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‘Judas and The Black Messiah’ Review: Exploring the Intricate Parts of the Black Panther Movement
By Betti Halsell
There is a preconceived notion about the Black Panther Party in the 1960s. They are shown as being aggressive, mass media has labeled them as radical and domestic terrorists. In the prime of their revolutionary movement, they are seen holding guns with a stoic look of no remorse, and hatred in their eyes.
Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah explores the intricate parts of the organization, painting a picture of the day-to-day lifestyle of an activist. King focused on Chairman Fred Hampton played by Daniel Kaluuya, and how he balanced radical change while supporting an underrepresented community. He also uncovers a story of betrayal among the ranks in the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party.
Lakeith Stanfield plays William O’Neal, a man who seemed to have a deep fear of anyone having too much power. Heavily invested in the movement, O’Neal worked his way up to being the Black Panther security captain, but his alliance begins to fade as he became an FBI informant. His actions disrupted the Black Panther movement in the Illinois chapter, as O’Neal provided intel to FBI agent Roy Mitchell (Jesse Plemons).
O’Neal is tasked with getting close to the Illinois Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton. What becomes apparent is the internal battle O’Neal suffered, knowing that life as a Black man is unfair, is the very reason he may be inclined to join forces with federal organizations to cover himself. It’s a paradox he never escapes from.
King included all angles of being an activist in the film, highlighting the human side. There are scenes in the trailer, showing panthers not wearing black or holding guns, but in bright colors, feeding the community and teaching the youth about their power. The director also follows Chairman Fred Hampton, as he falls in love with fellow revolutionary mind, Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback).
The Black Panther organization grew out of the Bay area and spread throughout the nation. There were parts of the Black Panther Movement that were unearthed in the film that included: administration, housing and education, and community building.
If one did not dig deeper into their history, mass media would depict a picture that leaves one to fear this organization. King broke through the negative mold of who the Black Panther members were and showed them in a different light.
The Judas And the Black Messiah press summit dissected the narration of this story, hosted by entertainment journalist, Gia Peppers, explored parts of the Black Panther narrative from the eyes of the Hampton household. Viewers heard from the original Deborah Johnson, who went by Mother Akua.
She confirmed that Fishback captured her essence as a fighter, but also as a strong woman that stood behind a great man. In reflection of Fishback’s portrayal of her, Mother Akua stated, “When I saw Daniel and Dominique in that movie, I hadn’t realized how much I missed the love and camaraderie. They had real chemistry …”
This two-hour historical drama and biography was written by Will Berson and produced by Ryan Coogler and Charles D. King. In addition to directing the film, Shaka King was a part of writing and producing as well. The streaming release is set for February 12, depicting the authentic story of the Black Panther Movement. Showing that even within the fight for equality as a group, the misguided representation will live in the crevasses of the collective community. One can watch the unfiltered truth of the revolution on HBO Max.
It’s a wrap for the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. This year’s ceremony occurred at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, hosting many of Hollywood’s biggest names. From the most iconic looks to the funniest encounters and historic wins, here are the most memorable moments from the 82nd Golden Globes.
Zendaya showed off a gorgeous $200,000 engagement ring while walking the red carpet.
Zendaya’s red carpet appearance at this year’s Golden Globes turned many heads (as usual), but this time for more than just her stunning look.
Multiple cameras captured the sparkling $200K diamond ring the “Dune” star was wearing on her engagement finger, which fueled speculation that the 28-year-old might be secretly engaged to her long-time boyfriend, Tom Holland.
TMZ reported this morning that the couple is indeed engaged. According to the publication, sources close to the couple have confirmed that “the’ Spider-Man ‘ star popped the question between Christmas and New Year’s… dropping to one knee in a very intimate setting in one of Zendaya’s family homes in the United States.” 
Anthony Mackie hilariously crashes Sebastian Stan’s Golden Globes Post-Win Interview.
Anthony Mackie took over Sebastian Stan’s post-win interview with ET’s Nischelle Turner. ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ co-stars caught up after Stan won Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical or Comedy for ‘A Different Man’ at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards.
Vin Diesel had a brief and awkward interaction with Dwayne Johnson
Vin Diesel made sure to give a quick “hey” to “Fast and Furious” co-star Dwayne Johnson when he took the stage to present the award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement at last night’s Golden Globes
“Hey, Dwayne,” Diesel awkwardly said, smiling, while Johnson responded with a quick and subtle smile.
For context, Diesel and Johnson have been on good terms for the last few years despite their infamous feud, which lasted roughly nine years and involved disagreements during the production of “Fast 8.”
A source told People magazine in 2016 that “Vin has been having problems with The Rock because The Rock keeps showing up late for production. ” The source also explained that “sometimes he doesn’t show up at all, and he’s delaying the production.”
That same year, Johnson wrote (in a since-deleted Instagram post), “There’s no other franchise that gets my blood boiling more than this one…. My female co-stars are always amazing, and I love ’em. My male co-stars, however, are a different story. Some conduct themselves as stand up men and true professionals, while others don’t,” he continued. “The ones that don’t are too chicken s— to do anything about it anyway. Candy a-—. When you watch this movie next April and it seems like I’m not acting in some of these scenes and my blood is legit boiling — you’re right.”
Later, in June of 2023, Johnson announced that Luke Hobbs would return to the Fast and Furious franchise (for FastX: Part II) via a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). He added, “Last summer, Vin and I put all the past behind us. We’ll lead with brotherhood and resolve – and always take care of the franchise, characters & FANS that we love. “
Zoe Saldana won her first-ever Golden Globe Award for “Emilia Perez.”
Zoe Saldana won her first-ever Golden Globe for Female Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for her role as Rita Mora Castro in Jacques Audiard’s avant-garde film Emilia Pérez.
The actress honored her fellow castmates in an emotional and moving speech.
“I don’t have much time, and I have dyslexia, so I tend to forget when I’m really anxious and I’m filled with adrenaline, but my heart is full of gratitude,” Saldana kicked off her speech. “Thank you so much to the Golden Globes for celebrating our film and honoring the women of Emilia Pérez. This is the first time for me, and I’m just so blessed that I’m sharing this moment with Selena, and Karla, and Jacque, and all of my fellow nominees. I’m in awe of you, your strength, your complexity, and your undeniable talent.”
Morris Chestnut attended his first Golden Globes, accompanied by his wife of 30 years, Pam Byse-Chestnut.
Morris and Pam Chestnut showed up and showed out for their first Golden Globe Awards. The couple, who tied the knot in 1995, will celebrate 30 years of marriage this year!
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With the ‘Gladiator 2’ premiere date fast approaching, Denzel Washington has been on the road promoting the highly anticipated sequel. During one of the interviews, the actor, who stars as Macrinus in Ridley Scott’s action epic, revealed that he plans to retire once he completes a number of exciting upcoming projects, including “Black Panther 3.”
In an interview with Today on Australia’s Channel 9, which has now gone viral, Washington detailed his plan for accomplishing his retirement goals.
“At this point in my career, I am only interested in working with the best.” The 69-year-old movie legend said. “I don’t know how many more movies I’m gonna make. probably not that many. I wanna do things I haven’t done.”
“I played Othello at 22, I’m about to play Othello at 70.” He continued, “After that, I am playing Hannibal. After that I’ve been talking to Steve McQueen about a film. After that, Ryan Coogler is writing a part for me in the next “Black Panther.” After that, I’m gonna do the film “Othello.” After that, I’m gonna do “King Lear.” After that, I’m gonna retire.”
‘Gladiator II’ will be released in theaters on November 22, 2024.
Most Memorable Moments From the 82nd Golden Globes
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