The film begins as T’Chaka (John Kani), King of Wakanda, tells his young son a story. Thousands of years ago, a meteor made of vibranium crashed into Africa. This rare metal became the lifeblood of Wakanda. To protect it and the people, the title of Black Panther was passed down from warrior to warrior. Years later his son, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), is crowned king. At this point he had already become Black Panther. His country has been hidden from the outside world, developing into a peaceful society without racism, sexism, or conflict with the world beyond its borders. But that doesn’t mean all is well. Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), an American mercenary, challenges T’Challa for the crown and the Black Panther title. His goal? Avenge his people, all over the world, whatever the cost. Allies, expected or unexpected, rally behind T’Challa to protect their country, it’s people, and it’s secrecy.

T’Challa was introduced to the MCU in Captain America: Civil War. He loves his country, and wants nothing more than to be a great king like his father. The king as a wide support group of strong women in his life. His sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright), is head of Wakanda’s vibranium research. She loves poking fun at her brother. Their mother, Ramonda (Angela Bassett), is a steady stream of support for both of them. Okoye (Danai Gurira) is head of the king’s all female personal guard, the Dora Milaje. Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) is a spy, Wakanda’s best, and has no time for T’Challa’s obvious crush. Erik Killmonger, as T’Challa’s cousin, has a claim to the throne, and isn’t picky about how he’ll get it. His ‘ally’ Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis), is a vibranium thief introduced in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) is an American who was brought back to Wakanda for treatment after a gunfight.

Chadwick Boseman made his Black Panther debut with Captain America: Civil War. John Kani has been cast in the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Michael B. Jordan played the Human Torch in 2015

s Fantastic Four. Letitia Wright will reprise her role as Princess Shuri in Avengers: Infinity War. Angela Bassett is best known for her roles in biographical films. Danai Gurira is well known for her role as Michonne in The Walking Dead. Lupita Nyong’o plays Maz Kanata in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Andy Serkis is also in Star Wars, as Supreme Leader Snoke. Martin Freeman is in everything from The Hobbit to Sherlock to The Office. Sebastian Stan makes a small appearance in the after the credits scene. And, as always, Stan Lee makes his traditional cameo.

Black Panther was revolutionary. Never before has a superhero movie displayed such vibrant African culture and such a peaceful society. Wakanda is a country untouched by the chaos and problems of the world around them, free to progress without interference. Women are respected and revered right alongside men. A sixteen year old girl is in charge of all their technology. Female soldiers are charged with protecting the royal family. The only other superhero movie with such a wide group of non-sexualized female warriors is 2017s Wonder Woman. The plot and characters are well rounded. T’Challa came off as a suave, untouchable monarch in Civil War. Black Panther shows he is flawed and is sometimes unwilling to accept the truth. Erik has a clear reason for doing what he does. You can’t just root for the Black Panther. You see Erik’s side of things. Themes varied from family and duty to patriotism and vengeance. But the message was clear: A ruler’s power comes from the support of their people. Without that, they have nothing.

People who enjoy action, spy, and sci-fi all would find something in Black Panther. Anyone who follows the Marvel Cinematic Universe would come running. Black Panther is the last Marvel film to be released before Avengers: Infinity War. The stakes are high. My rating? Four and a half stars. MPAA rating: PG-13. It’s the perfect superhero movie, one of Marvel’s best. Wakanda forever!