Film adaptations add a layer of depth that most games do not offer. Since watching the Mario film, I now have a pocket full of extra information about most of the playable characters and their role/purpose. 

Video game adaptations have been on the rise, and from the perspective of a non-gamer, I am enjoying this trend. I have played Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. inconsistently for years. As much as the characters feel familiar, I never knew the story behind each of them. I could only assume each character’s connections to one another.

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” was just released this month and it was filled with jokes that landed, a simple timeless story and many Easter eggs from the video games that any fan can find. It is versatile, as any person could watch and enjoy the fun characters, the bright atmosphere, and the unique worlds. You don’t need to play the bundles of Mario games to sit, watch and escape into the movie. 

I think that TV adaptations add a layer of depth that most games do not offer. Since watching the Mario film, I now have a pocket full of extra information about most of the playable characters and their role/purpose. 

Many gamers do not like film or television adaptations of their favorite games, despite the high viewership and success. There is always a risk when bringing one thing into a new form of media – books and games are often adapted into movies or shows to bring them to a wider audience. 

A common goal companies aim to achieve is to reboot something to earn a profit. Warner Brothers announced that they are creating a new Harry Potter series, and Lionsgate announced they are creating a new Twilight series, both adaptations more faithful to the books. And while movie-to-TV series adaptations give audiences more screen time to focus on smaller, more detailed moments, I believe that the Mario movie has done the same for all of the games. The movie makes the world bigger, and gives audiences unforgettable moments that we’re not included in the game. 

Passion is what makes or breaks these adaptations. The companies creating these movies and shows want to please the fans. They want to create a sense of nostalgia for the things that came before, while creating something new that can grip a new generation of fans. 

In 2020, after delays, Sega released “Sonic the Hedgehog.” It was a live-action, “realistic” reimagining of the classic Sonic games. When the first teaser came out, fans were very vocal about their disappointment with the character design. Sonic ultimately did not look right. His features looked too human. Sega decided that it would be for the best to redesign Sonic and redo the movie to make the viewing experience better for fans. With a design that was more pleasing to the eye, it became the highest-grossing video game movie of all time, beat out in 2022 by its sequel. 

From a different perspective, I can understand the hesitancy in accepting something you love reimagined into something new. When I was younger, I hated when the books I loved were made into movies. I loved book series like “The Hunger Games,” “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” and “Divergent,” and was disappointed when parts of the books were left out. But when it comes to games, there is a lot of context-filling that happens when creating movies or shows. Even in story–based games like “The Last of Us” – HBO released its adaptation of the game this winter, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. The show has been praised for staying true to the original game while making small changes that make the story work for the screen. It leaves more room for suspense and character development.

Sometimes these adaptations work, and sometimes they fail. As with everything that has ever been released, there is always a risk. But for the chance to start a franchise, to connect with fans and give them a notable experience, it is most definitely worth it. The Super Mario Bros. franchise now has the ability to create new content that focuses on more characters and storylines. Ultimately, adaptations can be scary for loyal fans, but they introduce the stories we love to new fans.

When Captain Marvel was released in 2019, I was very excited. As a kid, I loved comics and I gravitated toward superheroes who were female or were people of color. Among that list was Captain Marvel. When it was announced that she would be getting her own movie, I was ecstatic. Brie Larson was casted to play the lead role, Carol Danvers, and it was expected that she would be the new face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Captain Marvel is back for her sequel titled “The Marvels.” When the trailer for the first movie came out, people were genuinely disappointed. I remember many fans saying that she doesn’t smile, saying Larson is too serious. While there were a million other things to pick through, no one saw the potential of Captain Marvel being a good movie. Many looked past the significance of a woman being the heart of this ever expanding universe – and are doing it once again with this sequel.

Just from the trailer, fans were acting as if they had seen the entire movie. In my view, until the movie is released, there should not be any criticism. A trailer of a movie only makes up two to three minutes of the entire film. For people to be angry over only two minutes speaks largely to the maturity of the audience. 

When it comes to female superheroes, there is always a loud opinion that comes from the male fan base. When “Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice” came out in 2016, Gal Godot became the modern actress to star as Wonder Woman. Upon getting her poster for the movie, many fans commented on her body, instead of her talent as an actress. They were critiquing her body type, from the presence of her muscles, to her bust, to the way she was dressed.

While none of those things matter in reference to the character, these things were blown out of proportion. Wonder Woman – and Captain Marvel – are not known for smiling, being motherly, or any other stereotypes perpetuated against women. In fact, they break most of those barriers, and challenge what it means to be a strong female protagonist in an action setting. 

Women don’t have to dress sexy. Nor do they have to show skin or be damsels in distress. They don’t need a love interest. They can lead teams; in fact, they can make up the entirety of a team. Black Panther showed that women – especially women of color – can lead armies. Wonder Woman showed that women don’t have to fit into expected molds. And Captain Marvel showed that women can succeed in male dominated spaces. Even comics are adapting, creating female superhero suits that are less restrictive and scandalous. Female characters don’t need to have just sex appeal – they can have personality, and their suits can represent that. 

