By Omair Alavi Superheroes in Hollywood have been criticized for mostly being ‘white’ but the trend is changing with the success of Black Panther, the solo movie of the Marvel Superhero who will feature predominantly in the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War flick. The film is easily amongst one of the best Marvel flicks because it…
SAMAA | Omair Alavi – Posted: Mar 1, 2018 |
By Omair Alavi
Superheroes in Hollywood have been criticized for mostly being ‘white’ but the trend is changing with the success of Black Panther, the solo movie of the Marvel Superhero who will feature predominantly in the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War flick. The film is easily amongst one of the best Marvel flicks because it has all the ingredients to entertain the audience from 7 to 70, with occasional throwbacks to the Marvel Universe as well. The film has been doing exceptionally well and might become one of the most successful films from Hollywood, despite the mixed reactions of the audience in some parts of the world.
The Plot
Black Panther revolves around the politics of Wakanda, technologically one of the leading nations, hidden from the outside world. As soon as T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) assumes the throne and with it the powers of the Black Panther, things begin to change rapidly. Another contender to the throne (Michael B. Jordan) reaches Wakanda and challenges the King who loses the battle unexpectedly. Will T’Challa make a comeback and rescue his people from an evil king or will Wakanda’s secret weapon Vibranium reach the outside world making it common amongst the enemies of mankind? Watch the film to get the answers!
The Good
It’s usually good when it’s a Marvel hero’s first film and Black Panther doesn’t disappoint as well. It has too much action for the first film by any superhero but that’s good considering most of the sequences are well-choreographed and used at regular intervals. The stunts are amazing and out of this world (considering Wakanda is not in this world!) while the story doesn’t slow down at any point. The director Ryan Coogler must be commended for weaving magic over the audience and coming up with a fresh take on a story that has been done to death. The background score adds depth to the adventure and if you find yourself involved in the film, it’s because of that!
The Bad
The film doesn’t use the senior actors as well as it should have since one of them dies at midpoint while the other isn’t utilized properly. Michael B Jordan looks fake in some of the scenes but that’s because his character is shown to be someone he is not. The run time of 134 minutes is too long for a Marvel flick; some royal scenes remind you of many films that have had the same theme of two people fighting for the throne. Too many Afro Americans also look awkward at some points although the film is based in Africa with the royal feud between cousins.
The Verdict 3.5/5
With every passing flick, Marvel is raising the bar making it difficult for DC Films who have been faring bad more than often. With Black Panther, Marvel now has a superhero who can cater to the African Americans as well as the Africans who felt left out before this film. Be it the Infinity War connection or the glimpse of Bucky Barnes at the end, Black Panther is not to be missed. The action sequences are charged up, the dialogues are spot on and there are many positive things you take back home such as the fact that Martin Freeman fits perfectly into the Marvel Universe despite having no superpowers or that there can be a film without Iron Man. Watch it so you are updated when you go to war with the Avengers – the Infinity Wars.
