Black Panther

IT IS not an over-exaggeration to say that Black Panther is the best entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in recent memory.

While previous movies tend to be little more than a lead-up to Avengers: Infinity War, this latest superhero movie dares to stand on its own two legs.

You do not need to have watched all 17 MCU movies to enjoy or comprehend Black Panther.

After watching the last few films, I thought that Marvel Studios had forgotten how to make a film that does not revolve around Infinity War, and which had a solid beginning, middle, and end.

Black Panther has a lot of heart. The plights of both the hero and the villain are relatable, understandable, and make me feel for both sides of the struggle.

It is also rich with messages of empowerment for social, gender, and race equality, which it does so tastefully and eloquently.

Kudos to director Coogler, who also wrote the screenplay.

Acting points go mostly to the very talented Nyong’o, who plays Nakia, the Wakandan spy and activist.

Also notable are Boseman, who plays the titular hero, Angela Bassett who plays his mother, and Jordan, who plays the threatening villain Killmonger.

In fact, I would applaud the whole cast of the movie.

Despite all the praise, Black Panther certainly has its flaws. Some key moments in the movie are predictable; some events could be Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, and Lupita Nyong’o Director: Ryan Coogler E-Value: 9 Acting: 7 Plot: 8 foreseen a mile away.

However, it did not take away the tension or broke the moment for me, which is a testament to the movie’s entertainment value.

Mind you, there are also surprises that were so unexpected, that they made the movie memorable.

For me, the main reason why I would recommend Black Panther is that it is a complete movie on its own, despite being a part of the MCU.

It has narration, a monologueheavy beginning, a thrilling and emotional middle, and an actionpacked ending with a great payoff.