Black Panther - A Fiercely Special Movie | Review

By Lynette

I previewed Black Panther yesterday afternoon with my family and a theater full of Marvel fans. To say I was moved in this film is not saying enough.

SYNOPSIS:

Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

You may be going into the theater thinking this movie is about the character Black Panther, which it is; however, you will learn about the strength of women, the beauty of Wakanda and what happens with leadership and being a “good” King. Wakanda is a pretend place in Africa. The technology in Wakanda had me yearning to learn more. Wakanda – It’s a State of Mind. It’s a Place of love and light, and that’s why I connected with it. The people of Wakanda believe in being kind. They are smart. Very smart. Their technology is like no other place in the world. Being intelligent is COOL.

I didn’t expect to see the amount of women empowerment. The women of Wakanda are fierce. They are Warriors. They fight back with strength and intelligence and they stand up for what is right. Because of this, I wanted to at times, burst into the screen, and hug the actresses and say, THANK YOU! As a woman, you will leave the theater feeling inspired and strong. I felt like I even saw my daughter walking taller leaving the theater.

“To be a good King is a struggle.”

What happens when you don’t agree with leadership? What does one do if something has been done one way but you don’t agree with it, do you continue? If you are in a leadership role and you are in a support role and don’t agree with the leader, do you still support the leader or do you leave?

“You get to decide what kind of King you want to be.”

CHARACTERS:

As I said, I connected with the Women (Warriors) of Wakanda: Okoye, Nakia, Ramonda, Shuri, and the rest of the Warriors of Wakanda. The women are rising in this film and it is beautiful! They were all cast perfectly. My daughter LOVED T’Challa’s sister, Shuri. I could see why; she is smart, spunky, strong, fashionable with a side of sass.

Black Panther, T’Challa, is my favorite Marvel character, along with Thor of course. Black Panther is smart, kind, agile, strong, perceptive, and his Super Hero outfit is THE best one.

Erik Killmonger played by Michael B. Jordan is a phenomenal villian. I found myself at times literally grabbing my heart for him because I felt for him and then other times disgusted by the things he was confessing to and shaking my head – how could one commit such horrors?!? This is the type of villian Marvel Studios brings you in Black Panther.

This movie is SO GOOD!

Can your Wilderness Explorers see this movie?

Although I want to say Black Panther is good for all ages because I want all kids to see this amazing Super Hero. My 8 year old came out of the theater a bit upset. He said there was too much stabbing. Like most Marvel films, there is quite a bit of fight scenes with stabbing but there is not blood and gore, however, there was enough to upset him. There is one rude hand gesture and some swear words.

My 10 year daughter absolutely loved the film and could not stop talking about it. She wants to Disney Bound Shuri’s outfits and has been playing the album non-stop.

If your little Wilderness Explorers are used to seeing Marvel and Star Wars films then they will probably be fine seeing Black Panther. But, you as the parent, know your littles best.

So, did I give 5 out of 5 balloons?

Absolutely. Black Panther is a timely movie and has multiple messages I think the WORLD needs. We are in a time of change and a time of listening. Black Panther has a message. I implore you to go see Black Panther and open your heart and listen.

#WakandaForever