Sitting there in the overcrowded cinema front row neck already aching knowing it was a mistake to book so late. With my salted popcorn and giant soda, I await the first Marvel movie of 2018.
The lights go down; the room goes quiet, while sat comfortably in my seat, aware of the fact I have more popcorn stuck on my jumper than gone into my mouth but not a care in the world as the opening titles began.
Black Panther is a fictional superhero and the first of African descent in mainstream American comics. The Black Panther’s real name is T’Challa, King, and protector of fictional African nation called Wakanda. Along with possessing enhanced abilities through ancient Wakandan rituals, T’Challa relies on rigorous physical training and hand to hand combat skills using advanced technology to combat his enemies.
Ryan Coogler, the director, has assembled some of the finest black actors; from T’Challa played by Chadwick Boseman to the Oscar-winning Forest Whitaker.
To the star of the show Letitia Wright who plays Shuri the King’s sister and also tech genius. From her very first scene, she brings an unspeakable delight to the film. With her whip-smart and hilarious character.
Black Panther, unlike other Marvel films, highlights power and privilege. With the respect of their country following the Motto ‘Wakanda Forever!’
Andy Serkis, best known for playing ‘Gollum’ in Lord of the Rings, shows off his talents as Ulysses Klau as a gangster who had operated out of South Africa also a black market dealer.
He was a former acquaintance of Tony Stark from his weapons-dealing days and was an associate of N’Jobu when he attempted to expose Wakanda to the rest of the world. In 2015, during an encounter with Ultron, Klaue sold his entire stockpile of the Vibranium to the AI before losing his arm in an argument with Ultron and fled when the Avengers arrived.
After the death of T’Challa’s Father, King T’Chaka during the attack on the United Nations in Captain America: Civil War. The new king of Wakanda, T’Challa until challenged by Black Panther’s primary villain Erik Killmonger played by the incredible Michael B. Jordan.
We are used to the villain having these supernatural powers whereas in Black Panther he puts the entire country of Wakanda in danger. Erik is just an American man who is just an average human being.
Black Panther is the first black superhero who has to face many of the problems that black people face daily. He also lives many of the real issues that Africa has faced and continue to face. The Black Panther comics are filled with themes of Western imperialism, colonialism, and neo-colonialism in Africa.
This unbelievable Marvel film brings joy and laughter while having a different take compared to Iron Man and Thor etc. Still, as of yet, I have not experienced a crappy Marvel film as I am still, however, to be disappointed. We will have to see what Avengers: Infinity War later this year.
Featured image by Marvel Studios via Wikimedia Commons
