Featured, Movie Reviews

‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ Review – As Electrifying as it is Timely

Synopsis:

FBI informant William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons). Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback). Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) commands?

It’s always interesting to learn the truth about a historical moment and then research all the lies and slander that was spread in order to cover up the truth. While some of us know what actually happened, there’s a certain level of sadness and satisfaction when the naysayers finally learn the reality. No matter how great it feels for what was done in the dark to finally come to light, it’s never soon enough and the negative effects in many cases have already rooted themselves in many unwavering minds. Nevertheless, it’s amazing that the facts can be preserved in film where the weight they carry and the importance they hold can be ingested in a powerful and palatable way. In order for change to happen in the present, we have to recognize and atone for the past. The United States no longer gets a free pass, we have work to do.

A black leather-clad Fred Hampton confidently saunters up a flight of steps as a rainbow coalition crowd’s chants echo throughout the room, “Chairman Fred! Chairman Fred! Chairman Fred!” Anyone that didn’t know, now knew that Hampton was the most important man in Chicago. Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah is as electrifying as it is timely. Anchored by a great screenplay and amazing performances by its stars, Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield, it is a must-see film. This film provides a moment to absorb what has taken place in the past and sit with it. No excuses, no defense for the blatant racism; you must accept what was done and realize that it wasn’t just wrong, it was evil. And unfortunately, we still struggle with many aspects of the film presently. While delving into the cultural uprising that was taking place as well as the war that law enforcement and the government were waging, the film showcases the natural charisma and leadership of Fred Hampton. King does a fantastic job intertwining the two storylines along with exploring its two subjects. Moreover, we get to witness Chairman Fred’s ability to unify people against an unjust system but also how a rat named William O’Neal is helping the FBI to bring it all down. From start to finish, the film does not disappoint. The only way it could be improved is to give it more grit. I listened to the soundtrack previous to gracing the couch with my rear end, and it not only hyped me up but at the film’s end, I realized that like the moving picture, the music bridges the past and the present. Judas and the Black Messiah is shot extremely well, the cast is outstanding, and its message is powerful. It’s easily one of the years best and will be going forward. I absolutely loved this film. Its rewatchability is high.

Plot & Pace

When scammer and thief, William O’Neal gets arrested and charged with impersonating a federal officer, he’s left with two options, jail or cooperate. Preferring the latter, O’Neal becomes a federal informant and is tasked with joining the Black Panther Party in order to get close to its chairman, Fred Hampton. Not fully knowing what nefarious intentions the FBI has in store, O’Neal does what is asked of him, even enjoying the manipulative role. Eventually, as he lives out the Panther lifestyle on a daily basis, he becomes just as entrenched in the movement as he is being an informant. Respecting both his FBI handler, Roy Mitchell, and BPP leader, Fred Hampton, he is torn between what he has to do to stay out of prison and a cause he is now invested in. Not only is this story about the FBI’s racially motivated attempts to destroy the BPP but the internal struggle of a man caught in the middle of a war.

The film moves at the pace of a crime drama. There’s never a dull moment and the fact that it actually happened adds to the emotion and intensity.

Characters & Chemistry

The cast is perfect, especially its two stars, Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield. The duo solidifies their place among today’s top-tier actors. Kaluuya as Fred Hampton is able to resurrect the soul and spirit of the Black Panther Party Chairman. The way he struts, the cadence of his voice, and his intensity and passion are masterfully portrayed. When he speaks, you believe what he is saying. He not only commands every scene but he sent jolts through my body with every speech. Stanfield as Bill O’Neal is a man conflicted. You can see the internal rift in the image above. His fist is in the air for the people, as he fully feels part of the movement but ultimately knows he’s helping bring its demise. While Stanfields performance helps to humanize and contextualize O’Neal’s situation, it still can not be forgiven.

Judas and the Black Messiah is currently in theaters and streaming on HBO Max. Stay safe and enjoy.

Director: Shaka King

Writers: Will Berson, Shaka King, Kenneth Lucas, Keith Lucas

Producers: Ryan Coogler, Charles D. King, Shaka King,

Executive Producers: Jason Cloth, Zinzi Coogler, Ted Gidlow, Aaron L. Gilbert, Poppy Hanks, Niija Kuykendall, Anikah McLaren, Ravi D. Mehta, Sev Ohanian, Kim Roth, Jeff Skoll

Rated: R

Runtime: 2h 5m

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ivHf4ODMi4]