Black Panther (2018)

[Dan9]

Really great, just not quite the superhero masterpiece it could have been. But definitely a top tier MCU film for a variety of reasons. Maybe the best? It feels important and you can clearly see the love and care that's been put into every scene. It feels purposeful and what the escapism of cinema is all about. 

 

Some of the the visuals are stunning, the sound of the film is immense, the characters are diverse and interesting with their intentions and motives clear and understandable, the story itself is great. And I could listen to Chadwick Boseman do that voice for daysssss. 

 

Things I wish were better, because it got so close to being fantastic:

 

- The development of Black Panther as a character is slightly minimal. I think it would have been nicer to see him face more dilemma's and suffer a little more. In the end his arc is laid out a little too neatly for him. 

- The plot gets going at a yomping pace and I think could have benefitted from a little more character/relationship building in the mid-stages. 

- The action towards the end didn't feel physical enough, an issue with many superhero films. Black Panther is a very physical character and that could have put forward so much more. 

- Lots of cuts and edits in the end battle, which is par for the course, again took me out of the action. It all just seems to blur together which is a shame. 

 

I'd still give it an A because I had such a good time with it and I loved being in Wakanda and with the characters, but ARGHHHHH it was so close to being something even more. 

[KeepItU25071906]

MCU is huge overrated franchise for me. I really don't understand  why folk loves this meh movies.

 

But! Sometimes smth happens and we take not just good but amazing, wonderful, stanning stories. It was in 2008 with Iron Man, in 2014 with Winter Soldier and now it happened again.

 

Great cast, huge story, good vilian. And I don't even want talking about vfx/cinematography/production designer's work and costumes- it's too obviously if you saw the trailers (or one of them). Also good soundtrack from creator of "Redbone".

 

Here's the thing: this is unic canvas from young talent Ryan Coogler. This is so picturesque look and distinct voice among all this pale blockbaster's, like shitty Avengers, Thor 1-2, etc.

 

A. Deserved and I'm gonna see this again. My pleasure, Ryan and team, my pleasure. 

Edited February 17, 2018 by KeepItU25071906

[Webslinger]

Black Panther's appearance in Captain America: Civil War and Ryan Coogler's involvement behind the camera already had me excited for this one, but the final product blows past my already-high expectations. With Black Panther, Coogler has delivered an extremely exciting, stylish, and confident action film that somehow finds ways to take the Marvel Cinematic Universe in directions it hasn't already trod across eighteen previous films while also hitting the series's recurring "making your own monsters" theme with greater depth than any previous installment. By mostly eschewing the larger events of the other films in the present MCU phase and limiting the presence of outside characters to two background players we barely saw in the previous films (Andy Serkis and Martin Freeman, who had glorified cameos in Age of Ultron and Civil War, respectively), it feels as close to a standalone film as the MCU has produced since the first Iron Man, and it uses this sharp focus to simultaneously develop the mythos surrounding Wakanda in a fascinating manner, craft character relationships so effective that they lend themselves to real stakes in the third act, and use the central conflict between the titular hero and the antagonist to communicate a resonant, all-too-timely message about the perils of nationalism. After leaving a strong impression in his supporting role in Civil War, Chadwick Boseman proves once again to be perfect casting as Black Panther. He brings an air of cool charisma to the role and commits completely to making T'Challa feel like a complex, multifaceted character who is aware of his shortcomings and seeks to correct them. Michael B. Jordan - a Coogler regular who did great work in Fruitvale Station and Creed - delivers the best villainous performance in the MCU to date, and the best superhero movie villain in the decade since Heath Ledger's landmark performance in The Dark Knight. Jordan was so sympathetic in those aforementioned films that I was skeptical of the decision to cast him as a villain, but he plays against type terrifically in a role that calls on him to come across as both an intimidating figure and a broken soul with understandable but misguided intentions. Their climactic fight may not be the flashiest of final showdowns, but it ultimately stings because of how well the film develops its characters' motivations and how equally well the actors portray them. At this stage in the MCU - at the end of the phase and just before the much-hyped gathering of all the major characters in Infinity War - it would have been easy enough for the filmmakers to rest on their laurels and produce a competent placeholder film. Under Coogler's direction, however, it's their most engaging and enthralling film to date, and one of the best big-budget blockbusters of the 2010s. I can't wait to see it again.

