When I was 12 years old, I fell in love with J.J. Abrams' Super 8. You're probably thinking that this is a weird way to start off a review of Ryan Coogler's Black Panther, the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Trust me, I'm going somewhere with this. Not only did I find the creature feature to be gripping and completely engrossing from start to finish, but I was also thrilled that the protagonists were movie-obsessed teens, just like me. It was wonderful to see such a large part of myself on screen, and these kids were practically superheroes in my mind. And yet, it's rather remarkable when you realize that my status as a movie geek is a pretty narrow portion of my social identity, below broad categories such as race, gender, and ethnicity. I grew up watching action movies with heroes that looked like me, from the international exploits of James Bond and Ethan Hunt to the astonishing heroics of Peter Parker and Bruce Wayne. But as I grew up, I saw not only heroes that looked like me, but heroes with similar interests and hobbies.
As I reflected on the experience of watching Black Panther, my mind drifted to how I felt after seeing Abrams' film nearly 7 years ago. I've enjoyed the privilege of representation throughout my entire life. In fact, I've been so inundated with depictions of people who look like me that, during my formative years as an individual, I was even able to see a film that portrayed a niche aspect of my identity. When you step back and look at it, it's slightly astonishing. And it's even more baffling when you consider just how poor Hollywood's track record of representation has been. Last year's Wonder Woman was the first time that little girls around the world had a hero to look up to on screen. And the R-rated chills of Blade notwithstanding, Black Panther is the very first example of a black superhero in movie theaters, accompanied by a cast that is predominantly led by people of color. As someone who carefully watches industry trends, I obviously understood why this film was going to be a cultural phenomenon, even before I really had time to think about my own experiences. But for those of us who've had this privilege of representation our entire lives, I think reflection allows us all to grow a deeper appreciation for this generational moment and share in the joy that comes with this landmark achievement in populist filmmaking.
Of course, Ryan Coogler always knew the importance of the task at hand. When he signed on to direct Black Panther, he knew he was being handed the keys to something that was much bigger than just one film, or one director, or one character. This was going to be a watershed moment not just for Marvel Studios (a company that has struggled to diversify its heroes over the years), but for an industry that has ignored minority voices and underserved audiences for far too long. In the words of many cultural analysts, Black Panther has become a movement. If you asked any number of Hollywood journalists just a few months ago, I doubt any of them would have predicted an opening in the vicinity of $200 million. When Marvel's Kevin Feige gave this movie the green light, I don't think he expected grassroots campaigns created to take young African-American children to see this movie in theaters. But in a way, I think Ryan Coogler knew. Watching the film, you can see that he understood the enormous weight that was being placed on his shoulders, the pressure that would come with this one-of-a-kind epic. And he didn't just hit a solid double or a triple. To keep up the analogy, this isn't even a home run- Coogler hit a game-winning grand slam, sending this one screaming out of the park with a bat flip as an exclamation mark.
Black Panther is unlike anything Marvel has ever made before. Now, this is something that happens from time to time in the MCU. As easy it is to see Marvel as a punching bag, in their best moments, they've hired creative visionaries and allowed them to go wild. While they're not even my favorite films in the franchise, Joss Whedon's The Avengers and James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy are two prime examples of Marvel films that were undoubtedly ahead of the curve, setting Hollywood trends and breaking records along the way. With this awe-inspiring Wakandan adventure, Coogler has joined the exclusive ranks of directors who found a way to thrive in the format that Feige has created. But Black Panther feels like a totally different thing- it's the rare Marvel film that feels bigger than the MCU and maybe even the company itself. It is nothing short of revolutionary, both as a film and a cultural touchstone. It's a dazzling blend of the slick thrills of James Bond, the dramatic edge of Nolan's Batman trilogy, and the operatic sensibility of a classic family saga. It is both a proud celebration of African culture and a sobering look at the unjust world we live in. It's a rousing fantasy, a moving tragedy, and a epic of the highest order. Hyperbole and hype always surround big superhero movies, but Black Panther cuts through the noise. It's the real deal, a movie that will sweep you off your feet and send you soaring. Like I said, flat-out grand slam.