Marvel is now releasing another female-focused movie, and the only people who seem to be upset about it are the traditional comic–loving fanboys. Although we have only received a teaser for the movie, it already looks like a fun adventure. Just because a film is made by women and has a predominantly female cast does not mean that it will be bad. 

The movie is directed by Nia DaCosta, a very accomplished Black female director. Having diversity and representation in movies, especially featuring strong women, is important as mentioned earlier. When it comes to real-life situations, it is incredibly important to recognize the power of women of color – even though that’s often controversial.

The term “wokeness” is now entering conversations about movies, TV and other types of media. While that term is recognizable in a political atmosphere, it is now entering conversation when it comes to casting for roles, and recognizing race, gender and sexuality in the media. This independent, headstrong character is now on a team with a teenager that idolizes her – as many real teenagers do. The teaser shows that they ultimately need each other. 

It is important to change the way women are represented in society, especially in cases where men and young boys can see women as equals. Seeing powerful, diverse women, who can work together and put aside their differences – like those in the Marvel universe – can continue to break down the molds of sexism and racism shared in our country. That is why representation is important. 

According to video game and popular culture website Game Rant, this trailer is the most disliked Marvel trailer on YouTube, with over 430,000 dislikes. If Captain Marvel is truly the heart of the MCU, then fans should be excited instead of expecting failure because she’s a woman – let the film speak for itself.

Television show “Abbott Elementary” has brought a fresh comedic tone that has not been seen on TV in a long time. “Abbott Elementary” is a new TV show that released its first episode Dec. 7, 2021. So far, the series has received a numerous amount of praise, including three Emmys and three Golden Globes. Currently, the show also has a certified fresh 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.  Its recognition is not surprising given the personal way it has reached its audience and the educational community. 

If compared to anything, “Abbot Elementary” feels like “The Office”. Hilariously, both shows are set in Pennsylvania. While it is not immediately clear why a documentary crew would want to focus so much time in such a quiet town like Scranton, “Abbot Elementary” makes this question clear from the get go. Shaky cameras and all, the characters of Abbott work tirelessly to keep their school running despite opposing forces and provide the most impactful education for the children in the Philadelphia community. It gives the spotlight to a group of elementary school teachers and their principal, as they work to overcome the low expectations of their community and the financial hardships that plague the school. 

The success of “The Office” started a documentary-styled renaissance. In past years, we have had shows such as “Modern Family” (2009), “Parks and Recreation” (2009) and “What We Do in the Shadows” (2019). This year, “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (2021) received an Oscar nomination with an outstanding performance by Jenny Slate. With “Abbott Elementary”, the documentary style seems like a personal choice. While being a comedic show, it sternly comments on what a struggling school system looks like despite the best effort from staff. This is a real issue that is not widely spoken about. While educational topics discussed in today’s stream of news are mainly the controversial curriculum or intruder safety, this show brings back the topic of school and faculty necessities. 

I also believe that “Abbott Elementary” has a level of heart and energy that “The Office” at times lacked. The tone of “The Office” felt more dreary; as these normal people found the light while working a boring day to day job, there was no grand motivation. Some characters worked to get promoted, yet there was no apparent personal growth in the group of characters. The joy of “The Office” came from the relationships of the characters. In contrast, the characters of “Abbott Elementary” really care about their jobs and the comedy comes from the human nature of making mistakes, and the level of love and respect each character has for one another. Not one character is safe from a learning moment, no matter the age or experience of the characters. And while it is amusing to see these characters try their absolute best and fail, it is even more entertaining to see them pick each other up, learn and move on. In essence, this show was made to make you feel good on the inside. It is more than the well timed punchlines and the occasional stares of distress into the camera. I think it also provides this feeling of hope that even in a system that works against you, if you have a community of people who care, you become invincible. In a community that may seem misunderstood or invisible the documentary style helps stimulate this feeling of awareness, especially in these realistic circumstances. 

The show can be personal to different audience members in a number of ways. For me, pride in community is what makes this show special. When I’m not at college, I live very close to Philadelphia, and just by watching this show, I feel like I am home. There is real knowledge about Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, and every now and then there are references I will pick up on that no one else gets. This makes the atmosphere feel authentic, while painting Philadelphia in a beautiful light. Anyone can relate to having such a tight feeling of community and a deep pride in your city. There is also this love for Philadelphia sports teams that is not shown anywhere else on television. It is refreshing to see a new perspective about the areas I grew up close to, and it is exciting it is getting recognized in a memorable way.

I think the show unintentionally takes audience members back to when they were in elementary school. The essence of the staff of the show felt very reminiscent of my teachers growing up. Sheryl Lee Ralph’s character, Mrs. Barbara Howard, reminds me of the warmth my teachers provided me growing up. There is this intense feeling of deja vu, especially with some of the scenarios the school and the staff are placed in. It amazes me that even though this is a fictional school, so much about the atmosphere feels real. That is most certainly what the show has done right in my eyes. I believe a show, especially with this style, does its job when the audience forgets the cameras are there.