 

A

[The Panda]

One of the few movies in the comic book genre that’s genuinely great.

[YM!]

With god Coogler, stunning visuals, great action and story, a well done message, and a phenomenal cast. (Killmonger is best villain the MCU has done, loved the Dora Milaje and Nakia in this). This movie has touched me in ways no MCU movie has done. Wakanda Forever

A+

[GroceryGuru]

I liked this film. It was a big risk that appears to be well received by fans. We have an introduction to a fictitious and stereotypical African nation that has our super hero having his powers removed for some fight scenes just man vs man. the use of him in our world with super powers is second fiddle to everything going on under the radar. 

 

I agree with a blurb in Entertainment Weekly about how the themes in this film hit home where Black Lives Mater. This film opens the floodgates on some discussion that could expand as Infinity War opens. (we see in the previews that all of Wikandia joins in the fight against Thanos). Even the decision to share the tech and metal with the world may matter as the world needs to come together to defeat Thanos. The ending credit scene with Bucky apparently cured is also a neat peak ahead at the next chapter. 

 

I think the world coming together heroes and villians alike to defeat threats from beyond will be forthcoming and this film sets that up making B Panther a central figure in the next phase. 

 

As you can see, I enjoyed this both as a stand alone risk and a peak into the whole MCU. 

[Cap]

Even better the second go. 

 

- M’baku and the Jabari tribe is such a stand out for me. I can’t wait to see them again in Infinity War. 

 

- Boseman is ridiculously good in this. Iconic. There is so much talent in this cast, and the writing so the characters is so rich, it would be easy for a lesser actor to get overshadowed. He has brings quiet, dignify poise to the role, and so much that when he gets angry, it is fierce and magnetic.  I also love how soft T’Challa feels without it coming off as weakness or feminine. So beautiful.

 

- Angela Bassett is the most beautiful woman in the world, and I am so glad she got more than a glorified cameo. 

 

- I Haaaaaaate Martin Freeman with every fiber of my being, and I didn’t mind him in this. That is how good / how much I enjoyed the film. I also was so happy how even though he got a heroic moment at the end, he wasn’t some paragon of virtue. He was a CIA operative who rattled off plans and way to de-stabilize governments like a nerd talking about his favorite gritty edgelord comic. And that proud smile of “he is one of ours” like he is totally cool with the fact the military industrial complex recruits kids “to help them pay for college” and turns them into killing machines, who come home was often not better off and with PTSD. The only reason thisbmovie is a 9.99/10 instead of a 11/10 is they didn’t kill him. I was so uspet they denied me that!!! 

 

- This is really idiosyncratic but one of my favorite parts is when T’Challa jumped on that grenade. My mind went: STEVE!!  It felt like a subtle passing of the torch. That we are nearing the end of Phase 3, and we just watched the mantle of the moral compass and soul of the MCU get passed on from Steve to T’Challa, who is going to take the lead from here on. Like I said, it was a personal take. But as a fan who has been with the MCU since Day One, I was in heaven. 

 

I have some many more thoughts but Time for work. 

 

10/10 A++ best MCU since TWS

[Jay Beezy]

The blade was in Erik's aorta.

 

He pulled it out, he bled and he died.

 

At least T'Challa gave him a professional courtesy.

 

[Water Bottle]

Typical MCU movie for the most part. Enjoyed it. Action scenes were terrible though: had trouble following the action most of the time and parts of the final battle we're awkwardly done. Also would have like the movie to have been more about Black Panther. What is his journey in the movie? He learns nothing.

