The Marvel Cinematic Universe explores the first black superhero from comics in a purposeful version, with a majority cast made up of African-descendants (in addition to the director, Ryan Coogler) and characters that value the origins of African culture in the United States (and why not, in Brazil). One of the great moves is that Wakanda, the isolated country of the hero, was not a victim of European colonization, being able to flourish without being the target of external interests. The movie debates two views of the world, proposing a third way: collaboration between peoples. Also note the well-constructed characters and, especially, the strong female cast. No wonder 'Black Panther' broke several box office records and became a landmark for the representation of minorities in cinema. Watch other Marvel Universe movies.
This is the fourth remake of the 1930s film, which has previously starred Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand in the lead role. This time, the protagonist is Ally, played by Lady Gaga, a waitress who dreams of a star life until one day she meets Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), a famous singer. From then on, "A Star Is Born" builds, first, a story of overcoming, of pursuit of stardom, and of love. Secondly, the feature brings the tension of Ally's stardom into the relationship of both, involving us in a whirlwind of emotions. An exquisite job by Gaga, who had already acted in productions like "American Horror Story". Cooper is also great - especially when we look at that he is producing, directing, co-starring, and even singing (well). The soundtrack, as it could not be otherwise, is great and deserves special mention to the photography, signed by Matthew Libatique ("Black Swan").
Queen was one of the most iconic bands of music between the 1970s and the early 1990s, with Freddie Mercury becoming the face of an astounding musical success – which gave us hits such as 'Love of My Life', 'We are the Champions', 'We Will Rock You' and, of course, 'Bohemian Rhapdosy'. This movie, directed by Bryan Singer ('X-Men'), evokes great moments of Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor, but without great ties to chronology – the goal here is to trace a line that leads from a modest beginning to the big show at Live Aid in 1985. Although part of the criticism has taken it a bit too hard with the shortcomings of the film (complaining about the cliché narrative, lack of empathy and softening elements to have a milder rating), the audience loved it. The biggest highlight, of course, is Rami Malek ('Mr. Robot') in the frontman role.
Damien Chazelle (of 'La La Land') brings his more human and less heroic vision of Neil Armstrong, the first man to step on the moon. With empathy and closeness, the film presents us the man, his fears, problems, losses, qualities and flaws - while reconstructing the events of the space race that took Apollo 11 to land on the arid satellite in orbit around Earth. Although it does not look like the director's previous projects, it is a feature capable of captivating those who seek both historical narrative and those who want to see the human adventure.
Based on a true story (though with some poetic license, especially in its last act), 'BlacKkKlansman' tells the story of a black police officer (played by John David Washington, son of Denzel Washington) who infiltrated the extreme organization Ku Klux Klan. During actual meetings, he was represented by another white officer, played by Adam Driver ('Star Wars: The Force Awakens'). Although these events happened in the past, the movie resonates with current events, criticizing the US government (and President Donald Trump) - as well as revisiting the origin of the KKK from the movie 'The Birth of a Nation'. The direction is by Spike Lee ('Do the Right Thing'), bringing his signature style, including references to 'Gone With the Wind'.