Paris à la Geek presents our Black Panther Movie Review on Youtube

Watch our new webseries, Paris à la Geek for Miguel Guerra’s thoughts on Black Panther. Is it worth all the hype?

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We can officially say that Black Panther is not only a hit, but a phenomenon!

★ Black Panther grossed over $700 million ($704 million) globally and is all but guaranteed to hit $1 billion.

★ One of only 4 movies in history to earn more than $100 million ($111.7 million) in the U.S. in its second weekend. And it did this while up against three new films.

★ In it’s second weekend, the movie exceeded $400 million in the U.S. and Canada, getting there faster than any other Marvel title.

★ Black Panther: The Album, curated by Kendrick Lamar, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and has remained there for a second straight week in a row.

Crushing Expectations

Its success at the box office has shattered long held beliefs by Hollywood execs. that “black on so many levels, it’s hard to fully grasp. On the surface, Black Panther is another action-packed superhero movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) based on a long running comic book character. But beneath that is a thought-provoking core that is fueling excitement among so many Black Panther fans…and repeat ticket sales.

The success can be attributed to a talented young director, Ryan Coogler and a stellar cast. Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis.

Diversity sells

The film has shattered the norms of black representation in Hollywood by featuring a mostly black cast and having a black leading man…who’s also a superhero. It’s time to root out and end the dogmatic Hollywood myth that says, “black films don’t sell” and “black films don’t travel.” Audiences all over the globe are enjoying and celebrating this film.

Black Panther proves (yet again) that diversity sells in Hollywood and around the world. Non-white actors are as bankable as their male counterparts…and perhaps more so.

Black Panther Plot

T’Challa returns to Wakanda after the death of his father to assume the leadership of Wakanda, a high-tech utopia in Africa. This secluded country is home to the mysterious metal vibranium, which fuels the nations technology and is the source of Black Panther’s power.

Once he becomes king, T’Challa struggles with the question of how Wakanda will relate to the outside world. Their country is the most technologically advanced nation in the world and has pursued a policy of isolationism. It shields knowledge about its power and capabilities from the outside world by exploiting the stereotypes and prejudices people have about sub-Saharan Africa. They use this ignorance to sustain their ruse and remain hidden.
This opens the door to doubt by the nation’s leaders. Is isolation the best policy? This question is made more complicated by the arrival of a powerful rival for the crown – Killmonger.

☆ For a more detailed discussion, please watch and/or read our second review of Black Panther, which contains spoilers and expands the many themes and implications that the movie raises.

Is Black Panther all hype or is it worth the money?

Miguel and I both agree it’s worth the money. Why? Let’s make a short list in no particular order:

▷ It’s a thrilling action movie

▷ Establishes the origin of Black Panther

▷ A seamless sequel to “Captain America: Civil War”, fitting into the existing MCU

▷ Excellent cast

▷ Great character development

▷ The role of women equals the male characters; the number of female characters (not just one token female); the relationships between women and also between men and women (you know, humans)

▷ Addressing relations between African Americans and Africans

▷ Referencing important aspects African culture, most notably ancestor worship (strength from your ancestors and the idea that history lives in you and through you when you honor your ancestors)

▷ Costumes, designs, and music are beautifully drawn from Africa and its diaspora

▷ Addressing continual problems of colonization (aka foreign policy) and the appropriation of natural resources (by any means necessary…but don’t call it stealing)

Black Panther as Social Commentary

And then there’s the aspect of this movie that is really exciting audiences – it’s social activism. The fact that it addresses many current global issues while being incredibly entertaining is no small feat for Ryan Coogler. Hats off to him! This superhero movie embraces popular culture to address issues which concern society in general – including skin color, cultural identity, nationalism, empires (colonisation) and the appropriation of natural resources.

☆ For our expanded thoughts on Black Panther, watch and/or read our second review, which contains spoilers and expands on many thought provoking themes found in the movie.

Paris à la Geek on Youtube

Watch Miguel Guerra as he shares his thoughts on Black Panther. Is it worth all the hype?

BLACK PANTHER Movie Review for Paris à la Geek. Is it Worth All the Hype? Hell Yeah! (No Spoilers)