 

Would have been cool if he had to earn the Black Panther again rather than just being given it. Like how Thor earned his powers back in the first Thor by willing to sacrifice himself and not thinking of glory. Or how Spider-Man proved he was worthy of the suit and his powers in taking down Vulture (and lifting up the concrete like a boss). 

 

"If you are nothing with the suit then you don't deserve it."

 

Sadly he loses the Battle without his suit and powers and doesn't have to prove he's something without it. He just criticizes his dad and wakes up. Lame.

 

B

[filmlover]

This was awesome and easily the best MCU outing since The Avengers. Ryan Coogler is making quite a name for himself between Fruitvale Station, Creed, and now this. It's a superhero movie that never forgets its characters in addition to providing plenty of spectacle, and the cast of almost entirely people of color is excellent across the board from Chadwick Boseman (expanding big time on the character's promise in Civil War), Michael B. Jordan (as the best MCU villain to date), and everyone else. Definitely a very distinctive outing in this universe that's also one of its best yet. A-

[Deja23]

Beautiful, perfect movie for me. Made me cry and feel a way no other superhero movie has made me feel. I loved every minute of it. If I have a criticism, it’s that I wanted more. Need to watch again and again. A+

[Morieris]

Didn't like the climax but I rarely do for MCU movies.

 

Spoiler

I don't feel like the resolution fit with Killmonger's mostly justified antics, but those were also an, again, justified, mix of 'How come you didn't help your people, both in skin color and in actual tribal blood'.

 

The bit with T'Challa comatose (before we know he is) was kind of draggy for a few minutes until M'Baku came in and stole the show.

 

My complaints in no (well, very slight) way lessen my enjoyment of this movie. Glad MBJ could rise from the ashes of that Fantastic Four movie with another superhero film, and that so many black actors got to be in something so damn cool. A-

[lilmac]

B+

 

Much of what I could have written has been said above. A couple of quick points: I thought the fight scenes were poorly shot and hard to follow and I wish the scale was grander. Overall though Black Panther is firmly entrenched in the top half of MCU films. No small feat. 

[Lordmandeep]

I found the first half was great with all the world building and I felt unlike other movies really interested in each character.

 

The film really benefited from the whole black pride angel, however, the actual film itself is not as tight and as well put together as Winter Solider or something.

 

I felt the Villian becoming the king and then Black Panther comes back way to quick and we have the climax. I think we should have the villian carry out some of his plots but unsure Disney wants to show that lol.

 

That rushed to the climax I felt was all to sudden and threw me out of the movie and as a result its a 7.5/10 movie.

 

I also felt the action was not as entertaining as Thor Ragnorak or something.

 

 

Even so what the film represents is really important and I respect that.

[Omario]

Great movie. Much respect. 

 

Pretty much liked everything about it except the action sequences. They were at times hard to follow. The Dorah Milajae were awesome. Danai Gurira and Boseman had such great interactions. Love all the coloniser references and very thought provoking when they refer to black enslavement. Especially Killmongers last line. '

Throw my body in the sea like my ancestors. They knew it was better to die free than live in bondage.' Powerful line.

 

 

A-

 

Most engaging audience i have ever encountered in a viewing. There were massive cheers and claps. Great to see. Was probably 70% black, 25% south Asian and the rest white. There was so much happiness in their eyes. They were all leaving the cinema with their faces beaming. 

Edited February 18, 2018 by Omario

[B D Joe]

B+

 

Very good.

[angeldelmito]

Bitch, I'm amazed. Hooo, sis. I came in with my wig super-glued to my head nd I still ended up leaving SCALPED.

 

 

I already told y'all the jist of how I felt in the OG thread so I'ma just list the pros nd cons in this here review.

 

Cons:

- None, bitch. (Nah, I'm playing. It shoulda been a 3 hour movie. I needed mooooore. I'm glad Infinity War comes out very soon so I can see more of Wakanda.)

