Movies – Black Panther

It’s rare that “blockbusters” live up to the hype. Even with my love for superhero movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe in particular, it is unlikely each film in their ongoing series will continue to become ever more entertaining. But that is what is happening.

Black Panther is a triumph. The film hits all the right beats, has flawed heroes and slimy villains, and most importantly radiates a sense of heroism and a joy of being alive. Chadwick Boseman is T’Challa, king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. Wakanda guards its secrets, and its highly advanced vibranium technology, with great care. No one knows how prosperous and advanced Wakanda really is—except for Ulysses Klau (Andy Serkis), who gathers a force to try to steal their vibranium. He is aided by T’Challa’s cousin Erik Killmonger, an American unknown to the Wakandan royal family. He soon becomes very known to them, as he helps invade the country and challenges T’Challa for the right to be king. 

The spectacular action in this movie is only equaled by the art direction. The Black Panther is the most African mainstream film ever made. Everything from the clothing to the tattoos are inspired by authentic African tribes and the result is a blazing explosion of color and light. The acting is wonderful as well. The standout character has to be T’Challa’s sister Shuri, in a magnificent performance by Letitia Wright. Shuri is a genius, a beautiful science geek and has a precocious sense of humor. She takes her jokes right up to the line with her king and royal brother—and then regularly goes over. She’s funny and fun, a great character.

The stakes are high for T’Challa and his kingdom. When Killmonger challenges him, the entire Wakandan nation and national identity is at stake—and T’Challa doesn’t necessarily handle it well. He’s not perfect, which makes him all that much more likable.

Something I loved about Black Panther, as mentioned—is the sense of joy surrounding the film and its characters. When T’Challa is crowned king near the beginning of the story, thousands of his subjects are standing on a hillside observing. Huge drums are beating an African rhythm and the Wakandans are swaying to the beat, moving to the music, welcoming their king. I’ve heard some criticism of the scene as being corny, but I loved it. There is such a sense of joy coming from that scene. A nation and benevolent king who are acting as one. It’s inspiring. Scenes like this are what make Marvel movies far above anything DC is producing. In DC movies, the only happiness is the joy Superman feels when he murders someone. They are dark affairs, both physically and spiritually. Marvel movies are the exact opposite, where good battles evil and wins, not because an awful script says so, but because the heroes are better and their philosophy is better.

I loved everything about Black Panther; the story, the actors, the music and the absolute delight it emits. Kudos to Marvel Studios for allowing this film to be so much of what it needs to be. An unequivocal 5-star rating.

Rating: ***** stars out of 5