I was never a fan of the Black Panther comics. His generic animal-based super-strength and agility didn’t really impress, and his background as a king of a technologically-advanced African nation was interesting, but less so in a comic book universe where technology can do anything a writer and artist wants to imagine. On screen, however, I am now a pretty big fan of Black Panther because his story has become noble, thrilling, and really enjoyable. I think Marvel Studios is getting better at its adaptations (ignoring the recent Inhumans tv series, which was awful), knowing just how to make each character’s story special.

Chadwick Boseman stars as T’Challa, the son of an African king who was killed in Captain America: Civil War. When his father died, T’Challa inherited the mantle of the Black Panther, the mystical superhuman protector of the nation of Wakanda. In addition to the burden of rulership, he also has to bear the responsibility of protecting Wakanda’s secret: the nation was built on a mountain of space metal known as vibranium, which has given Wakandans power, healing, and technological advancement, and therefore a reason to keep their true status from the rest of the world.

Black Panther doesn’t really tell an origin story, but still does a great job introducing viewers to its characters, including T’Challa’s scientific genius sister, Shuri; his ex-girlfriend and spy, Nakia (played by Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o); his general, Okoye; and enemies Ulysses Klaue (played by Andy Serkis) who has a sonic weapon for a hand, and Killmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan). When vibranium is stolen from a British museum, the movie takes a turn into spy-fi territory as T’Challa, Nakia, and Okoye go in pursuit of the villainous Klaue (who also has a history with the Wakanda). These Bond-inspired scenes are full of fun action, especially when a three-car chase breaks out in the streets of Busan, South Korea. The Wakandan technology (which includes gadgets with the ability to remotely take control of a car) really adds a “Mission Impossible” element to the mix as well. In fact, one of the most interesting aspects to this movie is the blending of futuristic technology with a traditionally African aesthetic. I loved the interiors of Shuri’s lab, which held all kinds of sci-fi equipment but with styling and details that carried tribal overtones. Similarly, there were many scenes involving rituals and ceremonies which also had a similarly mystical, timeless, and traditional feel. Much has already been written about how this movie is a landmark for black representation in popular culture, but without overanalyzing or getting into a political discussion, I agree that this movie has done a great job glorifying the African cultural legacy.

Another aspect to this movie that made it enjoyable is that there were a few twists on who was the enemy or “bad guy” (though not in an ambiguous anti-heroic way), and it all came back to the past and tied to Wakanda. There were themes of nationhood, patriotism, as well as power and duty. Every character (not just T’Challa) had to make a choice between serving their own needs or the good of their nation. As enjoyable as it was to watch Boseman as T’Challa, the other characters really stole the show. Shuri was the fun-loving younger sister, so she always had the humourous lines. Nakia was the skilled fighter/agent, so she always came through to save the people who needed saving. However, the one who stole the show was Okoye, the vibranium-tough, fierce warrior with a clear sense of honour, and an unbreakable sense of duty (actress Danai Gurira plays Okoye with a wonderful intensity and physicality — she speaks volumes with the thump of her spear).

The look of the film is also top-notch (Did we expect anything less polished from Marvel Studios and Industrial Light & Magic?). I’ve already touched on the wonderful production design, but the African landscapes look magnificent. The action scenes are robust and exciting, and all the effects look slick and flawless.

After feeling a sense of fatigue at the superhero movies that were being made prior to last year, Black Panther is a great continuation of the trend towards sharp, fun, thoughtful and enjoyable superhero movies that have turned my sentiments around. Landmark or not, this superhero movie really made me look forward to all the ones that are yet to come (and from all the trailers I saw before the movie, I’m sure that’s exactly what the studios are hoping). Bring on the Infinity War! (4.5 out of 5)