Many years ago a war existed between five tribes over a meteorite that was made up of an alien metal, called Vibranium. After one warrior eats one of the heart shape herbs that was infected by the metal and becomes the “Black Panther”, the five tribes unit to become the kingdom of Wakanda. Now hiding as a third world country to protect their secrets from reaching the outside world, the Wakandans use this precious metal to discover innovative technology.
During a conference in Vienna, an explosion that destroys the building where the conference was held consumes the life of T’Chaka King of Wakanda leaving the poor nation in mourning. T’Challa / Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), claims his right to become the new King of Wakanda and must face a challenge from M’Baku (Winston Duke), the leader of the rival Jabari Tribe. After his victory, Zuri (Forest Whitaker), the elder statesman and the keeper of the Heart-Shaped Herb, performs the ceremony to crown T’Challa as King.
When an artifact was stolen from a Museum in London by Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), a South African black-market arms dealer, smuggler, and gangster, and Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B. Jordan), a black ops soldier, the relic is discovered to be made out of Vibranium. With this information in Ulysses’s hands, the Wakandan secrets are in danger of being released to the world.
With support from his closest advisers, Okoye (Danai Gurira), Leader of the Dora Milaje tribe and protector of the Wakandan king, Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), human rights activist and an undercover spy for the king, Romonda (Angela Bassett), the mother of the king and former queen, Shuri (Letitia Wright), sister of the king and high ranking scientist, and finally W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), closest friend of the king and the head of border security, must find a way to stop their secrets from being stolen.
In hot pursuit of Klaue, the Wakandans are looking for any opportunities to save their secrets from what this man will do. They discover that an alliance with Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman), American CIA agent, can help them capture this criminal and allow them to take back the artifact once and for all.
Director and writer, Ryan Coogler does a spectacular job recreating this comic book world. He includes an excellent storyline that covers every detail to the story’s past and the most recent history that ties everything into its fantastic conclusion. His vision of the narrative I feel stayed true to way the artist envisioned and presented very well on screen. The special effects, especially in 3D, brought the movie to life and enhanced the over-all effect of the film.
Now after meeting the Black Panther in the Captain America: Civil War, he has his own tale that tells the history of this wonderful super hero and the world he is from. His amazing life is told very well on screen and it will keep you wanting more throughout.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the outstanding storyline, the incredible action scenes, and the marvelous performance by all the actors. (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Additional Film Information
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.
Directed and written by: Ryan Coogler
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture.
Running Time: 134 minutes
Release Date: February 16, 2018
Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Released In: 3D, D-Cinema