Set shortly after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther finds Prince T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returning home to assume his position as the King of Wakanda. After the death of his father (John Kani), T'Challa is shaken, but still ready to ascend to the throne and lead his people. With support from his mother (Angela Bassett), the fierce Okoye (Danai Gurira), and ex-flame Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), the Black Panther will prepare for his coronation. After defeating M'Baku (Winston Duke), the disgruntled leader of a mountainous tribe, in the traditional Wakandan ceremony, T'Challa is crowned by Zuri (Forest Whitaker) as the king of the isolationist nation.
His first test will come quickly. For years, Wakanda has been plagued by Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), a maniacal South African criminal who managed to steal some of the country's precious Vibranium. One of T'Challa's personal confidants, W'Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), has a personal grudge against Klaue, and he expresses disdain at Wakanda's inability to catch him. Klaue has been detected in South Korea, and T'Challa sees this as a chance to set the tone of his reign. Equipped with a new suit designed by his sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright), the Black Panther heads to Korea with Okoye and Nakia to face down Klaue directly. But it turns out that Klaue is just the tip of the iceberg- the real villain is a mysterious man by the name of Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). He's a former black ops agent, according to CIA operative and Wakandan ally Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), and he has a serious vendetta against Wakanda. Killmonger's arrival kickstarts a fight for the throne, as the two men prepare to battle for the future of the African technological haven.
I'm not surprised in the slightest that Ryan Coogler made a great film. Anyone familiar with the track record of the 31-year old director knows that he is capable of astonishing things. After starting with Fruitvale Station, an effective and moving indie, Coogler moved to the big leagues with Creed, a crowd-pleasing, heartbreaking underdog story that made the Rocky franchise feel relevant again. He has talent to spare- he was always going to knock Black Panther out of the park. But what surprised me was how precise the whole thing feels, how each character motivation, story decision, and action beat is a perfectly executed statement. With help from co-writer Joe Robert Cole, Coogler makes Black Panther feel both confident and controlled at every moment. From the acclaimed tracking shot action scene to the smaller moments of emotional nuance, Coogler is a master behind the camera. But beyond technical aspects, Black Panther is a superhero film that has quite a bit on its mind, and Coogler knows exactly what he wants to say and how he wants to say it.
The result is a film that is as thematically rich and politically relevant as it is gloriously, thrillingly entertaining. On one level, Black Panther resists a simple allegorical reading- it's not easy to say that one character is Trump and the other is Hillary, or whatever reductive interpretation one could search for. At the same time, it's not hard to find a sense of topical urgency when characters spout off lines like "An outsider sits on our throne!" But instead of winking at the audience with easy metaphors, Coogler and Cole present a careful ideological conflict that will certainly cause a rift among many audience members. Killmonger's methods may be cruel, but his plan? Well, it really does make sense- his desire for worldwide liberation is just as understandable as Wakanda's traditional attitudes towards international relations, if not even more logical. With the scarcity of representation in Hollywood, Black Panther was always destined to be a political movie. But its head-on confrontation of identity and ideology is so profound, so insightful, and so perfectly rendered that the film is elevated by the way that it never turns away from the world we live in.
Any movie can make a basic political statement, but it takes layers to create the kind of involving, striking emotional push-and-pull that Coogler masters throughout Black Panther. And that's due to three major, yet somewhat obvious factors- the complexity of the characters, the depth of the performances, and the world-building that makes Wakanda feel like pure magic (it's science, I know). Black Panther boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, and it's impossible to highlight everyone who makes this film work so well. But obviously it starts with Chadwick Boseman, who exudes cool, collected charisma as Wakanda's fearless leader. T'Challa is stoic and powerful, but this is a portrait of a leader first and a superhero second. Boseman blends a contemplative spirit with a composed sense of poise, resulting in a performance that exists as the bedrock for the entire film. I know that some have joked that Boseman is overshadowed by his supporting stars, but that overlooks the dignity he consistently brings to this character. When a young boy looks at T'Challa in awe towards the end of the film, you're right there with him.
