QUEEN OF KATWE (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Stars ììì

Queen of Katwe—based on a true story—details the conflict involved in escaping an African slum while helping an entire family do better. While the acting is average, the out-of-country scenery and third world living conditions (which are not spared) more than repair any challenges this film may have. Watch for David Oyelowo (The Butler) in this film. While this film lost money at the box office, it is a sleeper and well worth family viewing time.

Movie Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Ten-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga) becomes an outstanding chess player. Raised in poverty-stricken circumstances, she finds it difficult to navigate between her real environment and the one offered by her chess-playing abilities.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Mira Nair for her directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Troy Buder and Connor Schell, Will Weiske, and Daniel Silver for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), Nakku Harriet (Lupita Nyong’o), Mugabi Brian (Martin Kabanza), Night (Taryn Kyaze), Young Richard (Ivan Jacobo), Older Richard (Nicolas Levesque), Ivan (Ronald Ssemaganda), Benjamin (Ethan Nazario Lubega), Gloria (Nikita Waligwa), Joseph (Edgar Kanyike), Sara Katende (Esther Tebandeke), and Hope Katende (Hope Katende).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s refreshing to see a film built around a passion for Chess, set in Africa, and the changes that high performance brings to a young player.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers