Panthers and Lions, oh my.

Last weekend I saw Black Panther. So so good. The acting was great, the costumes were amazing, the sets were beautiful, the music sublime. And the message. Such an important film to come out in this political and social environment. I love that a Marvel film is highlighting and addressing issues that need exposure. Granted director Ryan Coogler is also responsible for Fruitvale Station but I still think that speaks volumes.

Honestly, though, I'm not here to delve into controversial subjects. I have my own thoughts and feelings on these subjects and am happy to discuss but it's up to everyone to follow their own ideology.

What I do want to talk about, however, is how Black Panther reminded me of The Lion King. And oddly, when I got home from seeing BP (albeit it was a slightly boozy viewing but you all expect nothing less from me, yes?) The Lion King was on TV. Serendipity. What was less serendipitous was it being followed by The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride. But we'll get to that.

Meeee-ow!!

Simba is SO serious.

I was an adult when The Lion King was released but just like Simba, who couldn't wait to be king, I couldn't wait to see this movie! My boyfriend at the time and I had had a huge fight the morning it was released so as a "sorry I was a dick" gesture, he took me to see it that evening. This was a simpler time when you could decide that day to see a movie on opening night and you'd get in. Glory days. And even though I didn't see Black Panther the day it was released, I went to a theatre with a bar so that's a win in my book.

So here are my thoughts...

Compare and Contrast: The Lion King and Black Panther

Compare:

• I noticed that BP's art direction leaned toward warm colors (unlike many Marvel films), exemplified by the gorgeous landscapes of Wakanda. I loved it and it was the first thing that reminded me of LK. That opening shot with baby Simba. Warm colors, beautiful African landscape.
• Both Simba and T'Challa's fathers shape their paths. (To be clear, this was also a story point (cats and their dads!) years before in Kimba, the White Lion, a cartoon that came on before Speed Racer. I LOVED this show when I was little)
• Uncles play a big role.
• It's probably insulting to say that the gorgeous Black Panther soundtrack reminded me of the Lion King's music, but it did. I never claimed to be highbrow, people

Simba and Kimba in a weird "fan fic" moment

Contrast:

• While Simba's uncle was just a straight up bad guy, T'Challa's uncle had more nuance. He did some bad shit but he felt it was for the greater good. Plus - Sterling K Brown and tears. Kills me every time.
• NO ONE in The Lion King lives in Oakland, CA.
• The Lion King's depiction of females can't hold a candle to the magnificent women in Black Panther. The Wakanda warrior women KICK ASS.
• There was not one character in Black Panther that I could compare to Pumbaa or Timon. And really, when Timon dances the hula to distract the hyenas, it's a piece of cinematic brilliance.

Then there was The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride. 

If you haven't seen it, I'm just gonna say that I wouldn't be spouting about how proud I was if I were SImba.

(My drink pairing for Black Panther is a Moscow Mule at the Alamo Drafthouse bar, The Bull and the Bear (you should really have two). I don't know what magic they do to these drinks (something about the ginger) but they are the best I've ever had.)

My takeaways:

1. No matter where you go, it's good to be the king.  (Two of my favorite movie quotes mashed up. Can you identify them both?)

2. Is it clear that I really loved Black Panther? I can't wait for a sequel.

3. Apparently, I love a good father/son story.

xoxox...hashtagSueslife