Marvel's much anticipated Black Panther is everything it could be, looking at it against other stand-alone debuts. It isn't overloaded with action (could've used a bit more, actually) nor is it weighted-down with plot points. Like Spider-Man: Homecoming, it's not so much of an origin story as it is an introduction to the man and his world. It's an introduction fit for a King.
Chadwick Boseman plays T'Challa, the new King of Wakanda following the death of his father T'Chaka - which occurred in Civil War. With his father's death now avenged, T'Challa is ready to proceed with his role as King. The role comes with opposition and tough decisions as the Black Panther tries to protect his nation and people, which include Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, and Daniel Kaluuya.
Michael B. Jordan's character, Erik Killmonger, is one of, if not the most complex villain in the MCU. The film's version of him is a mix of a couple different baddies from the comics, yet the final character feels completely original and very, very real. The hard-nosed, pragmatic Killmonger is not without reason which causes conflict within the nation of Wakanda. There's been a few comparisons to Heath Ledger's Joker, but that is not a leap that I'll be taking today. As far as Marvel villains go, he's got them all beat. I didn't expect anything less from Randall's son.
That is, until Thanos arrives.
That is, until Thanos arrives.
It's impossible to not feel a great sense of pride watching Black Panther. He isn't a new hero to the comics, at all, but how he has been introduced to those who aren't into the comics is important. From the movie poster replete with beautiful, black faces (plus Bilbo Baggins and Gollum) to the amazing ability of director Ryan Coogler all the way down to the soundtrack curated by Kendrick Lamar, the representation is there and it is immense. The depiction of the royal ceremony felt like one of the most breath-taking visuals in all of the Marvel movies. Compared to Asgardian ritual - one filled with rugged, bearded brutes in clanky metal armor - it presents a much more wondrous aesthetic.
Black Panther isn't Marvel's overall best movie (that's still Civil War) but it is most definitely their best told story, to date. It has broken records, already, as I'm sure it will continue to do throughout its box office/digital media run. Also, it sets the stage for what's to come from Marvel. A Black Panther sequel is no less than three years away, but Wakanda is featured heavily in the trailer for Infinity War. We're now less than three months away from the MCU's biggest film, so, luckily, we will be seeing T'Challa and his vibranium suit sooner rather than later.
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
IMDb: 7.9/10
Verdict: Must See That