Take me to Wakanda!!

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                                        By Tom Pacak


Opening up in 1992 Oakland California, the first scene in “Black Panther” consists of an African American kid staring up at the sky. In the sky, is a beam of flashing lights. What we later learn in the film is that those flashing lights were a flying machine that takes leaders of Wakanda back to its respected land. This view gave the young kid a sense of lost hope. A country where the sunsets are beautiful and there is respect among community. The kid was always told when he was little that he would soon visit Wakanda. That vision of Wakanda changed once the young kid grew up to become a man and lost everything.

“Black Panther” (which just joined the billion dollar club today) is one exhilarating ride. A new peak in the Marvel cinematic universe and one of the year’s best films!! Director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed) is three for three with Black Panther. Ryan Coogler comes in strong with the amazing action sequences and character development that separates this bad boy from all of the other Marvel films.

Set in present day, after the events of Captain America: Civil War. Wakanda is lead by T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) the fearless leader who took the throne after his father T’Chaka died in Berlin. Chadwick Boseman shows off intense emotions as T’Challa as he wants to carry on his father’s legacy but also stand on his own as a leader.

The Wakandans are required to protect their country and the Vibranium that the Wakandans use. Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis nice to not see in CGI) hears word that Vibranium is in Wakanda and sets out to find it. He gets the assistance of Killmonger (Michael B Jordan) who may or may not have a relationship to Wakanda.

Let me tell you, all of the supporting players in this film have a moment to shine. Each one has complex and relatable emotions that many audience members will be able to identify with. Whether it’s Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi T’Challa’s best friend who equally respects T’Challa and the throne, Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia T’Challa's former lover and spy, and the hilarious Letitia Wright as Shuri T’Challa's young sister who designs all of the technology.

 Michael B Jordan gives the best villain performance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Most villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are shown to be men or machines that want to take over the world. Here, Killmonger wants to take over the world but once you know his backstory, Killmonger is shown to be far more complex than you think. You know a performance is great when you both loathe the villain and have empathy for him in the same breath. If Michael B Jordan is not up for Best Supporting Actor next year, there will be hell to pay!!

I am a firm believer that “Black Panther” should and will be at the Oscars next year. Even if it’s not, the film is still a winner. Young black kids can now look up at the big screen and see a superhero that looks like them. Watch a film directed by somebody that looks like them! “Black Panther” will give a voice to young kids to follow their passions. HORRAY WAKANDA!!


Note: Now playing in theaters  

 Rating: 4 stars out of 4 




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