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mrjtmason
Reviews
Titans (2018)
Drop off after initial Season 1 episodes...
I had to stop watching after the 2nd season. At that point it became clear that the diverse characters, though numerous, were simply there to prop up the Character development of the White lead(s). In particular Dick, and to a lesser extent Rachel.
Additionally, it's the white lead, in particular Dick, and to a lesser extent Rachel, who enjoy the pleasure of being able to commit the most horrific offenses, without any real consequences, and then get significant screen time to redevelop their character to endear themselves to the audience. This ensures the casual observer does not eviscerate them in the arena of public opinion. Thus, we ultimately feel sorry for the White character, and love them even more. This is the tried and true, though very tiring, trope of Hollywood programming Today. The SIGNIFICANT support from any and all diverse characters placates the masses further, yet still checks the diversity box for the program. At one time I thought, 'well at least there is SOME diversity in the programming'. Until you realize it's just a bread crumb from programming starved of true diversity representation. Save for too few nearly all-diverse casts. Note this is certainly not relegated to T. V. programming, but the big screen as well. (Here's looking at you Spider-Man.)
While initially so excited to watch after seeing the representation. In particular, standing firm in the backlash of the Starfire character's skin color. Though ultimately, I wonder if the ridiculous and callously racist criticism of an alien character's orange skin being TOO dark, gave way to the following NUTSHELL statement, as this did not seem to be the case in initial Season 1 episodes.
In a NUTSHELL, the White Savior complex, and now the diverse SUPPORT of that character, is alive and well Today, and has been since the dawn of American programming... When will it end, or at least give way to a DIVERSE Savior complex??!?
Titans (2018)
Drop off after initial Season 1 episodes...
I had to stop watching after the 2nd season. At that point it became clear that the diverse characters, though numerous, were simply there to prop up the Character development of the White lead(s). In particular Dick, and to a lesser extent Rachel.
Additionally, it's the white lead, in particular Dick, and to a lesser extent Rachel, who enjoy the pleasure of being able to commit the most horrific offenses, without any real consequences, and then get significant screen time to redevelop their character to endear themselves to the audience. This ensures the casual observer does not eviscerate them in the arena of public opinion. Thus, we ultimately feel sorry for the White character, and love them even more. This is the tried and true, though very tiring, trope of Hollywood programming Today. The SIGNIFICANT support from any and all diverse characters placates the masses further, yet still checks the diversity box for the program. At one time I thought, 'well at least there is SOME diversity in the programming'. Until you realize it's just a bread crumb from programming starved of true diversity representation. Save for too few nearly all-diverse casts. Note this is certainly not relegated to T. V. programming, but the big screen as well. (Here's looking at you Spider-Man.)
While initially so excited to watch after seeing the representation. In particular, standing firm in the backlash of the Starfire character's skin color. Though ultimately, I wonder if the ridiculous and callously racist criticism of an alien character's orange skin being TOO dark, gave way to the following NUTSHELL statement, as this did not seem to be the case in initial Season 1 episodes.
In a NUTSHELL, the White Savior complex, and now the diverse SUPPORT of that character, is alive and well Today, and has been since the dawn of American programming... When will it end, or at least give way to a DIVERSE Savior complex??!?
Black Panther (2018)
Worth the hype!
I have to say, after all the hoopla (which I was growing tired of), Black Panther ranks for me as one of the best action movies of all time, 2nd only to Return of the Jedi (don't judge me), and even one of the best dramas. Was surprised by so much of this sort of "anti-hype" criticism. I believe some used to the typical super hero flick of Today, simply want pulse-pounding action every minute, with a few wise-cracks thrown in, and maybe half-decent lines delivered. This is different, and that old formula is so tired and played at this point in the MCU. This story, the special effects, the intrigue, and the action were all superb. However, what was truly phenomenal was the acting by such a massive cast. This just doesn't happen in action, let alone super hero flicks, even today. Those who refuse to see it for the racial reason or know people like that. Tell them it really is just that good beyond the racial make-up, then tell them a White hero actually figures prominently in the end, so don't fret... ;-)