The American Society of Magical Negroes - A Wayward Satire

The American Society of Magical Negroes [2024]

Film

During a college lecture tour in 2001, Spike Lee coined, or brought the term into a higher level of social awareness, the "Magical Negro." He was specifically referring to the perpetuation of certain stereotypes regarding supporting characters of color. Namely, characters such as Bagger Vance (Will Smith) in The Legend of Bagger Vance, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan) in the Green Mile, and Cash (Don Cheadle) in The Family Man to mention a few. These characters are almost always in the right place at the right time, and in some literal cases use magic to help a leading white character resolve a conflict. While their is not always literally magic being used, the circumstances of the "Magical Negro" are not without fantastical elements. Showing up in a nick of time, coincidental introductions, and knowing everything about some niche subject concerning the lead character are all instances of some metaphysical breach in the narrative. It's almost as if writers didn't know how else to write in characters of color and simply, magically, dropped them in and had them hold all the secrets to everything.

The desire to satirize these stereotypes is what The American Society of Magical Negroes attempts to manifest. Written and directed by Kobi Libii the film centers on Aren (Justice Smith) a somewhat down on his luck artist who is introduced to a literal society of magical Black people by Roger (David Alan Grier). Using magic, this society works behind the scenes to assuage white peoples' discomfort to save the lives of BIPOC and other minorities.

Spinning the movie trope into a physical entity such as a full blown society is a wonderfully inventive piece of satire from Libii. Using almost Harry Potter-esque production designs of their "secret lair" is a nice visual element that aids in the history of this society being set so far back in time. As I mentioned, the creation of the society is a great satirization but to focus on how trivial some of the issues facing the clients, as disquieted white people are referred to, have to be resolved by magic is hilarious. Such as Aren's first client, a white police office (Tim Baltz) who quite frankly, doesn't feel cool anymore. So why not paint a portrait of absurdity around this outdated stereotype, challenge writers and the general public, to see that magically making a police officer get into a hip club so his self-esteem is intact, is outrageous? Moments like this in the film contain poignant messaging, in a satirical package that set the tone early for a good bit of fun.

The American Society of Magical Negroes [2024]

Unfortunately, what transpires afterwards doesn't have the thematic steam to fully dispel its titular topic. As soon as Aren embarks on his next assignment, the film devolves into a romantic comedy that is light years more scathing of the new age corporate world. Especially pointed at Silicon Valley corporations or tech startup culture. It not only makes little sense in the context of the society, but it also feels hollow. Even dishonest at times, when the film attempts to reroute back to the main point through Roger's guidance of Aren. But this results in Roger going from helping Aren in a journey of self discovery, to being relegated to a romance coach.

What's even worse is when Aren begins to have some character development, and I mean some very lightly, it's chopped off at the knees. Forced comedic bits from other tertiary characters are voiced over Aren's monologue, rendering whatever point he was making into a jumbled mess of nonsense. Hearing a part of his speech made me feel like we were back on track. Our main character is confronting his client on how he's diminishing his value as a person by limiting who he is to just his skin color. It was so close to being a 180 back to thesis that started this whole film. Alas, it was the speech that was never completely heard because apparently there needed to be a CE-bro saying 90% of his lines over this pivotal moment.

Unfortunately, The American Society of Magical Negroes didn't have the coherence to put together a solid piece of satire. In fact, it might be ending actually perpetuating its subject material stereotype more than confronting it.

Froth

For a movie that had so much promise, just an idea basically, which then fumbled its own plot I think a generally really good beer is required. One of my favorite beers here in Seattle is from Obec Brewing. One of the many breweries in the Ballard neighborhood but this one specializes in more European style brewing. Making delicious Czech style brews like Pilsners, Dark and Amber Lagers along with English Porters, Irish Reds, Belgian Dubbels and more. You really can't go wrong with anything. But I'm going with one of their flagship beers, the Granat. A Czech Amber Lager that is gorgeous in color, sweet to smell and delicately balanced in taste, the Granat is a sure fire favorite for anybody that enjoys any Amber style brew. Not to mention, Ambers are not a very common style around these parts so if you ever need that malty sweet fix, Obec has you covered with one of the very best.