Lastly, the show picks up all teachers and uplifts them in an impactful way. As a college student looking back on my educational experience, I have nothing but gratitude for the teachers who taught me how to be a good person. I was lucky enough to have been taught by good people, who put themselves into their work. “Abbott Elementary” reminds us of that gratitude. We as an audience get to see the depths these teachers go in order to give their students a good educational experience. It sparks up another debate: teachers deserve so much more than they are getting. They put their hearts and souls into each lesson, and they have a real impact on the students they teach. 

The show feels formulated, but in a way that does not feel over done or draining. More impressively, each episode is only 20 to 30 minutes long and so much can be taken from each episode. There are so many moments that were crafted with so much passion, thanks to the genius of creator and star, Quinta Brunson. “Abbott Elementary” is a timeless show, as the issues it presents are not new. With the reintroduction on these issues, one can remain hopeful of its impact.

Although all things must come to an end, I didn’t think I would have ever witnessed the end of Sierra Mist soda in my lifetime. Although the strategy to pull Sierra Mist off the shelves may have been a brilliant idea for PepsiCo, as a consumer this revelation surprised me. 

The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo are extremely competitive, especially when it comes to their sodas. Each of their sodas act as substitutes for their rival. Different vendors, companies, and schools endorse either Coca-Cola Company or PepsiCo products. Restaurants such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Subway and Chick-fil-A endorse Coca-Cola Company. For that reason, they sell drink options that include Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and Powerade. On the other hand, restaurants including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken serve PepsiCo products. UMaine dining also falls into that category. PepsiCo products include Crush, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Gatorade and now Starry Lemon Lime soda.

This is not the first time the lemon lime soda has gotten a rebranding for popularity reasons. According to USA Today, PepsiCo tried to replace Sierra Mist in 2016 with a similar soda called Mist Twist. When that business venture failed, PepsiCo decided to revert back to Sierra Mist. Sierra Mist has sustained the market for 24 years, and now, once again, its time has ended. 

In a Bloomberg poll that explored popular sodas in the United States, out of 10 drinks, Sierra Mist placed last, showing only 0.1% of Americans prefer Sierra Mist. Coca-Cola is the most popular with 16.6%, and Sprite holds 7%. With this information, it is easy to understand why PepsiCo believed that starting from scratch was the best approach.

Starry is now being advertised in a new light. UMaine’s Bear’s Den is showcasing the new soda, as students are checking out with their meals. The new caffeine-free beverage is now the official soft drink of the NBA and the WNBA. 

“The NBA family and PepsiCo have a tremendous track record of finding new and meaningful ways to engage our fans, and bringing the success we’ve built with PepsiCo’s portfolio of brands to STARRY through NBA All-Star is a fitting way to introduce the product to the public,” said Tara Mulcahy, head of marketing partnerships at the NBA. 

In addition, Pepsi just released a commercial with Keke Palmer trying and loving the new soda, with Tyresse Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers point guard, commenting in the background. 

When in the Memorial Union, I gave Starry a try. Starry stands out from Sprite while boosting the level of sweet lemon flavor in a Sierra Mist. It gives the freshness of a sprite, yet has a unique twist. While the name has not grown on me yet, I do think that it can compete well with Sprite. I also believe that creating a new drink instead of just trying to recreate the flavor of Sprite will be advantageous. I think with this new drink consumers have a new type of flavor to crave.

Though it is thrilling to see the birth of a new drink, I also suspect that Sierra Mist will be missed like all things that end. I believe that Sierra Mist worked as the perfect substitution for Sprite taste-wise. In that regard, I think that the availability and convenience of Sierra Mist will be missed. 

It is Black History Month, and while this is a time when history is meant to be taught and remembered, there has been a recent effort to hinder the knowledge of certain events, people and movements. In the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many others, there has been an influx of content about the constant struggles of African Americans. Children’s books are being published that introduce children to ideology involving anti-racism, self-love and social equality. 

While it feels like America is trying its hardest to move past this age of racism and inequality, there have been a select few who push back on these efforts. As a kid, the importance of reading was preached over and over again. As an adult, it’s heartbreaking that this fundamental activity is being attacked in educational spaces.  

There are many books written by brilliant authors who share unique perspectives on the world around us. Many of these books carry stories that provoke a way of thinking that may be critical for youth when understanding the complexities of race, sex and gender. All of these big ideas play critical parts in everyday life, and it is important for all people to comprehend them. This understanding starts at a young age, and for that knowledge to be taken away by school boards and politicians will only cause detriment to the future of our country. 

There is a long list of books that government officials deem too mature or indecent for the youth. These books will soon be taken off of school library shelves. When children reach a certain age, they are able to handle certain ideas but only when they learn enough at a younger age to connect the pieces. 

African American history has always felt separate from American history. If and when we decide that the two are synonymous, these books won’t seem very terrifying. Among the books being banned are “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood and “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson.

