Welcome one and all to my review for the "Marvel Studios" release, "Black Panther" As always if you have any comments to make you can do so by leaving a comment in the section below or by following me on Twitter or Instagram.
"Black Panther" is the latest instalment of the wildly successful "Marvel Cinematic Universe" and is a triumph. Chadwick Boseman is Price T'Challa of the Kingdom of Wakanda; a hidden land in Central Africa that is a technologically advanced due to their harnessing a mysterious mineral, Vibranium, that is derived from a meteor. T'Challa is forced to step into the role of leader of the tribes of Wakanda after the death of his father during the events of "Captain America: Civil War" Along with his sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), T'Challa has to fight to protect his kingdom from the threat of Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) and potential usurper to the throne Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).
I was really impressed with "Black Panther". I remember when they announced the addition of the character to the "MCU" a few years ago now and I wasn't really familiar with the character. As with the "Guardians Of The Galaxy" I was pleasantly surprised by a film where I knew nothing about the back story or characters. The story is incredibly crafted and has the perfect balance of action, drama and a sprinkling of comedy that has become a signature of the "MCU". Whilst the tone feels very familiar it gives the audience something different to the previous "MCU" releases especially the likes of more recent releases like "Spider-Man: Homecoming" and "Thor Ragnarok" which focused a little more on the comedy, "Black Panther" is a war style science fiction piece. I almost forgot that "Black Panther" is a origin story for the character as it really focused on the story of what was happening in the present rather than focusing on the past, that's not to say that the past isn't important. the opening sequence explaining the history of Wakanada is incredibly well handled and is paced in such a way that the audience aren't overcome with too much information.
"Black Panther" is visually stunning throughout. The scenes during the visits to the realm of the ancestors are a particular favourite of mine. They are dreamy and stylised to look other worldly without looking over done. Wakanda itself has been designed beautifully with a great mix of the past and the future being represented well, almost looking like something from Star Trek". The action sequences are fast and furious with lots of quick cuts that are dizzying at times. The chase scene through Busan is highly entertaining, with a great use of the comedic timing and visual effects.
There has been obvious attention payed to "Black Panther" for a number of reasons and whilst race and gender are important the cast of "Black Panther" should be praised for how good they are in this film. Chadwick Boseman is fantastic to the point you really believe he could be a superhero, he looks the part physically and plays a great mix of confidence and vulnerability throughout. Michael B. Jordan plays the villain well but, he is no one dimensional angry nut job. It's hard not to sympathise with Erik after learning of his tragic back story. He goes from normal to sociopath in a way that isn't too pantomime. The supporting cast is where the film really comes alive. Lupita Nyong'o is fantastic as warrior princess, Nakia. There could have been a risk of relying on romance between Nakia and T'Challa but, whilst this is touched upon, Nakia is a stand alone character that is just as strong as T'Challa. Letitia Wright is entertaining as Shuri, Funny and endearing. I would love to see a lot more of Shuri in upcoming "MCU" releases. Danai Gurari, like Lupita Nyong'o, proves that strong female leads are a lot more than romantic partners, engaging and a great physical presence. Other noteworthy supporting performers include Andy Serkis, who is hilarious and daft as Ulysses Klaue. Martin Freeman is great as the returning Everett Ross and Daniel Kaluuya is great, if not under used as W'Kabi.
Overall "Black Panther" proves that even after 10 years and countless films "Marvel Studios" can launch characters that despite not being well known are proving to be hugely popular. This is a strong first film in what will hopefully be a series of films that will help keep the "MCU" as one of, if not, the most popular modern film franchises.
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