Special Review from Tje Austin: In Get Out, The Hero Is The Black Guy

If you watch Get Out, "don't close your eyes." You might miss something grand.

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, the horror film Get Out, is definitely a hit, its opening weekend earning an impressive $30 million and change, while ruffling feathers of some who think the movie is unfairly racist towards white people.

*crickets*

For me, I was blown away by this thoughtful satire that directs the audience’s attention to the Black experience in America, while poking fun in a fresh, thrilling way that is resonating with audiences. At the same time, the film is affecting delicate sensibilities of many.

There are 66 pages of audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, some glowing, others accusing the film of having an “anti-white” agenda.

Here are a few excerpts:

Ray D.
 March 1, 2017
My reaction on leaving the theater was the creator had a great deal of hostility toward whites.

Tim H.
½ March 1, 2017
a racist movie with a bad plot.

John S.
½ February 28, 2017
You couldn’t make a more blatantly obvious “white people are evil” movie than this.


Sigh.

I am willing to bet they have no problem watching movies where the stereotypical Black male is perpetuated in the gang member, drug dealer, or convict roles. You won’t find that in this film.

We all know that in horror films, the Black character has a ticking clock counting down the seconds until they die. It’s like a running bad joke. 

Get Out makes a point to set itself apart. Picture this: Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) have reached the point in the relationship where it’s time to meet her parents, who are unaware she is dating a Black guy, but they voted for Obama, so it’s cool, right? Chris and Rose join them for a weekend visit, but something sinister lurks beneath the surface of the犀利士
ir welcoming smiles and open arms. Is it just paranoia, or is everyone too fascinated with being Black? And the few Black people within the community seem… different.

I won’t spoil this for you, but I enjoyed the film from start to finish. It’s a head nod to the fan rooting for the Black character to make it to the end. 

In Get Out, he is the hero. 

Let that sink in: The hero. 

Peele does an incredible job adding minor scenes, where I couldn’t help but shake my head or give serious side eye: Rose gets pulled over and the cop asks for Chris’ identification though he wasn’t the driver; or the immediate code switch when Rose’s dad meets Chris for the first time and inquires how long this “thaaang” has been going on.

The surprise comedic gem of this film comes from an unlikely place in best friend, voice of reason and TSA agent, Rod (LilRey Howery). He is the friend you want to have your back.

My favorite bonus is in the film’s soundtrack with “Redbone” by Childish Gambino, which urges listeners to “stay woke”.

And if you watch Get Out, “don’t close your eyes.” You might miss something grand.


Get Out is the Alamo Drafhouse Recommended Movie and is currently showing on all of their screens.

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