Review – Black Panther

Black Panther is the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it is unlike any that they have come out with before.  Unlike most Marvel movies, this is a movie that is it’s own animal (pun?).  Director Ryan Coogler has made something truly special.

In the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, Prince T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is about to become the King of Wakanda while still doubling as the Black Panther.  His first act as king is to hunt down Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) and bring him back to Wakanda to stand trial for his crimes against the country.  However, in his pursuit of Klaue, T’Challa encounters Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), a violent military pro and and a ghost from T’Challa’s past back to claim what is his.

Marvel is great at casting their heroes.  From Robert Downey Jr. to Chris Evans, to the recasting of Mark Ruffalo, every actor they cast is perfect, so it’s no surprise that Boseman is excellent here.  But what really makes Marvel movies great are the supporting characters in each film and Black Panther has arguably the best ensemble Marvel has ever had.  From the strong Danai Gurira as General Okoye, to the smart Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, to the charming Martin Freeman as Agent Ross, and the wild and crazy Andy Serkis, every single performance is on point.

There were two standouts in this brilliant ensemble, however, and those come from the performances of Letitia Wright and Michael B. Jordan.  Wright is a ball to watch as T’Challa’s sister Shuri who just happens to be Wakanda’s main source for science and technology.  She is smart, funny, and ball of energy whenever on screen.  Jordan shows his superstar power here with a ferocious performance.  He brings the physicality he brought in Creed to this performance while also adding layers to a villain who’s motivations aren’t unjust.  He is a towering presence when he’s on screen and shows that he and Coogler are a dynamic actor/director duo.

What Coogler does best with Black Panther is immerse us in Wakanda and their culture.  This is a nation full of life, love, and power.  We see their technological advances, yet we also see their rituals that have been going on for centuries.  Coogler also gives us some exciting action scenes, particularly the Korea chase scene, the single-take casino melee, and final battle which features a number of armies and giant rhinos.  Coogler once again shows that he can create great characters and environments while also giving us a captivating story.

This is also the most brutal Marvel movie to date.  A number of bodies fall and in very violent ways, like getting shot, their throats cut, or stabbed.  The hand-to-hand combat scenes are incredible to watch and show the brutality of nature, having our characters fight until their near death.  It is riveting and will have your heart racing.

Black Panther is one of Marvel’s very, very best.  Ryan Coogler has proven why he is one of the best directors in Hollywood today.  Even on the biggest scale possible, Coogler delivers a movie that is filled with great performances, visuals, storytelling, and full of emotion.  Whether you’ve seen every Marvel movie or this is your first, you will love Black Panther.

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