Black Panther (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
Well, folks ... the much-anticipated 'Black Panther' (directed by Ryan Coogler, Fruitvale Station, Creed) has arrived. This Marvel movie stands apart as being a visual wonder but, it distinguishes itself as a groundbreaker by having an almost exclusively black cast. The film begins with a prologue providing rich history of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. To the rest of the world, Wakanda is just another 3rd world country ... but that is an illusion put up by its residents. In actuality, Wakanda contains superior technology & valuable resources, such as the alien metal Vibranium. We're then presented a 1992 flashback set in Oakland, California.
And 'Black Panther' then skips ahead to the present; re-introducing us to T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) - or Black Panther - who has returned to Wakanda, following the death of his father {from Capt. America: Civil War}, to reign as king. T'Challa knows that his uncle died in that '92 flashback scene, but doesn't know HOW he died ... nor does he know anything about his young cousin who was left behind. Now, that cousin, N'Jadaka, an ex-U.S. black ops soldier named Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) has resurfaced; having grown into a terrifying mercenary who disposes of notorious arms dealer Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), Wakanda's sworn enemy {Klaue had recently sold Vibranium on the black market}.
After transporting Klaue's dead body from South Korea to Wakanda, Killmonger arrives looking to claim the throne. T'Challa's ex-girlfriend Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), a Wakandan spy/warrior, along with Gen. Okoye (Danai Gurira), leader of the all-female military, & Shuri (Letitia Wright), T'Challa's scientist sister, join-up to help T'Challa maintain control of Wakanda following Killmonger's unsettling presence/challenge to the throne. Assisted by Ramonda (Angela Bassett), T'Challa & Shuri's mother, and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), a CIA operative who is now an ally to T'Challa, this band of loyal Wakandans must battle the dark forces within their ranks who wish to follow Killmonger & take over the world. Adventure ensues.
Ryan Coogler's magisterial African-based superhero drama is highly entertaining; featuring a great black cast, fascinating royal intrigue, unique world-building, relevant themes & surprising depth. It vibrantly celebrates black heritage, the black experience & black art. Political ramifications are at play concerning the inner workings of Wakanda. There's jockeying for positions of power. The plot relies on characters' dilemmas regarding Wakanda; protect/shield it from a world that could exploit it OR help others with their resources. And despite an ambitious scope, every character has a purpose.
Chadwick Boseman - best known for his portrayals of Jackie Robinson, James Brown & Thurgood Marshall - provides a hero for us to cheer for. I admire how his T'Challa shows great hesitancy in wanting to share Wakanda's resources & technological wonders with the outside world; an often cruel world -- stuff to make you think. And I love how T'Challa surrounds himself with his most trusted inner-circle of advisors, friends & family ... most of whom are women. Each of these women - and the actress portraying them - contribute a lot to the story. Every actor shines; providing strength, nuance & complexity. Lupita N'yongo is wonderful; glad we get to see her in action, as she's been relegated to motion-capture in the recent Star Wars films.
Danai Gurira is a standout as fierce, loyal Okoye, providing intensity, warmth & a wellspring of unspoken depth. Letitia Wright provides comic relief as T'Challa's brilliant, plucky sister, Shuri. Winston Duke is a commanding presence & steals scenes as rival mountain-tribe leader, M'Baku. Sterling K. Brown lends his astute thespian skills to the 1992 flashback. Forrest Whitaker as spiritual leader Zuri & newly Oscar-nommed Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi, one of T'Challa's friend/advisors, acquit themselves well. Andy Serkis has a ball playing scumbag Klaue. But most impressive of all is Michael B. Jordan, who is simply electric as Killmonger. He's terrifying, but his anger is revenge-minded; motivated to inflict chaos to rectify the worldwide oppressions that weigh deeply on his heart & soul. There's a tragic element to this character. And so, Killmonger is a great villain BECAUSE he is nuanced & not demonized -- that's unique in the landscape of comic book films.
There are many filmic elements to appreciate in 'Black Panther'; pulsing soundtrack, sensational costumes, striking sets & some captivating cinematography by Rachel Morrison {the 1st female nominated for an Academy Award for this yr.'s Mudbound}. A note on Morrison: she gives Wakanda a feeling of grandeur; reveling in the glorious colors of Africa & those uniquely futuristic locales. You know, 'Black Panther' is many things, at once. It's the story of an African prince-turned-superhero king. It's an origin story of Africa. It's a tale of black unity. It's a story of what it feels like to be Black in America. I cared about the characters, their motivations & the stakes, at play. And this film feels heftier than JUST being the 18th MCU film in which baddies blow things up & want to rule the world.
Recent superhero flicks have really upped the ante. Deadpool & Logan were R-rated. Wonder Woman celebrated female empowerment. And now 'Black Panther' makes history as Marvel's 1st black-centered outing. I love the Thor films. I've enjoyed Capt. America, Doctor Strange, etc.. But 'Black Panther' feels the most 'stand-alone' out of all of 'em -- you barely realize that this film belongs in the same universe AS the Thors, Hulks & Iron Mans.
