Long live the king

Buckle your seat belts. With the release of “Black Panther” on Feb. 16, we are officially en route to the highly anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 10-years-in-the-making film, “Avengers: Infinity War.”

However, do not hit the gas just yet and pump the brakes as we review and rate “Black Panther.”

MCU’s “Black Panther” showcases the coronation of T’Challa, portrayed by actor Chadwick Boseman, as rightful king of Wakanda after his father, T’Chaka (John Kani), is murdered in a terrorist attack led by Helmut Zemo (Daniel Brühl) in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War.”

Wakanda is a fictional East African nation that harbors many advanced technological weapons that have the ability to change the world. Most of Wakanda’s technological advancements come from the abundance of the fictional metal, vibranium, which is what Captain America’s shield is made of and the strongest material in the MCU.

T’Challa’s strength, endurance, perseverance and heart are put to the test when he is crowned king. He is challenged with the idea of not knowing how to be a great king, as well as the fear of disappointing his people and ancestors.

As king of Wakanda, T’Challa must also take on the role of Black Panther, who is the protector of the fictional nation.

The throne is threatened when an unfamiliar, but familiar at the same time, face steps foot in Wakanda.

Erik Killmonger, played by actor Michael B. Jordan, challenges T’Challa for the position of king, placing the fate and safety of the Wakanda people and their technological advances at risk.

After the death of his father at the hands of T’Chaka, Killmonger lives his entire life waiting for the day he could one day dethrone the king of Wakanda and fulfill his father’s plan of world domination.

Hailing from the same royal bloodline as T’Challa, Killmonger has a right to fight for the throne.

Eventually, T’Challa is faced with a question imposed by ex-girlfriend Nakia, portrayed by actress Lupita Nyong’o, which is “what kind of king [he] wants to be.”

The timing of the movie could not be more perfect. The pride behind each major character gives important reasoning and awareness as to why February was the ideal release month.

With February’s observation of black history, the film contributes to the monthlong celebration with most of its cast being African or African-American, including director Ryan Coogler.

There was no one better to direct and star in the movie than those who did. Huge props to Coogler. The wardrobes, makeup and choreography were gorgeously modernized to fit and express African culture. This truly gave the movie a wonderful feel and closer look into the beauty African culture has to offer.

Rapper Kendrick Lamar produced “Black Panther: Album,” which is the film’s soundtrack. The musical tracks do a good job at setting the tone for several of the film’s scenes.

I really enjoyed the small-scale battles that took place within the film. Not only was I able to follow along, but I was able to understand and embrace the background and reasoning behind each of them. I’m glad the film provides the small-scale battles as it leaves room for the MCU to further develop each character in future films.

All of their motives also made sense, which is a plus.

Now, let’s dive into the film’s most exemplary performances.

First and foremost, the women of Wakanda. T’Challa was told to surround himself with those whom he trusts the most. He did so by keeping his mother, Queen Ramonda, sister and Princess of Wakanda, Shuri, ex-girlfriend and spy, Nakia, and the Dora Milaje, a team of fantastic women trained expertly in martial arts and weaponry, close throughout the movie and his life. Although all characters demonstrated immense power, strength, independence and love for Wakanda, one character stood out the most to me.

Shuri, T’Challa’s younger sister and princess of Wakanda, portrayed by actress Letitia Wright, depicts an absolutely brilliant teenage girl who uses vibranium to produce advanced technology for her nation. Her mind is her weapon. As much as I love Tony Stark, I’m sure Shuri can outsmart him any day. The young generation are the future, so I am more than glad to see Shuri portrayed as she is. Good job, Marvel.

Secondly, Jordan is by far one of the, if not, the best villains the MCU has ever created. His personal charisma made his character one of the biggest highlights of the film.

Killmonger’s motivation throughout the movie is inspired by his upbringing as an African-American growing up in the U.S. and the loss of his father.

With Wakanda’s advanced technology at his fingertips, Killmonger dreams of ending what his father and he believed to be the oppression of African and African-American people across the globe.

Jordan’s character is arguably the best and worst thing about the movie. By worst, I mean the life of his character was ended too soon.

The MCU is typically criticized for not being able to develop great villains. As soon as Marvel had a believable and fantastic villain in its hands, the character was killed.

Regardless, Killmonger was able to break the MCU’s trend of lackluster villains, not to mention Jordan’s Greek-godlike physique. Am I right, ladies?

Nonetheless, I am overall impressed and satisfied with the film. It can be enjoyable to even those who are not Marvel fanatics and are looking to invest in a great storytelling, action-packed and thrilling movie.

As far as the MCU’s future is concerned, I am curious and excited to witness the interactions and possible brilliant collaborations among Shuri, Tony Stark and Bruce Banner.

Rating: 4.5 out of five stars.