Uncategorized

Marvel and DC movies tend to get compared a lot because, really, there’s no other meaningful point of comparison for cinematic superhero movie universes of this scale. That leads to a lot of ire over perceived bias against DC movies, but for most superhero movie fans, there’s nothing we’d like to see more than both of them succeed. That’s why it was so disappointing when Justice League—as Screen Junkies’ honest trailer put it, the best comic book characters ever united for a film—was just kind of … there.

It’s extra difficult to deal with when the movie clearly isn’t the end product that was originally envisioned, after Zack Snyder stepped down well into production and let Joss Whedon take over. It’s hard not to wonder how the movie would have turned out without those outside circumstances changing to an extent we may never really understand. It would’ve been easier to stomach a straightforward disappointment than watch the movie obviously struggle with different creators’ ideas of how it should be.

Still, the “Snyder cut” doesn’t exist, and we got the movie that we got: one ripe for the honest trailer treatment. Sadly, the hodgepodge of weird choices and awkward moments memorialized here are likely the way most of us will remember this movie, even if we wish it had turned out differently, so we might as well at least get a laugh out of it.

(image: screengrab)

Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!

—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—

Brisk, a billion-dollar iced tea beverage brand owned by PepsiCo, announced the launch of the Creators Class program in partnership with Michael B. Jordan to provide emerging artists in urban areas with the opportunity to collaborate with and be mentored by industry leaders. Young creatives selected to participate in the initiative will gain real-world experience and exposure by working with established members in the film industry, visual arts, and writing to develop a special project. As a partner with Brisk, Jordan, who stars in Marvel’s groundbreaking Black Panther film, will give three lucky creators an apprenticeship with his production company.

“Brisk encourages the same boldness and creativity that I strive for in my work and with my production company, Outlier Society,” said Jordan in a statement. “That’s why I’m honored to be a part of the Creators Class and offer up-and-coming hustlers the opportunity to work on this special Outlier Society project.”

To promote the Creators Class program, Jordan directed, produced, and starred in an online video that spotlights a street artist’s hard work and creative hustle. In the ad, the 31-year-old actor prepares for his role in Black Panther while the artist simultaneously paints a mural of the Black Panther superhero. Brisk also celebrated the launch of Creators Class by hosting an exclusive Black Panther event in Los Angeles during NBA All-Star Weekend.

Melanie Watts, director of Marketing at Brisk, said the drink giant partnered with Marvel Studios and invited some of the talent behind Black Panther to join the Creators Class to “empower aspiring creators in the urban arts by providing real opportunities, mentorship, and game-changing industry exposure.”

The marketing campaign also serves to attract millennials and Gen Zers, consumers that Pepsi has struggled to reach. There’s a chance that the effort will connect with Gen Zers based on a popular film that defies negative perceptions of women and people of color and speaks to the generation’s hunger for success—two factors that cause-driven Gen Z finds important. “These generations tend to embrace creative efforts and innovation while shunning traditional views of gender roles and racial stereotypes, which appears to align with the Creators Class program and spirit of the Black Panther movie,” states MarketingDive.com.

Interested participants can apply to the Creators Class by visiting www.briskcreatorsclass.com up until March 2.

The post ‘Black Panther’ Star Michael B. Jordan Teams Up With Brisk Iced Tea to Empower Urban Creatives appeared first on Black Enterprise.

Ava DuVernay’s upcoming film, A Wrinkle In Time, is brimming with #BlackGirlMagic. Starring Storm Reid, Gugu Mbatha Raw, and Oprah Winfrey, the film follows 13-year-old Meg (Reid) as she tries to find and her missing father and ends up saving the world. In the February issue of ESSENCE DuVernay called her latest project a love letter to Black women and girls, and judging by the soundtrack, she wasn’t kidding. [brightcove id=5712894157001] DuVernay took to Twitter to break a little Wrinkle news Tuesday morning, informing fans that Sade — yes, that Sade — has created an original song for the film. “I never thought she’d say yes, but asked anyway,” DuVernay said of the illusive singer. “She was kind + giving. A goddess. We began a journey together that I’ll never forget.” DuVernay continued, “Proud to announce that Sade has created an original song for WRINKLE IN TIME. It’s entitled ‘Flower of the Universe.’ And it’s a dream come true.” The last time Sade released new music was in 2010 when she dropped her award-winning album Soldier of Love. Known for taking extended breaks, Sade’s decision contribute to the Wrinkle In Time soundtrack is not only a coup for DuVernay, but it’s also a treat for the singer’s fans who have been clamoring for new music for nearly a decade. In addition to Sade, DuVernay also announced Demi Lovato, Chole x Halle, Sia, and Kehlani would also appear on A Wrinkle In Time’s soundtrack. “My hope was to gather dynamic women artists to craft a majestic soundtrack for Meg’s journey,” DuVernay explained. Winfrey has dubbed A Wrinkle in Time this generation’s Wizard of Oz, and DuVernay said the film “was made [with] love for young people. To share ideas about being a light in this often dark world.” We can’t wait. A Wrinkle in Time hits theaters on March 9.

Writer: G. Willow Wilson / Artists: Nico Leon, Ian Herring / Marvel Comics

Yes, Kamala is still out. But the Ms. Marvel corp is still on the mission. Two missions actually. On the one hand, Naftali of the Perfect Sandwich has tracked Kamala from her favorite deli to her favorite video rental spot. *pause* Do they still have video rental spots in Jersey City? *end pause* Naftali is hilariously extra as he “interrogates” the rental store owner, eventually uncovering a clue to be pursued next issue.

I take it back. Naftali isn’t extra. He’s the exact amount of over-acting you’d expect from a 16-year-old who watches too much TV and wears a Post-Cores Cores band t-shirt. He’s dramatic. The Red Dagger. He’s extra.

Why is he parkouring through the suburbs? Everyone else is just, you know, walking. And his lines? They are all direct from a Saturday Morning cartoon. He sounds like Batman. It is great.

I continue to praise the hilarity hidden in these panels. Every page has an inside joke or a hint in plain sight in the background. There are doves and excessive poses and weird dogs. I mean, Leon and Herring are on overtime on their backgrounds and it just adds to the humor of the comic itself.

The stakes have gotten higher for Nakia, Gabe, and Mike, as Zoe has disappeared while investigating the disappearances of some senior citizens from the local old folks home. They’re starting to lose hope in their own inner strength, but they also know they can’t turn back. With their last bit of courage, they face down The Inventor for the second time. He, in typical villain style, drops plenty of clues as to his intentions, but not his end goal — he’s not dumb. Leaving the crew to fight off his minions, he escapes. Finally, they have to admit they are in over their heads. Who to call when Ms. Marvel, the person you always call, is gone? I’ll give you three guesses. Your only hint is this: Civil War is over and someone may have come to their senses.

This remains a light-hearted, sincere, touching comic that encourages all of us to do our best and be our own hero. There’s no better message than that.

8 Unnecessary Parkour Jumps out of 10Reading Ms. Marvel? Find BNP’s other reviews of the series here.

Are you following Black Nerd Problems on Twitter, Facebook,Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube or Google+?

The post Ms. Marvel #27 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.