Of course, Boseman has the benefit of working with a near-perfect foil- Michael B. Jordan, who gives depth and bravado to one of Marvel's best antagonists. Sometimes it feels like Jordan leans too far into Killmonger's more villainous traits, but the raw emotion and infuriated logic that he brings to the character is undeniable. Killmonger's reasoning is sound, and Jordan delivers a few moments that will go down as some of Marvel's best. And from there, the cast is stacked from top to bottom with great actors doing exceptional work. Coogler has been commended for his portrayal of strong women throughout this entire cast, and deservedly so. Letitia Wright is a scene-stealer as T'Challa's genius sister, Lupita Nyong'o is wonderful as Nakia, and Danai Gurira gets the opportunity to dominate the screen as Okoye. I hope some of these characters get the chance to have more cohesive arcs in the sequels, but they're excellent anyhow. On a more limited level, Daniel Kaluuya continues his hot streak, Andy Serkis clearly has a blast playing a maniac, Winston Duke is a breakout star waiting to happen, and Sterling K. Brown even gets a chance to shine in a minor role.
For all of Black Panther's strong performances and political flourishes, the connective tissue through it all is the mesmerizing visual filmmaking on display from Coogler. You've never see anything like Wakanda on screen before- it has the power to transport and inspire, a futuristic utopia that is as carefully detailed as it is flat-out awesome. Black Panther's cultural significance can't be overstated, but the grandeur of its world is a major contributing factor to its runaway success. The film has the basic look of a Marvel movie, and yet its constant sense of innovation and imagination will leave you breathless. It feels fresh, in ways that most mainstream Hollywood blockbusters wouldn't even think of. As captured by Coogler and Mudbound cinematographer Rachel Morrison, Wakanda is a sight to behold.
Black Panther is a movie that thrives on its subtle touches, but it's also a movie of big dramatic strokes, a bold choice that once again distinguishes it from the rest of the superhero pack. The comparisons to Shakespeare are apt- Coogler has made a superhero movie that feels like a Greek tragedy, a saga of epic proportions. I know others would say that Guardians of the Galaxy shares more of a kinship with Star Wars, but to me, this is the first time that Marvel approaches the Lucas model of classic sci-fi and heightened melodrama. As the film moves from one marvelous beat to the next, it reaches multiple crescendos, as Ludwig Goransson's thrilling score highlights the action at every turn. Oh, and not to mention that it's backed up by a soundtrack curated by the one and only Kendrick Lamar, a collection of stellar music from some of the best in hip-hop. But once again, it all flows back to Coogler- Black Panther is simply paced to perfection, a tragic drama that moves like lightning and strikes in spectacular ways.
When the credits rolled, the applause was not muted or forced. There was a roar that came over the audience, a swelling of excitement that felt enormously deserved. In terms of diversity and representation, there's still a long way to go in Hollywood. But I can't help but feel that Black Panther is the beginning of a new era- this movie feels groundbreaking, the kind of smash hit that will forever change this business. And it's just a downright magnificent movie, a moving story that doubles as Marvel's first bona fide epic. It's a blockbuster of the highest order, transcending the confines of the genre to become something else entirely. Black Panther has been a long time coming, and it's rewarding to see Ryan Coogler deliver something so supremely satisfying. In every sense of the word, this is a truly monumental achievement.
Marvel Studios has changed Hollywood in so many ways over the past decade. But in the end, for all of their ambitious team-up movies and interconnected stories, the legacy of Marvel may very well be Coogler's milestone of a movie. Black Panther is a defining moment, and I'm glad I'm here to witness it firsthand.
THE FINAL GRADE: A (9.5/10)
Images: Marvel/IMDb
Black Panther is unlike anything Marvel has ever made before. Now, this is something that happens from time to time in the MCU. As easy it is to see Marvel as a punching bag, in their best moments, they've hired creative visionaries and allowed them to go wild. While they're not even my favorite films in the franchise, Joss Whedon's The Avengers and James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy are two prime examples of Marvel films that were undoubtedly ahead of the curve, setting Hollywood trends and breaking records along the way. With this awe-inspiring Wakandan adventure, Coogler has joined the exclusive ranks of directors who found a way to thrive in the format that Feige has created. But Black Panther feels like a totally different thing- it's the rare Marvel film that feels bigger than the MCU and maybe even the company itself. It is nothing short of revolutionary, both as a film and a cultural touchstone. It's a dazzling blend of the slick thrills of James Bond, the dramatic edge of Nolan's Batman trilogy, and the operatic sensibility of a classic family saga. It is both a proud celebration of African culture and a sobering look at the unjust world we live in. It's a rousing fantasy, a moving tragedy, and a epic of the highest order. Hyperbole and hype always surround big superhero movies, but Black Panther cuts through the noise. It's the real deal, a movie that will sweep you off your feet and send you soaring. Like I said, flat-out grand slam.
