Black Panther, a creation of the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (also responsible for Fantastic Four, Hulk, Thor, and X-Men), first appeared in 1966. It has been a long journey to the big screen. While Wesley Snipes ultimately starred in Blade, it wasn’t until 2016 that Chadwick Boseman debuted as Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War. Despite my reservations about the latter film, Black Panther and Spider-Man were highlights, leading to high expectations for this standalone feature.
Black Panther sets his sights.Following the death of King T’Chaka (John Kani) in the UN bombing during the events of Civil War, his son T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to Wakanda to assume the throne. Wakanda, a technologically advanced nation hidden in Africa, utilizes Vibranium (the same metal composing Captain America’s shield) as the foundation for its innovations. Shielded from the world by advanced camouflage, their technology surpasses even Tony Stark’s. Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), a volatile, one-armed (courtesy of Ultron in Avengers 2), South African arms dealer, seeks to profit from stolen Vibranium. Recognizing the catastrophic potential of Vibranium in the wrong hands, Black Panther, equipped with technology from his sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), and aided by his former partner, agent Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), and the warrior Okoye (Danai Gurira), ventures to South Korea to intercept Klaue. This confrontation ignites a chain of events that threatens T’Challa’s reign, Wakanda’s security, and potentially the entire world.
Black Panther presents a compelling character within a well-crafted and stylish cinematic landscape. The film effectively blends traditional elements with futuristic technology. The costume design, weaponry, and vehicles are exceptionally imaginative and expertly realized, drawing upon nanotechnology for innovative solutions not commonly seen in other films. The pervasive incorporation of African culture provides a distinctive and refreshing perspective compared to other Marvel productions. Furthermore, Black Panther boasts a remarkably talented cast.
Chadwick Boseman delivers a commendable performance as T’Challa/Black Panther, embodying the charisma and presence befitting a superhero. While the humor occasionally feels somewhat forced, this is a minor critique. The future adventures of Black Panther are certainly anticipated.
A very charged meeting.Michael B. Jordan portrays Black Panther’s adversary, Killmonger, with considerable skill. However, the character’s arc feels somewhat compressed, as discussed further below.
Lupita Nyong’o consistently delivers strong performances across her various roles, and her portrayal here is no exception. She adeptly balances strength and vulnerability, contributing a nuanced performance.
Okoye and her warriors.Danai Gurira, as the formidable warrior Okoye, stands out as a highlight of the film. Her portrayal makes Wonder Woman’s Amazons appear comparatively tame. Gurira’s experience playing Michonne in The Walking Dead has clearly prepared her for the role of a skilled and imposing warrior.
Andy Serkis shines as Ulysses Klaue, delivering an unrestrained and captivating performance. Angela Basset and Martin Freeman also provide noteworthy supporting performances.
M’Baku (Winston Duke) is one of the film’s more humorous characters.However, the film suffers from a degree of narrative overcrowding, reminiscent of Spider-man-3. The introduction of Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) as the primary antagonist shifts the film’s direction midway through. While Killmonger’s character development is compelling, compressing his entire arc into the latter half of the film feels rushed. The screenplay by Ryan Coogler (also the director) and Joe Robert Cole (also a producer) presents some weaknesses, feeling somewhat disjointed and burdened by excessive content. For example, a ritual is depicted repetitively within a short timeframe. While this might have been effective across multiple films, its repetition within a single film, already constrained for time, becomes redundant. Another notable drawback is the reliance on CGI (Computer Generated Imagery). While CGI is prevalent in modern filmmaking, the predominantly animated final battle sequence detracts from the overall immersion. The inclusion of a character charging on a gigantic rhinoceros is particularly jarring. This over-reliance on CGI undermines the film’s otherwise grounded and compelling themes. Conversely, the sequences set in South Korea are visually impressive. Therefore, while not a complete failure, the CGI integration could have been improved.
In conclusion, Black Panther is a worthwhile film that, while imperfect, takes risks and establishes a deeper and more engaging superhero narrative within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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