The Marvel Formula with a Twist

What I believe makes Marvel's Cinematic Universe the best blockbuster/Superhero movie production company is the marvel formula with a twist. Meaning that Marvel has a very well known generic formula to all there movies. However, Marvel understands that each of there main character exist with within it's own genre and this genre allows the marvel formula to feel new and distinct. For example, the comic book guardians of the Galaxy is a crazy space opera, thus the guardian of the Galaxy movie can be a crazy space opera as well. Also, on the very other end of the spectrum captain America which usually deals with real world issues in his comic books can now in his movies deal with very real-world issues. When it comes to Black Panther which on the surface is a big generic blockbuster superhero marvel movie. However, the Marvel twist is that black panther in the comics deals with issues of race, racism and colonization. In comics, Wakanda is a scientifically advance Nation that never been colonized and all of this is due to a meteor of vibranium that hit the country thousands of years ago. Thus, this creates a what if scenario of what if Africa was never colonized and had a magical Space Rock I gave them access to science fiction like technology. So in my perspective Black Panther functions very similar to a movie like Thor except trading the Norse sci-fi culture for an African one. This is a refreshing twist not only on the genre of superhero movies but also the genre of science fiction in the fact that we have never really seen science fiction like technology mixed with an African cultural setting. The diversity of African culture throughout the continent is in full display in this movie. The different cultures of Africa are further complemented by not just the cinematography but also the amazing score and production design.

Batman and Robin

Outside of the marvel formula with a twist, Marvel also has very good taste when it comes to choosing Talent behind the camera and trusting them with a large wealth of resources to make the right decisions when it comes to making a great Film. from Joss Whedon to the Russo Brothers and James Gunn, Marvel always seems to choose the right person for the particular character and genre that character occupies. So Marvel once again shows its eye for talent when they named Ryan Coogler as the director for Black Panther. Ryan coogler has a history of films dealing with race and police violence in Fruitvale Station and even action in Creed. So, I believe that Ryan Coogler was the perfect choice to direct Black Panther. I think he succeeds in balancing several politically charged issues in this movie and still makes a entertaining action movie. From race to colonization to even globalization and immigration. Ryan coogler shows his talent as a director by effortlessly juggling and balancing each issue without having the movie feel preachy. When one mentions Ryan Coogler it's hard not to mention Michael B. Jordan. Especially considering that Michael B Jordan has starred as the main character in every one of his movies prior to Black Panther. However, this role is different to Michael B Jordan as he is playing an antagonist instead of the protagonist. As far as I'm concerned Micheal B Jordan not only succeeds in the movie as the antagonist but also steals movie from Chadwick Boseman and also becomes the heart of the Black Panther movie. Micheal B Jordan's Erik 'Killmonger' Steven is most sympathetic and relatable antagonist not only in a Marvel property but also in any superhero movies that ever existed. This character feels like a Shakespearean tragedy in which one can't help to feel sorry what the character has become and believes that if circumstances were different he would have been a better person.

Supporting Characters

As far as I'm concerned Chadwick Boseman who plays the title character and protagonist is actually pretty forgettable in the movie. However this is not due to his fault as an actor, his character is overshadow by not just Michael B Jordan but also Letitia Wright as his sister Shuri and even lesser character called M'Baku play by Wilson Duke the functions more like a rival to the Black Panther then antagonist. Chadwick Boseman played his role as black panther well and also had great on-screen chemistry with Lupita Nyong'o's Nakia his love interest throughout the film. I love Lupita Nyong'o in this movie and wish she had a bigger role in the film outside of Black Panther's love interest. Nevertheless, when they are on screen they do work well together especially when Black Panther confides in her and she does function as a very good support system to the Black Panther when he is King making political decisions that affect the direction of Wakanda.

XBOX 360/PS3 Graphics

Unfortunately, this movie is not perfect and I do have some criticisms of the film. Although I liked a lot of the tribal aspects of the society and it does make a lot of sense within the plot. I did find it a tad bit ridiculous that a super advanced Society Picks it's leader on a death-match on some Game of Throne shit. Another thing I did not like about the film was its climax. The second act of the film is built on very deep themes of family, identity, fatherlessness, an even white supremacy just to divulge into generic superhero action CGI fight scenes and the overall conclusion doesn't feel earned. My final criticism is the CGI, especially during the climax. The CGI during the beginning of the movie is very top notch however around the climax, the CGI looks so bad that XBOX 360/PS3 computer Graphics looks better then what was on screen.

Conclusion

My final thoughts on the film is that despite my criticisms Black Panther is a very well-acted, directed, shot, and scored film. Displaying a positive image of African people and African culture and as a person of African descent I really appreciate that; especially considering that is a rare image in American Media. This is not my favorite Marvel movie which belongs to Captain America: Winter Soldier. However, this is one of the best Marvel movies definitely in my top five Marvel Movies and I would definitely recommend everyone to go see this movie.