“The Bluest Eye” is also among the many books that have been banned in Southern schools. It was written by Toni Morrison in 1970 and follows a young Black girl and her many troubles during the Great Depression. For any student to follow the premise, they must understand the dire economic circumstances that affected families all around the world during the Great Depression. They must also understand the situation African Americans were in during the 1940s. Segregation and discrimination were normal during this period of time, and the Civil Rights Movement was at its inception. While it is a fictional story, it carries many realistic circumstances aimed at making readers uncomfortable. People should feel uncomfortable with the darkest parts of our history and with the benevolent actions of antagonists. But just because something is unpleasant does not make it wrong. In fact, it should conjure up feelings of inspiration that force us to aspire to be better, more open minded and conscientious.

While some people view the banning of these books as a result of rotten content, I believe that it comes from a fear of letting in diverse voices. There is a fear of the breaking down and condemnation of traditional values. Among those values is the persistent effort to persuade the American people that United States history revolves around maintaining a heroic or patriotic narrative.

Context matters. It feels like politicians are actively targeting the resources that provide essential context. How are people supposed to understand the struggle of women, African Americans and LGBTQ+ people now if they are not taught the history? 

Megan Murray Cusick, deputy director of state advocacy at the American Library Association, spoke to ABC news about the consequences of banning books. 

“[These consequences include] … loss of engagement in school, self-efficacy in reading skills, in terms of engagement between caregivers and children on important issues, in terms of empathy and understanding of people who have very different backgrounds or experiences than we do,” Cusick said.

It is unpatriotic of our country to hinder the factual teachings of this country. How can a country value education when there are crucial ideas not being taught? We are now at a point where certain curriculums are being banned. College Board received heavy criticism for their recently released outline for their AP African American studies course. In order to appease the views of Ron DeSantis and other members of the GOP, College Board decided to strip away most topics. 

“If anything, the arguments over the curriculum underscore the fact that the United States is a country that cannot agree on its own story, especially the complex history of Black Americans,” a New York Times article said.

History has always been written by the people with the most power, yet when African Americans have the ability to share their perspective, they are shut down. Their truths become controversial and then deemed too mature or too indecent to teach. This is not a controversy of what has happened, but a debate on whether we should share it. According to CBS, during the 2021-2023 school year, over 1,600 books were banned from schools. The Nation even reports that Florida teachers feel a need to hide their unapproved books out of fear of facing a five year jail sentence. 

In a country where minorities only get a month to commemorate their history, it is important that throughout that period, we make an effort to understand each other. Education is the cornerstone to our society. 

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward,” Martin Luther King Jr once said. 

That is exactly what we must do for all things that matter, even if there are people who are willing to push back. 

Will Smith will forever be a household name. He earned his popularity through an early career start with “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1996). He has grown in his acting journey by starring “Men in Black” (2002), “Shark Tales” (2004), “The Pursuit of Happiness” (2006), “Suicide Squad” (2016) and more. Juggling a mixture of comedic and serious roles, Smith has proved himself to be a capable actor. In 2019, Smith announced that he was starring as Richard Williams in a biopic called “King Richard,” which is about the early start of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams and their legacy that ensues.

“He’s [Richard Williams] very similar to my father in some ways. I understood what it meant to feel brutalized by the world and to have a dream that nobody believes in but you, and you’re not going to let that deter you. I got the heart of him,” Smith said in an interview with USA Today. 

Through all of this time, his name has sparked positivity and pride. Smith could do no wrong, because we could see no flaws in him. Even considering how vocally vulnerable his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, has been on a number of subjects including their marriage, Smith did not seem to have many flaws. He has always been supportive of his family and the people close to him.

Smith was nominated for best actor for the 94th Oscars. He had been nominated two times previously for his role in “Ali” (2001) and “The Pursuit of Happiness” (2006). He had never won the award. Before his category was announced, Chris Rock took the stage to reveal the winner for best documentary. Before announcing the winner, Rock decided to recite a few jokes about audience members who attended the ceremony. Rock made a joke that commented on Pinkett-Smith’s hair style. 

“Jada, I love you, ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it,” Rock said. 

Despite initially laughing at the joke, Smith took a look at his wife, who looked unamused. Then he decided to walk up onto the stage and slap Rock across the face. 

“Keep my wife’s name out of your f——- mouth,” Smith said after sitting down. 

People had mixed reactions after the fact. According to The Telegraph, actors such as MJ Rodriguez, Tiffany Haddish and Jason Momoa supported Smith initially, because they saw a husband defending his wife. Many others felt disgusted by the occurrence or did not know what to think of the controversy.

Pinkett-Smith has a skin condition called alopecia. This condition causes hair loss and there is no cure. To compare Pinkett-Smith’s condition, a situation where baldness was not a choice, to a character who was required to shave her head while serving in the military, was tasteless. Despite the poor joke, that was no excuse for Smith to slap Rock on stage. In the rush of the moment, Rock was praised for keeping his composure. He bounced back after being slapped and announced the winner.

Smith did win his Oscar thereafter. A moment that should have felt triumphant was overshadowed by his confrontation with Rock. Questlove won the Oscar for best documentary for his film “Soul of Summer” directly after the slap. Smith’s lack of self-control affected other winners’ nights. Smith says Questlove’s face still haunts him, and no apology could make up for stealing his moment. 

