Let me preface this by saying that I have no context of Black Panther beyond the movie. I’ve never read the comics, nor did I watch any of the other Marvel films he was featured in. I’m Black Gay abolitionist, engaging the film, purely as it was presented. Any gatekeepers of comics and “nerd-dom” can exit now if you have a problem with that. And note that this will be, by no means, an exhaustive review. Just me sharing some thoughts that I wanna put in one place.
When I first watched and consumed Black Panther on opening night, I had to do so from different angles: entertainment-wise, and politically (hence the title). From purely an entertainment perspective? It was everything! Gorgeous imagery, wonderful effects, so much Black…and for the story they went with, it was very well told and executed. Let’s be clear this piece is not just me aimlessly bashing the film. Taking it in, purely as cinema, I’m a big fan…and will likely go watch it a couple more times.
That being said, engaging it from a political standpoint? Well…frankly, the politic conveyed was trash. Thoroughly. It didn’t really detract from my ability to enjoy the film from a cinematic perspective (because nuance), but…yeah, not good, at all. [Read more…]