It’s that time of the year again, well one of the three times a year when we get a new Marvel Studios movie and this time Marvel are pulling out all the stops and producing the first ever feature film starring a black superhero - well, if you don’t count Blade or Shaq’s Steele or even Meteor Man - Oh boy do you guys remember Meteor Man? F*ck I loved Meteor Man. That was a great film, I mean - oh, oh boy, this hasn’t aged well, wow this really hasn’t aged well, Oh man, this really hasn’t aged well. But anyway, Black Panther, one of the best things to come out of Captain America Civil War (and there were many) kicks off 2018’s road to Infinity War.
So, after the events of Civil War, T’Challa, played by Chadwick Bosman, returns home to the mysterious but technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda. Upon his arrival he must deal with enemies from all different directions, challenges to his throne, threats of exposing Wakanda to the rest of the world and preventing a potential world war. With a stellar-star cast and one of the best and ballsiest new directors out there, Black Panther kicks blockbuster season off early and sets a very high Vibranium bar for all other films in 2018 to follow.
The film is naturally slick with the special effects, costumes, action sequences, humour and several other Marvel staples, however director Ryan Coogler still manages to put his own personal stamp the film. Much like his previous films, Coogler really moves the camera around each scene to give a sense of the film’s surroundings whilst also delivering some great action sequences that are inspired by a lot of different African fighting styles. He delivers an incredibly competent superhero blockbuster action movie, yet still manages to make some very clear cut comments about black culture, refugee debates and building walls which, just feels like the kind of conversations we should be having in this current political climate. It’s never preachy or in-your-face, it’s just a matter-of-fact.
But look, every Marvel fan will be piling into the film opening weekend, they don’t need any convincing to see Black Panther, but what about the fence-sitters and Marvel-haters? What questions might they have about this film?
Is it a rehashed Iron Man?
No. The film really does have its own story beats whilst avoiding “origin-itis”; the characters feel fresh and genuine, they feel lived-in without just trying to replicate the Robert Downey Jnr effect.
Is the film desaturated (or does it look ugly as one click-bait vlogger likes to put it)?
No. The film has beautifully rich designs inspired by the work of Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze along with bold, earthy colours inspired by African culture.
Is the film subservient to setting up other Marvel films?
No. The film is self-contained, makes little to no reference to other Marvel superheroes and comfortably runs in its own Vibranium skin. In a world where Wakanda has remained isolated from the rest of the world, it makes sense that the characters wouldn’t be dropping Avengers references left, right and centre.
Is it another weak one dimensional villain?
At first I would have said yes, but about half-way through the film, Ryan Coogler did something almost none of the other Marvel films do: it took the time to humanise Michael B Jordan’s villain and at least give us some insight into his drive and motivations. It makes the final fight more personal and gives the ending a far more emotional arc. It’s by no means Heath Ledger’s Joker, but it’s also not, well, Jared Leto’s Joker - it’s a villain with a purpose and desire that is motivated by relatable human qualities.
Is it just another joke-fest with characters constantly quipping whilst in near-death situations?
For the most part, no.
The first half of the film knows when to have a laugh and when to play it serious. The humour really works, in a full cinema people were just roaring with laughter so you can’t say that the humor doesn’t work. And, for the first half of the film, it really felt like the movie wasn’t going to undercut serious moments or heroic moments with humour - I found this really grating in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2, but the second half of the film does have the occasional moment where humor does cut into a moment and the gravity of the scene is pulled right out from under you. This doesn’t ruin the film or even ruin the moment, it just undercuts the moment.
Do we have yet again a bunch of underwritten female characters?
Oh hell no!
As a matter of fact, they are probably the best thing in the film! From the great relationship between T’Challa and his sister Shuri to the strong female warriors of Danai Gurira and Lupita Nyong’o just dominating every scene that they are in. The royal guard costumes are just stunning and look even more amazing when they work in uniform - Black Panther really celebrates women as action heroes and formidable forces - which is probably the most refreshing thing to come out of this film.
Overall, Black Panther takes some bold steps in creating a new world within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Filled with pride for African culture and creating a story that avoids some of Marvel’s more traditional beats, Black Panther, much like it’s Rotten Tomatoes score, really does feel fresh. With a tight story that fills out the 2 hour and 14 minute runtime in a way that doesn’t drag, we have a great new film as part of the Marvel canon. Now all that’s left to hope for now is that eventual Black Panther/Meteor Man crossover.
Black Panther gets Four and a Half Vibranium Stars.
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