A movie worth seeing-twice, ‘Black Panther’ does not disapoint

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Photo by Matt Kennedy/TNS

T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) star in the film “Black Panther”.(Marvel Studios)

If you’re looking for a superhero movie that doesn’t disappoint (I’m still getting over “Fantastic Four” – both the original and the remake) look no further – Marvel’s got you covered! Director Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther” was in theaters starting Feb. 16, and manages to blast out suspenseful action and an absorbing story in one go. “Black Panther” follows the story of T’Challa, the king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda, played by Chadwick Boseman, as he rises to the throne after his father’s death and is tested on his worthiness to be king and Black Panther by Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan. We could call this an origin story, but that gives the impression of cliché, and “Black Panther,” though a superhero movie, is so much more.

If “Black Panther’s” amazing visuals don’t keep you engaged, the story will. This isn’t merely a black and white, good vs. bad story, but one that asks difficult questions of its protagonist and its viewers. T’Challa has to face the consequences of choices both in the past and present, and the movie takes you along for the ride. T’Challa is a king, composed and graceful; it’s great to see his personality broken down and his vulnerabilities explored with no shame or judgment. Although it’s not rare for a superhero movie to have social conflict in the world, it is refreshing for the protagonists to not know what to do about it, and rare for the audience to at one point doubt their decision or side they took.

The action sequences don’t leave you dry and hanging either – you’re fully entertained by skilled martial arts and stunts that never feel over the top or out of place for the story, and instead are seamlessly a part of it and enhance the experience. Athough the climax comes across as dull, it makes up for it with the suspense of the battle scenes, and entertains you the final hour. The cinematography is incredibly gorgeous. Each location stands out and is amazingly shot: Busan, South Korea, and South Africa, Zambia and Uganda. The beauty of these places makes it hard not to quit your day job and go visit.

The absolute best part of the movie however, goes to Killmonger, fabulously played by Michael B. Jordan. Although his origin story is changed from the comic books he comes from, the risk pays off. There is no bland, boring villain here; Killmonger is fleshed out, interesting and most importantly: complex. He’s not just a one-dimensional character in the three-dimensional world as many villains in superhero movies tend to be (let’s not dwell on Marvel’s past here); he has a purpose, and Michael B. Jordan succeeds in playing out his purpose in full – bitter, angry and vulnerable in the most interesting ways.

Combine everything with an incredible soundtrack curated by Kendrick Lamar and you have yourself a hit! Honestly the mere fact that Lamar had anything to do with the “Black Panther” soundtrack is reason enough to give the movie a chance. The final verdict: This movie is worth paying admittance in theaters twice (and I’m not just saying that because I had to pay twice, either). Get into it, download the soundtrack and get in the mood, buy two popcorn bowls so you don’t have to leave to get more. If you get the chance, watch it   – chances are you won’t regret it. Stay for after the credits, this movie is worth it! Five stars. Wakanda forever.