Director: Ryan Cooglar
Screenplay: Ryan Cooglar and Joe Robert Cole, based on the comic book character Black Panther created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Guira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright
Running Time: 134 minutes
Genre: Action, fantasy, superhero
The African nation of Wakanda is seen as one of the most poverty-stricken nations on Earth, and ignored by most of the world. However, that is just a front. In fact is a hugely technologically advanced nation, powered by the alien metal "vibranium". In order to keep it's secrets, Wakanda deliberately hides itself from the world, protected by the superbeing "Black Panther", a mantle handed down from king to king. Following the death of the previous king, Prince T'Challa (Boseman) becomes the new king and assumes the mantle and powers of Black Panther. His first mission is to track down the arms dealer Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) who has stolen some vibranium. However there is someone else pulling Klaue's strings.
This is the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and the first solo outing for the superhero Black Panther, although Chadwick Boseman first appeared in the role in Captain America: Civil War (2016). This is an important film because it features an almost entirely black cast, the only two principal white characters (played by Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis) really have little more than supporting roles. The storyline may not be anything very new, with it having to do the necessary worldbuilding and origin story, it is still a hugely entertaining film, full of spectacular action and special effects with plenty of humour and engaging characters, including a villain who, while vicious and brutal, kind of has a goal that does have a valid point. Wakanda is a visually ravishing world, with it's afrofuturistic city genuinely impressive. Despite being the eighteenth film in the seemingly endless MCU franchise, this is a stand-alone film, although previous films in the series are referenced, it is not necessary to have seen them to enjoy this one. Hopefully there will be more solo Black Panther movies, because this is a world and these are characters that I want to revisit. As always with MCU films, remember to stay in your seat for some extra scenes during the credits.
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