Black Panther
English (U/A)
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Dania gurira
Director: Ryan Coogler
Rating: ***
A new edition to the Marvel universe, Black Panther does great on visual effects, technology concepts, but falls short on delivering emotions.
The intent is understood that the movie wants to give out raw emotions, but at times it turns out to be more animated.
The movie is a good introduction to a new superhero on the screen. A lot of speculation was in the air about the soul stone in the movie, but Infinity War is where it will be revealed, after all, we guess.
One extra star for the fight sequence at the end, which is thrilling to watch.
To the world, Wakanda, an African country, doesn't accept aid or indulge in trade but deep in its heart, it's a thriving nation with unimaginable technology built upon Vibranium.
They have recently lost their king and it's up to prince T'challa (played by Chadwick Boseman) to take up the kingdom's reign as the black panther.
From an Indian audience's point of view, we have seen a lot of brother vs brother storylines, so most of the plot is predictable. And being used to Hollywood movies, even the kiss that marks the end is also predictable.
The 12 Years a Slave star Lupita Nyong'o, the leading lady, is overshadowed by the fierce general of Wakanda Okoye, played by Dania gurira.
Apart from stunning visual effects and great out-of-the-box technology - beads as communication devices, suit that absorbs kinetic energy, remotely controlled car and aircraft etc - credit should be given to the costume designer - the black panther suit, his necklace, Okoye's uniform and Boseman's long-robe overcoat might just be the next signature fashion style.
The panther's impressive-looking claws should have been put to better use than being used as breaks when he is pushed away in a fight. As the anti-hero, Andy Serkis does a far better job than Michael B Jordan, whose statement seeing the hero return is 'Wassup'.
The film does make a statement. Wakanda for centuries didn't help fellow Africans when they were sold into slavery or during the revolution, citing that the west would come after what they had. The radicalised call the whites 'Colonisers'. Martin Freeman is the good coloniser who lends his help in the second half, not so much a wow element.
The movie ends stating that the panther will be seen in Avengers: Infinity War. Hope he puts his claws to better use till then.
Mohamed Ahmed Shariff