For Marvel's eighteenth outing and incredibly, only Ryan Coogler's third, bulletproof catsuit gets his own film.
Don't forget, he enjoyed an enjoyable, albeit brief cameo in Civil War.
Although more than aware of obscene hype, I went in with an open mind.
Chadwick Boseman - T'Challa/Black Panther
Michael B. Jordan - N'Jadaka/Erik 'Killmonger' Stevens
Lupita Nyong'o - Nakia
Danai Gurira - Okoye
Martin Freeman - Everett Ross
Daniel Kaluuya - W'Kabi
Andy Serkis - Ulysses Klaue
Forest Whitaker - Zuri
Some time ago, a meteorite containing vibranium causes all out war between several tribes.
After T'Chaka swallowed heart-shaped herb affected by the strongest metal in the world, warrior was lucky enough to acquire superhuman powers.
Subsequently, he became the first 'Black Panther' and created the nation of Wakanda.
Vibranium was used to develop advanced technology and population isolated themselves from the rest of the world.
1992.
T'Chaka accuses his brother N'Jobu of assisting black market arms dealer Ulysses Klaue with stealing sought after substance from Wakanda, and when suspicions are confirmed by Zuri, pants are soiled.
Present day.
Current King's reign doesn't last long, as he's killed by Helmut Zemo.
Successor to the throne T'Challa is challenged by M'Baku, with the former ultimately victorious.
When T'Challa gets wind of Klaue and Erik (Black Panther's nemesis) stealing a Wakandan relic from a British museum, close friend W'Kabi urges ruler to bring Klaue back, dead or alive.
Not quite Robocop, but you get the gist.
With the help of CIA type Ross, Klaue is apprehended in South Korea and soon deprived of arm cannon.
Obligatory Stan Lee cameo occurs inside casino.
Erik adopts the name of 'Killmonger' and executes Klaue in Wakanda.
With identity uncovered, Erik earns the right to challenge our man for the throne.
Things don't go T'Challa's way and fallen king is thrown over cliff's edge into a raging waterfall.
Supported by W'Kabi and co, Erik plans to distribute Wakandan weapons of mass destruction.
Cared for under a bed of snow by the Jabari tribe, Shuri, Ross etc revive a comatose T'Challa via magic herb.
Honestly, why do these type of films persist on pretending to kill hero?
While inevitable battle between two factions takes centre stage, T'Challa and Erik take care of unfinished business.
Fight ends with T'Challa giving Erik the fatal point.
He rejects the offer to be healed and chooses to die a free man.
Mid-credits sees T'Challa appearing before the United Nations in Vienna telling the world who they are and post-credits has Shuri continuing to help 'White Wolf' Bucky Barnes recuperate.
Lots of fun
Rather than focusing on pyrotechnics and ridiculous set pieces, emphasis is firmly placed on character development and story, making this one of the most refreshing superhero films ever.
It would be easy to do so, but this admirably resists preaching about third-world desperation.
Gorgeous African setting is complemented by a brilliant score by Ludwig Görasson.
Supported by a stellar cast, Michael B. Jordan is simply terrific and upstages Boseman, whose performance isn't exactly shabby.
Serkis is batshit crazy and often hilarious as secondary baddie.
While in custody, he amusingly sings Haddaway's What Is Love?
Ha ha ha!
Far from purrfect
Considering running time distances itself from the usual fodder, it's disappointing that situation buckles under superhero pressure.
Proceedings can drag, mainly due to pacing issues.
Directed at Freeman, script needlessly gets a cheap 'white boy' gag in.
Inevitable battle climax bizarrely combines Star Wars and Braveheart, with the stupidity of armoured rhino.
Probably intentional, but while in makeshift holographic X-Wing, Freeman even states 'here goes nothing'.
The biggest problem is CG.
Early on, T'Challa's ceremony displays peeps cheering on cliff face, which could be accused as being a cut and paste job.
Henry Cavill's infamous removal of moustache in Justice League faces competition, as once Klaue loses arm, it just looks fucking weird.
Digital surroundings of hero and foe's descent barely convinces and setting of CQC sucks hard.
