It’s really good. *Queen of Katwe* feels like a Disney sports movie, but it manages to avoid some of the usual patterns the studio often follows, which is welcome. The film looks beautiful and features a strong central cast. Lupita Nyong'o delivers an excellent performance as Nakku, while Madina Nalwanga also makes a notable impact in the lead role as Phiona. David Oyelowo was my favorite; he’s fantastic as Rob…

I wouldn’t typically pick Mira Nair's films, although I do appreciate some of her work, especially 'Amelia'. She tends to focus on India and Indian subjects, and hasn't had much success outside that realm—until now. This is a sports film centered around chess, inspired by an extraordinary true story from Africa. It all unfolded less than ten years ago, with Disney and ESPN collaborating on the production; when those …

The film doesn't quite manage to be flawless from a technical perspective; there are noticeable audio problems, some mistakes in continuity, dialogue that feels over-the-top at times, unusual camera work choices, and moments where the acting isn’t great. Despite those issues, I found the narrative completely captivating, even though it sticks to a familiar, accessible storyline. Chess might not be inherently thril…