Black Widow

Black Widow is the second-ever Marvel movie with a woman lead after Captain Marvel (2019). It’s also the first that was solely directed by a woman.

When it came out July 9, it got a great reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a critic score of 81% and an audience rating of 92%. The website says, “Black Widow‘s deeper themes are drowned out in all the action, but it remains a solidly entertaining standalone adventure that’s rounded out by a stellar supporting cast.”

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Another leap Marvel made in representation is Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which will feature their first Asian superhero and their first (mostly) Asian cast. The trailer looks good, full of action and family rivalry. It’ll be out in theaters on Sept. 3.

The movie’s lead, Simu Liu, said that they worked hard to make sure the movie had good Asian representation.

 “From the moment that Marvel Studios decided that there needed to be a voice for Asian characters and a lead Asian character in the space of the [Marvel Cinematic Universe], they have all kind of considered what the best way was … to incorporate a story that both celebrates Asianness and all of its wonderful dimensions, and its facets and its nuances, and also celebrates martial arts,” he said according to NBC News.

Loki

In Marvel’s new TV show Loki, Marvel also made history by making Loki their first LGBTQ+ main character. 

It happens in the third episode, called “Lamentis.” The opening song is “Demons” by Hayley Kiyoko, AKA Lesbian Jesus, which serves as a hint of what’s to come. About halfway through, while sitting in a train with Loki, another character asks about his love life: “You’re a prince. Must’ve been would-be-princesses. Or perhaps another prince.”

Loki replies, “A bit of both. I suspect the same as you.”

Initially, there was a lot of support on Twitter. But when Loki ends up (spoiler alert!) falling in love with a woman who is himself from another timeline, “another Loki,” it sparked controversy. You gotta admit, it’s a little weird.

And that’s not to say that Marvel is perfect now, either. Another new TV series called The Falcon and the Winter Solider, according to mediaversityreviews.com, “only passes the Bechdel Test in three instances.” To pass The Bechdel Test, a film needs to have two named female characters talk about something other than a man.

Still, Marvel is leagues ahead of its first three stages, which, out of 23 movies, had white men leads in 21. The only exceptions were Black Panther(2018) and Captain Marvel (2019). But on Newsweek‘s list of highest grossing Marvel movies, Captain Marvel places sixth with $427 million and Black Panther sits at number two with $700 million. Maybe that’s why they’re getting so inclusive.

Cover photo Guardian

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1. Mr. Purple Rooftop Bar and Pool

The Mr. Purple bar and pool in the Lower East Side is the perfect place to spend NYC’s hottest summer nights. They’re open every day from 4-11 p.m. and they offer snacks and desert along with an extensive selection of drinks. There’s also a DJ. To get into the pool, you need to make a reservation on their website. It’s pretty pricey though: each reservation has a $100 per person minimum attached. Unless it’s Friday, when the minimum is $75. You can reserve a spot here.

2. Downtown Boathouse Kayaking

For those who want a fun way to beat the heat, but don’t want to break the bank, there’s also free kayaking at Pier 26. Downtown Boathouse offers “free sit-on-top kayaks for public use,” along with free instruction, changing rooms, and lockers. The only requirements? Listen to their instructions, stay within the bay, and come back in 20 minutes. You can get a reservation or just show up, but be careful– the kayaks fill up fast. You can sign up for a spot here.

3. True Sailing Cruises

Come sail away with True Sailing’s NYC Classic Cruise, which will take you around the island in style with five of your closest friends. According to their website, the cruise will give you beautiful views of NYC’s most famous landmarks, including the Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge. As you sit back and take it all in, the crew will provide you with drinks and snacks. You can either reserve the Sunset, “a sloop rigged 37 foot O’Day sailing yacht” for a two hour trip, or the Freebird, “a Gemini  37 foot sailing catamaran” for a 6-8 hour trip. The Sunset starts at $595 and the Freebird starts at $600. You can make reservations here.

4. The Beach at Dream Downtown

The Beach at Dream Downtown will give you a taste of paradise with their glass bottom pool, sand beach, lounges and cabanas. It’s also got a full service bar and a menu full of beachy appetizers. To get in, you have to reserve either chaise lounges, which are restricted to groups of two, or a private cabana. They’re expensive, too. Lounge reservations cost $80 Tuesday through Thursday and $100 Friday through Sunday. You can make a reservation here.

5. Misting Plaza at Flushing Meadows

Last October, Flushing Meadows renovated a “new misting plaza” at the Fountain of the Fairs, according to Time Out. Complete with “specialized jets,” the plaza makes a cool cloud of mist that’ll stop your heatwave sweat in no time. Overheated kids and panting dogs alike will love the plaza. Or, who knows, it might just be the perfect place to stop by on your way home. The park is open every day until 9.

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