Movie Review: BlacKkKlansman

Rating: 9/10 (6 April 2019)

The conversation around this film inevitably ends up at the closing few minuets. to get it out of the way I think the way this film wraps up was certainly a bold choice on Lees part that helps ground he movie in todays political climate and draws parallels between the struggles of the of the 70s and the struggles of today. This will alienate a lot of potential audience members but it is a Spike Lee film so you should know what you are in for.
The film proceeding the controversial short documentary is actually one of the most entertaining films I have seen all year and certainly isnt shy about tackling political and social issues head on. At times it can be tough to believe that this is a completely true story as the screenplay elegantly glides from one insane encounter to the next without ever flinching. As far as I can tell with my limited research this is a largely accurate retelling of the story and if that is the case then screenwriters Charlie Wachtel, David Rabinowitz, Kevin Willmott and director Spike Lee landed on a perfect story for Lees unique style. The influence of black cinema from the 70s is felt everywhere from the cinematography to the music gives the film a feeling of cool that not many modern films pull of.
If BlacKkKlansman is not up for at least one acting Oscar then I might just have to give up on trying to predict Oscar nominees. Adam Driver is the best he has ever been in a non Star Wars project, Topher Grace delivers an unsettlingly charming and perfectly threatening performance as Grand Wizard David Duke and John David Washington breaks out of his fathers shadow within seconds of screen time.
BlacKkKlansman is absolutely going to rank high on my best of the year list this year! this is a film that has to be seen.