The last MCU movie I'm seeing in theatres, but I don't think it left it on a high note

Rating: 7/10 (15 February 2018)

After watching Guardians 3, I told myself that Black Panther would be the last MCU film I'd watch. For one, I had become a DC fanboy, and two, the MCU formula had gotten pretty stale and repetitive. But, after seeing Civil War, I kept remembering Black Panther, and the fact that his father had been killed, leaving him as the new ruler of the mysterious Wakanda. That could set up something great for a Black Panther movie. If the teaser was at least half good, I'd see it. Not only was the teaser and the second trailer great, but the actors chosen blew my mind. Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Michael B. Jordan, all great choices.
The story: Following the assassination of king T'Chaka in Civil War, T'Challa is the new king of Wakanda, the mysterious nation that's hiding untold treasures and technological Marvels. The story follows T'Challa rise to become worthy as king, all the while having to face off against a new enemy, Eric Killmonger, who plans to take the throne, his power and his secrets,
I love the look of Wakanda; the culture shows that while Wakandan's are technologically advanced, they also integrate that into their culture and clothing. I think Ryan Coogler did a great job with the look and feel of Wakandan culture. Some of the new characters are great editions. T'Challa's mother Ramonda, his sister Shuri, his best friend W'Kabi. I even enjoyed Nakia, Nyong'o's character. Shuri had to be my favourite, and I really liked all the tech she created; that projection/hologram suit she made was amazing. I also enjoyed the Dora Milaje, the all women guard T'Challa had; you really feel their devotion and loyalty to Wakanda.
But yes, there are things I was disappointed with in this film, one way or the other. One thing I was disappointed about was how little we got to see of T'Challa's kingship. All the advertisement is telling you "his time is now", "get ready for a new king". I was watching this film waiting for T'Challa to "take charge" and show us why he's worthy, but the only real thing that makes him worthy I guess is that he's royalty. I wanted something like Thor where he's stripped, and proves himself worthy but sacrificing his life. I guess we have that by the end, but I wanted that to be his whole character arc. Overall, he's crowned king after beating this Ape tribe leader in a duel, goes to capture Klawe at a casino, and immediately faces Killmonger, loses, is revived, and goes back to defeat him. That's all well and good, but I needed something more than that to scream "he's the true, inspiring king we need". If the last 20 minutes are defining that, then some, naming I, was a little disappointed.
Overall, an entertaining movie, and interesting edition to the MCU. I love Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa. I love the look of Wakanda, Vibranium, and all the technology Wakanda is hiding. T'Challa could have been developed a bit more, but at least I care about his character now. Even though this film didn't win me back to the MCU, I'm glad I watched it. Wouldn't really watch it again though.
I'm giving this a 7 out of 10