Black Panther Is Mighty as its King

It comes to my realization that my favorite superhero movies are the ones that I know little of their comic book origins. Like Doctor Strange, the only knowledge I had of of this Wakandan Warrior were in cartoons. There was also his incredible introduction in Captain America: Civil War and yet, I still had a vague idea of the character. Now that I have seen the solo outing from co-writer and director Ryan Coogler, is it too early to call Black Panther a superhero masterpiece?

I mentioned in another comic-book movie review that while the filmography of Marvel's Cinematic Universe are enjoyable, I wouldn't them label as A+ material. There have been exceptions like Iron Man and the aforementioned Doctor Strange. Black Panther may not be the first superhero film with an all-black cast but like Disney's The Princess and the Frog, it's the first one done properly.

Nakia, T'Challa and Okeye arriving home.

Set right after Civil War and following the death of his father King T'Chaka (John Kani), Prince T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to Wakanda and inherit the throne along with the mantle of the Black Panther, protector of Wakanda. Disguised as a Third World country, Wakanda is a utopia à la The Jetsons complete with invisible jets, hover trains, and holographic machinery. All thanks to a rare element called vibranium that landed in a meteorite centuries ago; providing the country's technological resources and power of the Black Panther.

Welcome to Wakanda

The same material that created Captain America's shield and what Ultron bought for his body from an arms-dealer named Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis). Being on Wakanda's most wanted, Klaue has resurfaced with more vibranium for the highest bidder; T'Challa goes after him with the help of Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) his lover, Okeye (Danai Gurira) his loyal bodyguard, Shuri (Letitia Wright) his genius sister/scientist, and rather unwillingly, Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) a CIA operative. Unbeknownst to them, Klaue is just a ruse with Erik "Killmonger" Stevens (Michael B. Jordan) watching in the shadows.

Interogating Klaue

In the same matter Get Out and Wonder Woman broke barriers for blacks and women, Black Panther does both. Coogler brings his signature style from Fruitvale Station to craft a film that is surprisingly relevant. Ideals are presented by T'Challa whether his country should or should not be involved in the affairs of the world. Even Kilmonger, the best Marvel villain since Loki brings up some good points, his methods may be maligned but you understand what lead him to this. His arc mirrors the hardships of those growing-up on the wrong side of the streets and seeing things that no child should ever go through. You see in him the rage and hurt that voices many living in a similar position, being ostracized, powerless, discriminated, struggling to make a living, and wanting retribution and justice. Not much different of what goes on today.

Killmonger and T'Challa

With such heavy themes, I forgot I was watching a Marvel film. Besides a couple of tidbits including the traditional post-end credits scene, there is little to no mention of the Marvel Universe. So if you were worried about not being up to speed with the MCU roster, you can go into Black Panther just fine. The only downside is that after this, you may have to start binge watching the rest before Infinity War.

Black Panther Headquarters 

The movie has a majestic feel from the open plains and sci-fi landscape, like seeing The Lion King and Atlantis: The Lost Empire come to life. The cast is incredible, but you could tell with me trying to squeeze every actor on the third paragraph. Of the ones I didn't mention include Winston Duke as M'Baku leader of a rival tribe, Forest Whitaker as Zuri a spiritual adviser of some sort, Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi a close friend of T'Challa , and Angela Bassett as Queen Romanda, T'Challa's mother.

Nakia and Shuri

I'm trying hard to think of a negative, two come to mind but borderline's on nitpicking. Majority of the film is dialogue driven and while many may get impatient for action to occur, it proves crucial to the story and character development that make the stakes higher. The first fight takes place in the dark that I could barely see what was happening. Those are the only flaws I could find in what is a near perfect movie.

Infinity War has not yet arrived and Black Panther already exceeded my expectations. Did I mention that Aquaman, The Incredibles 2 and Spider-Man: Enter the Spider-Verse are also coming this year? The superhero clash is on but as of right now Black Panther takes the lead as the best superhero movie of the decade.

Final Verdict: (A)

Theatrical Poster