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Content warning: misgendering, transphobia.

Earlier this year, Dr. Rachel Levine made history when she was named the assistant secretary for health, making her the highest-ranking openly transgender federal official to ever hold office in the U.S., as well as the first trans person to ever win a senate confirmation. Her position in the Department of Health was also a clear message that transgender health issues are an important priority for the current administration.

A Republican congressman from Indiana was suspended from Twitter this weekend after he tweeted out some transphobic BS about Levine, who was also recently commissioned as a four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

From his official Twitter account, Rep. Jim Banks tweeted a completely unoriginal jab, misgendering Levine and attempting to diminish her accomplishments. “The title of first female four-star officer gets taken by a man,” he wrote, broadcasting his own ignorance on main for all to see.

That kind of transphobic nonsense is distressingly prevalent on Twitter, but for once, the platform actually intervened to uphold its own code of conduct. Banks’ official government account was temporarily locked due to his violation of the site’s Hateful Conduct Policy.

Banks has not apologized for his hateful comment. Instead, he’s doubled down, moving his transphobia over to his personal account and accusing Twitter of “canceling” him for stating “facts.”

My statement on being censored for tweeting a basic truth and banned from using my official account at @RepJimBanks👇 https://t.co/N5MBvJKz6g pic.twitter.com/bwQxhRAUOO

— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) October 23, 2021

I very much hope Banks’ personal account also ends up being “canceled.” I also hope Twitter starts enforcing its own terms of service in regard to the countless randos who also engage in this sort of hate speech daily. (via The Hill)

• There are more Americans getting their booster shot right now than there are those getting their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. With only 58% of the population fully vaccinated, that’s not great! But also, those numbers are likely to change dramatically once kids are finally approved to receive the vaccine. (via CNBC)
• Succession’s Kieran Culkin will host SNL next month! (via TV Line)
• Halyna Hutchins’ husband announces an AFI scholarship fund set up in her memory to support aspiring female cinematographers. (via AV Club)
• This is the spooky season content I crave:
  

  Saw the best thing ever today pic.twitter.com/z1uLqPuqtL

  — Michelle Lanz (@michellemlanz) October 23, 2021

• Pinhead was really having a day today:
  

  I AM PAIN #HOTTIEWEEN pic.twitter.com/VPZxCptGLX

  — TINA SNOW (@theestallion) October 24, 2021

• Did You season 3 get its ending all wrong? (via Pajiba)
• Edgar Wright curated a list of spooky watches available to stream on Peacock for their delightfully named Peacocktober. (via /Film)
• It looks like Ryan Gosling will be playing Ken to Margot Robbie’s Barbie. (via IGN)

What did you all see out there today?

This is an unfriendly reminder that 2022 starts less than 10 weeks from today.

— Katie Kaitchuck (@KatieKaitchuck) October 24, 2021

(image: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—

The Harder They Fall is a western in its truest form and an ode to the real cowboys of America. With a swagger that rivals your favorite music videos, the cast alone excites your nether regions. Regina King and Idris Elba battling it out with Jonathan Majors!!? You would think this was your wettest of dreams, but when you open your eyes, you realize it’s a nitty-gritty spaghetti western, and the buck stops there. My take may be an unpopular opinion, but the story and structure weren’t as strong as their cast. Don’t get me wrong; it gave me a special feeling in my heart to see all the melanin just radiating off of the screen and the badassery. It is important for representation, no doubt about it. But if you are reading this article, you know we have some Black Nerd Problems with representation alone. So, before I’m shut down in the comments, let me tell you how I really feel. Don’t worry, no spoilers ahead, just unfiltered opinions.

The Hateful Eight

I rush to the screening room for The Harder They Fall, sweat dripping and out of breath in excitement. I pull out my phone, promising the PR reps I don’t have COVID and showing them my vaccination records and negative test results. I sit down in high anticipation at what should be a masterpiece in film craft and acting acumen. Of course, with my critic hat on –  I’m also ready to tear it to shreds if need be. The film begins with a reminder that these characters may not be real, but they do exist. If you don’t know, let me give you a quick lesson. The real history of cowboys begins as all things do – slavery. The cowboy was the boy who tended to the cows, yea the slave. But I digress in the western reality that tinsel town never wanted to depict, was cowboys consisted of Mexican, Black, and Native people and was run by women. (Forreal look it up). The point is, this cast is a better representation of a western than John Wayne and Clint Eastwood flicks could ever be. It brings a smile to your face as these talented eight play on the screen. 

