“Wakanda Forever”
Release Date: February 16, 2018
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Comic Book
Length: 2H 14M
MPAA: PG
The Marvel Cinematic Universe was first introduced to Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War (2016), he was a really interesting character that we didn’t know too much about, but I’m glad we got to see his stand alone film so soon afterwards.
I will also say, that in this past month, I have completely caught up with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I watched 7 films I didn’t see before, and I’m glad I did because now I feel like I am a part of something bigger. Each one of these films are entertaining, and its interesting to me to see the history behind the highly successful franchise of films, and to see how they were shaped over time. Watching all of these MCU films made me appreciative of Avengers: Infinity War (2018) even more, which I will be reviewing soon.
Black Panther is a Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi movie about the King of Wakanda, T’Challa who rises to the thrown in the isolated, technologically advanced African nation, but soon his claim is challenged by an outsider who has a vengeful history with T’Challa’s father.
Black Panther is directed by Ryan Coogler. His filmography consists of Fruitvale Station (2013), and Creed (2015). Ryan Coogler is a director who is a major up and comer. Fruitvale Station (2013) was a really interesting film that is definitely worth the watch, I was absolutely blown away by it, and its definitely a film worth talking about (Idea for a review after a re-watch perhaps). Creed (2015), had no business in my mind being as good as it was, I was never a Rocky fan, but after watching Creed, I went back and started through the Rocky series, and I can say I’m definitely a fan. But Ryan Coogler always has these interesting cultural and social commentaries in his movies, he is able to get you to see an event or a culture and really change your view about it or to get you to see it through his eyes, and Black Panther was no different. I think this film hit at the right time, and I cannot wait to add it to my collection, and finish off my MCU blu rays.
Black Panther was written by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole. Ryan Coogler wrote Fruitvale Station (2013) and Creed (2015). Joe Robert Cole wrote two episodes of the fantastic true crime TV Series – American Crime Story: The People Vs. OJ Simpson (2016). I don’t think any other writers could have nailed the writing like these two did. You had these two racially and political writers that are writing about events that they believe in and have lived through, and you just feel more involved. You hear and see these events unfold and you can’t help but be swept up in it. I laughed quite hard at a lot of scenes but there were other scenes where I was just swept up in the drama, it was just a lot of fun.
Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmongr, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross, Daniel Kaluuya as W’Kabi, Letita Wright as Shuri and Forest Whitaker as Zuri.
Chadwick Boseman’s filmography consists of Captain America: Civil War (2016) and Avenger’s Infinity War (2018). I have no idea what else this guy has done, but I’m intrigued to see. I think Boseman is a strong actor, he is excellent in the role of Black Panther, It was awesome to see him really chew up the screen in his own movie. Civil War did a great job introducing him and was one of the stand outs of that movie, but it was in Black Panther that we got to know this character and where he comes from.
Michael B. Jordan’s filmography consists of Hardball (2001), The Wire {TV Series} (2002), Gears of War 3 {Video Game} (2011), Chronicle (2012), Fruitvale Station (2013), That Awkward Moment (2014), and Creed (2015). What do Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan have in common? Michael B. Jordan has appeared in all 3 of Ryan Coogler’s movies and is signed on for Coogler’s next film. They create great movies together and have great chemistry, and in Black Panther was absolutely no different. Jordan played an excellent and well rounded character, I just thought he was great in the role. Its much different than anything else he has played in the past and I would love to see him do more of these villainous roles.
Lupita Nyong’o’s filmography consists of 12 Years A Slave (2013), Non-Stop (2014), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017). Lupita Nyong’o is a tour de force, whats to say that hasn’t already been said about her and her acting ability? not much, but she was amazing in this movie, so elegant and fun, I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Martin Freeman’s filmography consists of Love Actually (2003), Shaun Of The Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007), The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), Fargo {TV Series} (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Sherlock {TV Series} (2010-2017). Martin Freeman is a highly recognizable actor, he has been in a little bit of everything and is very eays to watch. He’s definitely a massive talent, If you have sent seen Sherlock {TV Series} then you’re definitely missing out (its also on Netflix, so theres no excuse!). I thought Freeman was great in this role, I need to rematch Civil War (2016) again, I don’t remember his character well in that movie.
Daniel Kaluuya’s filmography consists of Skins (2007-2009), Kick-Ass 2 (2013), Sicario (2015) and Get Out (2017). Kaluuya had a massive year last year, being nominated for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for his work in Get Out (2017). I didn’t realize he was in this movie, and when I saw him on screen, I was instantly excited. He’s a fantastic actor, theres nothing really else to say, but keep your eyes open for this guy, he’s going places.
Letita Wright’s filmography consists of Ready Player One (2018), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). I loved her character in this movie, she played T’Challa’s sister and to hear the banter back and forth and have her nerd out over the technology she was creating was really cool. I hope to see more of her character in future films.
Forest Whitaker’s filmography consists of Platoon (1986), Panic Room (2002), Phone Booth (2002), Street Kings (2008), Repo Men (2010), Out Of The Furnace (2013), Southpaw (2015), Arrival (2016), and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). Forest Whitaker is always an actor to see, you know you’re getting a quality role. He was great in this movie.
The acting was great in this movie, no complaints there.
My only gripe against this movie was I felt like it dragged a bit in places, but thats a small chink in the armour of this overall great film.
If you’re a fan of the MCU, definitely give it a go. If you’re just looking for a stand alone good movie, give it a go. If you like fun and want to be entertained, check it out.
I will be adding this to my blu ray collection in May.
I give Black Panther a 4.5/5.
Until Next Time!
-Andrew
My Next Review will be Avengers: Infinity War. I’m going to post the review on monday just to give people the weekend to go see it, but not like it matters, as my review will be spoiler free, just like every other review I do.