel for the characters, as there were too many emotions to feel in such short scenes.

Overall, Battle of the Sexes isn't necessarily a bad film, just not one that kept my attention or was interesting, no thanks to the whole idea not making a good film in the first place. Great casting and good acting, but simply too rushed in the end. And as I said, the final tennis match was the best part of the movie, mostly because I play tennis myself.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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1

dc127Oct 4, 2017

This movie is exactly what you think it is going to be going in. Hey look a lesbian beats down a chauvinistic man. Hugs all around for empowerment. Lets skirt by the fact he was 25 years older than her, started with one fault, had to playThis movie is exactly what you think it is going to be going in. Hey look a lesbian beats down a chauvinistic man. Hugs all around for empowerment. Lets skirt by the fact he was 25 years older than her, started with one fault, had to play doubles rather than singles courts, and likely threw the match to erase gambling debts. It is more important to serve a narrative than tell the accurate story.… Expand

9 of 16 users found this helpful97

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7

NightReviewsDec 18, 2017

The match is set; a stand-off between a woman and a man; the man, a chauvinist who thinks he is better than any woman in the game of tennis; the woman, a strong, determined and ruthless competitor. The match already took place, in 1973 noThe match is set; a stand-off between a woman and a man; the man, a chauvinist who thinks he is better than any woman in the game of tennis; the woman, a strong, determined and ruthless competitor. The match already took place, in 1973 no less, yet the issues plaguing the game, the gender issues that were relevant then, are still relevant now, which is a problem. Regardless of who won (if you don’t already know, you are a couple words away from finding out on Goggle), the real issue present is that a battle of sexes in 2017 shouldn’t exist, but it does. So the question remains, who really won in 1973? While anyone born after 1973 don’t really know anything about the infamous match between the macho-showman Bobby Riggs and female rights activist Billie Jean King, the newest film from directing duo Jonathan Dayton and Valarie Faris, the team that brought us Little Miss Sunshine and Ruby Sparks does a wonderful job of setting up a very relevant film for young and older people alike. While Battle of The Sexes misses the charm of Little Miss Sunshine and the imagination of Ruby Sparks, the flair that Dayton and Paris bring is a vintage stylistic that helps drive the narrative; even though the film doesn’t really need it. While the film at times, seems to act almost identically to Bobby Riggs, played lively by Steve Carell, Battle of the Sexes is hardly a film about tennis, which becomes apparent quite quickly, and more about the build up of two very different individuals, using an infamous match for their own personal gain; one, financially and for monetary gain, the other, for change and action.

Billie Jean King played by the nerdy and bashful Emma Stone, does have her spotlight within Battle of the Sexes. King, who is almost immediately labelled as the protagonist in the film, facing many personal conflicts that preens themselves annoyingly upon the build up of the iconic match. Stone, coming off her Academy Award for playing the tap-dancing, lovably heart-broken Mia in La La Land, brings an authenticity to King, a hard-hitting, truth telling, tough as nails professional tennis player who hardly takes no for an answer. Still alive and paving various paths for woman even in 2017, this vanguard of woman’s rights explores ideas of lesbianism, true love and most of all, the equality of female competitive sports and their valour and level of respect that is already present in male sports entertainment.

While Faris and Dayton do a wonderful job of building up their two main set-pieces, showcasing many of what may have gone right for one, and wrong for the other, the duo never really explore the dynamics of the tennis world and how woman and men were perceived in the seventies and how the sport has gone to change today. This is not to say, that I am a tennis aficionado by any means, but even today, woman and men play in separate leagues in tennis. So what does this say about the film? Does one triumph over the other? What changes did this match make and how did King progress her woman’s liberation movement? Is tennis the one sport that women are paid equally to men?

It is not shocking to see that, even without even doing any research, women’s sports struggle to find an audience. Most of the televised sports are male sports, with the exception of the Olympics, that happen bi-yearly. Upon further research, I was not shocked to see that the top-seeded male tennis player averages a salary more than double the female top-seeded player. So, my one and only question for Battle of the Sexes is, what exactly has changed since 1973? Is this film another attempt to shed light on the very obvious gender defamation of female athletes? Why are women’s sports not televised unless for special events? What are we doing to change this, other than making a very appealing and stylized film with some very attractive stars?

