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Movie review: ‘Black Panther’

Marvel movie breaks records and barriers with new installment

By QUINN DEITRICK

Special to

the Sun-Gazette

No, this was not just another blockbuster superhero movie. The next long-awaited installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Black Panther” did something special that has not been achieved in any prior Marvel movie. It introduced an addition to the MCU that made the viewers not only care about its characters, but also the vibrant world they populated.

“Black Panther” is not so much a story dealing with a worldly problem; it is a story of a nation coming to terms with itself. T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to his homeland, the African nation of Wakanda, after the death of his father. Now he juggles the responsibility of being the nation’s chosen warrior, the Black Panther, and the king. T’Challa has to prove his worth when a menacing adversary, Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), challenges the throne. When the nation becomes threatened, the Black Panther must overcome his foes to protect the people of Wakanda.

It seems as if Marvel has found a comfortable formula to how a superhero movie should be, which makes each movie seem all too familiar. “Black Panther” defies these expectations. Instead of being littered with constant action, this film focused on the culture of Wakanda. Never before has a marvel movie left the viewer invested into a place.

Wakanda felt real, as did the people within it. It is hard to care about a film with lackluster characters. All the characters were packed with their own charisma thanks to an all-star cast. Chadwick Boseman felt like the role of T’Challa was made for him, carrying the kingly presence perfectly. Michael B. Jordan gave a performance that will be remembered as one of the greatest Marvel villains. Sadly, his lack of screen time left the audience wanting more. Killmonger was a villain that made the viewer see his side and appreciate his stance. The feud between the two provides a tension that is seldom created.

“Black Panther” was pleasing both visually and acoustically. The movie was filled with bright colors that made Wakanda inviting. However, the excess use of green screens and CGI was noticeable. Ludwig Goransson created another powerful score that fit the mood of the movie to a T.

The tribal drumbeats and shouts accompanying the film’s music made the world more realized. Ryan Coogler interweaves these components together masterfully, making his third directorial success after his work on “Creed” and “Fruitvale Station.”

Marvel has not made a film like this in some time. “Black Panther” dealt with current themes, conveying a meaningful, relevant message that many superhero movies lack. It was a thought-provoking film that was extremely enjoyable.

I was happy to see a movie that didn’t play it safe; instead, it chose to take a risk and deviate from the typical formula. “Black Panther” proves that Marvel still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

Three and a half stars out of four.

Quinn Deitrick is a junior at Loyalsock Township High School. Movies are a true passion of his that he hopes he can develop into a career one day. By writing reviews, he strives to give a helping hand to inform people if a movie is worth their time and money.

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