Since the announcement that Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER was going to be released and with every trailer release, plus Black Panther’s appearance in Captain America: Civil War, the interest, and excitement have only intensified. Well, believe the hype!
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.
5 Reasons to See Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER
Chadwick Boseman, The Newest Marvel Screen Superhero
Chadwick Boseman brings an impressive acting resume having played James Brown (Get on Up); Jackie Robinson (42) and Thurgood Marshall (Marshall) that makes him perfect to play the newest Super Hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, T’Challa.
Boseman offers what he finds compelling about his character
“T’Challa is smart. He’s a strategist and that has always been something that stood out to me, even in the comic books. He’s a world leader and with that comes the responsibility for an entire nation and considering its place in the world. That’s something that other Super Heroes don’t commonly have, but he must also uphold his legacy. It’s an interesting combination.”
Boseman is both regal and majestic as the King of Wakanda but just like a newly minted King has doubts he will be a good king like his beloved Father. Yes, Boseman brings the acting jobs but is pretty darn good in the action scenes. His character definitely stands up to his fellow Marvel superheroes in tone to what a Robert Downey Jr. brings to Tony Stark, to what Chris Evans brings to Captain America, even with what Chris Hemsworth brings to Thor but with his own panache that will stand the test of time.
The Women of Wakanda
Strong, smart and regal black women abound in Black Panther and it is a breath of fresh of air to watch the women of Wakanda be up front and center rather than just side characters.
Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o plays Nakia, who is from the River tribe is a force to be reckoned with—a highly disciplined and strong-willed woman who gives as good as she gets, especially when it comes to T’Challa. And she her warrior skills match those of the Dora Milaje, the elite all-female security force, which makes her an exceptionally effective operative.
Nyong’o who has been in numerous Disney movies over the past couple of years including The Jungle Book, Queen of Katwe, Star Wars: The Force Awakens Star Wars: The Last Jedi finally gets her due as a leading lady and love interest of the King!
Danai Gurira (AMC series “The Walking Dead,”) plays Okoye, the head of the Dora Milaje, the all-female Wakandan Special Forces. She is the best fighter in Wakanda who is not named the Black Panther, and she is fiercely loyal to the throne. She is so amazing and just rules in every scene she is in.
Shuri (Letitia Wright).Ph: Matt Kennedy.©Marvel Studios 2018
Letitia Wright plays Shuri, T’Challa’s little sister and a smart-mouthed, tech wizard. She is second-in-line for the throne behind her brother and is the smartest person in Wakanda—the top scientist and the innovator behind the Black Panther’s updated suits and technology. Shuri may be my favorite character in the movie. I just love that her role, her character will lead to girls black and white to want to be tech wizards, YES!! Mark my words, she is one the breakout star of the movie and will be a fan favorite. My teen daughter loved, loved her for her tech wizardry but her smart mouth!!
Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett is Ramonda, T’Challa and Shuri’s mother. Her goal is to help T’Challa become King of Wakanda in a peaceful transition of power, serving as a de facto advisor to the throne. However, as things get complicated for our hero, she sets aside any political functions and instead operates as a mother whose sole concern is the physical well-being of both of her children. What is there to say about Ms. Bassett!! She brings her A-game to the role.
Stay tuned this Halloween because I can see girls dressing up as one of the Dora Milaje, the elite all-female security force or Shuri!!
The Storyline is Engaging, Interesting and Will Grab You
I am sure that I would have seen this movie anyway since I have seen every Marvel movie that has been produced and walked the Red Carpet for Thor: The Dark World and Guardians of the Galaxy but the storyline is interesting, engaging and offers up time for every character. And that is difficult to do when there are so many main characters. The movie definitely showcases the proud nation of Wakanda and its people. This is an important fact, period especially since we rarely see black folks in charge and running a country. They are smart, strong and do not stand down. Much has been made about the politics of the movie but let’s face facts, politics or not, if there wasn’t an interesting story, this movie would be boring and a dud and it is not. Thank you, Ryan Coogler and his co-screenwriter, Joe Robert Cole for also writing a script that is mystical, spiritual and infuses technological influences in the country’s culture that are also anchored in the real world along with relatable characters to allow the audiences to take in a tangible yet remarkable experience.
“We’ll see T’Challa’s friends, people who he grew up with, people who he’s responsible for, people he has to answer to when he’s sitting on that throne.” “And all of that is extremely important. We really wanted Wakanda to feel like a real place, in the same way that it is when you meet a New Yorker. Maybe you have never been to New York before, but you get a sense of what New York is like through the people. So audiences have already met somebody who’s from Wakanda and who represents Wakanda, but they haven’t been there, so we’re going to drop them right off at ground zero in this film. And they will have more understanding of how and why T’Challa did the things he did in ‘Civil War,’ and why he moved the way he moved,” Director Ryan Coogler.
The Eye-Popping Visuals Action Do Not Disappoint
This is production designer Hannah Beachler‘s (Fruitvale Station and Creed) first “action/superhero” movie and she really gets an A grade. From T’Challa’s country of Wakanda that reveals a futuristic otherworldly culture that is deeply rooted in the African tradition to key scenes at the Tribal Council, the Wakandan Design Group, Shuri’s hive of research and development of the vibranium-rich country; the ancient subterranean Hall of Kings; and, most notably Warrior Falls, the ceremonial heart of Wakanda’s revered traditions were just stunning. Of course, it’s hard not to mention the action sequences set in Busan, South Korea. This is an action picture after all!
Complicated Villain in Michael B. Jordon
Michael B. Jordon as Eric Killmonger brings his smoldering intensity as the Black Panther “villain” and a foe to the Wakanda kingdom with designs on the throne. I am sure there are those who are not happy with a “black” villain but that is not real world is it, there are always those who believe they are right and their opponent is wrong. And frankly, there will always be those who want to be “king” so why should the Black Panther story be any different and it would be a pretty boring movie!
L to R: Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) and W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya).Film Frame.©Marvel Studios 2018
Costumes of the Entire Cast Rocked
The costumes play an important role in the movie. The next layer of bringing Wakanda to life on the big screen was the task of veteran costume designer Ruth Carter, who in concert with Academy Award®-nominated special effects makeup designer Joel Harlow and hair department head Camille Friend captures the heart and soul of Wakanda’s people. At the core of Carter’s approach was keeping her designs steeped in the appropriate African custom while elevating it to reflect the fantastical elements inherent to the mysterious country and culture. The clothing is definitely another character in the movie! It is definitely Oscar worthy movie for best costume.
Fun Fact: Carter used the clothing of the Dogon tribe as inspiration for the costumes of the Jabari tribe. More Fun Facts about the Making of Black Panther will intrigue and give you more on the history of the comic book characters come to the screen.
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE! You will not be disappointed!!
Finally, I have to add blatantly and directly, you do not have to be black to enjoy Marvel’s, Black Panther. It is after all a Marvel Action Superhero movie!!! And I has I have written before the Marvel movies stories have only gotten better!!
Seriously, this movie is worth your time and money and deserves to be seen on the big screen.
Fun Facts on the Making of Marvel The Black Panther.
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Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER opens in theaters everywhere on February 16, 2018!
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom attended a screening of Black Panther to facilitate this review. I am definitely going to see it again in the theater.
