Review by Aaron Haughton

Battle of the Sexes is the latest film from directing duo Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, who gained critical acclaim with their delightful indie comedy debut, Little Miss Sunshine. Their latest effort is their most ambitious work to date and captures the 70s era with flawless ease. Perhaps, though, its most stunning feature is the realization that the misogynist nature rampant during that era is still booming just as much now as it was in '73.

The story centers on women's World #1 tennis player Billie Jean King (played by Emma Stone) and ex-men's-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (played by Steve Carell) leading up to their infamous 1973 tennis match, an event that was viewed by an estimated 90 million people around the world. As the rivalry between King and Riggs kicks into high gear, off-court each is fighting a more personal and complex battle; King with women's equality and coming to terms with her own sexuality, and Riggs with his gambling tendencies and the effect they have on his marriage.