By Geno McGahee
It is difficult to find a bad Cuba Gooding JR movie. I am still baffled by the fact that Gooding, JR., isn’t a bigger star. I can only guess that he’s either burned a big bridge or he’s difficult to work with. Whatever the case, he is one of the most versatile actors around, but shines brightest when he’s in dramas. He shines very bright in the 2013 film “LIFE OF A KING.”
Eugene (Gooding JR) has been locked away for 17 years for armed robbery, but has learned chess behind bars. Upon his release, he gets a job as a janitor in a high school and falls into a job as the detention monitor. The class is full of troubled children and they are out of control, but Eugene brings out a strategy to help them realize what life is about. He brings the game of chess to the room and it begins to work, but when his shady past comes to light, he is fired. That’s when he starts his own chess club.
Peanut (Kevin Hendricks) is the first to come around. He sees the way out and a way to get respect. He becomes the chess club president, but gets pressured into a deal that proves deadly. A drug deal gone bad leaves Peanut dead in the streets and brings to light the incredible skills of Tahime (Malcolm M. Mays), a kid in need of support. His mother is drug-addicted and miserable and her boyfriend is abusive. It puts Tahime in a very bad place. He wants desperately to kill the boyfriend, but Eugene’s experience and guidance makes a life-changer for him.
The battle between a good life and a life on the streets lead to a huge chess tournament where Tahime battles against the best in the world. Eugene is fighting his own battle as he attempts to win back the respect and relationships with his children. The game of chess and the Big Chair Chess club will prove the key to solve many problems.
LIFE OF A KING is an amazing film. Cuba Gooding, JR., gives another great performance and the inner struggle of his character is compelling to watch. The entire cast delivers and the film has a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this film.
Rating: 8/10
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