King Richard reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews King Richard. In the 1990s, Richard Williams coaches his daughters Venus and Serena in the hopes of making them tennis superstars.
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[@mojo-media]

I was caught off guard with this film. I was expecting a paint by numbers biopic but it delivered a whole lot more. It has a lot of heart and avoids usual rags to riches tropes. Will Smith's performance is solid, and the supporting cast is great. Recommended.

[@jiminybilibob5205]

Same. As a general rule I'm so tired of trite biopics. It could've been heavy but the sprinkle of humour made it enjoyable

[@yidavv]

Exactly how I felt. Definitely wasn't expecting a movie this good

[@SalamiKing7]

Well said! Completely agree. :)

[@DanButOnline]

I feel like I had a different experience of this film to many of you in the comments. I found Will Smith’s Richard likeable at times, but also flawed and often frustrating (and I say that as a positive). There were some scenes I was absolutely rooting against him, such as in the big argument with his wife where he dismisses her role in everything. And I saw the ‘King Richard’ title as a reflection on the fact that he often tried to make himself the centrepiece of a story that really is more about his fantastically motivated and talented daughters. I went in cynical that it was just going to be a puff piece about how great the Williams family is, and I was actually impressed by much more self-aware it came across. To me, anyway.

[@Lee_Forre]

Surprisingly effecting film. Much more depth and twists than I assumed. The portrayal of both parents was astounding. Without a doubt Will Smith's best dramatic performance. Tremendous sports film.

[@MisterFoxx]

King Richard is a great movie. Inspirational story, great cast. Literally everyone does a stellar job. Will has a really strong chance of taking home the gold with this one.

[@mattd1659]

I’m glad Smith has been well received in this. It’s been a few years since he’s had a proper hit and I think we’re overdue

[@larrycarls7221]

Dude have you seen rewind time

[@januarybaby1063]

“Few years” guys been putting out nothing but garbage since 2007

[@Amoniakx]

well he got his proper "hit" now

[@rnsw4572]

I really loved it. The Williams’ story is so inspirational in the sports world and Richard’s ingenuity and visionary status is amazingly represented in this film. Will Smith is also great in this role.

[@Gnator8t4]

I enjoyed it, a fairly run of the mill crowd-pleaser with some good performances, Will Smith sold me on Richard Williams' motives and manages to be likeable even when he's a bit of an ass. Might get awards recognition, but I'm not sure how well I'll remember it come Oscars season

[@nultyjack8219]

Why not if u can’t remember short attention span it will be

[@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549]

I’d see a doctor about that.

[@jewulo]

You can't say you don't remember it now given the slap that travelled all over the world.

[@msacca]

I'm mixed on this film. It's undoubtedly well-acted, fairly well directed, and has a few emotional moments, but I couldn't help but feel that, for the most part, the script worshipped at the altar of "King Richard" even through many of his questionable decisions.

[@shogun2heroicvictories15]

It was a good movie. strong performance by Will. Some very powerful scenes that resonate.

[@jqyhlmnp]

Bruh that Shrek burn xD

[@megamoviez]

Just saw it. Will Smith deserves the Academy Award. The crowd pleaser of the year.

[@jacklawrence3703]

I haven’t seen the film so core judgement will be reserved for until after I have but: It seems misjudged to me to have two of the greatest and most inspirational women of all time and decide to tell the story of the man behind them? I’m hoping I’m wrong with that concern, but it was my first thought.

[@MrKangorilla]

Both the women evidently wanted their father to get some shine, since they signed off on the movie. Also I'm pretty sure there have been at least documentaries about their success already made

[@LeahB31]

They can make another movie about them, maybe one that follows them further in age. The title of this movie is what it is for a reason.

[@JeromeBeckett]

I thought the same thing.

[@vickster5001]

Saw this at the London Film Festival and I loved it. Not just for tennis fans either. It was a great blend of funny, dramatic and thought-provoking. Strong performances and kept me interested and invested throughout.

[@brendanlittle2498]

Great movie. Time to give Will Smith that Oscar!

[@acewingate6993]

Will and Beyoncé!

[@KeithFraser82]

Poster quote: *"PRETTY SOLID" - MARK KERMODE*

[@LoveRadishes]

Beyonce's song for this movie NEEDS TO be nominated the Oscar's AND WIN ! It deserves it ! Way way way better than the one from billie eilish hands down, it would be so unfair otherwise

[@mojo-media]

Yeh it's a great song

[@darkflighter100]

Came in knowing nothing about this film and wow I was impressed

[@pfv1247]

LOL Venus Envy! I gotta check out that book!

[@ritacooney7649]

Seems he is a certain for best actor Oscar?

[@nikosvault]

Outside of The Social Network, name me a truly great biopic made while the subject was still alive.

[@adamsancto3501]

The Insider

[@thepepperpig42069]

Rocketman?

[@stuartoreilly2019]

Can't remember the name, but the Ike & Tina Turner movie was a great film

[@annmaria]

@@stuartoreilly2019 I came to say the same. 'What's Love Got to do With it'

[@acquiescence5331]

Bubba Ho Tep

[@anju04aa]

Watched it yesterday…..Will gives a very dogged personality performance with utmost personification…..the movie maintains it’s momentum of pressure and tension …..obviously some cinematic liberties would have been taken…..a strong agency for the woman , Aunjanue too and the girls’ performances…it worked for me too… a sequel would be a good idea with spotlight this time on Serena in it…

[@onceuponatime3449]

Hello ! Please can you do a review of the new upcoming movie "The Lady of Heaven" which can be seen in theaters in the US on the 10th of December. This movie is the first movie that tackles the story of Lady Fatima and the History of terrorism in Islam/Arabic world.

[@alrox9527]

This movie slapped.

[@anju04aa]

All this while, I was thinking Will might take home the trophy when it suddenly struck me that there’s Joaquin this time with his C’mon C’mon that am yet to watch…

[@gnewt75]

This movie pales in comparison to it's script. More structured and better laid out scenes going through Richard's past, his motivations and him hitting rock bottom on this journey.

[@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549]

Is script not part of the movie?

[@micheleg.4553]

Amazing film!!

[@GA-1st]

If the film relies heavily on Will Smith, that may not be a good thing. One can only handle so much of him before nausea sets in.

[@nultyjack8219]

He plays the father the centre of film though like it be more on the sisters but that’s film title

[@Xanadu2025]

Marketing and genre problems.

[@chrisr3553]

Very average piece of work.

[@MissPerriwinkle]

we left after 40 min.....zzzzzzz

[@acewingate6993]

Oscars for Beyoncé’ and will smith

[@felyxmillicent6538]

I didn't witness any explosions or capes flapping in the wind so I wasn't as impressed as other's.

[@BlackEinsteinMusic]

That happens in the sequels "Richard II" and "Richard III" as the movie is actually a prequel for the relaunch of the Shakespeare Universe.

[@nultyjack8219]

That’s ur choice it’s not the f..In point of the movie it’s sport biopic

[@felyxmillicent6538]

@@nultyjack8219 Why didn't Smiths character fly or punch through walls???

[@leedaniels1468]

Will Smith plus the nastiest female athlete ever Serena..no thanks

[@melvert33]

I'm not watching a film about tennis!!

[@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549]

How about a movie about a squad of steel hard mercenaries who have to save a king or something from deepest darkest Africa!

[@LeahB31]

It’s not simply about tennis. I’m not a sports fan, and I really enjoyed this film.

[@behindthecloud]

Don't then, no one is forcing you

[@figgettit]

terrible casting

[@themanwithnoname2816]

First