Black Panther Review

Marvel

I watched Black Panther recently, and I have to say, it was awesome! I love the way Marvel movies are so appropriately themed to the main character: Captain America films tend to be rather serious and patriotic, Iron Man films are playful and full of science and technology, and Thor films are mythic and funny. Black Panther was very technological, but also very political, which was perfect. Caution: spoilers ahead!


The movie begins with a young T'Challa asking his father to tell him a story. King T'Chaka tells him the story of how Wakanda came to be. Wakanda is an African nation that is very technologically advanced, but has remained deliberately hidden away from the outside world. Fast forward to present day: T'Challa is preparing for the ceremony where he will be crowned king of Wakanda and become the Black Panther, his people's protector. Although not everyone is certain he will be a good king, T'Challa is crowned.

Marvel

Unfortunately, one of his first decisions as king involves the Vibranium thief, Ulysses Klaue. Klaue, along with a former US operative named Erik Killmonger who seems to know a bit about Wakanda, has acquired some more Vibranium, which he plans to sell to the highest bidder. T'Challa, with help from Okoye and Nakia, plans to bring him to justice, but end up in a bit of a very public mess (although the chase scenes are pretty amazing!) Everett Ross and the CIA take Klaue, but he escapes, injuring Ross in the process.

T'Challa and his entourage head back to Wakanda in defeat. And here's where the real trouble starts. The five tribes of Wakanda don't always agree on how best, or how much, to interact with the world. When a man arrives with a claim to the throne and a very bloody view of the future, T'Challa and his family must fight to protect their people and their way of life.

Marvel

While a fair amount of the movie is a very serious and relevant discussion about non-interference, racial politics past and present, and sharing technology, there are a lot of lighthearted, fun moments as well. I love the sibling interactions between T'Challa and his brilliant, teenage sister, Shuri, who is in charge of technological development. And the fight scenes are incredible. Definitely make sure to stay until the end of the credits. The first post-credit scene is a fantastic speech by T'Challa to the UN, but there's another scene at the very end that you won't want to miss.