Black Panther (2018): Review
Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)’s 18th movie, marks the coming of age for the blockbuster churning studios. While the budget of $200 Mn reflects the confidence of the studio to create a solo movie for a not-so-famous Marvel hero, Box office collections (>$ 1bn) show that it has been rewarded nicely for the bet.
Those who follow MCU movies, would know that Black Panther was introduced in Captain America: Civil War where he chases the Captain and Bucky in a thrilling action sequence. This movie follows the story after T’Challa’s father dies in the bombing of UN building. The mantle passes on and so the story progresses..
But, you are here for the review, right?
Let me first get out the parts that suck. The plot which is predictable even before the first hint is dropped is a concern – Age old formula of succession, challenger, failure and the comeback (Didn’t we see something very similar in Thor’s 1st movie?)
Most of the characters are also caricature (a doting mother, feisty girlfriend, priest with a past, betraying friend, loyal general, powerful enemy, the original enemy becoming an ally for honour and the sidekicks).
The underlying narrative about oppression of the black people by colonists and thus the payback; could’ve been handled much more subtly, than ‘in your face’ dialogues.
However, this doesn’t make the movie unwatchable. Let me list down 5 reasons below, as to why you should still watch this movie.
1. Title credits – Movie starts with tribal beats and the story of Wakanda which is being told by T’Chaka to T’Challa. The visuals made with shape-changing vibranium nanites lend a magical effect and prepare the audience for the VFX that follows. Nicely done!
2. T’Challa, Shuri and Ulysses Klaue – The 3 characters which stand out.
First, the protagonist himself T’Challa (The Black Panther), groomed to be king from a young age himself, he’s unusually subdued, for a Superhero. There’s no glimpse of any smugness or over-confidence which we saw in Thor. If anything, there’s a subtle pride and a bit of self-doubt, which is very well portrayed by Chadwick Boseman. Many scenes which depict his self-depreciation adds to the humour and draw empathy from the audience.
Second, ‘Shuri’ the young teenage genius to whom the myriad inventions in the whole of Wakanda is attributed to, is solely responsible for bringing in some fun element in the movie. Acting as Q, the doctor and the sidekick, she aces in her role and steals the scene whenever present. Well done, Letitia Wright.
Third and my favourite character in the movie is portrayed by the master Andy Serkis. The man, who rarely gets to play himself as a human is seen enjoying his role as Ulysses so much, that as the audience I was the most disappointed when he died. The raw energy he brings, lights up the screen and he kicks a** even with just 1 hand. Sample this dialogue to his driver ‘Play some music. Do you think this is a funeral?’, when he’s being chased to be killed. He gets ample screen time here (not just a cameo which we saw in Avengers: Age of Ultron)
3. Action sequence – 3 to 4 brilliantly done action sequences, other than the hand to hand combat ones. Special mention to the one shot in South Korea. If only, DC learns something from this!
4. The Dream sequences – They appear thrice. Twice for T’Challa and once for Erik Killmonger. I’m not sure how they do it, but the ‘aurora’ effect in the sky is just unbelievable. Credit to the VFX team, wherever they may be situated.
5. Africa – the simplicity, the music and nature – The tap and the rhythm, you feel it right from the start. Every time it changes, the mood and the setting changes. Yes, there are few American rock songs in between. But, the director keeps coming back to the simple instruments. They are so very addictive. Africa, showcased through rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, jaw dropping waterfalls and rivers takes us right back to ‘The Lion King’. For me, it did bring back few memories from Kenya.
So, go ahead and watch this old school, but newly made Action movie. Personally recommended.
P.S. – The IMDB Trivia mentions that the scenes supposed to be in Africa, have in fact, been shot in Georgia. But, ignore that.
