Review: Black Panther

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The King has arrived.

After the events of Captain America: Civil War, T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is heading back to his home country of Wakanda to officially become their King. When an old enemy Klaue (Andy Serkis) is spotted about to make an illegal vibrainium deal, T'Challa along with his general of his Dora Milage guard, Okoye, (Danai Guriria) his ex girlfriend and War Dog spy, Nakia, (Lupita Nyong'o) and some virtual help from his tech genius sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) They stumble upon Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) who has a very compelling reason to hate everything Wakanda stands for.

Black Panther was a stand out in Civil War and now he comes to us with one of the most nuanced stories Marvel has every done. This is more than just a comic book movie. It's that, it sets up Infinity War subtly and nicely, but it's also a Bond film. A social commentary on privilege. A film showcasing female empowerment. It's so much and director Ryan Coogler balances it beautifully. This guy is a powerhouse. 

The funny thing about T'Challa, while he's wonderful and amusing, he's not the most interesting character here. The stand out to me was Shuri. Wright was fantastic as this genius teenager who can't help but to mouth off every now and then. She's my new favorite Disney Princess. Of course you all know the abusive relationship I have with The Walking Dead, so you know I'm a huge fan of Danai Gurira and she shines here. If only the TWD writers could give her something this good. Other supporting characters played by Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Basset, Forest Whitaker, and Wintson Duke all have amazing moments as well. But there's a lot to be said about Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger.

A lot of people say Marvel has a villain problem, which is true. It's not specific to Marvel in my opinion but really only Loki and Ultron stand out as memorable villains. But now there's Killmonger. He's easily the most layered villain out there. He's extreme and dangerous, but I understood where he was coming from 100%. His environment made him the way he was and in a way I sympathized in a way I haven't with the other villains. His last line in this film is one of the most powerful things ever said in any comic book movie.

The film does fall victim to a few tropes, but I don't care. I had too much fun. If I have one complaint it's weirdly with Andy Serkis. He was really over the top. His character was a tad goofy in Age of Ultron but he dialed it to 11 and it just didn't work as well as it could've. I'm saying this now, even though it's early, this film needs an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design. I will accept nothing less.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A

Memorable (non spoiler) Quote: "WHAT ARE THOSE!?! - Shuri (Letitia Wright)

Comments

  1. Courtney YoungFebruary 19, 2018 at 10:05 AM

    Great review, Brittani! I've been a huge fan of Coogler since Fruitvale station. I don't really follow the Marvel universe, so I hope I enjoy this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 19, 2018 at 3:59 PM

      It stands alone well. A few charactera from other films show up. Coogler is fantastic. I can't believe he's only 31.

      Delete
  2. Sonia CercaFebruary 19, 2018 at 11:22 AM

    Finally a great villain, right? I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  3. DellFebruary 19, 2018 at 3:41 PM

    MBJ is absolutely the best villain in the MCU. He kills it and, more importantly, his character has a point. Glad you like this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 19, 2018 at 3:57 PM

      He does! I knew I was going love this, I'm so happy with how successful it is.

      Delete
  4. thevoid99February 19, 2018 at 4:34 PM

    I really want to see this as I wanted to this weekend but other things happened and there weren't any good seats available.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 20, 2018 at 6:36 AM

      I get that, the theaters were packed here too. I hope you can sneak out this week!

      Delete
  5. Candice FrederickFebruary 19, 2018 at 6:34 PM

    lol Serkis seemed to be a familiar comic book villain to me, but i hear you. killmonger was mny favorite character

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 20, 2018 at 6:37 AM

      He was just so extra lol. I wanted to dial him back just a little bit.

      Delete
  6. BirgitFebruary 19, 2018 at 10:27 PM

    I so want to see this but will wait u til the crowds go down a bit. Your review and Wendell’s makes me really want to see it even more

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 20, 2018 at 6:37 AM

      I kind of like seeing comic book movies (and comedies) with big crowds. It makes it more exciting.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2018 at 9:34 PM

    I loved Shuri's arm cannons!
    I'm calling them mittens of fury because that's what I call my mittens right before I punch Sean!

    ReplyDelete
  8. s.February 21, 2018 at 6:47 AM

    I'm gonna catch this on DVD because I maintain if you saw one MCU movie, you saw all MCU movies. I liked Creed, FS not so much, also I don't get Jordan hype. but it's nice Lupita finally has something to do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 21, 2018 at 7:01 AM

      This is unlike any other comic book movie out there, tbh. It's definitely not something we've seen before.

      Delete
  9. DanielFebruary 22, 2018 at 8:38 AM

    I don't know about Black Panther being something we've never seen before, but I just saw it last night and it is easily the best Marvel movie yet. FINALLY a great, interesting villain, a vital socio-political discussion, and FLAWLESS casting.

    It also deserves an Oscar nomination for Production Design in addition to Costumes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Carson Maitland - SmithFebruary 24, 2018 at 6:40 AM

    Now we wait for Avengers: Infinity War

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousMarch 29, 2018 at 12:31 AM

    I haven’t seen ‘Black Panther’ yet, but I’m feeling pretty positive about it after reading your review. I’ll see if I can watch it with my friend tomorrow night. She hasn’t seen it yet as well.

    ReplyDelete

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