Long live the king.
Black Panther is a 2018 superhero film directed by Ryan Coogler, written by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, produced by Marvel Studios, and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is based off of various Black Panther comics by Marvel Comics. The film stars Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan. It was nominated for and won Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score while also being nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Song, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing. This is the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, acting as the eighteenth film in the Infinity Saga, the sixth film in Phase Three, and the first film in the Black Panther franchise. It was preceded by Captain America: Civil War and Thor: Ragnarok and followed by Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
"Wakanda forever!" - Black Panther
Plot
After the death of King T'Chaka, T'Challa takes over the mantle as king and protector of Wakanda: the Black Panther. As T'Challa manages the difficulties of the nation, an old enemy resurfaces, leading to an unimaginable conflict that threatens Wakanda and the rest of the world.
My Favorite Part of Black Panther
Black Panther is a truly phenomenal film. There are three things that really elevate this movie, and they all kind of come together and compliment each other. The characters are so great. All of them are complicated and layered, even the lesser ones. They work well inside this rich, epic story of a king and his kingdom. The story has all kinds of little nuances and complexities that make it fantastic. And the third is the world of Wakanda, which has this historic past filled with culture and traditions. The three of these work like a well-oiled machine. The story forces the characters to make decisions based on their world beliefs that have been shaped by their experiences with Wakanda. It's one of the best crafted movies that I have ever seen.
My Least Favorite Part of Black Panther
I don't have a lot negative to say about this movie, but the one thing that sticks out is the CGI. Most people criticize the action and the CGI. I think the action is great until we get to the final battle, where the bad CGI kicks in. The Black Panther suits look really bad when they are digital, and when combined with a digital environment, it just looks like a cartoon. However, that is a minor aspect inside of an otherwise fantastic film.
Why Black Panther is Amazing
For all of the reasons I explained in the beginning and more. Black Panther is a cinematic achievement that blends together the MCU, layered characters, a complex story, and a lore that will suck you in and keep you invested for all two hours and fourteen minutes. On a quality level, this is in competition for The Dark Knight with the greatest superhero movie ever made, and, if you tighten up the CGI and a few other moments, it might've been just as good as that film. It's incredible.
Final Thoughts and Score
Black Panther is one of the MCU's best outings and easily one of the greatest and most important superhero films ever made.
I will go Sweet. Age range is 9+.
SWEET N' SOUR SCALE
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"Black Panther"
Fun Factor: 9.5/10 Acting: 8.5/10
Story: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Released on February 16, 2018
Rated PG-13 for superhero violence and action, disturbing themes and images, minor language, thematic elements
2 hours and 14 minutes
Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa / Black Panther
Michael B. Jordan as N'Jadaka / Erik "Killmonger" Stevens
Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia
Danai Gurira as Okoye
Letitia Wright as Shuri
Angela Bassett as Ramonda
Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross
Winston Duke as M'Baku
Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi
Andy Serkis as Ulysses Klaue
Forest Whitaker as Zuri
John Kani as T'Chaka / Black Panther
Sterling K. Brown as N'Jobu