Review by Ian Delia, Teen Writer
The story of the birth, growth and the creation of a new Avenger is the biggest eye catcher of the New Year. Be ready for this new action packed Marvel movie Black Panther that will really surprise you. Look for the twist and tell me what you think of the new Avenger.
The legend started centuries ago when a surprise meteorite struck the still developing nation of Wakanda. The alien rock brought a new type of metal to the Earth that is more advanced than our technology today. Along with the powerful metal it also carried an inner spirit. The metal then chose a worthy man that was capable of many things and gave him the spirit of the panther. The Black Panther legend seeks out one man who has earned and won the right to it in a battle between the royal heirs or even the ruler of another clan seeking the throne.
Their secret of the space rock with supernatural powers was too advanced to share with the world, so they kept it in a secluded place out of reach of the rest of the world. They concealed it to preserve a balance between the nations and to keep it out of the hands of terrorists and places where the power may be too much to handle. As king there is responsibilities, challenges and sacrifices that one will need to face. As for King T’Challa, he has to face Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) in a fight for the throne. Yet with the possibility of losing all he has earned, he takes the chance.
You may remember the black panther from “Captain America the Winter Soldierâ€, also as Prince T’Challa of Wakanda. The country of Wakanda is living in poverty refusing help from outside countries. As for the royalty, they live in a hidden area of the country to keep their secret from the rest of the world. The royalty of Wakanda spare very little to the rest of their undeveloped country not to act as a type of dictatorship, but to stabilize the power worldwide.
This is the first official African-American Marvel super hero with his own movie. The acting in Black Panther is on point showing their culture and the struggle of the poverty stricken nation. Chadwick Boseman who plays the Prince who becomes King T’Challa does a fine job in his role of the Black Panther showing all the morals for which the hero in the comic book stands. He did not do all this alone and for that I have to give credit to Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead), who aids him on his missions. Add to this the awesome Nakia played by Lupita Nyong’o (Oscar winner for 12 Years a Slave) and the American FBI agent Everett K. Ross played by Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit).
I liked the film very much and like all entries into the world of Marvel this one carries new thrills. It will be good going forward to have this character slide into the mix with others as the Marvel Universe develops on the big screen. Next you’ll have Avengers: Infinity War and Ant-Man and the Wasp. Black Panther will appear in Infinity War, but I did not see the character Black Panther listed for Ant-Man.
The amazing scenery of the land of Wakanda including the forest, mountains and the wildlife is breathtaking. The stunts and fight scenes were done to perfection. The scenes of the lifestyle between the poor and rich of Wakanda were very realistic by showing the contrast of the poverty of a third world country to the riches and beauty of the wealthy city life.
This movie is rated PG-13 for scenes of violence and rude body language. Great for the ages of 13 and up, it’s an exceptional film for all the fans of the marvel comics and movies. Be ready for a thrill ride of the new super hero.