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[gwynnew]

Michelle Obama praises 'Black Panther,' celebrity Twitter agrees

Michelle Obama doesn’t tweet that often, preferring to save social media for special occasions — like, for example, the opening weekend of Black Panther. The former FLOTUS took a moment on Monday to praise the new Marvel superhero movie, the first in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to feature an African-American actor in the title role and an almost entirely black cast. (That’s a big leap from the first MCU film, 2008’s Iron Man, which had exactly one black actor in a named role — or two, if you count the 20-second post-credits scene.) And Michelle wasn’t the only social-media-savvy celebrity to shower praise on the film, which has a 97 percent “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes (despite sabotage efforts from certain corners of the internet) and smashed box-office records this weekend. Here’s a roundup of high-profile praise for Black Panther on Twitter and Instagram.

Michelle Obama called the film an inspiration for a new generation of audience members.

Congrats to the entire #blackpanther team! Because of you, young people will finally see superheroes that look like them on the big screen. I loved this movie and I know it will inspire people of all backgrounds to dig deep and find the courage to be heroes of their own stories.

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) February 19, 2018

Kerry Washington plans to copy Danai Gurira’s best fighting move.

I’m definitely throwing my wig in somebody’s face to win my next fight #BlackPanther

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) February 18, 2018

Shaquille O’Neal is cosplaying on Insta as Chadwick Boseman.

  If you haven’t seen black panther you better go now @chadwickboseman did his thing this is the best movie ever

A post shared by DR. SHAQUILLE O’NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq) on Feb 18, 2018 at 4:29pm PST

Ryan Reynolds pledged his allegiance to Wakanda.

BELIEVE. THE. HYPE. All hail the king #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/qENThMS9qU

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) February 17, 2018

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., is thrilled that voter registration drives are taking place at screenings.

A terrific and empowering initiative. #WakandaForever https://t.co/ryjpyRnWWh

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 19, 2018

Questlove found words inadequate.

I feel like breakdancin! #BlackPanther #WakandaForever

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) February 17, 2018

Janelle Monae would be an excellent pick for the sequel, and she knows it.

The WOMEN OF WAKANDA ?! #BLACKPANTHER

— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) February 16, 2018

Oprah saw the movie on a date.

Just saw it with Stedman. It’s Phenomenal!! Layers and layers of it. Wakunda ForEveeeerrrr! #BlackPanther

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) February 18, 2018

Ron Howard made it a family affair.

Loved #BlackPanther congrats #RyanCoogler and Co. highest rating from the Howard Fam

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) February 19, 2018

Serena Williams saw it with the cutest audience.

Last night we surprised a group of girls from @blackgirlscode to watch black panther with me in a private screening. We loved the movie and had a awesome time! @alexisohanian thanks!!

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Feb 16, 2018 at 6:55am PST

MC Hammer went in costume, because of course he did.

Beautiful Family Night at the #Oakland “Black Panther” Screening. #Wakanda Forever !!!Salute to the Coogler Family and Thank You Mayor Libby Friday February 16 The 1st Annual “Black Parents Day” in Honor of Black History Month.#BlackPanther @Iam360WISE pic.twitter.com/5V6vQq1JTB

— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) February 15, 2018

Chris Pratt is taking notes for Jurassic World 3.

THE HYPE IS REAL!! Woke up thinking about #BlackPanther It’s like a Bond movie meets Shakespearean tragedy. Great action. Stunning visuals. Exceptional performances all around. Thought provoking AND Funny! @chadwickboseman @letitiawright @michaelb4jordan @DanaiGurira

— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) February 19, 2018

Whoopi Goldberg gave her heartiest, most abbreviation-filled endorsement.

Just watched Black Panther, RUN 2 this Film, Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan off the hook, & EVERY woman in this film, no matter your own race, is the woman you want 2 be. Believe me when I tell you C this movie, it’s SO much more than you think it is.

— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) February 14, 2018

Ice T removed his hat.

Movie Review: ‘Black Panther’ The Hype is Real.. Just checked it out. Highly recommend. Hats off to Marvel for representing. Well done! Approved.

— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) February 19, 2018

Kevin Hart’s kids got to see Black Panther with Black Panther, so they win.

Harts X @chadwickboseman ….My kids went crazy Make sure y’all go see Black Panther this weekend. The movie does not disappoint #Harts

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Feb 17, 2018 at 6:19pm PST

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:

‘Black Panther’ breakout Shuri crowned the best Disney princess by social media

The biggest ‘Black Panther’ Easter eggs and end-credits scenes explained (spoilers!)

Lupita Nyong’o posing with her ‘Black Panther’ emoji will make you