Now, 'Black Panther' isn't perfect {what film is?}. Though most of its attributes are excellent ... you still know that you're watching a Marvel flick. And there ARE moments where the action could have been more singular & momentous (rather than a standard superhero CGI-fest). But I digress. Ultimately, the movie's success comes down to the thought-provoking, compelling storytelling from director Coogler & his co-writer Joe Robert Cole. Sure, this latest Marvel "marvel" is entertaining, but it's also poignant, powerful and moves the Marvel superhero cannon forward in revolutionary ways.
And 'Black Panther' then skips ahead to the present; re-introducing us to T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) - or Black Panther - who has returned to Wakanda, following the death of his father {from Capt. America: Civil War}, to reign as king. T'Challa knows that his uncle died in that '92 flashback scene, but doesn't know HOW he died ... nor does he know anything about his young cousin who was left behind. Now, that cousin, N'Jadaka, an ex-U.S. black ops soldier named Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) has resurfaced; having grown into a terrifying mercenary who disposes of notorious arms dealer Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), Wakanda's sworn enemy {Klaue had recently sold Vibranium on the black market}.
After transporting Klaue's dead body from South Korea to Wakanda, Killmonger arrives looking to claim the throne. T'Challa's ex-girlfriend Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), a Wakandan spy/warrior, along with Gen. Okoye (Danai Gurira), leader of the all-female military, & Shuri (Letitia Wright), T'Challa's scientist sister, join-up to help T'Challa maintain control of Wakanda following Killmonger's unsettling presence/challenge to the throne. Assisted by Ramonda (Angela Bassett), T'Challa & Shuri's mother, and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), a CIA operative who is now an ally to T'Challa, this band of loyal Wakandans must battle the dark forces within their ranks who wish to follow Killmonger & take over the world. Adventure ensues.
Ryan Coogler's magisterial African-based superhero drama is highly entertaining; featuring a great black cast, fascinating royal intrigue, unique world-building, relevant themes & surprising depth. It vibrantly celebrates black heritage, the black experience & black art. Political ramifications are at play concerning the inner workings of Wakanda. There's jockeying for positions of power. The plot relies on characters' dilemmas regarding Wakanda; protect/shield it from a world that could exploit it OR help others with their resources. And despite an ambitious scope, every character has a purpose.
Chadwick Boseman - best known for his portrayals of Jackie Robinson, James Brown & Thurgood Marshall - provides a hero for us to cheer for. I admire how his T'Challa shows great hesitancy in wanting to share Wakanda's resources & technological wonders with the outside world; an often cruel world -- stuff to make you think. And I love how T'Challa surrounds himself with his most trusted inner-circle of advisors, friends & family ... most of whom are women. Each of these women - and the actress portraying them - contribute a lot to the story. Every actor shines; providing strength, nuance & complexity. Lupita N'yongo is wonderful; glad we get to see her in action, as she's been relegated to motion-capture in the recent Star Wars films.
Danai Gurira is a standout as fierce, loyal Okoye, providing intensity, warmth & a wellspring of unspoken depth. Letitia Wright provides comic relief as T'Challa's brilliant, plucky sister, Shuri. Winston Duke is a commanding presence & steals scenes as rival mountain-tribe leader, M'Baku. Sterling K. Brown lends his astute thespian skills to the 1992 flashback. Forrest Whitaker as spiritual leader Zuri & newly Oscar-nommed Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi, one of T'Challa's friend/advisors, acquit themselves well. Andy Serkis has a ball playing scumbag Klaue. But most impressive of all is Michael B. Jordan, who is simply electric as Killmonger. He's terrifying, but his anger is revenge-minded; motivated to inflict chaos to rectify the worldwide oppressions that weigh deeply on his heart & soul. There's a tragic element to this character. And so, Killmonger is a great villain BECAUSE he is nuanced & not demonized -- that's unique in the landscape of comic book films.
There are many filmic elements to appreciate in 'Black Panther'; pulsing soundtrack, sensational costumes, striking sets & some captivating cinematography by Rachel Morrison {the 1st female nominated for an Academy Award for this yr.'s Mudbound}. A note on Morrison: she gives Wakanda a feeling of grandeur; reveling in the glorious colors of Africa & those uniquely futuristic locales. You know, 'Black Panther' is many things, at once. It's the story of an African prince-turned-superhero king. It's an origin story of Africa. It's a tale of black unity. It's a story of what it feels like to be Black in America. I cared about the characters, their motivations & the stakes, at play. And this film feels heftier than JUST being the 18th MCU film in which baddies blow things up & want to rule the world.
Recent superhero flicks have really upped the ante. Deadpool & Logan were R-rated. Wonder Woman celebrated female empowerment. And now 'Black Panther' makes history as Marvel's 1st black-centered outing. I love the Thor films. I've enjoyed Capt. America, Doctor Strange, etc.. But 'Black Panther' feels the most 'stand-alone' out of all of 'em -- you barely realize that this film belongs in the same universe AS the Thors, Hulks & Iron Mans.
Now, 'Black Panther' isn't perfect {what film is?}. Though most of its attributes are excellent ... you still know that you're watching a Marvel flick. And there ARE moments where the action could have been more singular & momentous (rather than a standard superhero CGI-fest). But I digress. Ultimately, the movie's success comes down to the thought-provoking, compelling storytelling from director Coogler & his co-writer Joe Robert Cole. Sure, this latest Marvel "marvel" is entertaining, but it's also poignant, powerful and moves the Marvel superhero cannon forward in revolutionary ways.