Get an honest review of Marvel’s Black Panther Movie. This is a spoiler-free movie review of Marvel’s Black Superhero movie. I’m sharing themes expressed throughout this Black Panther Movie Review.
©Marvel Studios 2018
Spoiler Free Black Panther Movie Review
Here I am sitting in my seat in the Dolby Theater after having a thrill of an experience on the Black Panther Purple Carpet. I’m excited, nervous, and adrenaline is coursing through my body. “Man, I hope this movie is good.”
After the Black Panther Cast is introduced and escorted off the stage and into their seats, it was showtime. As the film starts, the crowd noticeably becomes excited. Yes, its that type of movie- it draws you in immediately.
I know distinctly, as an African/African-American based project the expectations are high, probably the highest for just about any film, Marvel or otherwise, ever! Ryan Coogler c’mon bruh, don’t let us down. And you know what? He doesn’t; the entire cast didn’t! This Black Panther film has done us proud. And for that, I am all kinds of soulfully thankful. I want y’all to know this film goes beyond our expectations.
I’ve seen ALL of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. All of them! I haven’t left one out, and that’s been both regrettable and awesome in the same breath ’cause that’s time I can’t get back, thank you Daredevil and Ghost Rider. But this Black Panther movie is the one movie that rules them all! Seriously, its a beast! For two hours and 15-minutes, I sat in front of the silver screen completely spellbound, enraptured, and 100% ALL IN! The pace and tempo of Black Panther never lag, not for a sec. Not a dull moment to be found. And the performances were so memorable, every single cast member rose to the occasion and then some! Even the extras were extra!
When does Black Panther come out on DVD?
Black Panther comes out on DVD Digital May 8th and on Blu-ray™ May 15th!
There are a few things that stand out in Marvel’s Black Panther movie I’m going to share– without giving any spoilers!
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER..L to R: T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan). Photo: Matt Kennedy..©Marvel Studios 2018
Yes, women were swooning over this scene!
The Black Man’s Struggle
We see the struggle between Chadwick Boseman’s character (T’Challa) and Michael B. Jordan’s character (Erik Killmonger). As a new foe to Wakanda, Killmonger’s designs on the throne would set an immediate and inherent tension in motion between the two men which sets the stage for the emotional crux of “Black Panther.” The crowd in the movie theater was torn most of the movie between rooting for the villain and Black Panther. In today’s society, we see black men at war with each other. We all know where this initial struggled stemmed from, which is a story for another time. The end scene between these two men is EVERYTHING! It shows how these two powerful black men resolve their conflicts and will leave you feeling all emotional, even crying. MBJ gives quite a few powerful statements throughout the movie, but listen closely to the one he gives at the end. It sums up the essence of our struggle as black people.
Tidbit: While we’re emotionally pulled into the black man’s struggle, the black men eye candy is OMG!
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER M’Baku (Winston Duke) Ph: Matt Kennedy ©Marvel Studios 2018
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya) Ph: Matt Kennedy ©Marvel Studios 2018
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER..Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan)..Photo: Matt Kennedy..©Marvel Studios 2018
The Women of Wakanda | The women in Black Panther were the real heroes!
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER..L to R: Okoye (Danai Gurira), Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Ayo (Florence Kasumba).Photo: Matt Kennedy..©Marvel Studios 2018
THE WOMEN THO! We all know that behind every great man stands a woman, but nowhere in all the movies in the history of movies is this statement truer than true! The Black Panther screenplay writers (Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole) knew their African and African-Amercian history because the words which flew out of the collective mouths of the actors were drippin’ with our struggles, our dualities, and our stories. As far as MCU movies go, this gem right here shines like a blood-free diamond! If I had a wig, I would have snatched it off at the performances of Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Florence Kasumba, and Letitia Wright. {be on the lookout for my post on the Dora Milaje, the women behind Black Panther!}
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER.Okoye (Danai Gurira).Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2018
*This scene right here was AMAZING! She was a beast. Man, she must have had a lot of practice from slicing and dicing heads with her sword as Michonne in The Walking Dead!
But my girl Danai Gurira! I am almost speechless when it comes to describing her performance; it is quite the accomplishment to inhabit both substance and style in one big beautiful SHE-BANG. I’ll also add, Ms. Danai has the kind of presence you feel in your bones! It isn’t only about how she delivers her lines, but rather how much of a powerful presence she brings into almost any scene in which she is present. She owns her character Okoye; heart, body, and soul! The only question I got for my sista’ girl is, “When are you getting your own film?” I mean, this film could have deviated and gone off track and followed Okoye until the credits rolled and I don’t think I would have been disappointed. AT ALL! She’s that interesting, that good, that wondrously talented!
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER.Shuri (Letitia Wright).Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2018
Another show stopper in this movie is the character Shuri, played by the humorous Letitia Wright. She is a scene stealer. She plays T’Challa’s young sister. She is an inspiration to girls that you can have beauty and brains. And, be a comedian. She gives classic one-liners that are going to be used by everyone- like this one, “don’t sneak up on me like that Colonizer!”
