Advertisement

arts entertainmentMovies

I swear, 'Black Panther' is about to make every month Black History Month

Unbridled anticipation. Limitless patience. They do not play well with each other.

That's the crossroads at which I find myself while awaiting the release of Black Panther.

Don't get it? There's more at play here than just the next superhero movie. This one is seemingly made to order for Black History Month.

Advertisement

It will release on Feb. 16. Check.

News Roundups

Catch up on the day's news you need to know.

Or with:

Ryan Coogler (Creed) directs. Check.

Award darling Kendrick Lamar is producing the soundtrack, Black Panther: The Album -- Music From and Inspired by 'Black Panther.' (The first single, "All the Stars" by him and Sza, dropped today.) Check.

Advertisement

Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong'o and, heck, the rest of the cast are all #MelaninPopping. It's Black Magic at its finest. Check.

Wakanda, the fictional kingdom of the Black Panther, offers a look at a vision that black people have long imagined, especially in light of a troubled past (I'm looking at you, 1650-2017) ... and present. The one of a self-sustaining, rich African nation that was once upon a time, or never, depending on whose depictions of Africa you choose to believe.

Advertisement

Black Panther is the hope of a new day, y'all. And I am here for all of it.

This, too, is about representation. Movies with largely black casts have rarely enjoyed seeing a fandom this excited about their endeavors, excepting Academy Award winner Moonlight. Even if you try to speak of Black Panther in hushed tones, it'll only last through the first syllable. This movie will not, cannot be ignored. If you want to follow what's going on in the next Avengers film, you had better be there for this one.

This, too, is about money. Black Panther isn't due to some fly-by-night, cobbled-together financing. This is Marvel/Disney. And it always put its dollars where its mouth is.

In a Hollywood that's all too eager to consider one drop of brown as diversity, this movie could seal the deal for movies with largely black casts getting the resources to go with the talent.

And, to the reports of the first cut of the movie being four hours long? Bring it! #BlackPantherSoLit

What a time to be alive!

Advertisement

If judging by Twitter (and who isn't?), then I'm not the only one. It's not even a full week into 2018 and Wakanda is the first true light.

I can't wait to walk into it. Just like I'm going to be strutting into the theater (probably about 10 times) when the movie drops.

For more news, views and reviews, follow @DawnBurkes on Twitter.