MORE THAN A SUPERHERO
Movie Review – Black Panther
Review by Ray Schillaci
Marvel’s latest, and nearly greatest, Black Panther, roars onto the screen with such power and with a furious pace that you might think that it’s just under two hours. But, it’s not. Writer/director Ryan Coogler (Creed) and his co-writer Joe Robert Cole have taken the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby character and mythos, and have infused it with so much energy it takes the audience’s breath away. Add to that, dynamic, graceful, and near regal performances by Chadwick Boseman (Captain America: Civil War, 42), Michael B. Jordan (Creed, Fruitvale Station), Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and the rest of the illustrious cast, and you have the best well-rounded character driven Marvel film ever.
Now, it may not be as much fun as Thor: Ragnarok, but it more than makes up for that with its world building and introduction of all new characters that make me very excited for the next Marvel extravaganza, Avengers: Infinity War. The only drawback is that after seeing Black Panther, audiences may demand more than just the staple Marvel action and humor. Ryan Coogler’s film elevates the superhero and at the same time brings him down to earth. Yes, there is some politicizing, but it’s more organic than forced.
Black Panther is also very close to being a stand-alone movie. Other than a few minor instances, the film remains tall on its own merit and does not rely on the audience having kept up with the Marvel franchise. But, it does help filling in a few minor holes like the passing of our lead’s father, and a certain “white boy” that is also saved. Once again, minor details.
The story concerns the third world nation of Wakanda, its people and king. A nation once hit by a meteorite filled with vibranium, a miraculous sound-absorbing element that eventually the people of Wakanda utilize to advance their technology far beyond mortal man’s. Vibranium is also the substance that resides in some of the flora and fauna, and is taken by the king of Wakanda giving him superhuman abilities and creating the Black Panther.
Vibranium is also what tips the balance of power when king T’Challa’s (Boseman) throne is challenged by an unforeseen relative. This is far from a good vs. evil story. There are the requisite bad guys, but the main villain, played by Michael B. Jordan, is as complex as his opponent’s views on life. Both wrestle with their inner demons, and they are real world problems. This is what makes Coogler’s film so compelling.
I don’t want to go into any more details or spoilers. The trailers, and what has already been talked about is all you need to know or it may already be too much. Best to go into Coogler’s film and get blindsided in the best way, as I did.
The action sequences are top notch, and the quiet moments are just as arresting. What I cannot agree with is the CGI being as “seamless” as some have suggested. Yes, there are moments of sheer brilliance, but there are also the times when the Wakandans are standing in front of the airships and it is not as impressive. There’s still something to be said for practical effects that make our hearts race and our eyes believe. Not that you have to build an entire ship, perhaps just parts of one so it does not look like people standing in front of a green screen. But, this is a small pet peeve of mine.
Ryan Coogler and his team have created a new world unseen by audiences. He wows us with his visuals, dazzles us with the drama, and all the while has us stop and think for a moment about what his characters are truly reflecting on. Black Panther is solid filmmaking by an up-and-coming artist that has far more in mind than just delivering a superhero movie. This is why we can look forward to his future.
Directed by: Ryan Coogler
Release Date: February 16, 2018
Run Time: 134 Minutes
Rating: PG-13
Country: USA
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures/Marvel Studios
