King Richard

Everybody already knows the true-life ending to King Richard, and that’s a benefit. Otherwise, who would believe a far-fetched story about a self-taught coach from Compton, California, training his two daughters to become tennis superstars?

The global popularity of Venus and Serena Williams should continue to grow — if that’s even possible — through this compelling biopic about their flamboyant father and their underdog effort to break barriers and become legends.

Beneath the showmanship, a layer of heartfelt resilience drives this crowd-pleaser that casts its net wider than just established tennis fans.

Richard Williams (Will Smith), who is raising five daughters with his supportive wife, Oracene (Aunjanue Ellis), decides early that tennis will be the vessel for his girls to escape the cycle of drugs and violence in their rough neighborhood.

With little background in the sport, he takes young Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) to the local court for some unorthodox lessons. Eventually, they become good enough to showcase to more established trainers who can help with the financial burden, if they can put up with the parental baggage.

Richard is a stubborn, hard-charging disciplinarian whose brash ego overshadows his sacrifices and efforts to shield his children from pervasive racism and socioeconomic oppression, some more blatant than others.

Whenever anyone questions his authority, he bites back: “Stick with the plan.” Whether he’s living vicariously through his daughters’ rise to fame is for others to judge. At least you can see where they get their outspoken charisma and fierce competitiveness.

Incorporating plenty of nostalgic visual flourishes, director Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters and Men) brings a vivid authenticity to the on-court sequences. Meanwhile, Smith inhabits more than just Richard’s speech and mannerisms in a committed performance that generates hard-earned sympathy.

Sidestepping rags-to-riches formula, the film includes a powerful indictment of youth tennis culture and an establishment of affluent parents and children who are every bit as overbearing and obnoxious, just less honest about it.

Rookie screenwriter Zach Baylin tends to dismiss some of his questionable parenting tactics as mere eccentricities. Still, the film persuasively argues that Richard’s intentions are pure. He wants to give his children a better life. And by the end, you must give him credit — he was right.

Its subject would certainly admire the film’s title. However, when it comes to future stars on the court, hopefully King Richard is more inspirational to youngsters than their parents.

Rated PG-13, 138 minutes.