 

Pros:

- OKOYEEEEEEEEEEEE MISS GIRL CAN WHOOP SOME AASSSSS!!!!!! 

- THE CASINO FIGHT SCENE 

- THE CAR CHASE AFTERWARDS

- SHURI ND HER SMART ASS YAAAAASS QUEEEEN

- THE DORA MILAJE 

- UTOPIAN AFRICA UTOPIAN AFRICA UTOPIAN AFRICA. 

- THIS ICONIC ASS CASTING SIS! ANGELA BASSET, LUPITA N'YONGO, CHADWICK, MICHAEL B JORDAN, FOREST WHITAKER, DANIEL ND LETITIA (BOTH FROM BLACK MIRROR, AN ICONIC ASS SHOW THAT Y'ALL NEED TO WATCH), ETC ETC ETC !!!!

 

 

- THE SCRIPT. BITCH THE CHARACTERS. BITCH THE CGI, THE CINEMATOGRAPHY, THE SCORE!!!! 

- Bitch it's been a good minute sis I've seen a Marvel movie with a good score. (Civil War's was annoying, Spider-Man had some good moments, Ragnarok's was forgettable, Strange's was forgettable, GOTG2's was forgettable.) Glad to see BP breaking the streak. Whew chile, it was refreshing. The African chants during those action pieces? YES GAWD.

 

 

- The mythology and the way it was explained was creative nd stuck with me even days after I saw the film.

- The story was great. 

- Okoye is literally UNFORGETTABLE. I'm still gagging at when she threw ha wig. She whooped ass with a dress on. She stopped a whole ass vehicle with a spear, sis. She was killin these folks from on TOP of ha car. When will your fave EVER??

- Shuri nd these inventions !!!! Tony Stank is CANCELLED! OUTSOLD! QUAKING!!!! 

 

 

- Chadwick was amazing of course, but you'd already expect that from him! We been knew!

- Michael B Jordan KILLED it as Killmonger. Unforgettable villain. His lines always had the audience react in some way. Kudos to that amazing ass writer.

- This is the part where my gay ass gives the movie +5 for all them shirtless scenes. Tuh.

 

 

I want Peter Parker nd Shuri to team up or some shit. Millenial geniuses. Iconic! 

 

Anyways, this is my top MCU film. Those 10 years were worth the wait. (88%) B+

Edited February 18, 2018 by angeldelmito

[afalconer7]

It’s really good. A-

[MrPink]

Clearly the most interesting MCU film thematically, if not a bit imperfect. I wish they could have taken more time to explore the dueling ideologies a bit, but Killmonger steps in seemingly late and doesn't get the ball rolling until after the halfway point of the movie. By the time he has taken over as King, we get one scene where he announces his plan and before we know it, we gotta get T'Challa back for the climax. There's a lot the movie is trying to tackle here that the 2hr 15min feels short for what it's trying to achieve. Give me Nolan length here if we're going to be talking about race, privilege, and geopolitical relations.

 

Michael B. Jordan is highly magnetic in his role, in the sense that some ways he goes too over the top for the moment at hand, but I was drawn to every moment he was on the screen. Shuri and Okoye are my two MVPs, I loved them. I was really surprised at how well they managed to represent almost everyone among the supporting cast.

 

B+

[Alexiswills12]

Chadwick Boseman was my favorite. He had a calm, kingly presence that played well against Jordan’s more boastful character. But the women, ugh the women! Oyoke’s wink to Shuri after landing, Lupita’s BEAUTY, Queen Angela’s EVERYTHING. God. And the entrance of M’Buka at the beginning was so GOOD. Man, this movie is just fantastic. 

 

ETA: It has na actual plot! With a villian with an actual story and a feasible goal in mind!! Marvel hire more diverse directors because Coogler just like the Thor director, blew a breath of fresh air into your franchise.

Edited February 19, 2018 by Alexiswills12