While Battle of the Sexes does have very deep and powerful messages, as well as compelling speeches and monologues by both protagonists, the uber exciting and explorative final epilogue, full of images and captions about the change the match did to present day sports, Battle of the Sexes is a very anti-climatic inspiration sports story, with very little sports and more of a playful attitude towards change that could have been more relevant. The battle the film faces mostly, is the one deciding whether it is just a sports biography, or an agent of real change.

Battle of the Sexes is a Hollywood film through-and-through. With immensely powerful and effective supporting performances from everyone involved, from Elisabeth Shue (a real tennis lover and an actress initially interested in playing King), to Sarah Silverman, who provides the majority of the film’s comedy and humour, from the the women’s side of the film. In addition, Andrea Riseborough does a wonderful job of presenting Stone’s king with a very worthy distraction and is solid throughout the film; a real undervalued actress.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

Brent_MarchantSep 23, 2017

A well-crafted time capsule offering that superbly re-creates one of the biggest sports and social spectacles in recent history. With excellent performances by Emma Stone and Steve Carell -- who practically channel the essence of theirA well-crafted time capsule offering that superbly re-creates one of the biggest sports and social spectacles in recent history. With excellent performances by Emma Stone and Steve Carell -- who practically channel the essence of their characters -- and masterful period piece production values, this entertaining offering effectively captures the look and feel of its subject matter and its place in modern American cultural history. Admittedly, the picture tends to drag slightly in the first 45 minutes, but, this shortcoming aside, the film otherwise delivers in every other regard. Game, set, match.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

BHBarrySep 25, 2017

“Battle of the Sexes” was written by Simon Beaufoy and co-directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton The film stars Emma Stone as Billy Jean King and Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs and culminates in the famous tennis match between the“Battle of the Sexes” was written by Simon Beaufoy and co-directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton The film stars Emma Stone as Billy Jean King and Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs and culminates in the famous tennis match between the two in the year 1973. Sometimes low expectations for a slightly better than average film can make viewing it even more enjoyable than it otherwise might be and for me, at least, this movie is no exception. Filled with interesting information and facts involving the personal lives of each of these two players, the viewer sees more than just a male chauvinist Riggs and a dedicated advocate for women’s rights in the person of Ms. King. The story of each of the principals is made even more meaningful by the fine acting of Ms. Stone and Mr. Carell who play their parts with a sense of honesty and credibility and make this film a lot more than simply a tale about a hyped tennis match. I give the film an 8 and urge the viewer to take advantage (pun intended) of this pleasant viewing experience… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

AxeTOct 5, 2017

Not very funny nor very dramatic as mishandled by filmmakers obsessed with gay feminist agenda over the characters and event itself, delivering a treatment that is overwrought, over-long and drags. Steve Carell and Emma Stone are good, butNot very funny nor very dramatic as mishandled by filmmakers obsessed with gay feminist agenda over the characters and event itself, delivering a treatment that is overwrought, over-long and drags. Steve Carell and Emma Stone are good, but the fact there's more than one shot of an L.A. skyscraper not yet built for nearly two decades after the 1973 period depicted though granted a very small flaw is sloppy direction, photography and editorial for this level of production and indicative of the overall choices made.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

marco34laOct 2, 2017

this was a superficially entertaining flick. the pacing is a bit off and some holes in the story. it scratches at the surface of the issues and backstories instead of going "long and deep". it has some funny moments and a bit of triumph. ithis was a superficially entertaining flick. the pacing is a bit off and some holes in the story. it scratches at the surface of the issues and backstories instead of going "long and deep". it has some funny moments and a bit of triumph. i wish they'd focused less on BJK and her hairdress... or handled it in a more meaningful way.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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7

