Eyes Of Wakanda My Quick Thoughts

 

The anticipated Marvel animated series Eyes OF Wakanda landed last Friday on Disney plus. And it landed with a thud sadly. At only four episodes, the animation is beautiful and bright but the story left a lot to be desired. 

The series is anthology focused and its basic premise follows members of Wakanda's War Dogs throughout various moments in history protecting Wakanda's artifacts and secrets. It loosely connects with other MCU properties in one episode. And everything ties together and connects to the MCU again in episode four.

Which is fine and all, but it just never clicks really. And I think fan's expected something else when the series was announced. I know I for one thought we would actually get to explore Wakanda through the series. The history and the culture of this beautiful fictional land along with the technology vibranium offers them.

You know see previous Black Panthers not named T'Chaka. Or even eventually see a young T'Chaka in action. T'Chaka & N'Jobu's relationship as kids to young adults before N'Jobu left for America. Learn more about the tribes and the Jabari tribe's conflict with the rest of the country. See Wakanda defend themselves against a infiltrator. Or even how Howard Stark was able to obtain vibranium for Cap's shield during World War II.

While I can see what they were trying to do with the series. It just didn't work and I'm not sure if four episodes was the plan all along or something occured to force that change. I do hope if Ryan Coogler and Disney decide to revisit the series, they make some changes to give the people what they truly want. More Wakanda and all the stories that can be told there.

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5 Action Movies Really About FatherHood

 

Fatherhood is a very complex role that is often overlooked honestly. It is a tough job that one doesn't always get right and is always learning in. With Father's Day this weekend, I went through the film crates and picked five action/adventure movies about father's and fatherhoods that are themes of films, and you wouldn't realize it at first.

 5. Hook

1991's Hook directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook and Robin Williams as Peter Banning, an adult Peter Pan. I enjoyed the movie as a kid and wanted to be a part of the cool kids known as The Lost Boys, but I always felt the movie was a little long. Now as an adult I kind of understand why. The movie follows a typical Spielberg subject is about fathers and fatherhood and it was quite a lot to unpack in the film. Let's break it down really quick.

Peter Pan was abandoned as infant, grew up alongside his fellow lost boys raising themselves in Neverland and never aging. Once he decided to leave Neverland he was adopted by a now adult Wendy and raised by her. Peter never had a father role model, so he grew up to become a success driven yuppie who often neglected his kids not on purpose, but because he didn't know any better. His son Jack yearns for nothing more than his dad to acknowledge him and spend time with him and his sister Maggie. Jack nearly falls under the spell of his almost "surrogate" father Captain Hook, until Peter realizes a lot about himself in his return to Neverland.

 4. Rocky V 

Rocky V is like a paradox of a movie for lack of a better word. It begins right after Rocky's Christmas bout against Drago in Rocky IV which was in 1985. Yet several years have clearly passed, and Rocky Jr. who we last saw as a 9 year old in the previous film is now somewhere between 12 and 13 years old. Yet no one bat's a eye at this development, there are some other hiccups with the film but it is not as bad as many claim.

Despite it's issue one thing it does get right is one area Rocky needs to work on, in being a father. Rocky and his son have a close relationship that deteriorates as Rocky's protege Tommy Gunn steps on the scene and begins to gain acclimate. Rocky treats him as a son, in turn neglecting his own son yet not fully realizing it, (Rocky is a tad slow after all). Rocky must work to repair that relationship and although it's quickly resolved, it does highlight the importance of fathers maintaining that bond with their kids. Being self aware of intervening and acknowledging when things are no longer going smooth in the relationship. 

Rocky V is not the only film in the series that touches on fatherhood, here's an article from the crates on the theme of fathers in Creed II.

 3. Black Panther

Which segues into the next film on the list Black Panther, starring Michael B. Jordan and  the late Chadwick Boseman. Directed by Ryan Coogler who directed the original Creed film. Jordan and Chadwick play distant first cousins on opposite sides of ideology, who are more alike than they may think. They both have been molded and severely affected by actions of their fathers, Killmonger has a thirst for revenge and a desire to turn the world order upside down. Inspired by the teachings of his father. The scene where Killmonger meets his father in the ancestral plane shows how much he really needed his father. T'Challa while more noble aspires to make his father proud in the afterlife following his steps.

