It’s very rare that our J.P. starts a review with the phrase “believe the hype,” yet “Black Panther” is definitely that type of film. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o, he gives his thoughts on the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
BLACK PANTHER
MARVEL STUDIOS
-
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Rating: PG-13
- U.S. Release date: February 16, 2018
- Running Time: 134 min.
- Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis
- Director: Ryan Coogler
- Producer: Kevin Feige
- Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov, Stan Lee
- Screenplay by: Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole
Studio Synopsis:
Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.
J.P.’s Take:
It’s very rare, if at all, that I start a review with the phrase “believe the hype,” yet “Black Panther” is definitely that type of film.
In order to take in the scope of how important this film is, you have to recall its history. The character Black Panther is Marvel’s premier hero of African descent ever to be presented in mainstream American comics. Created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in the mid 60’s, the two set out to create a symbol that reflected the cultural dynamics of the era. The series as a whole appealed to young black, college aged readers that at the time had never seen their faces portrayed in a superhero before. This was a much welcomed shake up in the world of comics, where as white male characters were the dominate force overall. “Black Panther” is now immortalized on the big screen for 2018; praises due to Oakland’s own writer/director Ryan Coogler alongside writer Joe Robert Cole.
Coogler and Cole are acutely aware of these culturally sensitive issues for which they’ve expertly adapted the character and story to fit a new era. What they deliver is an epic modern day fairy tale, interweaving social commentary with an action packed adventure.
Firstly, “Black Panther” is teeming with stout performances, fantastic costumes, colorfully rich environments, and spectacular special effects. Yet, the filmmakers didn’t just fill the screen with complex visuals, it’s a complex story, too. Audiences will take away something from its human story, as the filmmakers spawn subject matter touching on the disenfranchisement of black youth in urban settings, as well as the responsibility of black leaders even exploring the tech divide between the have and have-nots.
Although these contingents aren’t rammed down the viewers’ throats, they don’t just pay lip service to the sentiments either. They are played out in the actions of each of the characters also. Whereas King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) assumes responsibility for his actions and his father’s actions, he alters his point of view in order to facilitate change within his community. In between, you’re met with a barrage of ferocious battles (on a smaller scale), high tech devices and vehicles, and fully realized players. The nation of Wakanada is a world that is beautifully rendered, showing the strength and advancement of an African nation far beyond the world outside it.
The story is also inclusive of female roles with strong women fighting side-by-side with Black Panther, while utilizing their intelligence and skill set to back him up. “Black Panther” then ends with a message of unification — not just within the African / Black community — but throughout the world as well. This is evident in the last scene where King T’Challa pleas with the UN to come together for the greater good.
What we’re witnessing, as many critics have vocalized, is history in the making. Speaking of which, what better way to commemorate Black History Month than to showcase a spectacular film such as this. With that said, this places Oakland-based filmmaker Coogler at the top of the food chain for young up-and-coming black filmmakers. This is the pinnacle of black super-heroism, which will certainly lead to sequels. It already lines itself up to setoff one of Marvel’s most anticipated epic group hero films, “Avengers: Infinity Wars Parts 1 & 2.”
“Black Panther” was epic and I highly enjoyed it.