Black Panther

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was excited to see this film and it didn't disappoint. Like all Marvel films there was much hype. Apart from it being a superhero film it offered more, a new refreshing take on a superhero who isn't your typical white, male, arrogant protagonist.

The Black Panther was first introduced in Captain America: Civil War. This time he gets a proper solo outing. T'Challa is the Black Panther but he has to prove himself as the new King of Wakanda after his father, T'Chaka was killed in Civil War. Wakanda is a camouflaged country based in Africa, posing as a Third World country, because it has the resource vibraniam, a valuable mineral that can make indestructible metal (Captain America's shield is made from this) and it powers the technologically advanced Wakanda and the Black Panther suit.

This film is unique being based in Africa and having a predominantly black cast with 50% female leads. It is odd celebrating this fact especially in 2018, but no major blockbuster has had these stats.

The film is fantastic. Being set in Wakanda it focuses on the raise of King T'Challa and how he becomes the Black Panther, with the help of his sister Shuri, who is like Q to Bond but a much funnier, smarter Q at that. Their brother/sister chemistry is fun and brings a vibrancy to T'Challa, who is quite stoic and regal. I also think the women outshine the men. They are commanding warriors who you wouldn't want to mess with.

The Black Panther's throne is threatened by Eric Killmonger an ex war veteran who has a sinister track record of killing in American wars, so much so he purposely scares himself as a mark of honour, his body is covered in these scares. Basically he's a force to be reckoned with. This character is played by Michael B Jordan and he plays this "villain" role so well. He feels he is owed alot and you do understand his grivences with how the nation of Wakanda mis-treated him.

Overall, this film is great, the character driven plot makes it an engrossing story rather than relying on crashy-bangy CGI, although the ending does end up repeating this troupe.  Having said this it was refreshing and uplifting to see a Marvel film set in Africa and full of strong female African characters saving the day. I can't wait to see what Infinity War brings! All hail the king!