Queen of Katwe

There’s no need to dig up your favorite chess metaphors, because Queen of Katwe does it for you.

Yet beneath its formulaic trappings — coming of age, rags to riches, or whatever — there’s a decent strategy to this slick biopic about a teenage prodigy from Uganda that manages to be heartwarming without turning excessively sappy.

It’s easy to root for Phiona (Madina Nalwanga), who grew up in a slum in the village of Katwe, as part of a large family and a stubborn single mother (Lupita Nyong’o) who refused to accept charity. Instead of attending school, Phiona worked every day selling corn.

Later, she’s introduced to chess through Robert (David Oyelowo), who operates a local youth outreach program. The youngster becomes enamored with the game and the possibilities it presents, in the form of national tournaments and scholarships.

Despite her upbringing, she sets a goal of becoming a world champion. Along the way, Robert spouts pearls of wisdom to calm her frustrations. “Don’t be so quick to tip your king,” he pleads to Phiona.

Although it never conveys much authenticity from a visual standpoint, the approach of director Mira Nair (The Namesake) lends some urgency to the chess sequences — something that isn’t easy when there are so many films about the game — and smartly allows the actors to command the spotlight.

Nalwanga is a charismatic newcomer who lacks polish in front of the camera, but compensates by conveying her character’s wide-eyed naivete with conviction. Meanwhile, Oyelowo (Selma) and Oscar-winner Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave) each bring depth and emotional complexity to somewhat standard roles. And at least there aren’t any outsiders swooping in to save the day.

The screenplay by William Wheeler (The Hoax) tends to oversimplify the psychological and socioeconomic hardships that Phiona and her family face, and too often tries to squeeze the narrative into a familiar underdog framework leading up to an obligatory big-game finale. However, while it glosses over some of the grittier details, Queen of Katwe sidesteps some clichés in its exploration of the issues of a single-parent family navigating economic and cultural obstacles.

This isn’t exactly breakthrough territory, and it lacks subtlety and surprise, but children might find a universal resonance with the resilient protagonist halfway around the world and her dedication to making all the right moves.

Rated PG, 124 minutes.