Smith has been mostly quiet for almost a year following the controversy. He wrote a formal apology on Instagram a day after the incident. A couple months later, he posted a video in a Q&A format. He apologized to Questlove, Rock, and Rock’s mother and family. He also apologized to Pinkett-Smith, who was villainized after the slap after being suspected of swaying his decision to assault Rock. 

“I spent the last three months replaying and understanding nuances and the complexities of what happened in that moment … there is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment,” Smith said. 

More time has passed, and Smith has emerged back into the spotlight to promote his new movie “Emancipation,” which can be streamed on Apple+. He is already receiving Oscar buzz about his portrayal of Whipped Peter. The story is based on the journey of a slave escaping slavery. Peter has a scarred back from being whipped, which was photographed and distributed to showcase the horrors of slavery. There is speculation that the photo created a stir and that it might have been one of the causes of the Civil War.

As he is in the spotlight, he is being interviewed for the first time since the last Oscars. People are eager to gain insight on his journey since the infamous moment.

It is my hope that the slap will not be brought up every time he makes a movie. One action should not define who a person is. Smith had a misstep. I believe that the slap showed his flaws as a human being to the public for the first time in a long time. Smith resigned from the academy soon after the slap and was banned from the Oscars for 10 years. He has apologized multiple times, and he has taken the time and space to grow and heal.

I believe that Smith brought forth a conversation that needed to happen. We needed to understand that it is important to work through our flaws. The emotions that we keep inside can one day boil over. Also, I believe that we hold celebrities to an impossible expectation. We expect them to be perfect or to know better. I believe Smith set the best example by recognizing that he was wrong, accepting his punishment and aiming to do better.

The world has spent time digesting the incident. I believe that it is acceptable to take more time to discuss the slap, especially as the next Oscars ceremony is approaching. But after, I do not feel that it is relevant. I understand that not all of Smith’s fans may see him in the same light again, and may refrain from watching “Emancipation.” But because he has received his punishment from the academy, I do not believe that there is anything else he owes us.

My hope for Smith is that he continues to work on himself, not for his fans but for himself. I believe that the instance that occurred during that Oscars ceremony should not overshadow the brilliant work he has done in the past. It merely shows that Smith is an imperfect person in an environment that expects perfection. He does not deserve to be canceled for a misjudgment of emotion. If this happens more than once, then it’s an entirely different story. 

Smith seems sorry, not for public approval, but rather for the underlying effect his actions have had on his community and the people he loves. Trevor Noah sat down with Smith on The Daily Show on Monday. This was his first interview discussing the slap. 

“That was a horrific night … and [at] the end of the day, I just lost it … you just never know what somebody’s going through … and I was going through something that night. … Not that it justifies my behavior at all,” Smith said. 

At this point, the only person who can meaningfully accept his apologies is Rock. There is no doubt that this occurrence has in some way traumatized Rock. He has been relatively silent since the slap. His acceptance of Smith matters more than any fan’s.

Smith is the type of actor who wants to make movies that empower Black people. I believe that he would have never intentionally slapped Rock knowing the consequences. I am sure he fears he’s failing the Black community. Smith mentions how picky he is when choosing his roles.

“In the early part of my career … I didn’t want to show Black people in that light. I wanted to be a superhero. So I wanted to depict Black excellence alongside my white counterparts. I wanted to play roles that you would give to Tom Cruise,” Smith said in a GQ interview. 

With this much passion, it is expected that Smith will not let this situation deter him. We should wait to see if Rock accepts Smith’s apology, not wait until the Oscars ban is over. Hopefully Smith will move forward and upward from this one-time low.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” portrays what no other Marvel film has: how grief can affect a community. This film hasn’t left my mind even days after viewing, and any film that succeeds in provoking this level of thought and emotional reactions is one I consider a success. This movie invites audience members into its world and to participate in its story about life and loss alongside the characters. 

The movie is a powerful tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who passed away from colon cancer at the age of 43 in August of 2020. He was best known for his role as King T’Challa, the Black Panther. His death was unexpected and no one, not even those close to him, knew of his diagnosis. 

Going into this movie, I knew the experience was going to be an emotional one. I, like many others, looked up to Boseman. He was an actor who understood the power of representation on the big screen. Most of the stories he participated in telling were not often given the time to be shared properly. He breathed life into Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall in movies involving struggle, determination and Black pride. His presence in Black Panther was wide reaching. He played the thoughtful T’Challa, who always chose the noble action no matter what. Boseman played a believable leader and hopeful king to his kingdom, fellow Avengers and closest allies. Boseman’s passion ignited every scene he was in and he brought a sensation of hope that seemed to bounce off of the actors around him.

Audiences were able to love not only the world of Wakanda, but also the people who were passionate about building this world. There was so much detail when it came to fashion, culture, music and even technology in this fictional world. For once, Black audiences felt like they were a part of something. Walking out of the theater after “Black Panther,” audiences left with a deep sense of love and pride. Like any other fan, I was excited to see what they would do with these characters in the future.

