VENUS, SERENA AND A PLAN FOR GREATNESS.
Venus and Serena Williams are among the executive producers behind this drama chronicling their rise as tennis pros in the early 1990s. Focus lies on a complicated relationship with their father, a man who was proud, stubborn and hungry for attention from the media; Richard went his own way, but in the end he was a major reason behind the success of his daughters. A brilliant performance by Will Smith and an interesting look at money and privilege at junior tournaments; perhaps this slick movie would have been a punch in the gut had it maintained distance from the Williams family.
2021-U.S. 138 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. Song: “Be Alive” (performed by Beyoncé). Cast: Will Smith (Richard Williams), Aunjanue Ellis (Oracene ”Brandy” Price), Saniyya Sidney (Venus Williams), Demi Singleton (Serena Williams), Tony Goldwyn, Jon Bernthal… Dylan McDermott, Kevin Dunn.
Trivia: Co-produced by Smith.
Oscar: Best Actor (Smith). Golden Globe: Best Actor (Smith). BAFTA: Best Actor (Smith).
