King Richard

The best moment in “King Richard”, the one where it stops being a functional and fine star vehicle for a minute, comes when Venus privately celebrates winning the opening round of the biggest tournament of her youth. It’s a rare moment in the film when it realizes the potential of the tale, what kind of affecting tale could have been wrung from this material, what could have been had if it wasn’t so focused on Will Smith’s admittedly great turn as the title character. There’s a great story to be told here, but “King Richard” isn’t willing to tell it.

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