Yet T'Challa soon learns of past trangressions of his father, and that the ideals shared by his father and past generations of how to protect Wakanda are harming people more than helping. The two wrestle with the shadows of their respective fathers, while forging their own paths. Sometimes no matter how much you aspire to be like your father, or finish what they started you have to make your own way. On the other hand, as one grows older they may learn their father's teachings weren't always right and set out make their own way.

 2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie

 

1990's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is without question the best live action Turtles film ever produced. Besides the grittier tone than the other films, the at that time cutting edge animatronics and the cool fight scenes. The film also had a heart and a message about fathers and the importance they play in youngsters lives. The turtles really come into their own and learn to lean on one another more when their surrogate father Splinter is abducted by the foot clan. It's clear from the moment they realize it, they are essentially lost without him as he has guided their lives thus far.

On the flip side Shredder is leading astray youths recruiting them into his organization to do his dirty work. He reminds the wayward youths that they are family and he is their "father", brainwashing kids who just want to belong to something or feel loved. That point is driven home by the inclusion of a teenager named Danny, who's father is April O'neil's manager. His father has his head so deep into work, he doesnt realize he's neglecting Danny. Which leads him to the Foot Clan and Shredder.

The movie is really deep on the subject of fathers when you think about it.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy 2

When we met Peter Quill in Guardians Of The Galaxy, we learned he was an only child of his mother who was dying from cancer. Upon her passing he was abducted and whisked off to space, becoming a rogue space pirate who eventually helped save the galaxy. At the end of the film he learns he is half human and his father is from a powerful alien race. Fast forward a few years, and Peter finally meet's his father Ego in Guardians Of The Galaxy 2. Trying to catch up on years of missed time, he becomes a starry eyed kid again,

Until he learns his father isn't what he seems and just because someone sires you, that doesn't make them your father. Eventually Peter is torn between the biggest father figures in his life, Ego who he just met. And Yondu who actually raised him the best way he knew how and cared for Peter as a person. In addition to coming terms with who his true "father" was, Quill also learns about family. Accepting the rest of the team as his true family.

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My Top 5 MCU Movies

 5 years ago today, box office records were shattered, tears flowed, and fans everywhere witnessed one of the greatest cinema storytelling eras come to a end. With the release of Avengers Endgame, the culmination of a 11 year saga. Since that film's release the MCU has experienced a serious flow of ups and downs while trying to maintain it's grip on pop culture and introducing a new generation of characters.

Since the film series was such a juggernaut of the 2010's I figured I'd share my personal list of the top 5 MCU movies..so far. 

5. Iron Man

There have been way better movies the MCU has released since Iron Man was released in 2008. This film deserves a spot on any MCU film simply for providing the spark that started it all. While there may have been plans to kickstart a cinematic universe, if Robert Downey Jr's charismatic and confident yet conflicted turn as Tony Stark was not as enticing as it was, the MCU may have never been born.

The film's plot is serviceable and with it's minimal budget and effects some of the film has not aged well, but it's served it's purpose as Iron Man's and The Avengers origin story. Iron Man was a significant gamble that worked and birthed something we'd never imagine.

4. Guardians Of The Galaxy

At the time of the film's release it was so far different than anything Marvel had put out at the time. Featuring at the time a C list Marvel property full of C list characters, that many people outside of devoted fans had never heard of. James Gunn using the low expectations to his advantage, crafted a part space opera, part fish out of water 80's nostalgia comedic zinger of a film.

Peter Quill's introduction dancing to Red Bone Come and Get Your Love should be in any discussion regarding best character debuts. That debut scene also helped show we were in for a different kind of marvel film at the time. The film also played a bit part in continuing the arc of Thanos and the infinity stones. The film proved that light hearted comedy in comic films can work, and spawned two sequels, a Disney Plus special, rides at Disney Park's and more.

3. Winter Soldier 

Winter Soldier turned 10 Years old this year and to me is one of the better MCU films in the entire catalog and has held up very well. It was the MCU movie to me that had that first shit just got real moment, when it was revealed Hydra had infiltrated Shield for all these years. When First Avenger released in 2011, I personally overhyped the film so much I was severely disappointed when it didn't meet my expectations.

