Summary From the opening you can tell this movie is going to be different from other superhero movies. Photo
Superhero movies continue to be the biggest money makers for Hollywood studios, and Black Panther is no different. The much hyped superhero movie has now become one of Marvel Cinematic Universe s (MCU) biggest financial and critical successes.
It has been playing in Pakistani cinemas for many days now and I managed to catch one of the first screenings.
From the opening you can tell this movie is going to be different from other superhero movies. No display of explosions, funny banter or generic super heroics, instead we get to see a character interaction, the consequences of which reverberate throughout the movie.
Director Ryan Coogler, who has already directed the excellent Fruitvale Station and Creed, handles the movie with a sure hand. The movie is more a spy and family drama, with important political elements than a superhero movie and that’s what sets it apart from all the other MCU entries.
The plot also differs from other superhero fare. Black Panther, also known as T Challa, is the king of the fictional, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda— source of most of the world’s most powerful metal Vibranium.
Chadwick Boseman plays the protagonist with ease and flair. His African accent is spot on. He comes across as a compassionate leader, family man and warrior naturally without coming across as too dramatic or dull. The antagonists, Ulysses Klaw (played by the multitalented Andy Serkis) and Killmonger (played by Coogler’s regular collaborator, Michael B. Jordan) both make a strong impression on screen, especially Jordan’s Killmonger, a man who seeks revenge and restitution. Jordan, who is playing an antagonist the first time, comes across as a very memorable villain, a rarity in Marvel movies.
It uses many superhero genre pyrotechnics but its characters are more grounded, more relatable. Photo: Trailer screengrab
The film also has strong female characters such as Nakia, Okoye and the tech genius and Tchalla’s sister Shuri played by Latetia Wright. These female characters come across as strong and confident, but in a much grounded manner. Not the type who act tough just to get fan boy approvals. No damsels in distress here. Oscar Winner Forest Whitaker and Martin Freeman also play important supporting characters.
The movie is fast paced with very good cinematography and the action sequences, while shorter than most super hero films, are still engaging. The South Korea car chase and T challa and Killmonger combat sequences are exceptional.
And for a Marvel movie it has quite a high body count which really catches one by surprise. It adds to the film’s overall emotional impact.
Black Panther is an exceptional superhero movie. The strong cast of characters, fast paced plot, colourful settings and very well-choreographed action sequences make it a very enjoyable experience. The strong characterisation, their motivations and vulnerabilities sets it apart and above most other superhero movies. It uses many superhero genre pyrotechnics but its characters are more grounded, more relatable.
With a nearly all-black cast and crew and a $200 million budget, Black Panther is a different project for Marvel and Hollywood – a project which has received rave reviews and earned $427 million worldwide so far. Its critical and financial success is well earned. It’s a great movie to watch with family, friends or alone.
Many people will compare it with Blade (1998). Which one is better is open for debate. Wesley Snipe’s cold, ruthless vampire hunter is more an anti-hero than a superhero but he’s still a better character than Black Panther in my opinion.
The writer is a broadcast journalist.
