2018
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Lately whenever I tell someone that I don't like superhero movies (with a few notable exceptions of course), they will inevitably say that I should watch Black Panther, because listening to each other is an overrated pleasure. Anyway, when I saw that this was on Netflix Instant and on the List, I finally decided to give it a try.
Basically, the film follows T'Challa, the heir to the kingdom of Wakanda. Wakanda poses as a third world nation, but is actually incredibly sophisticated due to their large stock of vibranium. Vibranium absorbs energy or something. T'Challa is facing a challenger for the throne, who believes that Wakandan weapons should be distributed to oppressed black people around the world.
The cast of this film is absolutely amazing; Lupita Nyong'o is a powerhouse and Martin Freeman might be one of the most likable people on the planet. I think the best supervillains have plots that make the audience half want them to succeed, and that was definitely the case here. I also loved the relationship between T'Challa and his younger sister.
Like I said, though, superhero movies are never going to be my thing; I just can't seem to find car chases interesting. Sorry fanboys.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
None of the scenes were filmed in Africa.
References the kidnapped girls in Nigeria.
I share your indifference to super hero movies. They just never work for me. This is one that almost does and mostly because there are no actual super heroes but merely advanced technology. I would have loved some more culture shock elements, but,alas, this type of movies are more about action sequences than anything else.
ReplyDeleteI do like superhero movies but over the last few years I have been disappointed. This one, however, was very entertaining. I love the strong women the best. I would actually watch it again and that is my highest compliment! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda... I have to agree with you about superhero / Comic Book films. And car chances. They are so boring. The number of new, rare elements that have magical powers that can be made into ultimate weapons. Yawn.
ReplyDeleteAnd.. and this may sound controversial.. Just making the lead character and the majority of others black, with the 'token white guy' thrown into the mix.. Sorry, that doesn't (to me) change anything...
I'd been told that, well, this one WAS different, but I'm afraid I found it just retreading the same, same ground.
No, a major miss.
Yeah besides the almost all black cast I'm not really sure why this is considered particularly unique.
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