Directed by Ryan Coogler

Directed by Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o

Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture

After hearing the shocking news of actor Chadwick Boseman’s unfortunate passing, I decided to revisit the film that arguably made him a household name, Black Panther. Black Panther is a Marvel superhero film directed by Ryan Coogler. In this film, T’Challa (played by Boseman) is the new king of Wakanda, a country that lives in secret and also harbors the world’s supply of vibranium. After becoming the king, T’Challa is challenged for the throne from Kilmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan), T’Challa’s cousin who was an orphan after an incident.

Black Panther is probably Marvel’s finest film. To start off, the film feels isolated in its own universe, mostly due to its setting. As where other Marvel films have easter eggs to previous films and sometimes even rely on the audience to view the other films, Black Panther does not have this feature. Anyone can jump into this film without having to view the other films and the audience would not miss anything. Also, this is the first film where it actually feels like the director wants to stand out from the other Marvel films. With the notable exception of the Russo Brothers and Taika Waititi, this is one of the few times where the director is memorable and leaves his mark on the film. Director Ryan Coogler brings Michael B. Jordan, an actor who has appeared in all of Coogler’s films. This film also features a wonderful costume design and production design. I cannot count the multiple times I was in awe of the sets or the costumes the characters were wearing. This is all due to the excellent work of customer designer Ruth E. Carter and set designers Hannah Beachler and Jay Hart. All there individuals were awarded Oscars for their fantastic work.

The film also features a stellar cast who is impeccable. From the likes of Boseman to Martin Freeman, there is not one false note in the casting. The standouts in the film are actually the villains, Michael B. Jordan and Andy Serkis. While Serkis only appears for the first half of the film, Jordan appears throughout the film. They both work excellent together when they are on screen together. And when Jordan is the only remaining villain in the film, he still makes his presence known. Killmonger doesn’t come across a typical cliche villain, but a misunderstood man who is actually going about his mission the wrong way. Killmonger is one of Marvel’s best villains because his motivations are understandable. While Wakanda has sat on the sideline for centuries and has let the world fight their own battles, Killmonger has the idea that Wakanda should not be silent anymore. He is on a mission to stop Wakanda’s isolationism and help people fight their oppressors by giving them weapons. While Killmonger has the right idea, he is going about it the wrong way. This is what makes Killmonger standout from the rest of the other Marvel villains.

In addition to Serkis and Jordan, Boseman is also a standout. He takes the character of Black Panther and makes it his own. His character is a humble man who is also willing to fight others to protect his ideals and values. He has a deep affection for friends and family and they define who he is. He interacts well with his sister Shuri (played by Letitia Wright). These two naturally work well off each other and I always get the impression they are truly siblings. While viewing the film, I never got the impression these two were just actors, but I felt the sibling connection most siblings have. In regards to characters connecting well, there is one flaw and that is T’Challa and Nakia’s (played by Lupita Nyong’o) relationship. I never got the impression these two used to have a romantic relationship, only having a professional relationship. It is mentioned once that Nakia is T’Challa’s ex, but besides that, there was not much connection between these two. I don’t blame the actors here, I place blame on the writing that missed an opportunity.

Speaking of the writing, the film has a great screenplay all due to Coogler and Joe Robert Cole. The film never drags and the film keeps moving forward at a steady pace. The screenplay brilliantly sets up the exposition by having it being told by a character as a bed time story. Also, as mentioned before, the film is written so anyone can jump into this film without having to view any of the other Marvel films. It educates the viewers on what happened in the previous film by showing flashbacks. Furthermore, I got the impression that I was watching a James Bond film. I am not sure if Coogler and Cole were influenced by those films, but the film does have the same set up of a Bond film. By having T’Challa be given a mission to go to a foreign country, visiting Shuri to get his gadgets, to having a villain who is set on world domination, it does have the same elements a Bond film would have.

Black Panther is one of those films that is pleasant and satisfying to view. Coogler brings his best work to the director’s chair by making a standout Marvel film. All the actors in the film bring their A game and are clearly having fun with their roles. Upon revisiting Black Panther, it is no surprise why this is the best Marvel film. Not only does it propel black culture forward, but is has one of the best superhero performances. Even if one Black Panther film is made, Boseman’s legacy is left on this film. His role as the titular character is one that will not be forgotten throughout the years.

4/4