Winter Soldier exceeded my expectations, integrating a political conspiracy thriller into a comic book film. While giving Steve Rogers more of a purpose trying to find out what happened to his friend Bucky, was top tier story telling. For the action piece I think we all can admit the elevator scene is one the best fight scenes in cinema history. 

2. Black Panther 

When Black Panther was released February 16, 2018 it was a cultural event. Sold out shows, audience members came in droves with their dashikis on and represented leading the box office gate to a total of $1.3 billion. Fan's went to show love for the culture, but the story of the film is what engaged them. Showing a African Utopia society and the technological advancements  the fictional country Wakanda had was a sight to see. Chadwick Boseman was a screen general as Wakanda's king T'Challa and his hero Black Panther. T'Challa learned quickly in the film, that sometimes you pay for the sins of your parents and that the traditional way of doing things is not always the best. 

But it was Michael B. Jordan as one of Marvel's top 3 villains alongside Thanos and Loki who stole the show as Killmonger. Killmonger was full of rage and misplaced anger but wanted to use Wakanda's resources to help liberate Black people. T'Challa and Killmonger learn from one alone in their respective ways, which made the film even more powerful. It was he last film in the MCU released before the last two Avengers film to cap off the Infinity Saga, which gives it another cool spot in history.

1. Avengers Infinity War/Endgame

I count these two films released a year apart as one, mainly due to the fact it tells an complete story across the two and is an culmination of a saga. In fact originally the two films were called Infinity War part 1 and part II which illustrate how attached at the hip they are. Honestly Infinity War maybe the better film pacing and stakes wise, but Endgame is the more emotional film. Infinity War showed the chaos and brutality that Thanos could do and had that gut punch of seeing your favorite heroes turn into dust after that snap knowing we had to wait a full year to see how everything played out.

Endgame was a fan service film full of callbacks to previous films, easter eggs, that amazing final battle scene where Cap finally uttered the famous Avengers calling. I can watch that scene over and over by the way, and of course that emotional death. It truly was the apex of the MCU thus far and one of the coolest things to witness. This is why it is the best of the 33 films released in the MCU so far.

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Hollywood Needs To Adjust Release Schedule

 I celebrated another year around the sun the end of last month. One issue I have every year is exactly what to do on my birthday? Unlike folks born in warmer months, my options are really limited if I'm not going on vacation. Then I looked into social events like axe throwing, wreck rooms, and bowling but looking at the cost compared to time spent participating in one of these activities. I didn't find it worth it, so I looked at old faithful the movie theaters.

The only thing playing that I kind of had a passing interest in was the Mean Girls remake. Now, of course inventory is low on movie releases due to the respective 148 writers strike and 118 day actors strike last year. However, it got me thinking about movies released in January.

Typically January is usually a dumping ground of movies that studios aren't really sure what to do with. If a movie was released in December of the previous year to generate some Oscar buzz. The studios ride that out while releasing throw away films.

In recent years though studios have started to release bigger films on MLK weekend. Bad Boys For Life became the highest grossing movie released in January when it debuted in 2020.

The Blockbuster movie season is from late April to mid August.  I think it's time Hollywood starts thinking outside the box and release a "blockbuster" film or two during January. For one with covid and then the writers and actors strike, movie theaters have been taking a hell of a one-two punch in recent years. They need more quality films that bring audiences to the theaters and not just in the condensed months towards the middle and end of the year.

Second, to be honest a lot of blockbuster films haven't really been blockbustering. For example Fast X and The Flash are blockbuster films released last summer that were disappointing. Did they really need to be released when they did? Or could they have been released earlier in the year when people are content starved and negative word of mouth may not have played a part and hit them so hard.

Lastly, with the advancement of streaming and audience perception that going to the theaters is no longer required. Studios and theaters need to combat that perception year round and emphasize there is nothing like seeing a movie in theaters for the first time.

The best way to do that? Give people reasons to see movies in theaters all year long. For the right film people will turn out, for instance when Black Panther debuted in February of 2018.

 Now, I can understand hesitation from theaters to sink alot of money into releasing a movie in January with weather concerns. One ssnowstorm or harsh cold streak on the east coast and Midwest would derail the box office take for those films.

But we're in a new time that requires new ways of doing things. There are a lot of jobs dependent on those industries and they need to be creative with how they survive. And with so much reaching for consumers wallets and attention, switching things up and experimenting is always a good idea in my book.

