By: Justin Pomerville
Black Panther is now out! You know what that means. I saw it last night and I have a lot to say. There might be some small spoilerish stuff in this review, so continue at your own risk.
First thoughts after seeing the film, Black Panther totally deserves all the hype that it has been receiving. Some times, when you go into a movie hearing nothing positive reviews and thoughts, there always is that possibility that it may not have lived up to the expectations that you already had in place within your head. That's all I got from people after they saw it before I did, but I still proceeded with caution. Thankfully, I was proven very wrong and fell in love with this as soon as it started.
It's a very simple plot for this film, taking place after the events of Civil War. T'Challa (played by Chadwick Boseman) returns to Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. Once becoming king, he has to deal with ongoing threats of keeping Wakanda safe and out of the public eye, for Wakanda is the only nation that has vibranium and advanced technology that far surpasses all other countries. T'Challa has to face some demons that were left behind from his father, as well as the ongoing threat of Ulysses Klaue (played by Andy Serkis) selling off stolen vibranium. But the biggest comes in the form of Erik Killmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan) as he comes to take the thrown and turn Wakanda into a state of power and take over the world with force.
Overall, the cast is extremely tight and well coordinated. Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan have great chemistry on set. Especially Jordan, whose last shot in a Marvel film was being The Human Torch in "Fantastic Four". He was one of the best Marvel villains that has graced the screen, especially because of Marvel's lackluster treatment of villains in general. Erik Killmonger's backstory was greatly told and you could really connect with his plan to take over Wakanda. You don't get that with many villains in the MCU. He stole this movie.
But that doesn't take away from the amazing supporting cast of Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia (T'Challa's love interest), Danai Gurira as Okoye (Head guard of the Dora Milaje), Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi (leader of another tribe), and Letitia Wright as Shuri (T'Challa's sister) are ones that come to mind right off the bat. There are so many great characters and they all feel like they are there to move the plot along without feeling like they are thrown in for the sake of having more characters on screen.
The one and only criticism I have for this film is that it clocks in at just over 2 hours and you can feel it. That's it. The pace in some parts were just a little too long or not really needed. And the comedy was not forced at all. It actually felt natural, which is something I hardly ever see in these newer Marvel films. It usually feels like one big joke machine, but in Black Panther, I was laughing along and nothing about it felt forced.
I strongly suggest you go see it. It's a great film. I know I'm going to see it a couple more times. What were your thoughts?