“Black Panther” is a groundbreaking superhero film that follows T’Challa, the newly crowned king of the secretive and technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda. As he navigates the challenges of ruling a nation and protecting its resources, T’Challa must confront enemies from both within and outside his kingdom, including the formidable Erik Killmonger. With stunning visuals, captivating characters, and a powerful message of empowerment, “Black Panther” is a cinematic masterpiece that redefines the superhero genre.
Actor: Andy Serkis
Andy Serkis is a highly acclaimed British actor, director, and motion capture performer, renowned for his groundbreaking work in film. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Gollum/Smeagol in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, where he pioneered the use of motion capture technology to bring the character to life. Serkis has continued to push the boundaries of performance capture in films such as “King Kong,” “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” and “War for the Planet of the Apes,” earning acclaim for his ability to convey emotion and depth through digital characters. In addition to his work as an actor, Serkis has also directed films, including “Breathe” and “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle,” showcasing his talent behind the camera as well. With his innovative approach to storytelling and dedication to his craft, Andy Serkis has left an indelible mark on the film industry.
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What to Watch in May
A life lived so vibrantly spotlighted as that of Amy Winehouse’s was ripe for the biographical pickings from the moment of her death, all too soon back in 2011. It’s an indictment of the day and age we live in. Nothing to be proud of. Back to Black is the first dramatisation out of the blocks. It follows, and skulks in the shadow of, Asif Kapadia’s superior 2015 documentary, Amy. Where that film dived deep, upsetting her family in the process, this one’s but a paddle in the shallow end. A superficial and underwhelming entry to the current vogue for jukebox biopics. It’s worse than that though. Back to Black hasn’t the self-awareness to recognise itself as being no better than the then paparazzi it vindicates.
Many, it is likely, will find the film entirely passable. Courtesy of Winehouse herself, it boasts a terrific soundtrack, allowing Sam Taylor-Johnson ample opportunity for montage. It’s an easy win for the Fifty Shades of Grey director, who shoots with eloquence and style. As for the lead, Marisa Abela certainly looks the part. She makes an impressive stab too at vocal impersonation, going hell for leather with song and script alike. Rote, simplistic writing – from Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool’s Matt Greenhalgh – does Abela no favours but her effort and respect for Winehouse are palpable. There’s more to capturing Amy than the donning of a beehive and faux ‘Daddy’s Girl’ tattoo.
Amy has neither as the film opens. Back to Black joins her story just prior to the completion of Frank, her debut album, in 2003. It was an album born of anachronism, jazz in the age of manufactured pop. Amy is no f*****g Spice Girl and won’t be manufactured for anyone. She’s a family girl through and through, devoutly close to her nan, Lesley Manville’s Cynthia, and the apple of her parents’ respective eyes. Mum, Janis (Juliet Cowan), is unwell, we’re told, but the film has no further insight there.
More focal is Mitch Winehouse, who is played by a sympathetic Eddie Marsan. The real Mitch hated Kapadia’s documentary – which dared to critique his culpability in Amy’s downfall – but should find Back to Black more palatable. Here, he is a doting, kindly figure. Totally exonerated. True, he’s the man who said no, no, no to rehab but he’s the father that drove her there when she truly needed it. No mention is made of the exploitative documentary he made for Channel 4 just two years before her death.