10s Movie Review - Queen of Katwe

Director: Mira Nair
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Maldina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupitio Nyongo’o

Description: Living in the slum of Katwe, Uganda, is a constant struggle for the young Phiona (Maldina Lawanga) and her family. Her world changes when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 39: A BIOGRAPHICAL FILM
 
Review: Phiona grew up in the slums of Uganda, she never went to school and yet she made it to chess champion in her country. ESPN-journalist Tim Crothers chronicles her impressive life story in a bestseller, which Disney, together with director Mira Nair, then turned into this colorful and cheerful feel-good film.

Phiona lives with her mother, older sister and two younger brothers in the slums of Uganda. Her father has died and mother Harriet is working hard to provide for her children. Because Phiona has to help her mother out, she never went to school. One day, she stumbles upon a group of kids that are playing chess, thought by Robert Katende. Phiona joins them and it turns out she has a talent for the game. Eventually being able to go to a tournament with her new friends.

This film has such a big heart. It’s a feel-good film, with the exception of a few sadder moments, and just warms your heart. It’s an inspirational story, which is probably a bit dramatized, but I loved “Queen of Katwe”. The cast is outstanding. Lupita Nyongo’o, who plays Phiona’s mother Harriet, has become a favorite over the years. She is so strong in this film. As is David Oyelowo, as Robert Katende. Maldina Lawanga portrays Phiona and she does a great job. She knows how to stand strong and is excellents in her role.

A hidden gem from Disney, “Queen of Katwe” is definitely the perfect film if you want a pick-me-up.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Trailer Sunday (262)

Here are this week's trailers.

Queen of Katwe
Director: Myra Nair
Description: A Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess.
Starring: Luipta Nyong'o, David Oyelowo
Trailer: Trailer "Queen of Katwe"
Comment: It looks like a very inspiring story.

Get Out
Director: Jordan Peele
Description: A young African American man visits his Caucasian girlfriend's cursed family estate.
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Bradley Whitford, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener
Trailer: Trailer "Get Out"
Comment: It looks really scary.

Jackie
Director:Pablo Larrain
Description: Following the assassination of her husband, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy fights through grief and trauma to regain her faith, console her children, and define her husband's historic legacy.
Starring: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, John Hurt, Beth Grant, Richard E. Grant
Trailer: Trailer "Jackie"
Comment: I smell an Oscar nomination!

Sleepless
Director: Baran bo Odar
Description: A cop with a connection to the criminal underworld scours a nightclub in search of his kidnapped son.
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monoghan, Dermot Mulroney, Gabrielle Union, Scoot McNairy
Trailer: Trailer "Sleepless"
Comment: Could be standard, could be really good....

Power Rangers
Director: Dean Israelite
Description: A group of high-school kids, who are infused with unique superpowers, harness their abilities in order to save the world.
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Banks, Bill Hader, Naomi Scott, Becky G, Ludi Lin, RJ Cyler, Dacre Montgomery, David Denman
Trailer: Trailer "Power Rangers"
Comment: Go go Power Rangers!!!