Black Panther

For African Americans, Black Panther feels like another big stride breakout moment in that our time has finally come being actualized on screen.  In these challenging and divisive times in the 21st century, Black Panther is the most thought provoking and socially responsible Marvel film to date that just happens to have a nearly all Black leading cast and behind the camera in the likes of co-writer and director Ryan Coogler.  There is a talented and diverse cast of Black actors in Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danai Gurira with special appearances by Andy Serkis and Martin to tie it into the overall Avengers story.  The set pieces and costumes taken from a variety of African influences are stunningly amazing in creating the mysterious country and culture of fictionalized Wakanda.  Black Panther is a story that holds it's own irregardless of seeing any previous Marvel films, with a Shakespearean like origins plot that celebrate African diversity and the women are given equal weight in whatever role they choose from kick ass regal warriors to brilliant tech scientist.  I had to prior to writing, see this film twice already, it's such an important and aspirational film both on screen and what it means for so many of us off screen as a sign, a signal, a beacon, an important moment and hopefully continued movement of the new standard in taking seriously excellent African American filmmakers, the rich legacy of our creative storytelling in whatever genre.  Less we also not forget, the audiences of color that are often taken for granted and bet against in supporting only a certain type of "Black" genre.  Black Panther is so many things that it's hard to just touch on one, because it's a transcending hybrid of conscious/woke, progressive, cool, and themes of unity and empowerement encapsulating the best of African American and African motifs in such a different and progressive package than any other Marvel film. Like Obama, it's that film that many of us African Americans have been waiting for.  All this is not to say, that it doesn't have it's deficiencies, as it certainly isn't the most action packed and I do think that the story could have been fleshed out more into 2 films.  But the weight of it's previously mentioned merits certainly overshadows that, as well as responsibly echoes the challenges we face now in the real world.  An Afrocentric point of view in a major motion picture and invested in every aspect of the film...  How often does that happen in our Eurocentric west?  Enough said. When talented diversity meets big scale opportunity, gems like Black Panther are inevitable and fine examples of how well made films can be a beacon of change and possibilities for everyone.

Dunkirk

Director, writer, and producer Christopher Nolan certainly knows how to setup and create atmosphere in his films and he does no less than a great job here in Dunkirk.  How to undertake this harrowing true account of history. Well, Dunkirk is told in several stories that converge in different moments in time and intersect in exacting ways.  However, it's beyond that and I believe that what equally, if not more, shines in the brilliant storytelling of it besides a great cast, is the cinematography and soundtrack editing element.  Those elements lend so much to putting the viewer right in the middle of the suspense of these tales as much as any film. Lest I not acknowledge and admire the sheer coordination of creating a historical recreation of war on air, land, and sea; and the logistical coordination of that endeavor or the amount of people involved. The most immediate film that comes to mind in recent history is The Thin Red Line, both of which highlight little known aspects and tales of the Second World War.  What I also liked about this film is that besides the obvious settings and scope involved, was that it felt organic like old fashioned film making with minimum cgi or other technology.

The Hero

The Hero is basically a homage to character actor Sam Elliot as much as it purports to be Sam Elliot in a different sort of role.  Well.., actually it's both and who really gives a shit.  Elliot just goes beyond the range of his notorious tough guy roles in moments that you can't help but to be amazed and moved by.  Basically, an aging actor known for one action film, is forced to confront a crossroad in his life in dealing with his daughter, his own mortality, and the trajectory his career has been on. It's not that much of stretch for Elliot given his own career and the roles he's portrayed for so long, but at 70+ years old he's given a chance to stretch his acting chops and with a great supporting cast in Lauren Prepon, Krysten Ritter, and Nick Offerman, The Hero blossoms into something special.

Wolf Warrior 2

I have to admit that I didn't know Wu Jing directed and I didn't see the first Wolf Warrior.  However, this is the first Chinese movie that I've seen done in Africa and for that alone, along with an international cast including a menacing Frank Grillo , it should be noteworthy.  It's not lost upon me and should be noted, that it's a very political film.  Pro-China is not exactly subtle here and their international involvement on the African continent is just being echoed here onscreen.  Irregardless of that, the action sequences are hard and nonstop and the accolades and big budget for that also, make quite a mark.  I kept thinking The Expendables and every other over the top action blockbuster in recent history.  Yet, with all that said and acknowledged, it unavoidably suffers from a lack of finesse, pacing, and character development.  This is certainly not to let the plot off the hook either.  As long as the viewer knows this going in, it's all fine; as Wolf Warrior 2 is certainly entertaining and action packed.  Wu Jing put in a lot of work for sure as director and star.  The African scenery is incredible and I applaud the use of an African cast.  How they fit into the plot and just their general portrayal definitely needs work though.