REVIEW: Sometimes a movie gets so much hype before it comes out that when you see it; it’s just not that great. Let me start by telling you, that is not the case for Black Panther. It is just as grand in story, cinematography and action if not more as was expected. The special effects and over all visual appeal of this film are as mesmerizing as hyped! This includes the various film locations, studio generated sets and CGI locations. How, I wondered, could they explain entire characters back story as great as this and his current plight in the span of 2 hours and fifteen minutes, but they did it. It’s the ageless story of father and son, continuation of life and duty that was told even in a children’s movie such as the Lion King. One great king dying and his son left to go through the struggles of fighting and defending the kingdom and reign in greatness.

I can’t go on any further without mentioning the fact that this film is history in the making. I was pleasantly shocked, I would even say dumbfounded to see a familiar face on the big screen. I don’t mean familiar such as in a well known actor. One of the actors (actor Tunde Laleye) that played a warrior in a pivotal battle scene was someone known and dear to my mother and me towards the end of her life. I contacted him right away and as he said “this is a dream come true for me and I’m one of the lucky few to have been a part of this history making event”. This is the first stand alone film featuring and written completely about a black superhero. One which we became familiar with in Captain America: Civil War. We are given all of the cultural richness of his African heritage, the beauty of the natural and fantasy. It is every bit modern/technologically advanced and every bit culturally traditional at the same time. I know, how can that be? But trust me you will only understand if you see it for yourself.

This film is sexy, stylish and regal. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing cast. There are some well known faces and quite a few new comers. Black Panther, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) embodies perfectly all the emotions that you would expect from someone who has not only just lost his father, but now has the responsibility of being the king and protecting his people and his kingdom on his broad shoulders. Lupita, oh Lupita! She truly is a beautiful and talented actress. Miss Nyong’o is mesmerizing in not only her beauty but her presence. She plays Nakia, a warrior spy and ex love of T’Challa. Now for badass warrior moves we have the amazing Okoye (Danai Gurira). Side note, Danai is mine and Cine Marcos’ daughter’s name. Daniel Kaluuya plays W’Kabi, close friend to T’Challa and love of Okoye. Personally, I must mention some of my favorites; Forest Whitaker as medicine man and royal advisor Zuri, Sterling K. Brown as N’Jobu, and ever beautiful Angela Bassett as the Queen mother, Ramonda. Andy Serkis is such an amazing character actor that you will be convinced of his insanity and evilness. Leticia Michelle Wright plays the funny pain in the butt little sister who is also an incredible technological genius. True brainiac! Michael B. Jordan cannot be left out as the villain of the film, Erik Killmonger. I won’t say too much about him except that he embodies American entitlement at its worst.

Some say that this is the best non-Avengers Marvel movie yet. Well I wouldn’t go that far, close but not quite. It is arguably the most unique Marvel movie and one of the most exciting ones too. Director Ryan Coogler, (Fruitvale Station, Creed) has done a commendable job with this film, especially considering that he’s just getting his feet wet on the big screen. If you like super heroes, go see it. If you want to experience history, go see it. If you want to see a movie that has action, a little humor and family values, go see this film.

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