This is a spoiler-free review.
Marvel's BLACK PANTHER is currently in theaters and after seeing it earlier in the week, on Tuesday afternoon, I've been trying to find the best, and most succinct, way of describing the film. The best I can come up with is "If James Bond was in Africa" and it is one highly entertaining movie.
The technology, the action, the landscape, the colors, the badass women. It's a movie that does not come around often, but when it does it takes pop culture, and the world, by storm. BLACK PANTHER is that level of awesome and, as expected, it is proving it in the box office, too.
Being a caucasian male, I cannot, and will not, speak to the black representation aspect of the film because it is not my space to do so. Although, I will say it has been long overdue for a blockbuster movie to feature a majority black cast, lead actor, and director.
For me, this film is a trip into a world that is both real and science fiction / futuristic. Tony Stark eat your heart out, because you wish you had the technology advancements in Wakanda. Combining the old traditions of Africa with futurist concepts so seamlessly might the be film's greatest visual achievement.
While the story might be the same old Marvel Studios formula, it is in fact a formula that continues to work... and work well! What is so great about this film is the fact it does not take our hero the entire First Act, and even its Second Act, to finally suit up. Thanks to CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, we have already seen T'Challa in his super hero suit in action, so it is less about him learning to become a hero and get his super suit — because he already has the mantle of the Black Panther — and more about the hero he needs to become.
Not only is T'Challa a hero, but he needs to learn to be the new leader of his nation as the King of Wakanda. This is brought to the forefront of the majority of the film, and moviegoers actually get a little bit less action than they're accustomed to getting from the Marvel Studios film. Yet, this is not a problem at all because it's action sequences are phenomenal.
The most notable is the James Bond-like feel you'll get early in the movie when T'Challa, Okoye, and Nakia travel to South Korea. A spy-like set-up with T'Challa first meeting up with his little sister Shuri, who is his technology savant, and one Stark would be jealous of, before heading out on their mission to pursue Ulysses Klaue.
You remember Klaue, right? He was last seen in AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON as the guy selling Ultron a bunch of Vibranium... as well as losing his left arm in the process.
You can tell actor Andy Serkis is having a lot of fun as Klaue as the character is out of his mind at times. Sometimes being a bit over-the-top in a role can help bring some levity into situations and in the entire South Korea action sequence, you definitely have some fun because Klaue is having some fun.
But that's not even the best part of this sequence as Okoye gets into the action, along with Nakia, and these women basically kick the shit out of everyone. It's breathtaking. You don't want them to stop kicking ass and even when the credits role at the end of the film, you wish there was more of them kicking ass.
The film has its fair share of politics since it is about the balance of the nation of Wakanda with its new King T'Challa and the one who really throws it off balance more so than with the loss of King T'Chaka, is Erik Killmonger. Played brilliantly by Michael B. Jordan, this villain role is as strong as you've seen in the MCU. You will find yourself rooting for, and against, Killmonger at every turn. His path is certain, his vision is clear, yet at times it doesn't feel like he is even the bad guy.
Two more character highlights are needed. Shuri is a breath of youthful fresh air — similar to Tom Holland's Spider-Man as bringing younger actors and actresses into the fold is a smart way to extend the longevity of the MCU. Martin Freeman as Everett Ross is wonderful, as well. If you've been missing Phil Coulson in the MCU, I know I have after watching several Phase 1 movies recently, Freeman's Ross has more or less filled a new version of that role moving forward; he too is signed to a multi-picture deal with the studio.
If there is anything to nitpick about this movie it is the recurring theme of the hero and his equal mirror-image villain counterpart. When Killmonger dons his own version of a super suit and battles T'Challa in his Black Panther suit, the movie feels a bit rehashed. There's plenty else going on during their final battle to keep you very engaged, but you'll have to see it for yourself in your theater seat.
Finally, let's touch upon Wakanda itself. It really does take on its own personality and pretty much becomes it's own character throughout the film. It is a beautiful place with lots of color and gorgeous views and landscape. It is almost alien looking in certain parts but mixed with traditional African culture and themes seamlessly.
BLACK PANTHER is... a marvelous movie.
Written by Daniel Wolf, Founder & Publisher
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