Stars: 5/5
I have never given a full five stars to anything before now.
“Black Panther,” as the superhero movie we know and love, only sort of works. All the tired tropes from big-budget blockbusters are either a bit twisted or they aren’t present at all. The female characters are strong, intelligent and competent with skill sets that allow them to stand on their own feet. T’Challa’s bodyguards consist of the all-female sect of the Dora Milaje, both militant and special forces. The villains are deliciously corrupt, yet human, especially Erik “Killmonger.” It is a large break from the previous  Marvel movies, where a white guy saves the day in tights and comes home to a swooning, beautiful woman.
As a superhero movie, it shouldn’t work. We don’t hate the antagonist, we don’t have damsels in distress and we can’t turn our brain off to watch senseless violence — so what do we have?
We have a powerful medium where we can talk about race relations in the U.S.
The movie, the first of its kind with a predominantly black cast, does not discuss race in disguise. It is battling to be noticed at the front lines of the film, making the audience think in a way they never have while watching a Marvel movie. However, this makes it sound like they are screaming at their oppressors. They’re not. Somehow, director Ryan Coogler produced a film that is subtle in its intentions yet dummy-proof. Everyone understood that this is not your typical “black” movie.
The cast couples Academy Award regulars with successful T.V. staples, resulting in a star-studded cast. I love that much of the actors in the film – usually playing second-fiddle to a white male in other projects – has been rocketed to leading men and women. It almost doesn’t feel like there are supporting actors in “Black Panther.” Each character is worthy of study and demands to be noticed in their own right. The acting is absolutely stunning, and it makes me question why Hollywood has not made this movie sooner. The amount of black talent in the film industry is underestimated, and “Black Panther” has exacerbated a disparity in black leading men and women.
My favorite performance comes from the accomplished and gorgeous Michael B. Jordan, whose dedication to being free from his past and oppressors brought tears to my eyes. Sure, he was the villain, but he also wasn’t.  I’ll say that without giving spoilers.
The film makes you think about your place in the world, no matter the color of your skin. It immerses you in the world of Wakanda and before you can tap into a place where you can’t relate, you feel empathy and compassion for everyone in the film. The characters are extraordinary, yet beautifully human. I desperately hope this film inspires Hollywood to keep making movies like “Black Panther.”
If you have a few spare hours, go see “Black Panther.” If you don’t have time, go see it anyway.