I have to admit that I was worried about seeing Black Panther. I was afraid it would be one of those movies that have been built up so much from all the hype that disappointment was lingering right around the corner. Fortunately, I couldn’t have been more wrong. For all the hype and the expectations, Black Panther delivers in a big way with a solid story and great acting. In fact, I think it may be one of the best Marvel movies yet.
Black Panther succeeds because it forges its own unique path from the rest of the Marvel Universe. While it is part of that universe, it doesn’t let it control the identity of the film. Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole have written an engaging film that stands on its own as it tells the story of T’Challa after the events of Civil War.
There are so many great performances in the film that I’m afraid I’m going to leave someone out. Danai Gurira is a such a badass with her spear that I hope she finds an excuse to slaughter some walkers with one in her other show. Michael B. Jordan brings a “chip on his shoulder” attitude to Erik Killmonger making him a villain that you almost want to root for. Lupita Nyong’o and Letitia Wright steal nearly every scene they are in, and of course, Chadwick Boseman embodies the role of T’Challa like no one else could. Andy Serkis, Daniel Kaluuya, Martin Freeman, and Winston Duke are all exceptional in the movie as well.
The action sequences are, of course, very cool as they usually are in any Marvel film. The energy absorbing tech in the Black Panther suit and the remote piloting set-up of the Wakandans are inventive and imaginative. The action is not all about the Black Panther though. There are plenty of other characters who each have their own unique skills that catch your attention.
Marvel has stepped up their game with Black Panther both in writing and in action. There is less humor, more story, and more heart to this film. Do yourself a favor and see this one in a theater as soon you can.
Let us know what you thought of the Black Panther in the comments below…
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Marvel Studios via collider.com