For someone like myself who enjoys the movie going experience, I wouldn't mind making a birthday celebration out of seeing a new must see release every year. Here's to hoping Hollywood takes heed.

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Top Ten Movies of the Decade For The Culture

Hope you enjoyed my previous blog on Top Ten TV shows of the Decade for the culture. As we inch closer to 2019 winding down, it's time to touch on the next top ten list. The Top Ten movies for the culture, movies in this decade bought us superheros, new horror classics, and political statements. It was alot to choose from so let's start the discussion.

10. Creed Series

In 2015 Ryan Coogler fresh off critical acclaim with "Fruitvale Station", joined Michael B. Jordan at the time most known for his role as Wallace in "The Wire" and Oscar in "Fruitvale Station", and Sylvester Stallone who was in the twligiht of his career to introduce a new character to the Rocky universe, Adonis Creed. Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) is the son of Apollo Creed, the result of a extramatrial affair. The Creed series introduced a new generation to Rocky, and made an older generation realize why they loved Rocky. Adonis learned alot about himself in the first film, and in 2018 a sequel was released that furthered Adonis personal journey. At it's core both films are about father and sons, never meeting your father and trying to be on pace with his legacy or exceed it. Reconciliation, and sometimes the "father" you need is not your biological father. There are alot of life lessons in Creed and was one of the best films this decade.

9. Think Like A Man

Released in 2012 and based on Steve Harvey's book "Act like a lady, Think like a man". This film starred a ensemble of heavy hitters of Black actors. Gabrielle Union, Megan Goode, Tajiri P. Henson, Michael Ealey, Terrance J underrated Romany Malco, and Kevin Hart. While Kevin Hart was selling out stand up shows around the world at this time, this film really let his star shine and show it could translate to film as well. I'm no relationship expert, but the film covers alot of different relationship scenarios and hits all of the targets well. In 2014 a sequel was released, that kept the same chemistry and comedy firing away.

8. Best Man Holiday

Released in 2013, this follow up to 1999's The Best Man had everyone in tears watching it. The film is really about friends turned family, and coming together when needed the most. On the subject of friends turned family, the film touches on staying touch and keep that bond with your closest friends no matter what direction life takes you. Talking about this film doesn't do it much justice, just know you will laugh, feel joy, and oh boy will you cry watching this film. In the end you will appreticate everything this film has to offer.

7. Girls Trip

The Essence Music Festival is a bucket list item for many in the Black community. In 2017 the film "Girls Trip" starring Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall, and Tiffany Haddish fully displayed why that is. No disrespect to the talented actresses in this film, but the the star of this film is truly the Essence Music Festival and New Orleans. Proudly displaying the culture of New Orleans, and all the events, musical performances, parties, and shenangins that occur during Essence. If you went to Essence the year after this films release (which I did), you saw firsthand the film wasn't lying and was responsible for the additional influx of folks coming to town to see what the hype was all about.

6. Blackkklansman

Directed by the legendary Spike lee and starring John David Washington, Adam Driver, and Topher Grace. The film released in 2018 is based on a true story of a Black police officer Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) assigned to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan, while he successfully does so over the phone. He requires the assistance of a White officer Phillip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) to infiltrate the organization in person. The film uses the climate of race relations in the 1970's as commentary to show similiarities to the current climate of race relations in the 2010's. The film is highly regarded and is definitely worth viewing.

5. US

Jordan Peele's second film released earlier this year proved he is a genius. When trailers first released for this film, I sat and wondered what the hell is this? I was intrigued enough to check it out when it released and while watching it at times still thought, What the hell is this? The movie is a mind bender and really will have you questioning alot of situations that occur in the film. I've rewatched this film several times this year and find new nuances I have missed on previous viewings. The film also has had me pondering since I first saw it. Who the hell was the real villian here?

4. Moonlight

Released in 2016 and winner of Best Picture for the Golden Globe and Academy Awards. This film really made folks take notice of the screen prescene of Mahershala Ali, who won a Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The follows the character Chiron played by Alex Hibbert as young Chiron, Ashton Sanders as teen Chiron, and Trevante Rhodes as adult Chiron. The film explores different moments in his life from his upbringing drug dealing, experiencing bullying, and exploring his sexuality. The film explores the often discussed topic of what you physically see in a person, internally it is often much deeper then that.

