“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
Richard Williams
I don’t know if I’ve ever witnessed someone’s, who is not psychic or blessed with acute spiritual discernment, plans for another coming to fruition so remarkably more than Richard Williams, the titular character of the newly released KING RICHARD. Mr. Williams wrote a 78-page plan to include his daughters Serena and Venus becoming tennis legends – even predicting that the younger, Serena, would surpass her sister Venus in the sport, with both declarations becoming reality.
The film highlights Richard, Will Smith in what is arguably his best role to date, in all his human greatness and weakness as he and his wife Oracene – a magnetic Aunjanue Ellis with what for me is her second greatest performance this year after “The Subject” – along with their family embrace his plan and support both Venus and Serena – while culminating in Venus’s first professional tournament.
It’s an American dream, rags to riches, and made for the big screen story that director Reinaldo Marcus Green and screenwriter Zach Baylin finesse with admiration and grace – leaving well enough alone where the major bits of controversy (like Richard’s extramarital and paternity exploits) might have made for juicier but not needed for the tale being told fare, while spotlighting the results of a family’s hard work, love, dedication and most importantly belief.
I rate KING RICHARD 4 out of 5 on the MMTrometer.
I had the opportunity to watch a virtual press conference that included Smith, Ellis, Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton – who portray Venus and Serena respectively – in addition to several other cast and crew members, and both the executive producers and sports legends themselves Venus and Serena Williams. You can watch the full video below and check out the film which opened in theaters and is streaming on HBO Max today.
Until next thought, Thomasena
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