Review of Black Panther (2018) by Giorgos K — 27 Feb 2018

Anyone who knows me knows I'm one of the harshest MCU critics. So don't take this lightly & believe me when I say this, "Black Panther" is a true masterpiece.

The costume design department did a terrific job of encompassing clothing styles from different African cultures & blending them with some slick modern touches thus creating some of the most beautifully colourful costumes the MCU has ever sewn.

A film such as this one is unavoidably CGI-heavy. So a special care must be taken into smoothing everything & mixing it all together. This film, albeit the final battle which looked a bit cartoonish, did so meticulously. The way Wakanda's technological advancements are presented is a sight to be seen & the attention to even the smallest detail is something I always highly appreciate.

The score or soundtrack, in my opinion, is one of the most critical aspects of a film. It can single-handedly destroy, pass through unnoticed or elevate a film. I must admit, going in & by the very few promotional materials I had watched beforehand, I had a completely different idea of how the film's score was going to sound. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Both Ludwig Göransson & Kendrick Lamar did an exceptional job & created an organic & befitting score.

The amount of acting talent brought together for "Black Panther" felt uncommonly high for an MCU film, so much so that I almost felt starstrucked. Major acting names such as Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Daniel Kaluuya & many more, made their MCU debut & I have to say, they did an absolutely terrific job.

Lupita Nyong'o was really good & thankfully her character wasn't reduced to the typical "love interest" but instead is shown as a badass warrior & a philanthropist who will always speak her mind no matter what. Of course, the trophy for the most absolute badass character of them all must go to none other than "Okoye" (Danai Gurira), the forever-loyal Wakandan general of the "Dora Milaje". Let's just say you should never get on her cross-hairs if you know what's good for you. My new favourite MCU supporting character is "Shuri" who is brought to life by Letitia Wright. Let us hope she gets a good chunk of screen-time during "Infinity War" in order to develop her character because I desperately want to see much more of her. Andy Serkis exudes a level of craziness, almost on a psychopathic level, that has left me in awe of his acting chops, even without the use of the motion capture technology he so much adores.

Last but certainly not least, a couple of big names surrounding the film, the protagonist Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) & the antagonist Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). Chadwick portrays a Prince trying to step into the shoes of a King & realizing it's a task that hides many dangers & secrets. What more can be said about Chadwick after such a performance other than he has now become the embodiment of Black Panther & it'll be difficult watching him in other roles in the future. A special mention must specifically be made to Michael B. Jordan who has now officially joined the list of actors who have redeemed themselves for previous comic-book movie roles. After 10 years, Michael brings to life the MCU's 1st formidable villain who is completely serious, doesn't joke around, means business & at the same time is a villain the audience can actually relate to. Throughout the film, viewers develop a level of sympathy towards him despite his violent tendencies & can understand where he is coming from, even somewhat justify his actions by taking into account all that he had to endure. Michael B. Jordan is indeed phenomenal in this film & delivers one of the most (if not the most) powerful & memorable lines in the entirety of the MCU. A phrase that manages to stick with you even several days after viewing the film. Since my reviews tend to be spoiler-free, I'll not be adding it here. Those who have watched the film surely know which one I'm referring to. As for the rest of you, what the hell are you even still doing here? Go watch the film.

"Black Panther" is a contemporary comic-book movie gem, a proof that the age of comic-book movies is not yet over. A further testament that comic-book movies can still produce original, fresh ideas that shelter deep, thought-provoking messages of female empowerment as well as racial & people of color recognition, appreciation & representation while at the same time challenging some misguided sociopolitical norms that are bleeding our planet & its inhabitants.

(Updated from 15/02/2018).