I saw two entertaining Black films yesterday. I was able to put together a double feature of "Dear Black People", and follow it up with Denzel's mastery in "The Equalizer".
Be sure to catch both of them. Denzel is a great SUPERHERO.
He 'kills' really good! Powerfully and creatively. I enjoyed the Equalizer series when it was on TV, but that version of Robert McCall had nothing on Denzel's characterization.
Wikipedia says that, "In modern popular fiction, a superhero (sometimes rendered super-hero or super hero) is a type of hero character possessing extraordinary talents, supernatural phenomena, or superhuman powers and dedicated to protecting the public."
What I noticed and really liked about the film, was the Black "MacGyver" (another TV series that ran from 1985-1992) aspect of his character. He killed with things that were readily at hand, which showed his imagination, creativity, skill and genius.
These items in and of themselves wouldn't really be thought of as deadly instruments, but in his hands they became awesome weapons. I thought that that was really culturally honest and appropriate as it was so like what Black people do and have always done... take whatever is at hand, and with our genius, skill and creativity, make it functional, useful and of great value in the moment.
Speaking with someone else that also enjoyed the film, we both had some questions about the believability of the film's end. And then I it came to me that his character is not simply a hero. He's a Superhero, because this film definitely falls within that genre. Our imagination, and the possibilities of scenario outcomes are definitely expanded so that we can enjoy that emotional thrill and fulfillment which we all get from seeing the superhero 'get it done!'.
Since I came in late (I was 'screen surfing' and "Dear White People" hadn't ended), I plan to go back to see "The Equalizer" from the beginning. I'd love to see more of Denzel in this franchise.
Wikipedia says that, "In modern popular fiction, a superhero (sometimes rendered super-hero or super hero) is a type of hero character possessing extraordinary talents, supernatural phenomena, or superhuman powers and dedicated to protecting the public."
What I noticed and really liked about the film, was the Black "MacGyver" (another TV series that ran from 1985-1992) aspect of his character. He killed with things that were readily at hand, which showed his imagination, creativity, skill and genius.
These items in and of themselves wouldn't really be thought of as deadly instruments, but in his hands they became awesome weapons. I thought that that was really culturally honest and appropriate as it was so like what Black people do and have always done... take whatever is at hand, and with our genius, skill and creativity, make it functional, useful and of great value in the moment.
Speaking with someone else that also enjoyed the film, we both had some questions about the believability of the film's end. And then I it came to me that his character is not simply a hero. He's a Superhero, because this film definitely falls within that genre. Our imagination, and the possibilities of scenario outcomes are definitely expanded so that we can enjoy that emotional thrill and fulfillment which we all get from seeing the superhero 'get it done!'.
Since I came in late (I was 'screen surfing' and "Dear White People" hadn't ended), I plan to go back to see "The Equalizer" from the beginning. I'd love to see more of Denzel in this franchise.
Click this link to a previous post for an preview of "Dear White People". http://knewzfrommeroewest.blogspot.com/2014/07/this-looks-like-fun-opens-oct-17-dear.html
lovu,
Kendke
I did see the equalizer and enjoyed it. The ending was a little unbelievable I thought.
ReplyDeleteI'll check out the dear black people. Thanks
Also, have you seen 'Black Jesus'? It's about Jesus' coming back to earth in Compton.
ReplyDeleteAngela Gibbs, Marla's daughter is one of the main characters and so is Charlie Murphy, Eddie's brother. The cast is great, and the episodes are so funny and real.
It airs Thursday nights on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. Check your On Demand Listings and see if you can watch it from the beginning and catch all the episodes. I hope it develops a solid audience. "The Boondocks" creator Aaron McGruder, and Mike Clattenburg are the producers.