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In 1986, Viewpoints reported on ‘La Mancha,’ an opera presented by the Riverside Civic Light Opera productions. A & E

December 9, 2021

7

‘King Richard’ serves it raw

From the streets of Compton to the courts of Wimbledon

ISABEL WHITSETT STAFF REPORTER

“King Richard” is inspiring and heartfelt, telling the story of a father and coach who won’t stop until his daughters achieve their maximum potential.

With a never-say-die attitude instilled in these two prodigies from a young age, Richard Williams knew what he was doing in order to condition his daughters into believing anything is possible through hardwork and dedication.

The most world renowned sister-duo to ever pick up a racquet, Venus and Serena Williams, take to the big screen in a flm that is almost an exact replica of their young lives.

Three time Golden Globe nominee and two time NAACP Image Award winner, Will Smith, brings 2021 to a close with the best sports drama of the year.

Smith, yet again, shows mastery of his craft through his portrayal of Williams with such epitome, down to his mannerisms and Compton accent. If you’ve ever watched an interview of Williams, you’d know how spot on Smith is. Or, you can wait until the end of the movie to see actual clips of the outstanding duo and their father to see for yourself.

The flamboyant attitude of their outspoken father and coach is the star of the movie. With his way of getting things done and the motivational words he gives his daughters, there’s no wonder why the tennis sister-duo succeeded when they did and became the best, most humble in the game.

It’s clear to see just how much heart and soul Smith put into his character for this flm. He takes on genuine vulnerability in order to get his character to who it needs to be — an overprotective father who only wants what’s best for his daughters as he tries to shield them from the deadly grips of stardom.

The casting for this movie is spot on. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green made sure the resemblance was uncanny, harnessing the heartwarming and endearing personalities of the tennis stars through actresses Saniyya Sidney (Venus Williams) and Demi Singleton (Serena Williams). Their characters prove themselves on and off the tennis court with such grace, style and composure.

The unique perspective this movie takes on is different from any other sports drama. Usually, the point of view is seen through the actual sports players. I think this way of doing it is genius because it highlights how important a support system is. The raw emotions portrayed reel you in and make you feel as if you’re right alongside these young prodigies and their dad on their journey to athletic fame.

Their mother, Brandi Williams (Aunjanue Ellis) is also given credit for some coaching credibility in the young athletes.

Even though all odds were stacked against them, the Williams sisters succeeded honorably with the help of their dad and his overprotective, confident attitude, hence the title “King Richard.”

This uplifting tale of two Compton girls and their father’s plan to take them to the next level as they go from the streets of Compton to the courts of Wimbledon will have you on the edge of your seat, as if you don’t already know the outcome of these famous tennis stars.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WARNER BROS

Scott’s flm is pretentious by design

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the richest Gucci of them all?

WILLIAM L.G. STEPHENS A&E EDITOR

The characters in “House of Gucci” all have one thing in common: they are all playing chess. They just don’t realize they are actually pawns.

Now I’m not saying she’s a gold digger ... but Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), knew Maurizio was a Gucci heir.

Only it wasn’t his money that Patrizia was attracted to, it was his brand name.

In the beginning, Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), is about as humble as you can be in a thousand-dollar suit. He hasn’t acquired that taste for greed yet, not like his family has anyways.

After being disowned by his father for wanting to marry a woman who couldn’t match the commas in his bank account, Maurizio and his newly wedded bride Patrizia, are enticed back into the family business by his uncle, Aldo (Al Pacino).

Eventually disagreements arise and Aldo is quick to remind Maurizio and Patrizia that they’d still be “shoveling s—t” if it wasn’t for him.

This is a family that feels the constant need to remind each other how many leagues below them the other one is.

Paolo Gucci (Jared Leto) is the target of much of that demoralization. Paolo desperately seeks praise from the family in a performance that ranges between borderline parody and Oscar gold.

That borderline just about sums up how “House of Gucci” made me feel throughout its 158-minute run time. It’s diffcult to sympathize with the rich fghting over which one of them is, well, the richest.

Eventually this game of chess turns into a game of musical chairs. One that results in a ripple effect of lies and deception. As the game goes on, less seats remain available until Patrizia has manipulated her husband’s way to the head of the table.

Of course, this all happens right around the time Maurizio has plans of a future that doesn’t involve being with Patrizia. The way Patrizia sees it, if she can’t have Maurizio, then no one can.

Much has been said about Ridley Scott taking liberties with the real-life events of the Gucci story. If you didn’t know by now that’s what Hollywood does, well now you know.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNITED ARTISTS

It will behoove you to not go into “House of Gucci” expecting a history lesson on fashion, as you will not be satisfed once it’s over.

Beneath all the layers of designer clothing and penthouses, the flthy-rich still have poor-family issues, and that is exactly the point Ridley Scott’s “House of Gucci” is trying to get across.

Make no mistake about it, this is a flm that is as pretentious as the people it’s based upon. If you can get past all that, you might start to ask yourself, is it pretentious by design?