'Black Panther' A Review

Black Panther is a political thriller/superhero film, the latest installment in the MCU and the first solo film for the character after his introduction in Captain America: Civil War. The film opens on an animated sequence of the founding of Wakanda, flashes forward to 1992 where King T'Chaka confronts his brother N'Jobu about his black market arms dealing. In the present day T'Challa(Chadwick Boseman) takes up the kingship in the wake of his father's death and must grapple with social and political unrest. He must decide if he will bring Wakanda out of hiding, using its advanced technology to help the world or will he keep his nation's prosperity hidden in order to ensure it's survival and safety. The choice may be made for him as violent and erratic Erik "Killmonger" Stevens(Michael B. Jordan) makes his way toward Wakanda and T'Challa leaving bodies in his wake.

Boseman is exceptional as T'Challa/Black Panther- grounded, zen-like, compassionate, but also capable. There is no doubt of his superhuman prowess but Boseman plays the hero without the common violent relish which seems to so inhabit the MCU. He is a king first and foremost, a politician, a leader, a family member, and although absolutely a warrior that seems to be his most undefining trait. Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia, a Wakandan spy and T'Challa's ex, is regal, tough, and has great chemistry with Boseman. But the real star, the scene stealer, is Danai Gurira as Okoye. Her performance is utterly assured and utterly captivating. Distinguished, cunning, charming, virtuous, she's able to bring this supporting character into such dimension, with such layers, and such total magnetism it's astounding. Two of the best scenes of the film and perhaps the year feature Gurira- the first in the extended casino fight sequence which features her sweeping red dress and low African drums as she battles four henchmen, the second where she confronts W'Kabi(Daniel Kaluuya). The sole mistep in performance is Jordan's villain, and he is by no means bad, he is good however isn't able to reach the dynamic of some of his cast mates, seems at times forced, trying a bit too hard. As the character is easily the most complicated this is barely a criticism. For the sake of brevity, the remaining supporting cast is stacked with great actors all of whom give wonderful turns.

The production design of the film is breathtaking. A unique technologically advanced society that is decidedly African. The costumes, the sets, the gadgets, the accents. It all works together with perfect harmony to create something decidedly unique and compelling, drawing you in not only with the characters and story but the exquisite world building. Speaking of the story it is the best and certainly most refreshing to hit the MCU. It is more a story of government than of superpowers. More about context, history, and culture than an army of CGI aliens. More about family than a mythic stone. Not to mention rich in allegory. And as such is light-years more fascinating than virtually any property in the same genre.

Remarkable, emotional, important, and necessary.

Don't Miss It.