The Royal (2022)

Watch The Royal 2022

Watch The Royal 2022

Faith and family helped baseball legend Willie Mays Aikens survive a historically unjust incarceration, but he quickly finds upon his release that faith and family – and addiction and fame – are still as hard as hitting a curveball. A look at the The Royal behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film’s director Marcel Sarmiento last directed Murk and The Wildness.

Images are from IMDB

Watch The Royal 2022

Storyline:

Willie Mays Aikens’ journey after serving time in prison has its moments, but no homers.
Willie Mays Aikens, the auspiciously named first baseman, made baseball history in 1980 by hitting two home runs in two World Series games, a feat that was not repeated until 2009. 

The Kansas City Royals player was second only to teammate, friend, and future Hall of Famer George Brett in home runs and RBIs.

“The Royal,” directed by Marcel Sarmiento, isn’t obsessed with Aikens’ on-field triumphs.

Instead, the film, directed by Gregory W. Jordan and based on the 2012 book “Willie Mays Aikens: Safe at Home,”. Tells the story of the major league slugger after he served 14 years in prison, for crack cocaine possession and distribution.

The Royals’ upper management does not see much benefit in hiring the former inmate and recovering addict.

Sara, his wife, is wary but determined to see what’s possible.

And her actor, Navedo, does a good job of not portraying Sara as a dupe to Willie’s promises.

Camila is more apprehensive than most adolescent daughters about Dad having anything to offer her at this late date.

Camila from Holgun has the kind of smarts that are meant to protect deep vulnerabilities. .

Signs of Aikens’ spiritual journey abound in the film’s opening scenes, in which Willie stands in the prison yard with a large crucifix hanging around his neck.

His is not the only cross worn in the film, and Aiken’s Christian faith serves as the film’s foundation.

A visit to a church emphasizes this point even more. “The Royal,” which lacks homers but not humility.

Isn’t as flashy as other sports movies, but it also doesn’t drown its worthwhile lessons in sanctimony.