[Review] Black Panther

By Zenna Sparkes-Santos

I think we can all agree that Marvel consistently delivers top quality superhero movies. Whether or not you agree with the changes made in the transition from page to screen, the production value alone for their films is exceptional. The scripts are (usually) well written and expertly walk the line between comedy and tragedy. The performances are compelling and their costumes are always top notch.

All that being said, Marvel have well and truly outdone themselves with Black Panther; I feel it is their best film yet.

While the story (no spoilers) was relatively straight forward, the cast absolutely knocked it out of the park. I was not disappointed by a single performance in this film. Chadwick Boseman delivered gravitas and wry humour as T’Challa, King of Wakanda, while Michael B. Jordan was a perfect counterpoint with the wild rage of Erik Killmonger.

“And since Marvel is now owned by Disney, Shuri, Princess of Wakanda, is the Disney Princess we’ve all been waiting for.”

However, what made this film everything we as the audience all hoped for was the phenomenal representation throughout the film. Cultures from every corner of the African continent were represented accurately and respectfully, instead of the problematic amalgamation of cultures that we normally see. On top of that, every female character in Wakanda had a distinct identity and motivations; something sorely lacking from most action films. T’Challa’s personal guard, the Dora Milaje, are made up of the strongest female warriors from all the tribes in Wakanda. Lead by Okoye (Danai Gurira), they fight together seamlessly and without hesitation. And since Marvel is now owned by Disney, Shuri, Princess of Wakanda, is the Disney Princess we’ve all been waiting for.

I wait with bated breath to see how these characters mesh with the rest of the MCU.