'Black Panther' Review: Believe The Hype, This Marvel Film Is Unlike Any Superhero Movie Ever Created
Following the release of every superhero movie, there is always the question of whether or not it will live up to the hype. Well, Black Panther certainly does!
The 18th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is undeniably one of the greatest Marvel films yet. From passion to innovation to power and even comedy, Black Panther is unlike any movie you've ever seen.
The film is an immediate attention-grabber as it is much about respecting the past as it is about embracing the future.
For those that have been waiting to see King T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and Erik Kilimonger Stevens (Michael B. Jordan) battle it out for Wakanda, it is definitely worth the wait and probably one of the most groundbreaking moments in the film as it leaves nothing to imagination.
This is definitely a film that is worthy of an IMAX viewing, from the enchanting costumes to the strikingly colorful armor.
Black Panther Is Brilliant
The story begins with Wakanda, a fictional African nation hidden away from the world, behind impenetrable rainforests and unconquerable mountains.
However, it is home to T'Challa, who was recently crowned prince of the country following the death of his father. The film begins with following the death of his father, originally the king of Wakanda, who was murdered during a terrorist attack in Berlin during the events of Captain America: Civil War. T'Challa makes an appearance in Captain America: Civil War as he finds his father dead after the attack.
Now T'Challa must return to the nation to take over the throne as the rightful heir. He then buckles into a futuristic aircraft with his general Okoye (Danai Gurira) and his ex, Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), as he returns home.
T'Challa is probably one of Marvel's coolest protagonists yet as he's charismatic, stylish, and has a different factor from the usual Marvel movies in that we're able to relate to his character. Of course, his capabilities are important as a superhero, but his self-doubt and readiness for a new role reminds us that's he's still human.
'Death Is Better Than Bondage'
For starters, Kilimonger is not the average villain. He instantly avoids the common trap of being "evil for evil's sake." As we've seen in the past, majority of Marvel's villains are out to destroy the world without an actual explanation, but for Kilimonger there's a real message behind his madness.
He certainly doesn't look like the average "bad guy" as he has the physique of a bodybuilder and is self-branded with kill marks to remind us of every single person he's ever taken out, which proves he will remove anyone that stands in his way of his revenge.
Kilimonger is out to take over Wakanda because his father Prince N'Jobu (Sterling K. Brown), a Wakandan spy who is secretly selling vibranium, was killed by King T'Chaka, who must bear the secret of murdering his brother to save the life of Zuri (Forest Whitaker).
Of course, King T'Chaka never reveals this secret, which leads Kilimonger to go after T'Challa because he is the highest in power and oversees the country. This is where we are reminded that this is a Marvel film as the two duke it out for the thrown.
Wakanda Forever
The battle between T'Challa and Kilimonger portrays the typical good guy versus a huge, strong villain. However, the cinematography definitely does it justice.
The best part about it is audiences get somewhat of an appetizer or maybe just a bite of what to expect from T'Challa as he returns in Avengers: Infinity War.
T'Challa moves into the United Nations and addresses a general assembly with a message that Wakanda will no longer isolate themselves from the rest of the world. He promises that Wakanda will be a part of the global community.
However, if Avengers: Infinity War does pick up shortly after Black Panther, then everyone would likely be in shock that an isolated country in Africa is the most technologically advanced place on earth.
