Happy Friday MMT Fam! I went to bed last night wondering why I didn’t receive a screener for BLACK IS KING, the new musically visual journey directed by Beyonce,which premiered at 3 am this morning on Disney+. Then, lo and behold, I wake up and see an email with a…screener link!
Now, I don’t know how it’s considered a screener when it was sent the same time as the regular release, and I have a Disney+ subscription to boot. BUT, I’m smart enough not to complain about anything free…especially when it’s a great piece of art!
Here’s the synopsis: “Black Is King,” a visual album by 24-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Beyoncé Knowles-Carter based on the music of “The Lion King: The Gift,” reimagines the lessons from Disney’s global phenomenon for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns. “Black Is King” was in production for one year and features a cast and crew that represent diversity and connectivity. Filmed in various locations, the visual album’s cinematography captures beautiful people and landscapes across continents, starting in New York, then Los Angeles, South Africa, West Africa, London and Belgium. From all those places came an extraordinary cast of actors and dancers that influenced the visual album’s rich tableau and vibrant choreography. A celebratory memoir for the world on the black experience, “Black Is King” includes full-length videos for the song “My Power” and more.
Saying the cinematography is stunning is an understatement. The film is a visual ode to “everything black” and is a jubilant spectacle to the highest degree.
And with notable cameos, like Kelly Rowland, Pharrell Williams, Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong’o, and Jay-Z, Sir, Rumi and Blue Ivy (of course) to name a few, BLACK IS KING is an entertaining watch as well.
I must admit, I would not have gotten the Lion King references without the select voice cameos, lines from and knowledge of the animated story, but it didn’t distract from my watching. I would rate it 3.5 out of 5 on the MMTrometer.
BLACK IS KING is streaming now on Disney+. Check out the trailer below and sign up for Disney+ at the official website here.
Until next thought, Thomasena
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