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER
L to R: Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Ayo (Florence Kasumba) with the Dora Milaje
Ph: Film Frame
©Marvel Studios 2018
At the end of the day, black women once again save the day. It’s something how, we, black women have been saving the day since day one. We’ve always had the backs of our men, raising the massa’s babies, voting for a white female president when her own didn’t show up, and the list goes on and on. Black women are the backbone of this movie, and it’s safe to say, this country.
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER Ramonda (Angela Bassett) Photo: Matt Kennedy ©Marvel Studios 2018
Umm, Who ordered the extra helping of Black History!
As an African-American, the Black Panther movie is another proud Black History moment! No lie. This movie will go down and may wind up being the impetus for the refinement of African/Black movements across the African diaspora. And I don’t think for one iota that I am overstating or grandstanding the historical importance of Black Panther. WAKANDA FOREVER! I mean, they went there and touched on the wealth of Wakanda, but is Wakanda a code word for Africa as a whole? And maybe I am taking liberties here and reading between the scripted lines too, but the bottom line is this, Africans must save Africans. If we don’t come together and unite under our black commonality, we are doomed. Am I out of line? I mean, it’s only a movie. But possibly it’s not just “only” a movie. I sat there and felt Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Farrakhan, Nelson Mandela, and Patrice Lumumba, etc., just to name a few. When I say this movie represented, it truly represented. It touched on slavery, white people taking everything, and digging deep into our emotions of what can happen when black people unite as one.
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER..L to R: T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Ramonda (Angela Bassett)..Ph: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2018
Family Over Everything
Throughout Black Panther, we see a representation of family struggles. T’Challa is faced with family secrets coming to light, and he must find a way to deal with them without destroying his country and family. You get to see his mother, sister, his ex, but still, love interest, and a tight-knit circle of trusted advisors support him, even if it means their own lives are at stake. At the end of the day, family prevails over everything else.
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER.Zuri (Forest Whitaker).Photo: Matt Kennedy..©Marvel Studios 2018
Is Black Panther Good? | My Thoughts
So, what did I think of Marvel’s Black Panther movie? I shared my thoughts on why I thought Black Panther was going to be LIT before seeing the movie, and it lived up to every expectation and then some! Mannnnnn, this Marvel movie BLOWS all of the other movies out of the water. Not just because it represents black people. Not just because it touches on our struggles. Not just because it’s full of action, a sexy villain, and beautiful black people. Not just because it represents beautiful, BLACK women. Not just because it shows how black people work together and win. Not just because it shows us in a positive light. Not just because it’s a black superhero as a positive role model for my black boys. Not just because it shows girls that brains and beauty can go together. Not just because it will dig deep into your emotions, and if your non-black, make you squirm a bit. Not just because it shows Africa in a beautiful light. Not just because it touches on how our people were brought over here; white people taking everything and forcing non-white people to colonize to their way of life. Not just because it is going to revolutionize how we think as a people. Not just because it’s going to make you feel more empowered as a black person. Not just because it’s timely into what we are going through as a country right now! Not because of any one of those reasons, but because of ALL those reasons.
Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER..L to R: Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) and Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman)..Photo: Matt Kennedy..©Marvel Studios 2018
And if you’re non-black, this movie is still for you. If you are a Marvel fan, you will love this movie because of the storyline, the sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat action, and how well this movie is directed by the one and only Ryan Coogler.
©Marvel Studios 2018
Is Black Panther Okay for Kids?
Yes, this movie is safe for kids over the age of 8. However, you know your child best. There are no sex scenes (there are 2 scenes of people kissing- and it’s brief with nothing else happening), and I only heard one swear word. (Rating: PG-13) There is some violence- when it comes to fighting, but nothing that would give a kid nightmares. (However, you know your kids best. People die in this movie). My kids are 12, 15, and 15. However, if they were 8, I would take them to see it. This movie is the first modern day black superhero, and for all those little black boys who looked for themselves in superheroes, they need to see Black Panther! And for all those little black girls who looked for themselves on-screen, this movie is also for them.
Update 2/16. My kids saw Black Panther last night. They loved it. Ziah said, “it pulled me right in.” Zion gave is a 8 out of 10 (he’s a harsh critic). Zayd’n loved it and thought it was amazing. He loved seeing Black Panther fight the (bad guys).
Yes, this movie may be called Black Panther, but it’s for everyone. It’s a movie that may be entertainment for some but speaks a powerful message for the rest of us. When we work together, things happen!
Thoughts? Drop me a line below and let me know. I did the best I could to talk about this movie without giving anything away (lol).
Plan to see Black Panther, in theaters February 16th. You want to see this opening weekend- so go order your tickets now! And be sure to pin this to your Pinterest Board:
Choya says
This is everything