King Richard
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: November 19, 2021
6.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 216 Ratings
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35
Negative:
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6
NobodyYouKnowNov 24, 2021
At nearly 2.5 hours, the movie ends right at the beginning of Venus' professional career at age 14 -- to say nothing of Serena, of course. While the movie obviously focuses on the father, it felt oddly clipped to end right at the beginning ofAt nearly 2.5 hours, the movie ends right at the beginning of Venus' professional career at age 14 -- to say nothing of Serena, of course. While the movie obviously focuses on the father, it felt oddly clipped to end right at the beginning of the career of two sports legends.

Smith does an admirable job as Richard, though he occasionally overacts. But you definitely feel and learn about Richard's humanity (the good and bad).

The standout in this film is Aunjanue Ellis who plays the Williams mom, Brandi. She is by far the most believable, nuanced character; each of her scenes ground the film in reality. The best scene of the movie is where she and Richard get into an argument about their respective roles in the relationship and their impact on the girls' lives. She drives the scene, and Smith is (wisely) the passenger.

Most of the other actors are either too amateurish or too over-the-top. Bernthal's portrayal of coach Rick was disappointingly cartoonish.

As a biopic, it suffices, yet I rarely felt an emotional connection to Richard. I realize he was the driving force in the incredible rise of the Williams sisters, but I can't help but wonder if the story would've been more compelling if it were told from Brandi's perspective.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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5
UncleFrankieNov 20, 2021
Will Smith was unsurprisingly charismatic but surprisingly studied and down-to-Earth, though it’s certainly not the best performance of the year, or even Male Performance (Benedict Cumberbatch).

Right off the bat, the score hits you over theWill Smith was unsurprisingly charismatic but surprisingly studied and down-to-Earth, though it’s certainly not the best performance of the year, or even Male Performance (Benedict Cumberbatch).

Right off the bat, the score hits you over the head with its fast and subtle beat that constantly plays over the entire film. It can be overbearing, but it’s also nothing special.

The movie starts with narration by Will Smith, but never is brought back. It could have just been a quote, but it probably would have been better and less distracting if it was just a written quote stated right before the film.

The characters of the sisters of Venus and Serena pretty much had zero character. They were just supposed to be cute and supportive, and nothing else. It’s all ready too long, but they could have edited some parts out to give them some actual personalities.

(Also the scene with the “fart joke” was just so stupid, and the “fart” was the most standard, stock fart sound ever)… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
JLuis_001Nov 20, 2021
The title itself tells you specifically who this story will be centered around. It's not something I have a problem with, because after all, what Richard Williams did is completely inspirational. He aspired to greatness for his daughters,The title itself tells you specifically who this story will be centered around. It's not something I have a problem with, because after all, what Richard Williams did is completely inspirational. He aspired to greatness for his daughters, even as difficult and strict as it can be said that his upbringing was for them.
It's more than clear that the person who created you, who molded you, is a fundamental part of who you are, and it's even more noticeable when you have become such a great, monumental figure in sports as Venus and Serena Williams are.
Especially when that person is your own father. Your own blood. And King Richard is a film that is dedicated to demonstrating that for most of its running time thanks to that fictional idealism that cinema indulges in real stories like this one. But even in the face of how uplifting and moving its story can be, and even with the outstanding performance of a Will Smith who is clearly aiming for an academy award nomination, both Venus and Serena are the real figures here, and when their journey is just beginning, this overlong film comes to an end.
It gives the feeling of a cliffhanger for a sequel that I want to believe will never happen. Don't get me wrong, I liked this film, even with all the emotional manipulation that goes with it, but personally, I think the ones who should have gotten all the attention are the two women who have already etched their names in the history of their sport, and sports in general, not necessarily the man who drove them to achieve for success.
Not that he wasn't important, but the biopic that really should have been produced, should have been about them.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
bertobellamyDec 8, 2021
Honestly, I thought this would be worse. 'King Richard' is your by-the-numbers biopic designed with the only purpose of winning Oscars, and I think Will Smith finally will get one. The acting, of course, is the most interesting part of theHonestly, I thought this would be worse. 'King Richard' is your by-the-numbers biopic designed with the only purpose of winning Oscars, and I think Will Smith finally will get one. The acting, of course, is the most interesting part of the film. Smith leaves a good impression as Richard, a toxic and obsessive father that can't see beyond his "plan." The girls that play Serena and Venus are fine too, and the resemblance is striking. But Aunjanue Ellis steals the show as Brandy, a mother who will protect her children at any cost, even of their abusive father. I liked the fact that the film doesn't try to fully sanitize the image of Richard Williams; and even though there's some kind of redemption at the end, I left the theater hating his actions. This is a very standard film, but, hey, at least is kind of funny.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
Brent_MarchantNov 30, 2021
I'm really at a loss to understand the widespread fuss being made about this dull, overlong biopic about the self-promoting patriarch of the Williams family tennis dynasty. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green's latest explores the unconventional,I'm really at a loss to understand the widespread fuss being made about this dull, overlong biopic about the self-promoting patriarch of the Williams family tennis dynasty. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green's latest explores the unconventional, often-questionable lengths that its protagonist went to in developing the astoundingly successful careers of his gifted daughters Venus and Serena. But that, in itself, illustrates the inherent problem with this film -- why is it focused on the management and not the talent? King Richard's story, if truth be told, just isn't that interesting. The drama is far from compelling, frequently settling into a narrative that becomes circular and thematically redundant. More importantly, though, the real stars of this story are relegated to second billing, essentially watering down the most engaging element it has to offer. To the picture's credit, it features yet another fine lead performance by Will Smith (though far from the award caliber it's being touted for), and there are some modest moments of heartfelt inspiration. But, unless you're a diehard tennis buff or enjoy the back stories of sports legends, you might easily become bored by this one, especially with a two-and-a-half-hour runtime that misses the mark of what the picture truly should be all about.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
aceshop3Nov 26, 2021
I have no problem with this as a film about Richard Williams, the man who raised the two biggest female tennis stars in history.