The prospect of Infinity War is just a tad exciting.
Personally, I'm salivating.
Don't forget, he enjoyed an enjoyable, albeit brief cameo in Civil War.
Although more than aware of obscene hype, I went in with an open mind.
Chadwick Boseman - T'Challa/Black Panther
Michael B. Jordan - N'Jadaka/Erik 'Killmonger' Stevens
Lupita Nyong'o - Nakia
Danai Gurira - Okoye
Martin Freeman - Everett Ross
Daniel Kaluuya - W'Kabi
Andy Serkis - Ulysses Klaue
Forest Whitaker - Zuri
Some time ago, a meteorite containing vibranium causes all out war between several tribes.
After T'Chaka swallowed heart-shaped herb affected by the strongest metal in the world, warrior was lucky enough to acquire superhuman powers.
Subsequently, he became the first 'Black Panther' and created the nation of Wakanda.
Vibranium was used to develop advanced technology and population isolated themselves from the rest of the world.
1992.
T'Chaka accuses his brother N'Jobu of assisting black market arms dealer Ulysses Klaue with stealing sought after substance from Wakanda, and when suspicions are confirmed by Zuri, pants are soiled.
Present day.
Current King's reign doesn't last long, as he's killed by Helmut Zemo.
Successor to the throne T'Challa is challenged by M'Baku, with the former ultimately victorious.
When T'Challa gets wind of Klaue and Erik (Black Panther's nemesis) stealing a Wakandan relic from a British museum, close friend W'Kabi urges ruler to bring Klaue back, dead or alive.
Not quite Robocop, but you get the gist.
With the help of CIA type Ross, Klaue is apprehended in South Korea and soon deprived of arm cannon.
Obligatory Stan Lee cameo occurs inside casino.
Erik adopts the name of 'Killmonger' and executes Klaue in Wakanda.
With identity uncovered, Erik earns the right to challenge our man for the throne.
Things don't go T'Challa's way and fallen king is thrown over cliff's edge into a raging waterfall.
Supported by W'Kabi and co, Erik plans to distribute Wakandan weapons of mass destruction.
Cared for under a bed of snow by the Jabari tribe, Shuri, Ross etc revive a comatose T'Challa via magic herb.
Honestly, why do these type of films persist on pretending to kill hero?
While inevitable battle between two factions takes centre stage, T'Challa and Erik take care of unfinished business.
Fight ends with T'Challa giving Erik the fatal point.
He rejects the offer to be healed and chooses to die a free man.
Mid-credits sees T'Challa appearing before the United Nations in Vienna telling the world who they are and post-credits has Shuri continuing to help 'White Wolf' Bucky Barnes recuperate.
Lots of fun
Rather than focusing on pyrotechnics and ridiculous set pieces, emphasis is firmly placed on character development and story, making this one of the most refreshing superhero films ever.
It would be easy to do so, but this admirably resists preaching about third-world desperation.
Gorgeous African setting is complemented by a brilliant score by Ludwig Görasson.
Supported by a stellar cast, Michael B. Jordan is simply terrific and upstages Boseman, whose performance isn't exactly shabby.
Serkis is batshit crazy and often hilarious as secondary baddie.
While in custody, he amusingly sings Haddaway's What Is Love?
Ha ha ha!
Far from purrfect
Considering running time distances itself from the usual fodder, it's disappointing that situation buckles under superhero pressure.
Proceedings can drag, mainly due to pacing issues.
Directed at Freeman, script needlessly gets a cheap 'white boy' gag in.
Inevitable battle climax bizarrely combines Star Wars and Braveheart, with the stupidity of armoured rhino.
Probably intentional, but while in makeshift holographic X-Wing, Freeman even states 'here goes nothing'.
The biggest problem is CG.
Early on, T'Challa's ceremony displays peeps cheering on cliff face, which could be accused as being a cut and paste job.
Henry Cavill's infamous removal of moustache in Justice League faces competition, as once Klaue loses arm, it just looks fucking weird.
Digital surroundings of hero and foe's descent barely convinces and setting of CQC sucks hard.
The prospect of Infinity War is just a tad exciting.
Personally, I'm salivating.
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