I woke up very excited. I purchased my ticket weeks in advance. Today, opening day, I was going to see Black Panther. It was a blend of fun action, solid character development, and masterful storytelling. Check out my review of Avengers: Infinity War.
It has broken many of the records for revenue, by weekend, opening weekend, international… you name it.
One of my favorite review quotes about the movie (Rotten Tomatoes): Black Panther elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights while telling one of the MCU’s [Marvel Cinematic Universe] most absorbing stories — and introducing some of its most fully realized characters. The link to the trailer on YouTube is below.
One of my favorite review quotes about what the movie stands for (Slate): What drives Black Panther isn’t its visuals or superheroics. What drives the film is its pursuit of the idea that arguably defines the superhero genre, best articulated in 1962’s Amazing Fantasy No. 15: “With great power comes great responsibility.” And what makes Black Panther unique is that it pursues this in the context of its characters and its setting. It asks not just, “What is T’Challa’s responsibility to Wakanda?” but “What is Wakanda’s responsibility to the world?” … It is worth noting here that this is probably the first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which women drive the story and plot as much as their male counterparts. … Black Panther could have been just another Marvel romp—a fun but ultimately disposable entry in the studio’s catalogue. Ryan Coogler and company had the power, and perhaps the responsibility, to do much more. And they did.
Fast forward to the end of the movie. After exiting out the door, my friend and I were greeted by a merchandise table and cutout Black Panther characters. While I do not seem to have a big smile on my face, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. And it was fun taking pictures with the cardboard cutouts.
If you like movie reviews:
- Forbes
- Variety
- Rotten Tomatoes (has an unprecedented 97% favorable review)
A tip of the hat to Stan Lee (his personal website).
Shuri, played by Letitia Wright
Photography Source: Movie poster image, Marvel
