Will Smith delivers a bravura performance in the moving sports biopic King Richard. The former Fresh Prince plays Richard Williams, the driven father and manager of tennis protegés Venus and Serena. Richard's hard-bitten approach as their mentor is, however, at odds with his duties as a parent, in a movie that exposes one of the most remarkable behind-the-scenes stories in contemporary tennis.
The movie has screened in advance for Cineworld Unlimited members and they've been sharing their responses on Twitter. Is it game set and match for Smith, who has arguably his finest acting showcase since Ali? Here's a selection of the reactions.
Amazing film. A great look into the lives of Venus & Serena Williams and how their father's determination paid off to help give his family a great future. Impressive casting choices made too.
— Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) November 8, 2021
I’m not a tennis fan in any way, shape or form, but I found myself transfixed. Brilliant performances by all the cast, led by Will Smith at his best. Whether it’s been released too early for Oscar to pay attention remains to be seen, but it would absolutely be deserving of it.
— Dave Billingsley (@dab051176) November 8, 2021
Brilliant and heart-warming film, loved the accuracy of the casting and fantastic performance from Will Smith as per usual, loved it! Definitely check it out if you can. 💙
— ✨Galaxy✨(Commissions open!) (@Galaxy424242424) November 8, 2021
Brilliant film, Will Smith was great in his role and the rest of the cast certainly brought the story to the screen. Well worth checking out when it gets its release in cinemas.
— Karen Woodham 💙 (@KarenNWoodham) November 8, 2021
Absolutely incredible sensational film! Loved it! I love unlimited card and screenings because we see films I normally would miss.
— 🌈Mandy🏳️🌈 🌱Ⓥ (@threehourssleep) November 8, 2021
#KingRichard is an absolute triumph of a sports film, a story about believing in yourself to make it to the top. This is the best Will Smith has been in years and Saniyya Sidney gives him a run for his money as Venus Williams. Loved it!! pic.twitter.com/RaVLeYYTB1
— Josh Barton (@bartonj2410) November 8, 2021
For any Unlimited members who missed last night's screening, King Richard is released in Cineworld cinemas on 19th November.
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