3. The Hate U Give

Released in 2018 and based on the 2017 novel of the same name. The film stars Amandla Stenberg as Starr Carter. Starr lives two different lives one life in her neighborhood and another life in the predominantly white private school she attends. When a friend of Starr's is killed by a police officer, she is conflicted between standing up and speaking out or keeping quiet. Another film that touches on the political climate of America, current criminal justice laws, police brutality, neighborhood gangs. So much more that has led to alot of the tension in the country, the film is well written and is a good starting point for younger audience who may not understand some of the situations that led to the current climate.

2. Get Out

"Get Out" is the film that made people stop, and realize Jordan Peele had alot to offer than just being one half of the comedy duo  Key and Peele. Released in 2017, the film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Lil' Rel Laketih Stanfield, Alison Williams, and a guy who's made a career out of playing the slimey type Bradley Whitford. Daniel stars as Chris Washington, who spends the weekend with his girlfriend Rose (Alison Williams) and her family and realizes something isn't right with them. It's not a straight up horror film, but the film does contain horror elements, and primarily covers how Black people continue to be regarded as centerpieces or trophys in different fields as opposed to people.

1. Black Panther

In 1998 Wesley Snipes, Marvel and New Line Cinema bought Blade to the big screen. A Black superhero who was a badass saving the uninformed from the underground world of vampires. Fast forward 20 years later 2018, Marvel now a juggernaut of a brand and studio released Black Panther. The 18th film in the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe.Directed by Ryan Coogler who became a talent to watch after "Creed", and Chadwick Boseman as African prince T'Challa/Black Panther and Michael B. Jordan as the villian Erik Kilmonger. The film was a cultural event, theaters filled up with audience members proudly displaying traditional African attire. Schools and churches filled theaters, celebrities bought out theaters to ensure less privileged members of the commuity saw the film. The positive representation of a African prince in a very rich African country, saving the world was one the culture yearned for. Everyone wanted to be apart of this film and hail from Wakanda.

Speaking of Wakanda, the fictional African utopia that was far more technological advancd then anything we currently have left some people wondering was it a real place or not. Throw in the geopolitical background of the story, including themes of family, righting the wrongs of a previous generation, creating your own legacy. The Colonization of African countries, slavery and how it still affects many today. The film also raised a important debate of Kilmongers motive in the film, and just how wrong his ideaology was, or was it even wrong in the first place. An sequel is highly anticipated and currently slated for release May 6, 2022, that seems like forever away but it will be worth it.

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Black Panther is Here

  Black Panther is HERE!! The culture can celebrate as it hits on all cylinders. This isn’t a review of the movie, but why I think it’s so important for the culture.           
   First this movie is special because it was crafted with love and appreciation. A majority black cast, and major players behind the scenes being black. Having the deeppppp pockets of Disney and Marvel offered the filmmakers a opportunity to create a world unlike any other and they don't disappoint.
   Honoring traditional African customs and culture. Celebrations of African culture, and spirituality of the culture. All the while implementing the possibilities of a future way of life improved by technology, but not “enslaved" by the technology. It’s a perfect blend of the past and present in this fictional country. Even though Wakanda is a fictional Country , hopefully it inspires people to take a trip to culture rich Africa.
   Representation is another important factor in this film. Besides a black superhero who is first and foremost a royal and second who kicks ass, there’s the Dora Milajae fierce female warriors who display you can be a female and take care of yourself. T’Challa sister Shuri who encompasses the STEM (Science Technology engineering mathematics) trait and mentality, she is a role model to show young girls they can become inventors and much more in those fields. We have Killmonger one of the MCU’s better villians, his ideals whether right or wrong will resonate with a lot of people.
   The underlying message of Black Panther is very important. The importance of family, humanity being humane to one another. Past transgressions affecting future progress. Issues that are very much contemporary and will be for the foreseeable future.
    We’ve had Black superhero movies before. Blade, Spawn, Meteor Man, Steel. While for the most part they are good movies, those movies are what they are. Much like the new CW show Black Lighting,  Black Panther is released at a time when there is a cultural awakening so to speak, a new found appreciation of us as black people, where we came from, where we been, and where we’re going. Black Panther taps into all that energy to make something that will be talked about for years to come. Wear your dashikis, your Kentes, embody black excellence and shout Wakanda with pride.

    

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