Straight Outta Compton: Venus Rising
IMDb rating: 9/10
King Richard serves up one of the most compelling and unexpectedly emotional sports biopics in years. 8.5/10
While the narrative of two prodigies rising from obscurity is familiar, this film finds its true power in the portrait of a family, anchored by an electric, Oscar-winning performance from Will Smith. He fully vanishes into the role of Richard Williams, a man whose stubbornness is matched only by his profound love and unwavering belief in his daughters. He’s a complex and captivating protagonist, and the film does an admirable job of showing both his genius and his challenging nature without ever losing sight of his ultimate goal.
The stellar supporting cast, including a phenomenal Aunjanue Ellis, ensures this is more than just a one-man show.
The film’s pacing is impeccable, making the two-and-a-half-hour runtime fly by. It’s an inspiring, sharply written, and beautifully acted look at the immense discipline, sacrifice, and visionary thinking required to defy expectations.
A truly great family drama and a triumph of the genre.
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