27 February 2018; “Black Panther” Review

Now it is…Review Time!

Visually stunning, magnetic performances, and a highly entertaining screenplay, “Black Panther” is easily one of the best blockbusters released this year, the same can be said about the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

Shuri: “Did he freeze?”

Okoye: “Like an antelope in headlights.”

This being the 6th film out of phase 3, and the 18th out of the whole MCU, the story takes place after the events of “Captain America: Civil War” (2016) where the newly-appointed King of Wakanda; T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) must prevent the plans of a power-hungry antagonist (Michael B. Jordan) whose heart is bent on vengeance from a past occurrence that T’Challa’s father (South African actor-writer John Kani) committed.

Pros:

Action sequences:

As usual with all Marvel films, there is non-stop but thrilling and even humorous moments of action.

Cast:

Brilliant.

Characters:

Captivating with even a curiosity as to how some characters came to be who they are, with the exception of the villain, which will not be spoiled here. Particular praise goes to the main character of course, and (pardon my language) kick-ass female leads which includes the equally sassy, spirited, and strong-willed Okoye (Dani Gurira), Nakia (Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o), and Shuri (Letitia Wright).

Costume Design:

Gorgeous.

Direction:

Exceptional.

Humour:

Well-delivered. Screenwriter-director Ryan Coogler and Primetime Emmy nominee producer-writer Joe Robert Cole are most likely taking a note from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014-) franchise, and “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017).

Music score:

Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson creates a beautiful and powerful fusion of dramatic tension and inspired traditional African sounds.

Performances:

Effortlessly excellent; both lead and supporting.

Story:

Interesting.

Soundtrack:

Catchy in terms of rhythm.

Visuals:

As mentioned before, stunning.

Cons:

Predictability:

Like all Marvel outings, there is a villain who needs to be stopped and it takes a hero, or 2, or more, to stop him/her and their armies (if they have one), and you get a feeling at how it is going to end, which again will not be spoiled here.

Overall, a fun ride from start to finish, and a definite must-see for those who are Marvel fans, or of the Action/Superhero genre. One of the best of 2018 so far.

My own picture taken at the cinema.