‘Black Panther’ proves Marvel can balance super heroes with politics, race and sensitive topics

Director Ryan Coogler has delivered an incredible story packed full of great action and meaningful moments with Black Panther, becoming one of Marvel’s biggest achievements. Sadly, activists and Hollywood elitists will read into the messages on race, colonialism and politics.

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to Wakanda, set to take the throne and deal with growing political strife within the hidden African nation. Surrounded by amazing women, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright, Boseman’s T’Challa has plenty of time to grow and reconcile motivations to be King.

Meanwhile, Andy Serkis’ Ulysses Klaue appears with a new villain, Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger, Marvel’s most relatable villain to date, ripe with 2018 baggage.

It may surprise fans how amazing the special effects and action sequences are presented. Coogler and Marvel did an incredible job adding layers of technology into the primitive culture and cinematographer Rachel Morrison’s work is top notch.

Jordan really steals some scenes and gets to deliver some powerful dialogue as a hidden gem in the Marvel gallery of villains. Boseman grows into a competent leader and could be key in replacing the likes of Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans as the MCU continues (their contracts are up).

The movie is truly special, culturally relevant and impactful. That said, Black Panther still falls short of Winter Soldier‘s political intrigue, the popcorn appeal of the The Avengers or the fun from Guardians of the Galaxy.

No, Coogler’s Black Panther is something new and that’s exciting.

The African-American community is seeking value and validation and Black Panther brings a new spin to rich history. The greatest benefit from the film is giving young kids a different hero to cheer for, one they can relate to and one who brings hope and heroism.

Black Panther earns 4 out of 5 stars