Boseman’s absence in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” felt unsettling. There were moments I wished T’Challa could embrace the characters who were struggling and all would be better. 

The film at times did not feel like it was connected to the first “Black Panther.” While the film had many of the amazing characters from the first movie, like Shuri, Okoye, Nakie and M’Baku, on top of having the same director, Ryan Coogler, and costume designer, Ruth E. Carter, something was missing. Wakanda was the same country, but the spark that made the original “Black Panther”’ so amazing was gone.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” ended Marvel’s fourth phase after its “Infinity Saga.” After reflecting on all of the films and shows that have been released these past two years, starting with “WandaVision” (2021), the overwhelming theme has been about grief and legacy. We have seen these big characters, like Iron Man and Captain America, shine on the screen for years now. Phase four has been about passing down the mantle and navigating room for a legacy. Paul Bettany’s character Vision says it well in the series “WandaVision.” 

“What is grief, if not love persevering?” he said. 

For me, this quote is an explanation of why “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has resonated with me the way it has. 

Characters have felt grief in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) before, but it always felt short lived. Grief has always felt like a convenient tool to give a character a quick motive, or to add a level of mystery or drama to a sequence. There was always the possibility that characters could be resurrected from the dead or might have not been dead at all. This pattern usually took away from the emotion I felt as an audience member when watching Marvel movies because there was always a possibility we might see that character again. Loki has been presumed dead four times, but Marvel always found a way to bring him back. Death never felt permanent in this universe because there was always another option. 

In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” we were not only mourning T’Challa, but also Chadwick Boseman. There was no resurrection or redemption. There was no mystery or plot twist. Both of them were truly gone, and there was nothing anyone could say or do to change that fact. In the movie, T’Challa passes from an undisclosed illness. His sister, Shuri, played by Letitia Wright, stretches her resources to search for a cure and ultimately fails to find an answer in time.  

It felt like all of the characters in the movie were walking alongside the audience in their journey of grief. The film allowed us to digest this unspeakable loss. Despite the difficult feelings of sadness, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” treats death as a celebration. The people of Wakanda wear white, which is a color of life and purity, when bidding farewell to their king.

In the MCU, it’s a popular sentiment that members from Wakanda have expressed before. Our introduction to T’Challa in “Captain America: Civil War” shows him talking about how death is a new beginning. 

Originally, I thought he was only talking about the soul who had passed, transitioning to the afterlife. But after watching “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” T’Challa’s death sparks a new beginning for Shuri and the nation of Wakanda.

The film focuses more specifically on Shuri’s construction of grief. She is unable to let go of her brother and simply tries to ignore reality by making herself busy with work. Namor, played brilliantly by Tenoch Huerta, is introduced in the movie as the new villain. He plays an effective role by forcing her to understand the power of grief, and what it might inspire after succumbing to it. In the first Black Panther film, T’Challa faces the pressure of trying to be the great king his father was. Similarly, this movie focuses on Shuri finding her place in the universe without the presence of her brother. 

Marvel ends phase four giving audiences a clear answer on who might be the leaders of the MCU in the future. The ending of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” gave me that same hope and excitement of the future as its predecessor did. The movie made me cry more than once while viewing. Marvel offered audiences an invitation to be vulnerable within a community that loved and respected Boseman. This movie felt like a film that audiences could take instruction and inspiration from. It offers a different perspective on grief that might offer counseling to audience members going through similar situations. There was so much heart and emotion that was put into making this film, something Boseman would definitely be proud of. Rhianna’s new song “Lift Me Up” was played at the end of the movie. Repeated throughout the song is a phrase that fits well with the idea of grief. 

“Lift me up, hold me down, keep me safe, safe and sound,” Rhianna sings. 

The song offers comfort to those who are mourning. It displays a message that someone who is lost is not truly gone. They are always with you.  

Boseman helped create this beautiful realm where people of color could see themselves as warriors, kings and queens. As long as more stories are told about the characters of Wakanda, I believe a part of him will remain throughout the project. He is gone, but will still live in our hearts forever.

Slavery is a touchy subject and it makes a lot of people uncomfortable and defensive. A video posted to social media of a Civil War reenactment highlighted two Black men dressed up in tattered clothing and chains. Other attendees saw their attire and believed they were not taking the event seriously and their apparel was not historically accurate. They received comments from attendees about their attire. 

“We don’t represent this part of history,” one woman said.

What did she mean with this quote? As a Black woman, it feels as though she was trying to deny that slavery had anything to do with the Civil War, that it was a myth and that the only part of the war worth acknowledging was the bloodshed between gray and blue. The cause and reason for fighting did not matter.

Slavery does not deserve to be ignored, parodied or whitewashed. History, the good and the bad, should be taught the way it happened. Slavery should not be called anything other than what it is. 

In 2015, textbooks still referred to slaves as “workers” and “immigrants.” The definitions of those words are not synonymous with what enslaved people had to deal with during the United States’ history. Slaves were taken from their homeland, auctioned as property and worked until death. Workers are people who receive compensation for their efforts and immigrants willfully move from one country to another. Immigrants and workers are not tortured or killed for being defiant or underworking. They are not forced to reproduce or submit to violence and rape. Above all, they are not killed for attempting to escape. 

