The Royal movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Royal

This inspiring movie is available in select theaters and on VOD on July 15, 2022

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 38 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

This dramatic movie is based on a true story and the book Willie Mays Aikens: Safe at Home. A title card during the opening credits informs us that Willie Mays Aikens made baseball history when he hit 2 home runs in two World Series games.

The screenplay was written by Gregory W. Jordan who also co-wrote the book. The film was directed by Marcel Sarmiento.

THINGS I LIKED:

Amin Joseph does a great job portraying a baseball hero who had to overcome the stigma of being a felon after he spent 14 years in prison.
There is some talk about how unfair the mandatory sentencing guidelines were in the 1980s. Willie was arrested and sentenced to 20 years for possession of 50 grams of cocaine with the intent to sell. He was released early because the federal rules were revised.
We get to see old footage of Willie’s actual home runs. He hit 77 home runs for the Kansas City Royals during his career. We also get to see photos & video clips of the real Willie today as we find out what he’s up to now.
Other cast members include Elisabeth Rohm, Olivia Holguin, Andrea Navedo (I loved her in the popular TV show “Jane the Virgin”), Michael Beach, and Nic Bishop.
I loved the scene when Willie goes into a store to buy alcohol. You can see the torture and struggle on Amin Joseph’s face as he tries to change his life.
I also thought it was super sweet when Willie has lunch with George Brett who orders alcoholic drinks for both of them, but then quickly changes the order to soda in order to support Willie.
Let this movie be a reminder to all of us that no earthly accomplishment can compensate for the love and respect of family members.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Willie gets upset that other people don’t embrace his return from jail with warmth and excitement. He has a hard time accepting the fact that his condition is 100% his own fault.
It would have been fun to see some real baseball players make cameo performances in the movie.
A lot of lines are spoken so softly that it’s hard to understand what’s being said.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

We see Willie in prison.
Talk of drugs and drug dealing
There is something to be said to your kids about the importance of surrounding yourself with good friends who don’t break the law. Even more than that, it’s crucial to fill your life with friends who support you to be your best self.
Alcohol

THEMES:

Baseball
Second chances
Change
Forgiveness
Being a role model
Optics and prejudice
Mandatory drug sentencing
Persistence

FUNNY LINES:

Not very many. It’s more of a dramatic movie.

INTERESTING LINES:

* “People are trapped in history and history is trapped in people.” – Camila (Olivia Holguin)

“A house without books is like a room without windows.” – Camila (Olivia Holguin)
“It’s not about what’s right. It’s about what looks right.” – George Brett of the Kansas City Royals (Nic Bishop)