In an interesting choice, (possibly directorial) certain characters use a lower register and accent than they usually have. I only mention this regarding Zazie Beetz, who is taking on a character we have not yet seen her play. She is a badass saloon owner (again historically accurate) “Stagecoach Mary,” playing up her swag with a deep voice and a physicality that favors a shotgun owner. Her hair is inspirational as always to boot. It was refreshing to see her out of her norm, but I couldn’t help but feel it was an interesting casting choice. Nothing against her performance, she did what needed to be done, and I ship her always. However, I couldn’t help feel a more ‘Mischone type’ of actor could have also done it justice. Regina King hits the scene as “Trudy Smith,” of course holding her own. She sits as Idris, “Rufus Buck’s” right hand, along with Lakeith as “Cherokee Bill.” Her lower register and grit resembled a particular Boondocks character. If I closed my eyes, I could just see Huey in a leather hat and gun holster complete with toothpick in mouth, and I loved it. Seeing Regina play what I feel is a villain – was everything and gave further proof we have only yet to see the depths of her range. Then, of course, Delroy Lindo fit like a glove in his role as the ‘justice by any means’ sheriff and Lakeith, the strange muscle who uses his knowledge and skill to justify cruelty. 

Idris plays our antagonist in his full-on cowboy “Stringer Bell” and then some. Opposite our protagonist Jonathan Majors, playing “Nat Love” who is still looking fit. Yes – his allure is something most cannot put their finger on – but really want to put their fingers on… I digress. He never holds back, and we thank him for that. I especially want to give props to Danielle Deadwyler, who, along with this seasoned cast, held my attention and gave a stellar performance as Zazie Beetz’s right-hand muscle Cuffee. This character who breaks the confinements of conventional gender norms is so welcomed, and Deadwyler holds her own. I have my gripes on how the writing and direction handled this character at times—forcing them to wear a dress and making light of their outward presenting appearance versus their gender assignment. If I am lenient, as a period piece, that choice is probably accurate for the times. 

As predicted, the performances were delightful, from to RJ Cyler as “Jim Beckworth” –  the Quick and The Dead ‘Kid’ character who wants to be the fastest hands in the west, the sharp shooting “Bill Pickett” played by Edi Gathegi down to the surprising dramatic role Deon Cole plays as “Wiley Escoe.” Now I know this sounds like the highest praise, but would you have thought any different with this cast? Where the film lacks is obviously not in talent.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The movie begins with classic bold text splashed across the screen as we’re flown into the credits. The first scene gives us the good ‘ol backstory—the motivation for a lifelong path of revenge. The story stays the course of every classic western to a fault. Instead of innovating for modern storytelling, it sticks by the book. Back in the day, westerns emphasized the shootout, the allure of the cowboy, and the story was avenging their family, protecting their town, farm, or whichever from bandits. They always include the show of skill, a standoff, and a big reveal at the end that mirrors a telenovela twist. This film was no different, and I wanted it to be different. This doesn’t make it a bad movie, but with a cast this appetizing, I wanted something a bit more inventive, with a story more engaging than the performances. 

Even when the twist is revealed, you see it coming a mile away. The quality of the film was up to par, the budget was just right, and it was all presented in a nice tight package. However, it just doesn’t wow or engage in a way that you would expect, especially after such a magnetic trailer.