An article in the Texas Tribune from June 2022 reports a decision made by the Texas State Board of Education. 

“A group of Texas educators have proposed to the Texas State Board of Education that slavery should be taught as ‘involuntary relocation’ during second grade social studies instruction,” the article said. 

In 2020, Senator Tom Cotton made a controversial statement regarding slavery. 

“[Slavery is] the necessary evil upon which the union was built,” Cotton said. 

Yes, slavery was necessary for economic growth in the United States, and therefore its effects are still representative in our economy now. But the term “necessary” implies that despite what these people had to go through, all of the pain and trauma had to happen for this country to prosper. According to History.com, slavery started in 1619 and was abolished in 1865 after the Civil War through the passing of the 13th Amendment. For a system to have thrived for that long, it’s inevitable that there would be repercussions. 

Despite the existence of the 13th Amendment, most states have found ways around it. This past midterm election cycle, the issue of slavery was on the ballot for some states. According to CBS News, Tennessee has only just now banned all forms of slavery. 

“Slavery and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an inmate from working when the inmate has been duly convicted of a crime,” the new legislation reads. 

According to the Rolling Stone, four states — Tennessee, Alabama, Vermont and Oregon —  completely outlawed slavery as punishment. For some unforeseen reason, Louisiana voters decided that slavery still remains legal in the state.

It feels like African Americans are always waiting for freedom and justice when it is long past due. When we talk of our struggles and our history, it is immediately minimized. People try to argue that racism does not exist or that slavery was a long time ago. Even when African Americans were declared free, it took two years for the word to fully get out to the public. This is why African Americans celebrate Juneteenth. It is a celebration that commemorates the freedom of all slaves. 

In 2019, Nikole Hannah-Jones created the 1619 Project in collaboration with the New York Times. The New York Times describes the project and its goals with a simple statement. 

“The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. It aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative,” the article said. 

It does this in a way that many textbooks have failed to explain. The 1619 Project is a collection of essays that dissects different areas of American history. The project is now a published book and a podcast. 

The same history should be taught in all states. There are points of history and important people that deserve more of a spotlight. There has been a lot of controversy about teaching children the full extent of American history. People don’t want their children to feel villainized or guilty because of the actions of their ancestors. Despite this concern, I don’t believe that history deserves to be sugar coated, because the actions of our ancestors do not reflect our individual worth and integrity. No one should hold any guilt for the actions of their ancestors, but they should know that those actions have an impact on others.

There are good and bad sides of people today, and I believe that it is important to showcase that this has not changed. If we are to grow as a society, we must learn from the mistakes of our past, no matter how ugly it might have been. History has the answers. 

For me, there is no such thing as Black history. I believe this terminology is another way in which we separate and divide ourselves. I believe that Black history is American history. America is the land of the free and home of the brave. African Americans have fought for freedom for a long time, and in many ways we are still fighting. From Nat Turner and his rebellion, to Reverend Martin Luther King and his movement to George Floyd and his memory — African. 

One of the best things about being an adult is that even though I do not have to take required history classes anymore, I still enjoy learning. I can still add more knowledge to my arsenal. History has the ability to light a fire within you and inspire you to fight for tomorrow. Stories are now being told and people whose stories once lived in the shadows are getting their credit and recognition. 

It is important for us to know who Emmett Till was and how he was lynched for looking at a white woman. A movie is now being released about the aftermath of his death. 

It is important for us to know about the Black female scientists who helped a man get to the moon, whose story was told in the movie “Hidden Figures.” 

It is important to understand the deep significance of Barack Obama becoming the first African American President of the United States, as seen in Lee Daniels’ “The Butler.” 

It is important to understand that our actions now will soon be reflected in the history books.

If we continue to deny our history, we will never know unity and peace. If anything, we should be able to look back upon our history and triumph over how far we have collectively come. United we stand, divided we fall.

Visual aesthetics has always been a valid element to consider when critiquing movies. If the visuals look silly and unrealistic, the entire movie could become off putting, no matter how well written the story is. We have entered a stage in cinema where the majority of the time, computer generated imagery (CGI) creates special effects. This allows artists to use software to produce effects on a film that cannot be created by hand, whether it be creating an explosion in an action sequence or animating a talking blue hedgehog that can run superfast. Despite CGI being so widely used, it is expensive, and it requires a team of artists to grind until the film’s conclusion. 

The first movie to blend CGI and live action capabilities was 1973’s “Westworld.” Through time, CGI has improved immensely and expanded the space in which impossible stories can now be told. With the mix of practical effects, handmade props and sets, movies such as “Star Wars: A New Hope” (1977) and “Tron” (1982) came to life. But artists began to truly seize the power of CGI in the late 90’s and 2000’s. Audiences could enter the digitalized world of “The Matrix” (1999). We could travel to far distant worlds in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2002). Then CGI had the ability to build a world from the ground up, and turn human beings into realistic aliens with “Avatar” (2009). From then on, the power of CGI has remained a fascinating spectacle that has allowed audiences to be fully immersed in the world they are viewing.

