REVIEW: ‘Black Panther’ features thrilling entertainment
Photo: Marvel Studios’ Black Panther follows the characters of Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya). Photo courtesy of Matt Kennedy. © Marvel Studios 2018 / Provided by image.net.
Black Panther is an exciting, thoughtful, meaningful film that sets the bar much higher for the superhero genre. This Marvel creation is a true marvel to behold, featuring solid performances, stunning visuals, important questions and an altogether thrilling way to build its narrative. Black Panther should stand as one of the best superhero movies of all time.
Chadwick Boseman, so powerful in last year’s Marshall, plays the title character, a young man who ascends the throne of Wakanda, an African nation that sits atop a large allotment of vibranium, an interstellar substance that drives the technology, economy and protection of the country. When T’Challa becomes the king and assumes the Black Panther role, he is tasked with continuing Wakanda’s success and protection.
But this is a superhero movie, and isolation from outside threats won’t be possible.
A chunk of vibranium has found its way into the hands of Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) and Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). When T’Challa teams up with Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Okoye (Danai Gurira) to retrieve what is rightfully Wakanda’s, they realize there’s a much larger plan afoot.
Martin Freeman plays a CIA agent tasked with helping the new king, and Angela Bassett plays Ramonda, T’Challa’s mother. Other supporting roles are played by Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright and Forest Whitaker. Hopefully the movie proves to be a step in the right direction for Hollywood and its ongoing conversation about diversity on the screen and behind the scenes, opportunities for African-American actors, and stories that expand one’s narrative horizons to other cultures and countries.
Director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station), who wrote the script with Joe Robert Cole, tackles some important questions about identity, inheritance, globalism, race and the world’s relationship with the countries of Africa. In between these important considerations are mesmerizing action sequences that find T’Challa and his team facing dangers from all angles.
At 135 minutes, the film never feels too long, and the characterization and backstory are perfectly matched with the theatrics of the present day. These comic-book creations receive appropriate motives, doubts, strengths and arcs, and yet nothing follows the typical formula, making each plot development unique and unpredictable.
The wondrous scenery and setting of Wakanda are highlights of the film. The costumes, advanced technology, modes of transportation and stunning beauty of the landscape are a pleasure to behold on a large screen.
The acting from all corners is beautifully realized. Boseman is an anchor for the ensemble, and Jordan proves to be a formidable foe. Nyong’o and Gurira are strong, steadfast and worthy of their own film.
A standout amongst the cast has to be Wright as T’Challa’s tech-savvy sister. Her jokes provide the film with some humor, but her constant dedication to her brother proves to be her most memorable trait.
The superhero genre needed a movie like Black Panther. Marvel and DC were becoming stale and too comedic in recent years. One could call it the “Guardians of the Galaxy effect.” That funny superhero film from a few years ago sent the genre into a tailspin of self-referential humor that got in the way of character arcs and plot pacing.
Black Panther returns the genre to cutting-edge entertainment, and this time with an exquisite ensemble that touches upon important themes. The movie thoughtfully touches upon issues of culture, race, politics and the global environment. There are memorable lessons featuring parallels to 2018; additionally, the film is a good popcorn flick with high-level action. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s comic-book creation has become one of the most important films in recent memory and one of the most important superhero films of all time.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Black Panther (2018), directed by Ryan Coogler and written by Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Letitia Wright and Daniel Kaluuya. Running time: 135 minutes. Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture. Rating: 
