Wakanda Forever!

Rating: 9/10 (29 April 2018)

After two comedy-heavy entries in its cinematic universe, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" and "Thor: Ragnarok", Marvel has finally come back to its senses with "Black Panther". Under the very capable hands of writer/director Ryan Coogler (who breathed life back into the Rocky franchise with "Creed"), along with an all-star African-American cast, "Black Panther" brings a fresh approach to the comic book/superhero genre.
Chadwick Boseman returns as newly-appointed King T'Challa after his breakout role in "Captain America: Civil War". He is joined by Danai Gurira ("The Waking Dead") as his army general, Okoye; Lupita Nyong'o ("12 Years A Slave") his ex-girlfriend and wanted spy; Daniel Kaluuya ("Get Out") his close friend and Okoye's lover; as well as scene-steeling newcomer Letitia Wright as his tech-savvy sister, Shuri. Add in Forrest Whittaker ("Rogue One") Angela Bassett ("9-1-1"), Michael B. Jordan ("Creed"), Sterling K. Brown ("This Is Us"), Andy Serkis ("Lord of the Rings" trilogy) and Martin Freeman ("The Hobbit" trilogy) and you have enough star power to energize a major city. But star power alone is not what carries this movie. It is the well-balanced story and grounded tone that makes it feel more like a Bond movie with hints of "The Lion King" and "Game of Thrones".
What impressed me the most is the cultural relevance throughout the movie. The action scenes are good (although I prefer the action sequences in the Russo Brothers' "Captain America" films), the tech/gadgets are cool, and the humor is nicely placed to keep it light. But best moments are in Wakanda, where the African scenery, fashion, and culture are on full display.
Kudos to Marvel for placing "Black Panther" into the right hands and kudos to the actors who felt the weight of each role and delivered on all counts.
The only things that could have been improved were the action scenes (primarily hand to hand combat scenes), some sketchy CGI moments, and a rather sluggish first act. But none of those minor criticisms should deter you from seeing and enjoying this next chapter in the Marvel saga. Wakanda forever!