Despite not doing too many sports films, Smith’s three sports films are highly recommended

One of the finest actors to grace Hollywood, Will Smith is the epitome of a versatile actor, with a diverse range of movies that include action, comedy, romance, sci-fi, and even sports. However, sports is a genre that Will Smith has never explored much, but three out of his four sports films are highly recommended.

To celebrate Smith’s 57th birthday, we take a look at his three sports films, given that it is a genre that the majority of film enthusiasts do not associate with him.

Ali

Having made his debut in 1992, Smith was on a roll with movies like Bad Boys, Independence Day, Men in Black, and so on. Surprisingly, in 2001, Smith bagged the role of Muhammad Ali in a biographical film named ‘Ali’. Smith did his best to portray the legendary boxer but fell short in some aspects. However, he cannot be blamed, given how Ali’s character constantly changed as he aged.

The film also couldn’t generate revenue, given it faced stiff competition from the likes of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Ocean's Eleven, Jimmy Neutron, Vanilla Sky, and Harry Potter. However, the movie is a must-watch for those interested in sports biographies or Will Smith fans who missed the film earlier.

Concussion

Concussion is not a biography of a sports star but of a doctor named Bennet Omalu, who was the first to publish research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a degenerative brain disease. The disease is found in contact sports, such as football and rugby, in which players sustain microscopic injuries, especially to the brain.

The film is slow in the first half but picks up the pace in the second, whereas Smith plays the role of Omalu with utmost conviction. The film was created to raise awareness about the disease, which had remained unidentified for a long time. The film also shows how the National Football League (NFL) tried to suppress Omalu’s research and findings, threatening him with deportation and prison time while his wife suffered a miscarriage. Concussion showcases the fight of a doctor who brought about a massive change in the world of sports, especially the NFL, to safeguard the lives of young players.

King Richard

Sports biographies are often written about athletes, but have you ever thought about the support, contributions, and sacrifices made by the parents of those athletes? We all know the names of Serena Williams and Venus Williams, two legendary figures in tennis. However, King Richard is about their father, Richard Williams, who was also their coach and fought a great ordeal to ensure the Williams sisters find success in sports.

From struggling to afford coaches to finding sponsors and even fighting stereotypes, Will Smith nails the role of Richard Williams. Given that Smith himself is a father, his emotions are raw and pure, bringing realism to Williams’ struggle for the audience. The film is not only a tribute to Richard Williams but also to all the parents in the world who travel the extra mile for the benefit of their children.

As Smith turns 57, we certainly hope he will explore the sports genre a bit more, because even though he has done only three films, the genre is right up his alley, and Smith is capable of delivering a few historic films.