Top Films of 2021-#4

Most of the other films on my list have been action oriented, but the list gets a bit serious today. This film was nominated for a number of Oscars earlier this year, but it was officially released in 2021 so falls on my list for this year.

#4-Judas and the Black Messiah

This film was not entirely what I expected. I knew the basic subject matter coming in, but didn't have a deep knowledge of the characters portrayed in the film or really know the history of the events other than loose association of the activities of the Black Panther Party. To say that it opened my eyes is a huge understatement.

As I wrote earlier this month in my favorite performance post, the standout performance in this film for me waas LaKeith Stanfield as Bill O'Neal, the main protagonist. I hesitate to label his as a protagonist in that he is the Judas of the title, but the way the film was crafted, I felt myself siding with him and against him throughout. There are times when O'Neal is in such a position of power one moment, gaining knowledge about the Black Panther Party that he can pass along in his role as an informant. Immediately following, O'Neal falls victim to stereotypes of the period and the power dynamic has shifted 180 degrees.

The film is not for the faint of heart and there is plenty to anger people from all sides of the political spectrum, but the hope would be that anyone can gain a new understanding of the people involved in this movement, whether they agree with them or not.

​​Don't forget to check out the rest of my top ten list:
#5. Spider-Man: No Way Home
#6. Raya and the Last Dragon
#7. Black Widow
#8. Eternals
#9. Dune
#10. Luca

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