The Black Panther (2018)

The Black Panther

Movie: The Black Panther

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis
Rating: PG-13 (for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture)
Release Date: February 16, 2018
Review:

2 1/2 Stars; Above Average

The Black Panther deserves the attention it has received, not because it is a great movie, but because it is such a historic moment for the superhero genre. As the first comic book picture with a cast composed of people primarily of African descent, the movie instantly stands out as unique and special among superhero films. In that way, The Black Panther does not disappoint.
Speaking of the cast, they are without a doubt the best part of the movie. Chadwick Boseman as the charming and unsure-of-himself Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan as the arrogant and cunning Killmonger, Lupita Nyong’o as the soft yet strong Nakia, Dania Guaita as the proud and serious Okoye...and that’s only a handful of the wonderful character actors that bring his picture to life (not even mentioned here are Forrest Whitaker’s Zuri and Angela Bassett’s Ramonda, let alone Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis’ characters!). That director Ryan Coogler was able to pack this film with so many great performers and keep it from feeling over-crowded and stuffy is an accomplishment in-and-of-itself!
With that said, it is not a movie without flaws, chief among them being poor writing. The dialogue is oftentimes clunky and goofy. Themes are introduced and never fully fleshed out. Indeed, one gets the sense that Coogler was prevented by studio executives from saying too much regarding the immigration/refugee crisis, international relations, leadership abroad, etc. It is a shame if that is the case, as any statement made in this picture would no doubt have been impactful. In addition, the pacing of “Panther” is all over the place. There are multiple start-and-stop moments scattered throughout the movie, making it, at times, feel as though it drags.
Regardless, Coogler gives the film a sort of Martin Luther King, Jr. vs. Malcom X kind of story that feels very fresh and timely, and works incredibly well. The dynamics between Boseman’s Black Panther, and Jordan’s Killmonger are fascinating to watch, in part due to the intensity that each actor brings to their respective roles. Both men are determined to stand by what they know is right. Neither doubts their mission, and while that may cause some to balk at how black and white— “good vs. evil” — it all may seem, in understanding the characters as types or shadows, Boseman and Jordan more powerfully make the statements that their characters desire.
While on the topic, it is worth noting that despite a seemingly simplistic characterization, what is truly effective in Michael B. Jordan’s performance is the sympathy which audiences are likely to feel for him. His plan may be to “oppress the oppressors,” but it is easy to understand why. With the death of his father, the Wakandan establishment abandons him. His resentment for authority is totally deserved, and though his plan may be evil, one has to wonder if, placed in a similar situation, they would not act similarly.
A final thought: The Black Panther’s orchestral score, composed by Ludwig Goransson, may be the strongest score for a superhero movie in decades. The marriage of film and music in this picture is simply pure movie magic. Musical cues are used so effectively; particularly a drum solo, played before ritual combat ceremonies determining who will reign over Wakanda as king. With African chants and a tribal sound seamlessly blended with orchestral melodies, it is somewhat evocative of Hans Zimmer’s score for Disney’s The Lion King.
All-in-all, The Black Panther is precisely the kind of entertainment that Marvel Studios has come to be known for. Is it fantastic? No. The best of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Probably not. Will audiences be disappointed? Most certainly not. And while I would argue that, in the years to come, the film would likely be forgotten were it not for the exciting moment it marks in superhero movie history, it is a fine addition to the Marvel Collection.