Ryan Coogler is one of the most talented and visionary directors working in Hollywood today. With a career spanning just over a decade, he has already made a significant impact on the film industry, with several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films under his belt. In this article, we will take a closer look at every movie Ryan Coogler has ever directed.
Fruitvale Station
Firstly, "Fruitvale Station" is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Oscar Grant. He is a young black man who was fatally shot by a white police officer at a train station in Oakland, California, on New Year's Day in 2009. Specifically, the film follows the last 24 hours of Grant's life, exploring his relationships with his girlfriend, daughter, mother, and friends. Also, it shows his struggles with employment and past criminal behavior.
Positives:
- The film is a powerful and emotional portrayal of a real-life tragedy, and it succeeds in humanizing Oscar Grant and conveying the impact of his death on his loved ones and the community.
- The performances by the cast, particularly Michael B. Jordan as Grant, are excellent and bring depth and authenticity to the characters.
- Also, director Ryan Coogler's use of handheld camerawork and naturalistic lighting and sound design creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the viewer into the story.
Negatives:
- Some critics have argued that the film overly romanticizes Grant's life and portrays him as too much of a saintly figure while downplaying his criminal record and drug use.
- Also, others have criticized the film's portrayal of the police officers involved in the shooting as one-dimensional villains, rather than exploring the systemic issues that contributed to the tragedy.
- Some viewers may find the film's depiction of violence and death to be graphic and disturbing.
Creed
"Creed" is a 2015 sports drama film directed by Ryan Coogler. The movie follows Adonis Creed, the son of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. Specifically, tries to make a name for himself in the boxing world with the help of Rocky Balboa.
Positives:
- Coogler's direction is praised for bringing a fresh perspective to the "Rocky" franchise while still paying homage to its roots.
- The performances are highly praised, especially Michael B. Jordan's portrayal of Adonis Creed and Sylvester Stallone's return as Rocky Balboa, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- Also, the cinematography and boxing scenes were amazing. They had intensity and realism, making the audience feel like they are in the ring with the characters.
Negatives:
- But, some critics argue that the plot can feel predictable and formulaic, following the same structure as previous "Rocky" films.
- Others criticize the underdeveloped love interest, Bianca, played by Tessa Thompson, arguing that her character doesn't have enough screen time or development.
- Some fans of the "Rocky" franchise have criticized the film for not focusing enough on Rocky Balboa, feeling that the film was marketed as a "Rocky" film but is more about Adonis Creed's story.
Black Panther
"Black Panther" is a 2018 Marvel superhero film directed by Ryan Coogler. The film follows T'Challa, the king of the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda. He must defend his people and prevent a global war after the discovery of a powerful new element.
Positives:
- Representation: "Black Panther" was celebrated for its representation of Black culture and characters. The film featured a predominantly Black cast and crew, with Coogler being the first Black director to helm a Marvel film.
- Vision and Direction: Coogler's direction brought a unique vision to the superhero genre. Overall, the film's visual style and themes of identity, heritage, and social justice resonated with audiences and critics alike.
- Performances: The film's ensemble cast delivered powerful performances, with standout turns from Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, and Danai Gurira.
- Soundtrack: The film's soundtrack, produced by Kendrick Lamar and featuring contributions from various artists, was praised for its blend of traditional African music with modern hip-hop.
Negatives:
- CGI: Some critics felt that the film's visual effects were uneven, particularly in the climactic battle scene.
- Villain Motivations: Michael B. Jordan's portrayal of Erik Killmonger was amazing. But, some critics felt that his motivations as a villain were underdeveloped.
- Predictable Plot: Some felt that the film's plot was formulaic and predictable, particularly in its use of the hero's journey trope.
Space Jam: A New Legacy
Space Jam: A New Legacy is a 2021 sports comedy film with direction by Malcolm D. Lee and produced by Ryan Coogler. It is a sequel to the 1996 film "Space Jam" and stars LeBron James as himself. He teams up with the Looney Tunes to play a high-stakes basketball game against an evil algorithm in order to rescue his son.
Positives:
- The animation and special effects are impressive and visually stunning.
- Also, the film includes a variety of popular Warner Bros. characters and franchises, including DC Comics, Game of Thrones, and The Matrix.
- The soundtrack includes a mix of old and new songs that complement the film's energetic and fun vibe.
- The film's message about the importance of being true to oneself and embracing individuality is positive and empowering.
Negatives:
- But, the film's storyline and humor may feel too simplistic and aimed at a younger audience, which may disappoint older fans of the original "Space Jam."
- The film's product placement can feel heavy-handed and distracting at times.
- Some of the jokes and references may feel outdated or forced, particularly those related to social media and technology.
- The film's focus on LeBron James may feel self-indulgent and lack the charm and charisma of the original "Space Jam," which starred Michael Jordan.
Wakanda Forever (2022)
Coogler's latest project is the new movie "Wakanda Forever,". Also, it is a sequel to the blockbuster hit "Black Panther." Specifically, the film will pick up where its predecessor left off, exploring the world of Wakanda and its people following the death of T'Challa, played by the late Chadwick Boseman. Undeniably, Coogler's direction honors Boseman's legacy. Also, it pushes the story forward and introduces new characters and challenges for the people of Wakanda to face.
Positives
- The film has every bit of spirit and consistency as the previous film, Black Panther.
- Inclusivity remains a priority in the film.
- The presentation, as well as the soundtrack, is unique and riveting.
Negatives
- But, once again, the storyline seems predictable to adult audiences.
- CGI, while improved, still shows itself to be a crutch for the film.
Wrong Answer
"Wrong Answer" is an upcoming drama film directed by Ryan Coogler. The film is based on the true story of the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal that took place in the 2000s. Also, the script was written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and the film is set to star Michael B. Jordan in the lead role.
The cheating scandal involved several Atlanta teachers and administrators. Particularly, they were accused of inflating student test scores to meet academic standards and earn bonuses. The scandal received national attention. It was seen as an example of the flaws in the education system and the pressure teachers face to produce results.
Ryan Coogler is known for his socially conscious filmmaking and his ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and nuance. His previous films, including "Fruitvale Station," "Creed," and "Black Panther," have all explored important social issues and received critical acclaim.
Michael B. Jordan, who has worked with Coogler on multiple films, is known for his powerful performances and his commitment to socially conscious storytelling. He is expected to deliver another powerful performance in "Wrong Answer."
Also, the film is set to be produced by Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B. Overall, they have a history of producing critically acclaimed and socially conscious films. But, the release date for "Wrong Answer" has not yet been announced.
