Despite not being the biggest of tennis fans, like as was said in my review for 'Borg vs. McEnroe' (also from 2017, and as said by others the superior film), the real-life story that 'Battle of the Sexes' is based upon is a fascinating one.
'Battle of the Sexes' has proved to be very divisive, if more the audience reaction than the generally positive to acclaim critical reception. To me, it entertained, it engaged and it inspired, but also felt very uneven, with obvious great things and other elements that one wishes were done better. 'Borg vs. McEnroe' felt more of a more even and satisfying film, because it handled the characters in a much more balanced fashion and was more focused.
Starting with the positives, 'Battle of the Sexes' has a suitably authentic 70s look that makes one feel like they are back in 1973. Some people may not like this and feel it's poor film-making, understandably, personally liked this successful effort at authenticity. Also really appreciated the perky, light-hearted tone of the film, while there are also emotional moments that reminds one that the film does have a heart and the message inspires.
The climax is beautifully staged and there is a lot of light-hearted wit and thought-provoking writing. Emma Stone and Steve Carrell both give performances that are spirited and sincere, especially Stone in the more prominent role. Andrea Riseborough is the standout by quite some way of the supporting cast.
However, can understand the criticisms of imbalance and bias. The characters are too one-sided and with the film so heavily focused on Billie Jean and her personal life (which was actually quite tastefully handled) and too much in her favour it means that the more tennis-oriented parts, other subplots and just as important characters are not focused on enough. The leads are great, as is Riseborough.
The rest are stifled by their characters being explored in too flimsy, biased and one-dimensional a way, ranging from caricatures to idiots. A very dull Austin Stowell and a cartoonish Bill Pullman particularly struggle. The music is overwrought and sounded like it was written for another film and the film could have been shorter by half an hour.
In conclusion, entertaining and interesting but uneven. 6/10 Bethany Cox
'Battle of the Sexes' has proved to be very divisive, if more the audience reaction than the generally positive to acclaim critical reception. To me, it entertained, it engaged and it inspired, but also felt very uneven, with obvious great things and other elements that one wishes were done better. 'Borg vs. McEnroe' felt more of a more even and satisfying film, because it handled the characters in a much more balanced fashion and was more focused.
Starting with the positives, 'Battle of the Sexes' has a suitably authentic 70s look that makes one feel like they are back in 1973. Some people may not like this and feel it's poor film-making, understandably, personally liked this successful effort at authenticity. Also really appreciated the perky, light-hearted tone of the film, while there are also emotional moments that reminds one that the film does have a heart and the message inspires.
The climax is beautifully staged and there is a lot of light-hearted wit and thought-provoking writing. Emma Stone and Steve Carrell both give performances that are spirited and sincere, especially Stone in the more prominent role. Andrea Riseborough is the standout by quite some way of the supporting cast.
However, can understand the criticisms of imbalance and bias. The characters are too one-sided and with the film so heavily focused on Billie Jean and her personal life (which was actually quite tastefully handled) and too much in her favour it means that the more tennis-oriented parts, other subplots and just as important characters are not focused on enough. The leads are great, as is Riseborough.
The rest are stifled by their characters being explored in too flimsy, biased and one-dimensional a way, ranging from caricatures to idiots. A very dull Austin Stowell and a cartoonish Bill Pullman particularly struggle. The music is overwrought and sounded like it was written for another film and the film could have been shorter by half an hour.
In conclusion, entertaining and interesting but uneven. 6/10 Bethany Cox