TVJerryOct 11, 2017

Anyone alive in 1973 will remember the hype around the famous match between tennis star Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and the misogynist ex-champ Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell). The narrative fills in the personal perspectives of both players,Anyone alive in 1973 will remember the hype around the famous match between tennis star Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and the misogynist ex-champ Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell). The narrative fills in the personal perspectives of both players, with LOTS of emphasis on King's life-changing relationship with a woman. So much that it dilutes the focus on the competition. Stone and Carell are enjoyable and the directors manage to capture exciting energy of the time and the rivalry. The ultimate match is shot mostly in wide shots, which dilutes the impact of the experience on the two players and renders the climatic conflict less thrilling. Still, it's an absorbing look at a time when gender equality and sexual orientation were just starting to be recognized as significant issues.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

neenahOct 1, 2017

Great story, great cast, relevant themes. The social themes are so poignant still today and its amazing to see how far we've come yet still have to go in 44 years.

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

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9

Jess_HillOct 6, 2017

A compelling film that explores the passion and drive of Billy Jean King, and the events surrounding the infamous tennis match that was about so much more than sport. The performances are superb, and both Stone and Carell give powerfulA compelling film that explores the passion and drive of Billy Jean King, and the events surrounding the infamous tennis match that was about so much more than sport. The performances are superb, and both Stone and Carell give powerful portrayals that are subtle and complex, and the richness of the relationships presented elevate this above a simple genre film. Well paced, and with cinematography that heightens intimacy for the audience, this is a well crafted story that is enhanced with a great seventies soundtrack and costume design to match. An excellent film with superb commentary of the era, and a poignant message for now. 8.79/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

SelenicOct 3, 2017

An excellent movie with a phenomenal cast, Battle of the Sexes is an emotionally powerful and unusually charming ride from start to finish. A movie more about social issues than actual tennis it's a movie well worth the watch.

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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10

Garc9517Oct 10, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great movie! I had an amazing time with this film. Emma Stone as Billie Jean King truly shined in this and her performance further proves that she's one of the Top 10 A-list actresses of this generation. I believed her as this strong outspoken feminist exploring her sexuality in a period of time where misogyny was the norm. Steve Carell gave a great comedic, yet odd performance as Bobby Riggs. He could no wrong in my opinion. Disclaimer: He pops up in the movie for a reasonable amount of time, but this is entirely a Billie Jean King movie and her background. This combo of actors was perfect.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

whoischarlotteFeb 1, 2018

Battle of the Sexes is a massive surprise. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The performances are excellent and the story really brought me in, definitely worth watching, would recommend to anyone that like biopics.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

OnlyAGreatOnlyOct 14, 2017

I like Battle of the Sexes, It's entertaining, like (Home Again, My Little Pony: The Movie, etc.) The movie is comfortable, like The Lego Ninjago Movie! I can't wait to watch this!

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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2

nightmovesMar 1, 2018

Very disappointed with this movie. The movie was full of great actors, but none delivered except for Carrell. If the directors decided to spend more time on character and plot than on awkward sexual encounters this movie would be moreVery disappointed with this movie. The movie was full of great actors, but none delivered except for Carrell. If the directors decided to spend more time on character and plot than on awkward sexual encounters this movie would be more deserving of its positive reviews.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

vinicius96Mar 9, 2018

Emma Stone gives another Oscar worthy performance! Great movie, with some screenplay issues.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

ApexrisingJul 17, 2018

A really great film with tremendous acting, writing, cinematography and excellent directing. Probably Emma Stone's finest role (and maybe even Carell's for that matter). It's really quite a shame that some people are leaving bad reviewsA really great film with tremendous acting, writing, cinematography and excellent directing. Probably Emma Stone's finest role (and maybe even Carell's for that matter). It's really quite a shame that some people are leaving bad reviews because of their bias regarding the social/gender issues presented in the film but don't let them convince you that this isn't a superb film because of it. I really, really enjoyed this film as a straight white man and I'm certainly no social justice warrior. A must watch. It's currently on HBO GO at the time of writing if you've got it.… Expand