Wednesday, February 21, 2018

BLACK PANTHER


Black Panther is already doing so well at the box office that it really doesn't need any recommendation from me, or anyone else for that matter, but for what it's worth, this colonizer would like to put in his two-cents worth about it.

First of all, I'm fascinated by the aspirational appeal of superheroes, and what they often mean to our own self-concepts of innate divinity revealed within humanity, and in that sense BP doesn't disappoint. The fertile mind of Stan Lee (who does his trademark cameo appearance here) has given us many amazing characters over the decades, but this one is unique and special for obvious reasons.

As a blockbuster movie, it basically lives up to all the hype, and is original, imaginative, culturally relevant and beautifully shot. The appeal to the African-American community is understandable, in much the same way that last year's Wonder Woman sort of became a feminist fantasy manifesto for women, but audiences of all stripes should find it entertaining and compelling.

The political undertones are dealt with in an unapologetic way, and it also makes a very strong and self-assured statement for gender equality.

The very appealing, first-rate cast is led by the charismatic Chadwick Boseman, who in his relatively short career has kind of become the "go-to guy" for black biopics (he's played Floyd Little, Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall in very recent years). It's nice to see him get to do this kind of fantasy role, and he definitely rises to the occasion. Expect sequels. 

Good movie that seems to be becoming a powerful cultural phenomenon. 


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