Black Panther

       Culturally significant, this new superhero film sets itself apart from the rest of the Marvel films with its predominately African American cast and director. It also features women in strong key roles. It's an enjoyable stand alone film but definitely reminds it's audience of it's ties to the Marvel Universe (especially in a final post credit scene).

       Racial and sexual politics aside, it's well cast and directed (by Ryan Coogler, who also co-wrote the script) and includes some dazzling special effects. At it's core, the film is a cross between James Bond, Star Wars, and The Lion King. It strives to be important (and it is) but also takes itself far too seriously. It tackles some heavy subjects with too little comic relief. To be fair, there are a few good laughs and a visual gag or two. The armored rhinos were a bit over the top though.

       Chadwick Boseman stars as T'Challa, prince of Wakanda ( a fictional African country) who is also the Black Panther, a living symbol of his people. When his father is killed, he inherits the throne but heavy is the head that wears the crown. He soon finds himself in a fight with Klaue, the man who killed his father and also Erik Killmonger, a challenger for the throne. He must also decide to keep Wakanda's technology hidden or share their knowledge and resources with the rest of the world. Mr. Boseman handles himself aptly in and out of his costume.

           Klaue is played by Andy Serkis, who chews up the scenery and appears to be really enjoying himself. It's probably due in part that he finally has a role that isn't motion capture. Killmonger is played by Michael B. Jordan, who is a formidable villain. Also in major roles are Dania Guria ( Michonne from "The Walking Dead") as Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, T'Challa's all female royal guards and Lupita Nyong'o as Nikia, T'Challa's former lover and Wakanda spy. The large cast also features Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi, Letitia Wright as Shuri, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Forest Whitaker as Zuri, Winston Duke as M'Baku and Martin Freeman as Everett Ross. In a film striving for authenticity, it's interesting to note that Mr. Freeman who is British plays an American CIA agent. Sterling K. Brown has an important cameo as well. The characters are fully realized played by a very talented ensemble.

            With this film, Marvel once again raises the bar for superhero films. Mr Coogler has brought to life an iconic, comic book Black hero that a culture and community can proudly call their own. And better yet, he stars in a major Hollywood vehicle that should still appeal to a mass audience, regardless of race or sex.