I loved Emma Stone’s performance as Billy Jean King in Battle of the Sexes, the story of the TV event in the Astrodome that captured the largest audience for a tennis match at that time. Steve Carell plays frustrated 55-year-old former tennis great Bobby Riggs. Riggs decides he can regain the public spotlight (and make some money) by becoming a sexist clown and challenging women tennis players to competitive matches.
Many of you may remember the famous Battle of the Sexes event on ABC TV narrated by Howard Cosell and Rosie Casals (Natalie Morales). Austin Stowell plays Billy Jean’s devoted husband. I liked Sarah Silverman as Billy Jean’s feisty agent. Bill Pullman and Alan Cumming are part of the talented cast.
A good part of this movie shows the pressures Billy Jean King endured on the professional tennis tour, the physical and mental demands. Billy Jean’s relationship with a hairdresser (Andrea Riseborough) isn’t sugar-coated although the resolution is. Good performances and great story. What more could you want? GRADE: B+
Although I liked the performances, I felt there was something missing. Not sure what. Maybe there was not enough attention paid to tennis.
Patti, the focus on Billy Jean King’s relationships certainly overshadowed the tennis aspects. This movie struggled to find an audience.
Since I like both of them, I’m sure we’ll see this one. I’m glad you mentioned it, because I already forgot about it.
Jeff, BATTLE OF THE SEXES is still in the Regals here, but when Diane and I saw it, we were the only ones in the theater. Private showing!
Is that “inappropriate touching” I see on the poster? Obviously a film that shouldn’t be seen by today’s sensitive audiences. I get a signed consent form now before I kiss my wife goodnight. These days, you can’t be too careful.
Rick, dating has to be a nightmare today!