Battle of the Sexes recreates the famous 1973 tennis match between self-proclaimed chauvinist 55-year-old Bobby Riggs and the then women's number one
AAH, the battle of sexes.
Bins or washing up, “No, I said straight on!” and “Should we go see a rom-com or blokes getting blown up?”
Or in the case of this historical dramedy, the conflict revolves around a self-proclaimed male chauvinist challenging the best female tennis player to a match.
A highly provocative act which would result in death by Twitter outrage if any man were foolish enough to do it today.
But it was 1973 when 55-year-old retired Wimbledon champion Bobby Riggs decided to take on the then women’s number one Billie Jean King.
And that’s what makes Battle Of The Sexes so much fun.
It’s a playful look back at the past when men were not self-aware enough to realise it wasn’t cool to focus on how “cute” sportswomen were, when they should have been admiring their strong forehand.
Smashing the snappy dialogue out of the court is the supremely funny Steve Carell as Riggs and the wonderfully buoyant Emma Stone as King.
The on-screen chemistry they serve up is a delight from the first ball to the final one.
She treats Riggs like he’s a mischievous little boy, rather than hectoring him about his wayward beliefs.
Rightly, screen-writer Simon Beaufoy encourages us to laugh at the dumb men rather than getting upset about them.
Adding an extra dimension to the story is King’s awakening as a lesbian.
The scene where sensual hairdresser Marilyn (Andrea Riseborough) makes King the centre of her attention as she runs her hands through her locks is certainly memorable.
As is their steamy bedroom encounter, strong stuff for a 12A, which has extra frisson because the tennis star had a devoted hubby at home.
Sexual liberation is sensitively and seamlessly woven into the issue of women’s lib.
King not only wants to be free on court, but also off it.
The personal side proves to be harder than the professional one.
If any of this sounds too serious, it’s not.
This is a light take on sexual politics with plenty of romance and laughs.
When it comes to couples deciding which film to see this weekend, Battle Of The Sexes should see peace breaking out.
For both men and women it will be love all.
FILM OF THE WEEK: Battle of the Sexes (12A) 122mins
Rating: ★★★★☆
