My Review on "Black Panther" (2018) - No Spoilers

Yes!!! This year's film to beat is none other than Director Ryan Coogler's Marvel hit "Black Panther" (Just so you know ahead of time there are no spoilers here.) For almost 20 years Marvel has had several major successful films. These films give us an alternate reality of the human condition through the eyes of seemingly ordinary characters with extraordinary gifts and circumstances. The strength of these films are rooted from the library of comic books that Marvel possesses.

Marvel has covered almost the entire alphabet with superhero groups and characters that spinoff from these groups. When I say almost the entire alphabet I mean from A to X; Avengers to X-men, but now they must comeback to the beginning of the alphabet and because they missed "B"..."Black Panther".

There is much more to this film than what you've seen in the several trailers released these past months. Much of what we see in "Black Panther" centers around positive imagery and symbolism. The absolute power of movies is that they facilitate visual narratives that literally reinforce ideals or dictate how one group can see and or feel about another; yes folks it's that serious! Media not only provides mental outlets but can also help to educate, empower and awaken, all while entertaining.

Director Ryan Coogler is quickly becoming one of my most favorite directors. His efforts in the 3 massive films that he's done (Fruitvale Station [2013], Creed [2015] and Black Panther [2018]) show us the significance that a director or color with a fresh new perspective can bring to Hollywood. Ryan Coogler Directs an absolute A+++ cast to include: Chadwick Boseman (T'Challa / Black Panther), Michael B. Jordan (Erik Killmonger), Lupita Nyong'o (Nakia), Danai Gurira (Okoye), Martin Freeman (Everett K. Ross), Daniel Kaluuya (W'Kabi), Letitia Wright (Shuri), Winston Duke (M'Baku), Sterling K. Brown (N'Jobu), Angela Bassett (Ramonda), Forest Whitaker (Zuri) and Andy Serkis (Ulysses Klaue). One can tell that the cast trusts and respects his lead on this massive project. There is a certain level of passion and decency brought to this project that I don't believe another director could have accomplished quite like Coogler has. The style, atmosphere and set design all have received great attention. The compassion, respect and sense of community that each character has for one another is written into the story quite well.

Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong'o and Florence Kasumba "Black Panther" (2018)

It is without question that women shine in "Black Panther". From the cinematographer, Rachel Morrison to the radiant cast of actresses whose characters range from queen to, weapons and armor expert to, bodyguard, women were represented masterfully. It is my belief that this is one of the films many strengths; the idea that a civilization cannot exist, sustain or grow without its women.

I am not going to give away any more than that. Please see this film and look at it as more than just another Marvel superhero film. Look at it as a representation of something greater. The roots of the story, much of the imagery and beauty is influenced by what has always been. Some may understand this, others may not, but "Black Panther" is here and not going anywhere for quite sometime.

AV3 out...