I have a huge problem with hagiography. This is a film that makes me feel I'm learning nothing about RichardI have no problem with this as a film about Richard Williams, the man who raised the two biggest female tennis stars in history.

I have a huge problem with hagiography. This is a film that makes me feel I'm learning nothing about Richard Williams. Will Smith is almost caricaturish, but Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton are lovely. Give them more roles please. And next time you cast Aunjanue Ellis, give her some actual screen time otherwise do not bother.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
All_ButTrU4Mar 29, 2022
Starting off as an almost generic sports movie but quickly developing, through powerful performances all around most especially Will Smith,into a deeply felt family drama. It's a dramatized and sometimes bias telling of the origin story ofStarting off as an almost generic sports movie but quickly developing, through powerful performances all around most especially Will Smith,into a deeply felt family drama. It's a dramatized and sometimes bias telling of the origin story of two of the world's greatest tennis players ever. The Williams are fleshed out throughout these somehow short 2hrs and almost challeng you not to invest yourself into their success. King Richard is a necessary success story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
MarkHReviewsMar 28, 2022
"King Richard is a workmanlike, formulaic, feel-good sports drama. That's regrettable, because it could have been so much more.

The story describes the early development of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. Most of the action"King Richard is a workmanlike, formulaic, feel-good sports drama. That's regrettable, because it could have been so much more.

The story describes the early development of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. Most of the action takes place in the years immediately preceding Venus’ professional debut in October, 1994, at the age of fourteen. But rather than focus on these obvious subjects, the film centers on Richard Williams, their father, coach, protector and generally omnipresent figure. For those who have followed the professional careers of the Williams sisters, Richard has always been an enigmatic figure. His coaching style was unorthodox. His talent for self-promotion (sometimes on behalf of his daughters, sometimes not) was legendary. His conflicts with the tennis establishment over slights real and imagined were similarly well-known.

It’s regrettable that this film never fully explores its fascinatingly complex central character. The roles of Venus and Serena as executive producers of this movie may have contributed to this sanitized approach that, as several critics rightly suggest, borders on hagiography. Richard (Will Smith) is consistently portrayed as an admirable figure fiercely protective of all five of his daughters as they are growing up in Compton, a Los Angeles neighborhood that’s still among the ten most dangerous cities in the country. He is equally deeply involved in the development of Venus and Serena into elite tennis players and in ensuring they are respectfully treated in their early business deals.

What’s missing is even minimal acknowledgement of Richard’s dark side. For example, the fact that Richard fathered and abandoned the five children he had with his first wife receives only a glancing blow in the best scene of the film. That he and Oracene divorced eight years after Venus’ pro debut doesn’t merit comment in the large collection of vanity cards at the end of the film. His third marriage to a woman one year older than Venus goes similarly unremarked.

Despite these reservations, the cast makes this movie worth recommending. Many pundits project a Best Actor Oscar for Will Smith for his efforts here. For my money, Smith’s ability to portray limitless self-absorption is more art imitating life than an Oscar-worthy exploration of new territory. That said, the rest of the cast is excellent. As Richard’s wife, Aunjanue Ellis… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
Mauro_LanariJan 30, 2022
(Mauro Lanari)
What purpose does it propose, to be a hagiographic example and a motivational incentive for African Americans or to insult those among them who can't make it? Where would true humility lie? Stench of Oscar.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
davemelbourne58Mar 30, 2022
Inspirational story for sure. But I wanted more of the Williams Sisters. I have a sneaky feeling we got the Readers Digest version of what it was like growing up under King Richard.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
HaskettFamilyDec 12, 2021
Wonderful story but listening to Will Smith for the entire movie was excruciating. The girls were wonderful and the story was wonderful.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
ahmad3dsNov 22, 2021
i think this need a new screenplay writer and director we just see acting , will smith , not bad and not good
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
TammyCurryNov 28, 2021
Perfectly good bio pic with a solid performance from Will Smith. The real star of the film however is Aunjanue Ellis playing a woman who is just as much deserving of her own bio pic, Queen Oracene.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
CarlElmoreNov 24, 2022
Will Smith is great here but the story really isn't that engaging. The film should have focused more on Serena and Venus.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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