Marvel Studios is a gigantic company, so large that their films can't even be released in just the summer movie season, so they opt also for the winter as well. As with Disney's "Star Wars" films being rafted out twice a year, Marvel films are released far too often. So now we have "Black Panther" to pacify the most staunchest of comic book film fans.
After the events of Captain America: Civil War", King T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader of royalty. However T'Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country. When two old foes, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) and Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) conspire to destroy Wakanda, with assistance of W'Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), the hero known as Black Panther must team up with CIA agent Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman) a spy, Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) and members of the Dora Milaje, Wakandan special forces, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.
Others to round out the cast are Danai Guira as Okoye, Letitia Wright as Shuri, Winston Duke as M'Baku, Sterling K. Brown as N'Jobu, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Forest Whitaker as Zuri, Florence Kasumba as Ayo, John Kani as T'Chaka and David S. Lee as Limbani.
This was directed with intensity and an with an element of wit by Ryan Coogler ("Fruitvale Station" '13, "Creed" '15) plus shorts and TV. Even though this filmmaker is young and with a limited amount of experience, what he has directed are well-crafted, films where he is able to work with his actors to make those characters come to life. Obviously he and Jordan have an amazing working relationship considering Jordan has starred in all of Coogler's films. It was also written by Googler ("Fruitvale Station" '13, "Creed" '15) plus shorts and TV and Joe Robert Cole ("Amber Lake" '11) plus TV which is based on the Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. As with the directing, neither of these writers have a ton of experience, but what they have is pure quality. What's interesting is that the films listed in these resumes are films that one would never believe that they would have the quality they have. It's not the subject matter that makes these artists' films rather it is the writing style of them, this film included. Although this film isn't flawless--there's some slowness in script, so the running time could have being a bit shorter, and some scenes the dialogue was difficult to understand due to the explosions, this was still a well-crafted, well written and thought out film. The visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic), Double Negative and Digital Domain were seamless as were the stunts by Andy Gill and Jonathan Eusebio, and all were edited together seamlessly.
As a film based on a comic book, I must say this is one of the best. Even though there are a few flaws, it has a lot to say and is entertaining as well. And, not to shock, but this does continue. Whether one sees this in 2D or 3D, this will capture the audience's attention and keep you riveted.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 135mins.
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