Rating of
3/4
Black Panther - Review
Matthew Brady - wrote on 03/30/18
"Did he freeze?"
So this is kinda late since the hype for Marvel's latest entry is slowly dying down, until 'Infinity War' hits and everything else will be history. Black Panther is a good movie, but sadly not a great one. There's a lot of great things about it and boy was it a joy to watch. The problems on the other hand aren't something to overlook.
Ryan Coogler is an excellent director with his previous work on 'Fruitvale Station' and Creed''. While I think he stumbled a bit with this movie since it's a much bigger movie and the studios breathing down his neck, but at least he brought a brand new superhero in style.
Chadwick Boseman is a great actor and the portrayal of T’Challa/Black Panther was pretty good. I do think he got overshadowed by everyone else, mostly from the supporting actors. After the death of his father, T’Challa goes through a dilemma when being face with taking over the throne and rule his land. However, not once do you feel his struggle and wasn't presented as a challenge. If I have to be honest, he was more interesting in 'Civil War'. Still this is just the beginning for him. Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright all three serve as supporting characters, but in reality are what glues the movie together and really hold their own in this big budget movie. Even Andy Serkis and Martin Freeman hold their own as well.
Michael B. Jordan as Killmonger is the best villain in the MCU so far. What makes him so compelling to watch isn't because he wants to take over the world or has any magical powers. Just like the Joker, you can't disagree with his arguments of honesty and truth, which is best served cold. Not saying Killmonger is up there with the Joker as the best, but pointing out an example of what separates him from bland. I'm glad Marvel is improving.
The villain problem being solved isn't just one thing, but the score as well. Taking influences from Africa cultural for it's score. Having a little touch of 'The Lion King' in the mix. I liked the technological side of Wakanda and how it blends with the costume designs which had a unique presentation. From any other superhero franchises out there, this is the most refreshing in terms of style. I'm starting to see a difference now.
For problems: The fight scenes are either too dark or anything memorable. Maybe both. The visual effects were shockingly bad and looked unfinished. There wasn't a single frame that I would call 'good'. Looking like cut scenes from an old video game. Wakanda itself didn't feel like a real place in this cinematic universe, because I'm just assuming there only used two build sets for the movie (that's not CGI), where you see characters walk around a street on repeat.
There's literally a scene in this movie where a character yells "what are those!" and I almost sunk into my seat from cringe. The plot is predictable, like most Marvel movies. There's a fake out death that last for 10 minutes, acting like they are gone forever. The reason why this doesn't work is not once do you buy into it and since it's a major character who's going to be in 'Avengers Infinity War', if you've seen the trailer.
Overall rating: Just a reminder, I enjoyed the movie a lot and I don't hate it. Heck, just forget what I just said right now. This is just another home run for Marvel and there's nothing stopping them. I mean, it's been 10 years guys, like wow.
