Judas And The Black Messiah - Movie Review

Judas And The Black Messiah - Movie Review

Critics Score - 7 of 10

General Audience Score - 6 of 10

One of the most exciting trailers in recent memory was to a movie that nobody had heard of called Judas And The Black Messiah. That movie is now here. The excitement the trailer generates is palpable. But does the movie earn it the same?

PROS - This movie is based around the real life events of Fred Hampton, an articulate, motivating, influential leader in the Black Panther party in the late 60’s. Daniel Kaluuya portrays Fred in what is simply one of the finest performances of the year. We watch as Fred experiences and speaks out against the injustices and corruption in the law enforcement system. Kaluuya’s repeated delivery of the line “I am . . . a revolutionary!”, is utterly breathtaking. It will undoubtedly remain etched in the hearts and minds of many marginalized individuals and those that sympathize with them for years to come.


The acting across the board is next level in the film. Across from Fred is William O’Neal, played by Lakeith Stanfield, who infiltrates the Panther party while working for the FBI. Stanfield also does a spectacular job in portraying the conflicted character who bitterly spills the beans to the FBI on Fred’s every move. I love films based on true stories and must give the writing some credit here. Sadly I feel the acting and to a small extent the story carry this film as far as it’ll go.


CONS - I almost feel betrayed by the type of movie presented by the trailer. I watched it again after viewing the film and **spoliers** almost every piece of intense drama and action from the film is in the trailer. Even the scene at the very start with Stanfield jumping over the hood of a car. Gotta give the people hired to work on the trailer serious props.


This irresponsibility in deceiving the trailers audience is not the fault of the director and editor of this film. But it shows us what the film’s potential could have been. Because the pacing of this over 2 hour runtime really was a problem for me. The editing could have easily cut 12-18 minutes and offered us a tighter version that keeps the viewer more engaged in what is overall an interesting story.


SUMMARY - It is an very good film, one worth a watch for Kaluuya’s performance alone. But do not watch the trailer for this film if you have not already! Going in with an open mind will undoubtedly help you see past what potential lay at it’s feet. Sadly it leaves one wishing we’d spent a little less time with Judas and the Black Messiah.

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