True Grit

The movie also takes on a level of gore resembling a – and I HATE to say it, a Tarantino film. I want to be clear I am not aligning this movie with Quentin Tarantino – not at all. Only as a comparison to a modern storyteller of westerns who leans into the violence of the genre. This film is not shy with blood, flesh wounds, and bullet holes through the head. Limbs are lost, and a lot of blood is spilled – but all of that is standard for a modern western flick. Where the film seeks to innovate is in music and stylistic shot selections. The first low camera angle brought me right back to 90s music videos and good ‘ol SWV and Da Brat kick camera sequence. Instead of kicking cameras, they’re hatching out an ambush plan. Once I took a deeper look at the credits, I noticed the Director Jeymes Samuel is known for his music direction on the Great Gatsby and his experience as a singer/songwriter. The movie is also Executive Produced by Sean Carter himself. Yup, it’s the HOV Jay-Z. No wonder I thought I was watching an extended music video. Soundtracks in films like Belly, Atomic Blonde, and Baby Driver added an underlining element of storytelling through music. The Harder They Fall used it as a mood or swag dripped over these dramatic sequences. I would have enjoyed the former, where the music would enhance the story and engage us in the characters’ plight. 

Mr. Samuel also had a hand in writing the film along with writer-producer Boaz Yakin, whose notable works are the New York Indie film Fresh and the iconic Remember the Titans movie. This explains the intensity of the singular plot point, the choice of music, slow motion entrances, and the unconventional camera angles. I wasn’t mad at them. It just gave the movie a certain flair you don’t usually see in feature films and left you wanting a bit more. 

It gets top marks for hitting the target right on the bull’s eye and a cast that wears the boots oh so well. As the audience, you just wish you had some skin in the game and more to write home about.

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The post ‘The Harder They Fall’ Review: A True Ode to the Western appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

Hi everyone! Today I want to go over the picks I got right and wrong from last week! I predicted that the Rams would beat the Giants 31-13, but the final score was 38-11 Rams over the Giants. I predicted that the Chiefs would beat the Football team 45-24, but the final score was 31-13 Chiefs over the Football team. I predicted that the Packers would beat the Bears 25-17, but the final score was 24-14 Packers over the Bears. That prediction was so close! I almost got the exact prediction correct!! I predicted that the Bengals would beat the Lions 26-19, but the final score was 34-11 Bengals over the Lions. I predicted that the Cowboys would beat the Patriots 34-17, but the final score was 35-29 Cowboys over the Patriots in overtime. The Cowboys scored a game-winning touchdown by quarterback Dak Prescott throwing to the wide receiver Cee Dee Lamb. I predicted that the Steelers would beat the Seahawks 30-17, but the final score was 23-20 Steelers over the Seahawks in overtime. The Steelers kicked a game-winning field goal after the Seahawks backup quarterback Geno Smith fumbled the ball. That was the worse time to fumble the ball and a perfect time for the Steelers defense including a defensive lineman TJ Watt to force the fumble. I predicted that the Titans would beat the Bills 34-26, but the final score was 34-31 Titans over the Bills in a very close game. The Bills probably should have kicked the field goal, but they decided not to because they do not want to go to overtime.

I predicted that the Panthers would beat the Vikings 24-20, but the final score was 34-28 Vikings over the Panthers in overtime. The Vikings scored a game-winning touchdown to win the game in overtime. I predicted that the Chargers would beat the Ravens 30-27 in a close game, but the final score was 34-6 Ravens over the Chargers in a blowout. I was not expecting this to be a blowout. The Chargers offense just did not look good, the Ravens defense looked really well and their offense. I predicted that the Browns would beat the Cardinals 26-23, but the final score was 37-14 Cardinals over the Browns. The Cardinals came out to play despite some of their injuries, some players tested positive for Covid including Chandler Jones and the head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The Cardinals found a way to come out with the win. That’s what good teams do! The Cardinals offense played pretty good when Kyler Murray threw 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Two to D-hop, one to Christian Kirk and one to AJ Green. The Cardinals defense played well too after they gave up a hail mary before the end of the half. Cardinals remain undefeated 6-0! I predicted that the Broncos would beat the Raiders 23-13, but the final score was 34-24 Raiders over the Broncos.

