Black Panther Movie Review (2018)

Overall rating: 4/5

• The Good: The plot, The Acting Talent
• Room for Improvement: The story, Cinematography

About 24 hours ago I watched the premiere of the black panther movie. No, not the Black Panther movie about the real Black Panther political party set in the 1960s, I'm talking about Marvel's Black Panther based on the fictional comic book character from Wakanda, Africa. Before I proceed with my review, I want to make a disclaimer that I’m new to the Marvel universe so that the comic veterans know that I’m just getting into it so the purpose of this review is to share my watching experience and opinions.

So the movie begins with the coronation ceremony of the new king of Wakanda, Black Panther about a week after his father fell victim to a terrorist attack at the UN. In the theater I listened as the audience ooh and aah in wonder as they viewed the landscape of the fictitious Wakanda kingdom and shared opinions among themselves about how Africa should be more developed and function more like a super power. Sure enough, this ended up being a theme throughout the movie.

The good:

• The Plot: Conceptually, I like the story because it’s cathartic to see a movie with Black Protagonists that’s not about Gangs, Drugs or Slavery. This movie joins a few fictional movies that strike a fair albeit imperfect balance of the depiction of Blacks in positions of power even if it’s a fictional story.

• The Acting: I think that Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan struck a good balance between good and evil. Chadwick showed that the forces of good may not always appear strong but when challenged can be stronger than anticipated. I think Michael B. Jordan a great job of playing the complicated antagonist though I didn’t like his character’s methods I kind of agreed with his intent. I think the supporting actors and actresses have done well to keep my attention though I think Danai Gurira and Daniel Kaluuya stood out the most as supporting actors. Also, Winston Duke’s character reminded me of Corey Holcomb on the 5150 show. I wonder if he modeled the character after Corey.

Room for Improvement:

• The story: Though I liked the story in concept, it suffers from the typical predictable hollywood twists but didn’t completely take away from the entertainment value of the movie.

• Cinematography: Though most of the cinematography was engaging throughout the movie, Some of the camera angles gave away and diffused some of the more spontaneous moments.

In conclusion I would give it a 4 out of 5 for the concept and the acting was well done. I think it would make a great first watch on a date with your wife or side-chick. I’d watch it again but I’d probably stream it on Netflix or purchase a copy for myself.