The Revolution Won’t Be Televised So What Makes You Think It Should be Streamed?

The influx of movies being made on famous revolutionaries is feeling like a way for Hollywood to dilute their impact.

Like many people, I was too excited when I saw that Ryan Coogler was producing a film on Fred Hampton and the FBI spy William O Neal, who helped Cointel Pro assassinate him in December 1969. The trailer for Judas and the Black Messiah had me amped, and the soundtrack had me excited too, especially when I saw that Nipsey Hussle and Jay-Z had a song together. But when I actually got to the movie and heard the song, I realized that something was off. It felt good to see Fred acknowledged, but the victory felt hollow. Like we won in the eyes of the consumer, but lost in spirit. Like justifying being wealthy went against the spirit of what he stood for.

I kept my thoughts to myself, but couldn’t help but agree with critics who felt as if the cinematography and acting couldn’t overshadow how underwhelmed we were with the movie overall. I don’t doubt the story or the authenticity of the script, but what made this movie the movie for Hollywood to ride with? When did it become cool for businesses to invest in our stories the way they are now? Before you say I’m tripping, think about it: There’s going…