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Plot Summary: T'Challa, 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.

Director: Ryan Coogler

Writer: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole

Runtime: 2hr 14min

Main Cast:

• Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa / Black Panther
• Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger
• Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia
• Danai Gurira as Okoye
• Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross
• Daniel Kaluuya W'Wabi
• Letitia Wright as Shuri
• Winston Duke as M'Baku
• Sterling K. Brown as N'Jobu
• Angela Bassett as Ramonda
• Forest Whitaker as Zuri
• Andy Serkis as Ulysses Klaue
• Florence Kasumba as Ayo
• John Kani as T'Chaka

Review by: Heidi

GET EXCITED!!! I mean who isn’t?? The first major black superhero movie of the decade with a majority (almost entirely) Black cast. Marvel bringing the African culture to the big screen, YES! Okay I’m done. But seriously Marvel is always amazing, the cast list is awesome, and Black people are awesome so I was truly excited to see this film. via GIPHY

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As we saw in Captain America: Civil War, King T’Chaka of Wakanda, was killed in an explosion at the United Unions meeting. Black Panther picks up with King T’Chaka’s son, T’Challa, returning home to Wakanda to participate in the ritual ceremony making him the new king of Wakanda, and Black Panther. This title, however, can be challenged and won over by anyone that defeats the king in ritual combat. Wakanda is extremely technologically advanced due to an element their city is built on, vibranium. This element makes every piece of technology in the rest of the world, medical instruments, transportation, weapons, etc., look like child’s play. Because of the sheer power of vibranium, Wakanda has chosen to hide from the rest of the world to ensure that their technology does not end up in the hands of the wrong people. Others, however, believe that the King’s decision to hide Wakanda is cowardly and that they should instead be using vibranium to give power to the oppressed.

What I Liked:

I really enjoyed how the film made it overly apparent that time and effort went into creating Wakanda, from the language, to the clothes, to the amazing tech. Homage was paid to the African culture with the versatility in style and color patterns used in the wardrobe, the use of music and dance during rituals, and loyalty and strength within tribes  It was very futuristic and seamless, yet you could see how it was rooted in real world culture. I love when something makes me think “whoa what if this really was real?”

The movie wasn’t as comedic as the most recent Marvel movies but it had its moments that kept it light-hearted.   Finally, the casting choices were great, in my opinion. Blank Panther truly did not rely on any other Marvel film to make it a good story. It was a stand alone film that made a name for itself without using the rest of the MCU as a crutch to attest to its greatness.

What I Didn’t Like:

I understand that this is a brand new world, and like any new series there has to be more background/build up than whats necessary for the third Iron Man, but I caught myself checking my watch somewhere in the middle of the movie. Not a terrible thing, but I love when a movie is so enrapturing that I don’t even realize time is passing, this movie didn’t do that for me.

On the same note though I feel like there could have been just a little more character development for Erik Killmonger. I wish there was a little more justification behind his anger. His motivation was implied by his story, but it could have been a little more well-rounded and believable with a little extra detail.  An emotional connection might have given me that added excitement and investment in the film.

There is another question I have after seeing the film but stating it here would only spoil things for you! Just know, I’ve got questions & I want answers!

Images Courtesy of IMDB