Recently, fans and critics are beginning to point out that the quality of CGI in movies is decreasing. If the craftsmanship of CGI is inherently getting better, why is there now a decline in visual aesthetic? Creating a product that can be consumed by millions of people on a strict deadline can be stressful. 

Socially, there has been a recent initiative for people, businesses included, to take mental health into more consideration. From experience, I can attest that when stressed, one cannot produce their best work. There has been a recent outpour of support for the artists who are working on these big budget blockbuster films under strict deadlines while struggling to make ends meet. 

Dhruv Govil, a 3D artist who has worked on multiple Marvel Studios films such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Spiderman: Homecoming,” tweeted a message on July 10, 2022 that generated a lot of discussion.

“Working on #Marvel shows is what pushed me to leave the VFX industry. They’re a horrible client, and I’ve seen way too many colleagues break down after being overworked, while Marvel tightens the purse strings,” Govil tweeted. 

If Marvel can ignore the mental health of their employees, one can imagine how other studios are treating their artists.

Creating a movie is expensive, and on top of that, creating special effects for a movie is where the bulk of the budget tends to go. According to This Answer, CGI could cost up to $34-79 million for the post production of a film, which equates to $570,000 spent per minute. For such an expensive task, the expectation would be for the finished product to be visually appealing. If there is so much money being put into a movie or show, why are artists complaining about being underpaid and overworked? 

Govil states in a separate tweet that the artists working behind the scenes of these big movies get paid less than 1% of any actor’s salary. VFX artists deserve more credit in the industry, especially when faced with impossible tasks set with strict deadlines. With these big studios that are worth millions, there should be no issue in increasing the pay for these artists who are essential for the success of a film.

Because of Govil, the culture at Marvel Studios is now being placed under a microscope, as artists are exposing the toxic work environment. Fans are beginning to make the connection between the mistreatment of the artists to the poor quality of CGI. Creating visual effects is time consuming, and if artists are rushed the end result is not going to look fully completed. Marvel’s latest additions to their cinematic universe have made fans disappointed when it comes to the special effects in their new movies and TV shows. 

Marvel has just come out with “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” followed by “Thor: Love and Thunder.” On top of the releases of those two movies, Marvel has also released back-to-back TV shows including “Moon Knight,” “Ms. Marvel” and “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” There have been moments in each of these productions where audience members can point out the cringy CGI moments that can make the viewing experience awkward. 

These awkward instances on screen are known as the uncanny valley, which is when the brain can decipher what is actually real and what is trying to be real. Computer generated images in the uncanny valley usually stir up feelings of disgust and unease. We have seen Marvel create masterpieces like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” They have produced many CGI-dependent movies such as “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Ant-Man” and “Dr. Strange,” and were praised for their effects. It is disappointing to see Marvel take steps backward, just so they can release more and more content.

Instant fan satisfaction has become the answer for many studios who want to keep their audiences subscribed to their platform. In the studio’s mind, quantity takes precedence over quality. That is how Marvel has operated for the past year as they release content back to back. This strategy is not working, but despite this, they have just released their line up for the next couple of years. Because of this eagerness, I believe their content is suffering for it. 

There is a history of studios bending to meet the satisfaction of fans that inherently creates more stress on their workers. For example, when “Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020) first came out with a teaser trailer, audiences revolted in horror at the design of the beloved character. People were used to seeing the character with more cartoon-like features. Although Paramount was aiming for a more realistic approach to Sonic, the attempt did not sit well with fans. They were not expecting the beloved character of Sonic to sport human-like teeth, defined muscles and long legs. Ultimately, because of the negative reviews of the character design, the studio decided to redo the film entirely, giving Sonic a new look. Marvel has been prone to do this as well, fixing visual effects while a movie is still in theaters, or even when it is streaming on Disney +. Marvel is even guilty of not notifying their artists when there is a deadline change in the case of the “Avengers: Infinity War” film’s release date being moved up.  

There has been a meme circulating social media that contemplates the difference between the computer effects in the early 2000’s versus what effects look like today. When used in the proper way CGI has the capability to create new worlds that look and feel realistic, and at times magical. It can create the most fascinating characters or the most creepy monsters. It has gone far beyond the capabilities of what practical effects used to create. The fact that movies that came out over a decade ago have CGI that still has not aged at all really shows how the proper care and attention to detail can keep a movie timeless. Movies such as “Avatar,” “The Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Matrix” introduced audiences to a unique viewing experience. They remain stellar examples of what good CGI looks like. But those movies were well thought out, planned and had no rush to be released. When a movie or series is released the critiques should not focus on the visual effects but rather the story they support.

Artists truly deserve better working conditions. I believe that this is the right time for them to unionize and fight for proper pay and better hours. If you look at the credits for any movie or show, there are so many people who have contributed to it. Without these people who work behind the scenes, no matter how well an actor performs, there is no magic to support them. What is a magic show without magic?