[yasr_overall_rating]
T’Challa, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king.
With all the hype that has been going on prior to this screening, I secretly wondered if it would live up to the expectations of all the comic book fans who have anxiously awaited this Marvel Comics Black Superhero depicted on film by a black director and co-writer Ryan Coogler (“Creed,” “Fruitvale Station”) and majority black cast which includes Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Bassett, and others. The Black Panther character was first introduced in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War,” with a promise that there would be more to come, however, it has been noted that the character actually appeared in 1966 before the historical Black Panther Party movement. Judging from the wide range of critics, I was hopeful that racial divide would not play a role in this quintessential opportunity for the world to witness the powerful and unified presence of extremely talented people of color putting to rest any rumors in incapability. Never mind that we have been successful with other types of genre, this seemed to be a test that would prove among all tests that it could be pulled off.
As the film opens, the fictitious African world of Wakanda is gloriously projected as a poor, behind the times civilization although secretly it is a highly-technological place of refuge where its people work diligently together to protect the culture that has idolized the Black Panther for its strength, dominance, and inalienable qualities of regal greatness. The mining of vibranium seems to be the secret of its success and the reasoning for keeping the world at bay. The long-reigning King has died and his son T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is preparing to be the next ruler. His mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) eagerly awaits the transitional ceremony and his little sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) who would be next in line, is a staunch supporter who keeps him aligned for greatness. As with all family, there is trouble in paradise when the Royals and Traditionalists clash within the Wakandan tribe and cause internal fighting, however, nothing compares to the battle to keep the vibranium from the hands of South African arms dealer Klaue (Andy Serkis) and underestimated enemy Erik Killmonder (Michael B. Jordan).
The true Marvel classic comes to play with vibrant over-the top-cinematography and a plot that thickens as quickly as the vibranium flows from one set of powerful hands to another. The difference though in this setting is the mostly predictable twists and turns infuse stark comedy and surrealism to entertain and keep a sense of adventure. The standouts in this film are the supporting characters which are true scene stealers and the many quotes of the Wakandans are vastly memorable parts of the film. Those who are all too familiar with the average superhero film’s plot could easily become excited about the diversity of characters and the prototype of winners, losers, and risk-takers. Everyone gets a turn at establishing their own defense mechanisms in order to cope pre and post-battle and in the end, Wakanda is a believable and surprising entity that begs for more exposure.
Kudos to Ryan Coogler who has pulled off this massive undertaking with widespread appeal and enthusiasm. Smack in the middle of Black History Month, the attention being given to this film is appropriate, legitimate, and deserving. Bringing to life a black superhero and giving the black community and entire world something to be proud of is a feat that should not go unnoticed. Every single actor and every detail that came together was purposeful and exposed more than just another comic book adaptation, but an entire realm of possibilities from a group of talented artists who delivered an inspirational, educational and adventurous form of entertainment that was long overdue.
In theaters Friday, February 16th