Set shortly after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther finds Prince T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returning home to assume his position as the King of Wakanda. After the death of his father (John Kani), T'Challa is shaken, but still ready to ascend to the throne and lead his people. With support from his mother (Angela Bassett), the fierce Okoye (Danai Gurira), and ex-flame Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), the Black Panther will prepare for his coronation. After defeating M'Baku (Winston Duke), the disgruntled leader of a mountainous tribe, in the traditional Wakandan ceremony, T'Challa is crowned by Zuri (Forest Whitaker) as the king of the isolationist nation.
His first test will come quickly. For years, Wakanda has been plagued by Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), a maniacal South African criminal who managed to steal some of the country's precious Vibranium. One of T'Challa's personal confidants, W'Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), has a personal grudge against Klaue, and he expresses disdain at Wakanda's inability to catch him. Klaue has been detected in South Korea, and T'Challa sees this as a chance to set the tone of his reign. Equipped with a new suit designed by his sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright), the Black Panther heads to Korea with Okoye and Nakia to face down Klaue directly. But it turns out that Klaue is just the tip of the iceberg- the real villain is a mysterious man by the name of Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). He's a former black ops agent, according to CIA operative and Wakandan ally Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), and he has a serious vendetta against Wakanda. Killmonger's arrival kickstarts a fight for the throne, as the two men prepare to battle for the future of the African technological haven.
I'm not surprised in the slightest that Ryan Coogler made a great film. Anyone familiar with the track record of the 31-year old director knows that he is capable of astonishing things. After starting with Fruitvale Station, an effective and moving indie, Coogler moved to the big leagues with Creed, a crowd-pleasing, heartbreaking underdog story that made the Rocky franchise feel relevant again. He has talent to spare- he was always going to knock Black Panther out of the park. But what surprised me was how precise the whole thing feels, how each character motivation, story decision, and action beat is a perfectly executed statement. With help from co-writer Joe Robert Cole, Coogler makes Black Panther feel both confident and controlled at every moment. From the acclaimed tracking shot action scene to the smaller moments of emotional nuance, Coogler is a master behind the camera. But beyond technical aspects, Black Panther is a superhero film that has quite a bit on its mind, and Coogler knows exactly what he wants to say and how he wants to say it.
The result is a film that is as thematically rich and politically relevant as it is gloriously, thrillingly entertaining. On one level, Black Panther resists a simple allegorical reading- it's not easy to say that one character is Trump and the other is Hillary, or whatever reductive interpretation one could search for. At the same time, it's not hard to find a sense of topical urgency when characters spout off lines like "An outsider sits on our throne!" But instead of winking at the audience with easy metaphors, Coogler and Cole present a careful ideological conflict that will certainly cause a rift among many audience members. Killmonger's methods may be cruel, but his plan? Well, it really does make sense- his desire for worldwide liberation is just as understandable as Wakanda's traditional attitudes towards international relations, if not even more logical. With the scarcity of representation in Hollywood, Black Panther was always destined to be a political movie. But its head-on confrontation of identity and ideology is so profound, so insightful, and so perfectly rendered that the film is elevated by the way that it never turns away from the world we live in.
