Buckle up, buckaroos, because this one is gonna be good. The first official trailer for Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” dropped on May 14, the same day that the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and already the buzz is picking up to a dull roar.
We’re looking at Spike Lee in the driver’s seat as director and writer, Jordan Peele (“Get Out”) among the producers, and John David Washington alongside Adam Driver as our buddy cops taking on the KKK. Topher Grace stars as the David Duke, the KKK leader. I usually reserve the hype train for the latest Marvel release but all aboard! WOO WOO!!
To quote the trailer, “BlacKkKlansman” is based on “some fo’ real, fo’ real shit.” It focuses on the story of Officer Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), who led an ongoing investigation of the KKK and successfully infiltrated their ranks. The guy is worth a Google and is a larger-than-life character that I just know is going to play well on the big screen.
Strictly speaking from the trailer, the film looks like a good time. It’s keeping a bright and humorous tone but already does not shy away from the weight of the issues being discussed. It’s a timely piece that will, no doubt, only grow more popular following Cannes. Definitely one I’ll be watching for come awards season.
“BlacKkKlansman” is coming to theaters Aug. 10!
Caitlin is a lean, mean writing machine based in Austin, TX. Her love of film began when she was shown “Rosemary’s Baby” way too early in life. Bylines include The Financial Diet and Film Inquiry. Caitlin is a member of the Online Association of Female Film Critics and the Women Film Critics Circle.