An origin movie that honours the original concept of the hero

Rating: 9/10 (21 February 2018)

Critics have praised it, given it a perhaps unwarranted hype. Let's not forget that this still remains an origins story, which means that it is not a Hollywood re - shaping movie. Well, maybe not in the way most people expect.
-- THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS --
First of all, if you are a person who loved Guardians of the Galaxy 2, you might as well just skip ahead and don't watch this one. It is not goofy, it is not simple, it does actually have a good plot and a better script. I am sure you understand by now to what type of people I am referring to.
The movie sets right after the events of Captain America: Civil War, where t' Chakka, king of Wakanda, has been murdered in a terrorist attack. As the king, his children must take succession to the throne, a thing his elder son, T challa (aka the Black Panther) has been groomed and raised to take for years. All goes well, the traditions are carried throughout the obscure kingdom, and t' Challa successfully earns his place as the King. Wakanda survives off the technological advantages their most precious natural resource, vibranium, has given them, and the powers of the King himself. When, however, a notorious terrorist possesses some of the precious vibranium, and cooperates with a mysterious young man, who has a vindictive agenda of his own against Wakanda, the Black Panther must rise to the occasion, and prove to be a King unlike his predecessors, with the necessary sacrifices and changes to old traditions.
You can nitpick every little thing you want just to satisfy your craving to bash this movie. You may mock the accents, scoff at the socio-political cape of the movie, or claim that "it wasn't as you expected it". In the end, however, it remains as one of the most well rounded origin stories, similar to the first Spider Man and the Iron Man, with a simple yet carefully crafted story around a character who was born from the social injustice many wouldn't want to see in a heroic movie. Tough for you. Besides, while the racial differences may be the fuel behind the antagonist's actions, they do not gloss over the aspects of a Marvel film. The action sequences are very well choreographed. The soundtrack couldn't have been better, as Ludwig Goransson glorifies and honours traditional African music and songs.
Lastly, the cast itself is sublime, full of known and new actors who meld wonderfully to their characters, whether they are a traditional warrior or an outcast with a vengeance. Chadwick Boseman (t' challa/Black Panther) plays and moves well beyond his 40 years of age, and portrays emotion in a moving way when faced with tough decisions. Danai Gurira (Okoye) is an excellent "Grace Jones" lookalike in the form of a warrior, and she presents herself wonderfully in battle and in peace. Lupita Nyong'o (Nakia) gracefully graces Boseman's side and acts as the link to tradition and modern times, while Letitia Wright (Shuri) steals the show as the comic relief genius, who is ready to assist in anyway she can. Last but certainly not least, Michael B. Jordan (Erik Killmonger) gives a great dimension to an otherwise typical villain, and even though he follows the classic revenge scenario, he does so with a way and a persuading performance that you can't help but understand his motives and even support his way of thinking; his last scene is especially powerful.
It's not groundbreaking, certainly, but it's one of the best origin stories out there, offering an entertaining time as it crafts and moulds a nation and a character very different from the others, under an idea that could have easily escalated at the hands of another director. Ryan Coogler does not let the self righteousness drape over the core of this movie, and the result is a wonderful tribute to tradition, racial respect and the eternal message that hatred is never the way to go if you want to prove yourself right.