Any movie can make a basic political statement, but it takes layers to create the kind of involving, striking emotional push-and-pull that Coogler masters throughout Black Panther. And that's due to three major, yet somewhat obvious factors- the complexity of the characters, the depth of the performances, and the world-building that makes Wakanda feel like pure magic (it's science, I know). Black Panther boasts an outstanding ensemble cast, and it's impossible to highlight everyone who makes this film work so well. But obviously it starts with Chadwick Boseman, who exudes cool, collected charisma as Wakanda's fearless leader. T'Challa is stoic and powerful, but this is a portrait of a leader first and a superhero second. Boseman blends a contemplative spirit with a composed sense of poise, resulting in a performance that exists as the bedrock for the entire film. I know that some have joked that Boseman is overshadowed by his supporting stars, but that overlooks the dignity he consistently brings to this character. When a young boy looks at T'Challa in awe towards the end of the film, you're right there with him.
Of course, Boseman has the benefit of working with a near-perfect foil- Michael B. Jordan, who gives depth and bravado to one of Marvel's best antagonists. Sometimes it feels like Jordan leans too far into Killmonger's more villainous traits, but the raw emotion and infuriated logic that he brings to the character is undeniable. Killmonger's reasoning is sound, and Jordan delivers a few moments that will go down as some of Marvel's best. And from there, the cast is stacked from top to bottom with great actors doing exceptional work. Coogler has been commended for his portrayal of strong women throughout this entire cast, and deservedly so. Letitia Wright is a scene-stealer as T'Challa's genius sister, Lupita Nyong'o is wonderful as Nakia, and Danai Gurira gets the opportunity to dominate the screen as Okoye. I hope some of these characters get the chance to have more cohesive arcs in the sequels, but they're excellent anyhow. On a more limited level, Daniel Kaluuya continues his hot streak, Andy Serkis clearly has a blast playing a maniac, Winston Duke is a breakout star waiting to happen, and Sterling K. Brown even gets a chance to shine in a minor role.
For all of Black Panther's strong performances and political flourishes, the connective tissue through it all is the mesmerizing visual filmmaking on display from Coogler. You've never see anything like Wakanda on screen before- it has the power to transport and inspire, a futuristic utopia that is as carefully detailed as it is flat-out awesome. Black Panther's cultural significance can't be overstated, but the grandeur of its world is a major contributing factor to its runaway success. The film has the basic look of a Marvel movie, and yet its constant sense of innovation and imagination will leave you breathless. It feels fresh, in ways that most mainstream Hollywood blockbusters wouldn't even think of. As captured by Coogler and Mudbound cinematographer Rachel Morrison, Wakanda is a sight to behold.
Black Panther is a movie that thrives on its subtle touches, but it's also a movie of big dramatic strokes, a bold choice that once again distinguishes it from the rest of the superhero pack. The comparisons to Shakespeare are apt- Coogler has made a superhero movie that feels like a Greek tragedy, a saga of epic proportions. I know others would say that Guardians of the Galaxy shares more of a kinship with Star Wars, but to me, this is the first time that Marvel approaches the Lucas model of classic sci-fi and heightened melodrama. As the film moves from one marvelous beat to the next, it reaches multiple crescendos, as Ludwig Goransson's thrilling score highlights the action at every turn. Oh, and not to mention that it's backed up by a soundtrack curated by the one and only Kendrick Lamar, a collection of stellar music from some of the best in hip-hop. But once again, it all flows back to Coogler- Black Panther is simply paced to perfection, a tragic drama that moves like lightning and strikes in spectacular ways.
When the credits rolled, the applause was not muted or forced. There was a roar that came over the audience, a swelling of excitement that felt enormously deserved. In terms of diversity and representation, there's still a long way to go in Hollywood. But I can't help but feel that Black Panther is the beginning of a new era- this movie feels groundbreaking, the kind of smash hit that will forever change this business. And it's just a downright magnificent movie, a moving story that doubles as Marvel's first bona fide epic. It's a blockbuster of the highest order, transcending the confines of the genre to become something else entirely. Black Panther has been a long time coming, and it's rewarding to see Ryan Coogler deliver something so supremely satisfying. In every sense of the word, this is a truly monumental achievement.
Marvel Studios has changed Hollywood in so many ways over the past decade. But in the end, for all of their ambitious team-up movies and interconnected stories, the legacy of Marvel may very well be Coogler's milestone of a movie. Black Panther is a defining moment, and I'm glad I'm here to witness it firsthand.
THE FINAL GRADE: A (9.5/10)
Images: Marvel/IMDb
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