Ryan Coogler is shaping up to be one of the top directors of this generation. He wowed audiences with his small but culturally important Fruitvale Station, he then moved onto more mid-range cinema and rejuvenated the dying Rocky franchise with Creed. Now he takes on a large budget and the important task of bringing together arguably the most important film for the African-American community. Luckily, his talents behind the camera are complemented by a great story and an incredible ensemble cast.
This film follows the events of Captain America: Civil War, with T'Challa (a.k.a the Black Panther) taking the reigns as king of Wakanda. In the earliest stages of his kingship he faces the threats of men looking to exploit the country's most valuable resources, and must fight for his country and the fate of the world.
I was surprised to see few people talking about Chadwick Boseman in the leading role of this film, but after seeing it I understand why, as Black Panther introduces a plethora of awesome characters. A little more love needs to go to Boseman though, his performance builds off of a great introduction in Civil War and brings more depth to an already great character. He portrays his character perfectly in both an emotional sense and physical sense and is undoubtedly a highlight. Every great hero needs a great villain of course, and Michael B. Jordan brings that. His character Erik Killmonger isn't fleshed out as well as he could have been, but he matches T'Challa perfectly and his intentions while somewhat underdeveloped are clear and strong enough for the audience to understand his beliefs. This film also features a strong cast of women backing up T'Challa. Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong'o, and Letitia Wright are all incredible in their roles. Gurira plays a strong military commander and kicks almost as much ass as T'Challa himself. Lupita Nyong'o plays a spy and when the situation asks for it she brings some awesome fighting skills as well. Wright plays T'Challa's sister and tech expert Shuri, and steals a lot of the scenes she appears in with her quick wit. The ensemble is rounded out by fantastic talent such as Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Sterling K. Brown, Forrest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis, whom all add to the great world this film creates.
While the cast is richly talented the true star in this film is Ryan Coogler. The way he makes an audience connect with not just one but multiple characters on both sides of the conflict is incredible and few directors working today manage to create fight scenes as well staged and shot as the ones in this film. One fight scene that takes place in a small casino features some of the best long takes and camera work I've seen recently, and it is followed by a really well done car chase. Not only is the close one on one combat great but there is a really well done large-scale fight towards the end that impressed the hell out of me. Even when the emphasis isn't on action, this is one of the best shot films in Marvel's catalogue, and it captures some true beauty. This is Marvel's most beautiful film, and that is barely debatable. The way Wakanda mixes tradition and technology is a sight to behold, with gorgeous buildings in frame with rich jungles. The costume and set design do a lot to build the traditional yet futuristic vibe, and both of those aspects impressed me a lot. The film also delivers a score that blends hip/hop and African music and it works surprisingly really well.
If I were to point out flaws they are very small. As I said before, the villain Erik Killmonger while one of Marvel's best isn't as fleshed out as I would have enjoyed. His intentions are clear and understandable but he just needed some more time to develop. A few parts of the story feel somewhat rushed and there is a shot with Andy Serkis speaking in the background that I'm not sure was synced up perfectly. These little quams however do very little in hindering my enjoyment of this film.
This film's importance cannot be understated and it is one of my favourite films this franchise has delivered so far. Black Panther is here and it is one of the best.
Rating: 4.5/5
Written by Matt McKenzie
Comments
Post a Comment