A Real Standout

Rating: 9/10 (22 February 2018)

Black Panther Review

All performances were fantastic. Standouts: Michael B Jordan, Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, and Angela Bassett
Film was paced very well, some slow bouts, but performances keep you engaged the whole way through
Great action sequences, the King Challenges were particularly exciting, however a tad predictable. But the predictability of these sequences, even the final fight, don't suffer too much because the performances and the action are very engaging.
Personally felt the CGI was solid. Wasn't spectacular as they've been before in Marvel, but they were still good and weren't glaringly bad. I never groaned or felt disappointed with them once.
Best villain Marvel has had to date. Killmonger was strong, smart, and exciting. He's also very sympathetic. My only quarrel with his storyline is that he had to die. I would've loved him potentially working with Wakanda in bringing help to those in need, especially since that's what T'Challa decides to do in the end. But his death scene and final line were powerful.
The soundtrack and original score were exceptional. The use of the Black Panther hip-hop album was great. As well as the bass & high hat infusions with the orchestra through the original score.
The blend of traditional, older African culture and modern society/technology was gripping. I adored the sets and costumes. They were colorful and unique. I wish I got to see more of the everyday life and culture of the people of Wakanda, it would've been great to see especially since a mini Civil War/Revolution takes place. To see how it affected the everyday people would've went a long way.
It truly stands on its own in the MCU. It has its ties, but the film is strongly independent which makes it all the more better.