Black Panther

For African Americans, Black Panther feels like another big stride breakout moment in that our time has finally come being actualized on screen.  In these challenging and divisive times in the 21st century, Black Panther is the most thought provoking and socially responsible Marvel film to date that just happens to have a nearly all Black leading cast and behind the camera in the likes of co-writer and director Ryan Coogler.  There is a talented and diverse cast of Black actors in Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danai Gurira with special appearances by Andy Serkis and Martin to tie it into the overall Avengers story.  The set pieces and costumes taken from a variety of African influences are stunningly amazing in creating the mysterious country and culture of fictionalized Wakanda.  Black Panther is a story that holds it's own irregardless of seeing any previous Marvel films, with a Shakespearean like origins plot that celebrate African diversity and the women are given equal weight in whatever role they choose from kick ass regal warriors to brilliant tech scientist.  I had to prior to writing, see this film twice already, it's such an important and aspirational film both on screen and what it means for so many of us off screen as a sign, a signal, a beacon, an important moment and hopefully continued movement of the new standard in taking seriously excellent African American filmmakers, the rich legacy of our creative storytelling in whatever genre.  Less we also not forget, the audiences of color that are often taken for granted and bet against in supporting only a certain type of "Black" genre.  Black Panther is so many things that it's hard to just touch on one, because it's a transcending hybrid of conscious/woke, progressive, cool, and themes of unity and empowerement encapsulating the best of African American and African motifs in such a different and progressive package than any other Marvel film. Like Obama, it's that film that many of us African Americans have been waiting for.  All this is not to say, that it doesn't have it's deficiencies, as it certainly isn't the most action packed and I do think that the story could have been fleshed out more into 2 films.  But the weight of it's previously mentioned merits certainly overshadows that, as well as responsibly echoes the challenges we face now in the real world.  An Afrocentric point of view in a major motion picture and invested in every aspect of the film...  How often does that happen in our Eurocentric west?  Enough said. When talented diversity meets big scale opportunity, gems like Black Panther are inevitable and fine examples of how well made films can be a beacon of change and possibilities for everyone.