I’m not the biggest superhero fan. I never really picked a side in the Marvel Universe vs. DC Comics debate. And honestly, until now, “The Dark Knight” and the first of the “Spider-Man” installments were my favorite superhero films, purely because they remind me of childhood.
You might ask then, “Why is this apathetic superhero movie columnist writing about a superhero movie?” Well, “Black Panther” is so much more than a superhero movie.
The film premiered just under a month ago, and it began making waves even before its much-anticipated premiere date. “Black Panther” has dominated the box office for three straight weeks, according to TIME, surging past $500 million domestically this week.
The film’s success is well-earned. With an incredible actor line-up and some of Marvel’s strongest narrative work, the hype surrounding “Black Panther” is rooted in the film’s message, not just its successful marketing and celebrity power.
The film features Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, the king of Wakanda, a fictional African country. Wakanda, a seemingly third-world country, is hidden by a dense forest and holds the mystical powers of vibranium. Harnessing that power, Wakanda is shown to be a highly advanced and magnificent country, quietly leading the world in technology, weaponry and wealth.
Hoping to steal that power is Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan. Killmonger has a flair for American tactics, but the knowledge of Wakanda’s mystical presence. As the story’s key villain, Jordan possibly serves as one of the film’s deepest characters. You can’t just hate him and you can’t just love him.
The push and pull in this film emerges not just in the tension between Jordan and Boseman’s characters, but in what the two characters represent.
T’Challa, like his father, the king before him, stands for tradition. By keeping Wakanda hidden, T’Challa can keep his people safe and the coveted vibranium out of harm’s way. But, with widespread damage and destruction in other, less-fortunate countries, T’Challa struggles with the decision to keep their fortune hidden or share it with the world.
While Jordan and Boseman are standouts in the prominent cast, other central cast members provide even more depth to an already rich and brilliant storyline.
Just as the male leads in this film stand as the main focal point, several of the female leads nearly overpower the screen — in the best way possible.
Lupita Nyong’o plays Nakia in the film. Although she and T’Challa carry one of the film’s only romantic plotlines, Nakia’s story stands out on its own. Nyong’o’s Oscar-winning acting shines through in her large role in the film.
Anai Gurir plays Okoye — the film’s strongest female in both character and literal muscle.
Angela Bassett and Letitia Wright both play T’Challa’s family members. Bassett provides perspective and wisdom, while Wright showcases her wit and snark — making for some of the best highlights of the film.
It’s no secret superhero films usually fall to a male lead. In the case of “Black Panther” this shows true. But, every primary cast member in the lineup is given a chance to shine.
The scenery of the film is perhaps the most hypnotic and engaging aspect. Some scenes come off a little too computer edited and the action might feel more turbulent than coordinated, but with Boseman and Jordan at the helm, these small missteps fall to the wayside.
Feminism, human rights and world politics don’t always merge to create a blockbuster superhero film — “Black Panther” thoroughly achieved that demanding list of themes.
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @Hailey_ann97
Now playing at Village Centre Cinemas Starring:
Chadwick Boseman
Michael B. Jordan
Lupita Nyong’o
Forest Whitaker