So based off my predictions, I have gotten 7 out of 11 picks correct! Now, let’s get started, shall we?! The first game I will predict is the Chiefs @Titans game. I think this is going to be a really good game. Both of these teams are coming off with their wins last week. I think I am going to give the slight edge to the Titans over the Chiefs 36-30 because I just think that the Chiefs defense keeps struggling to stop teams. When the defense can’t stop them, the offense can’t help you win games. So, you must rest your defense if you are the Chiefs offense because if you are not scoring touchdowns and running down the clock, then that spells trouble for you on defense because they have been on the field for too long. The next game I will predict is the Football Team @Packers game. I highly expect the Packers to come out with a big win over the Football team 45-17. The next game I will predict is the Bengals @Ravens game, the divisional rivalries. I think this is going to be a great game. I think the Ravens are a bit better than the Bengals and will beat their rivalry 27-24. The next game I will predict is the Eagles @Raiders game. I think the Raiders will come away with the win over the Eagles 30-17. The next game I will predict is the Lions @Rams game. This is an easy win for the Rams over the Lions 45-16. The next game I will predict is the Bears @Buccaneers game. I think the Bucs will be hard for the Bears to beat and win so they will lose to the Bucs 29-17. The next game I will predict is the Texans @Cardinals game. The Cardinals are going to have a tight end Zach Ertz play tomorrow to help out the Cardinals offense and Kyler Murray in his debut and a defensive lineman Chandler Jones is going to be returning after he missed a game last week. I am pretty comfortable that the Cardinals can beat the Texans cleanly 41-24. The question though might be can this be a trap game? The answer is most likely no because the Cardinals are not going to let it happen unless they shoot themselves in the foot somehow. They can’t do that against a losing record team. I am going to be embarrassed if the Cardinals lose this game tomorrow, but again I am pretty confident in the Cardinals going 7-0 and remain undefeated. The next game I will predict is the Colts @49ers game on Sunday Night Football. I think this might actually be a great game. I think the 49ers might be able to come away with the win because they are coming off the bye week and their players might be rested and they might be a little heathier than they were last time. The final score I will say is 26-23 49ers over the Colts. The last game I will predict is the Saints @Seahawks game. I think the Saints may actually pull off an upset win over the Seahawks 27-20. The Seahawks offense is struggling a little bit and their defense is not looking great either even with Jamal Adams a defensive back. I think the Seahawks might just struggle until Russell Wilson comes back.

So, what do you guys think about the NFL week 7 picks?! I would love to hear lots of comments, opinions, thoughts, questions, or concerns down below! Stay tuned for NFL updates.

The post Week 6 Prediction Updates and Week 7 Picks! appeared first on The Nerd Element.

Writer: Tom Taylor / Artist: Robbi Rodriguez and Adriano Lucas / DC Comics

We’re now halfway through Nightwing’s visit to Gotham and the Fear State arc in Nightwing #85, and while Nightwing was a prominent figure in this issue, it was actually Batgirl who was the point of reference. 

In search of an ultra-hacker named Seer who has taken over all of Oracle’s systems, it’s actually Batgirl who we follow internally. It’s her narration we read instead of Nightwing’s. I found that to be an interesting choice. 

This is the second issue where Taylor does something that grabs my attention in a crossover story. I think he gets that it’s hard for the reader sometimes to have to navigate these stories, especially when they’re sandwiched between other narratives, but he really does a good job at making them feel fresh, and he really keeps us engaged. 

The action in Nightwing #85 does a good job of that as well. We get smoke bombs, Magistrate punches to the face and the gut, and an incredible fear toxin sequence that you know can’t really be happening, but you still can’t believe what you’re seeing. Shoutout to Rodriguez for creating a really captivating moment. 

Due to the Magistrate taking over the security of Gotham, the city’s bright lights have been turned all the way up. It’s so weird seeing Gotham like this. We’ve seen it during the day despite its staple being the dark red and dingy skies, but now it’s bright at night. It feels so off. It’s like the unsettling feeling you get with the bright white hospital lights. Whenever these guys defeat the Magistrate, that light bill is gonna be crazy. 

I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I’m looking forward to how this crossover ends. Seer is an interesting villain, and I’ll honestly read anything Taylor writes. So, I’ll see you next month to talk about the conclusion. 

9 Fear Toxin Nightmares out of 10

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The post Nightwing #85 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.