Review of Black Panther (2018) by Joseph D — 01 Mar 2018

I have next to no knowledge of this Marvel character...& I'm white...(gulp), this ought to be interesting...

BLACK PANTHER.

As I'm not versed in Pantherology, I can't compare anything. So you're getting this evaluation as a film alone, just a heads up. At about 2 & a half hours, this film takes it's time, & tells a solid, cohesive story that both entertains as a stand-alone film, & builds more of the Marvel universe it's a part of. The cast was awesome. Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther still steals the show. As a reluctant king, you can really feel just how heavy his crown is, his unsure footing, he's clearly as terrified of screwing up as any of us would be in that situation. He has all the best strengths, and weaknesses, of the whole of humanity, and of course he never gives up, no matter how much easier it would be to do so. He reminds me of just how super the Marvel superheroes are. The villains were amazingly well balanced & layered. Andy Serkis as Claw was a bag full of crazy, clearly Ultron's injury left him brain damaged. Still, he was entertaining. The real main villain was Michael B. Jordan's character, he not only was your classic angry at the world bad guy, he had a good reason to be angry, he even grew sympathetic at the end, I really wish there were more characters with his depth. The rest of the cast was in top form, Panther's family, friends, rivals, & allies, were all able to come together, & really make this world look alive.

This is my first trip to Wakanda, & it did not disappoint, it felt like I was looking at a lived in Afro-Atlantian culture, with a good balance of traditional Africa, & 25th century Earth. We got full frontal Africa on display, but it was respectful, the characters joked around a bit, but in a familial sense, the white characters weren't played for laughs or made to look stupid; the bit of PC here was done right.

The effects, stunts, fights, & visuals were all done as practically as possible, with CGI used sparingly, & it really helped the film's believability.

The music was a mix of tribal & modern, & it complemented the film nicely.

This is a 4 star film all the way! Sorry Blade, sorry Steel, I love ya both, but when I think of a superhero for anyone to look up to, no matter the color, I'm now gonna think of Black Panther. This film has the best high points, low points, & everything in between.

Wakanda forever!