Tag: Chadwick Boseman

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM – Review

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020): Viola Davis as Ma Rainey. Cr. David Lee / Netflix

Chadwick Boseman’s last performance is opposite Viola Davis in a gripping drama based on August Wilson’s play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Boseman gives a fiery, heartbreaking performance in this excellent film. It is as fine, and fitting, a final performance as one could hope for from the late actor.

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM is set during a recording session in 1927, with blues legend Ma Rainey (Viola Davis) and her band, including new horn player Levee (Chadwick Boseman). As the band rehearses apart from the star, the conversation is wide-ranging, touching on human ambitions and the treatment of Black musicians by the white-dominated music industry in the 1920s. Meanwhile, the cagey star engages in power plays with the white recording studio manager and her own business manager, as well as her band, to stay in control of her career.

The title is actually the name of one of the songs they are recording, although there is plenty of shaking posteriors and not just by Ma. There are comic moments, lively dialog, and memorable characters but the heart of the film is realistic, thought-provoking, even challenging drama which comes to the fore as the tale unspools.

While many fans know Boseman from his star-making turn in BLACK PANTHER, the gifted actor has a string of outstanding performances in dramas, often historic ones where he portrays iconic figures such as Jackie Robinson (42) and James Brown (GET ON UP). This film fits in with that body of work, but the raw, emotional performance will grab any audience, in a serious drama that touches on the human longing and particularly the experiences of African Americans in the earlier part of the 20th century, as many of August Wilson’s powerful plays do.

This film is yet another fine screen adaption of an August Wilson play, which are noted for their skill in blending African American history and gripping personal stories. Denzel Washington serves as producer, on this beautifully-crafted, authentic period drama from director George C. Wolfe with a screenplay by Ruben Santiago and lush photography by Tobias Schliessler. It is a perfect setting for the raw, wild, intelligent and hard-hitting drama and the excellent performances the cast deliver.

As August Wilson plays often do, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM blends historical references with the characters personal stories, with references to the Great Migration of blacks from the South to the North, seeking jobs and escape from segregation, in the early 20th century, and to wild popularity of jazz and its adoption by white musicians. The play also deals with the daunting restrictions and dangers, including lynching, that all blacks faced in the 1920s. The playwright’s ability to blend frank history with charismatic, realistic characters and emotionally powerful (and equally realistic) personal stories is why he is such a legend.

Boseman and Davis actually have few scenes together, as the drama explores its subjects mostly on parallel tracks. One is focused on the young, ambitious Levee and the more jaded band members, and the other focused on the experienced star as she warily negotiates with both her white business manager Irvin (Jeremy Shamos) and the recording studio manager Sturdyvant (Jonny Coyne).

Both Boseman and Davis deliver amazing, emotional performances that while rivet audiences with gut-punching scenes laced with the playwright’s deep, spot-on, real-world observations. Davis is unrecognizable as Ma Rainey, whom she portrays as a hard, cynical performer who knows her own worth and means to stay in charge of her own career. Her seemingly temperamental behavior reveals a realistic self-protection based on past experiences with both the recording industry and the tough touring life. Rainey is sharp-witted and cunning as she maneuvers through dealings with both the white men and her band.

Rainey regards her band as back-up and largely interchangeable, but does have a special link with long-time member Cutler, who communicates her wishes to the band. For this session, she is accompanied by her nephew Sylvester (Dusan Brown), who has ambitions to be a recording star despite his stutter, and Ma’s pretty young girlfriend, Dussie Mae (Taylour Paige) a perfect 1920s flapper, dancing through the session but with her own dreams.

Ma Rainey plays the star to the full, including arriving late. The band rehearses while waiting for her, which reveals them as an interesting, amusing assortment of characters. They are fun to watch as they tease and argue in rapid-fire colorful period patter. Coleman Domingo plays Cutler, the self-styled leader, with Boseman’s Levee and Michael Potts’ Slow Drag as more recent additions from the South.. Glynn Turman’s Toledo is the old hand, and they make up an entertaining ensemble.

There is a comic subplot with nephew who Ma Rainey wants on her record despite his stutter, a power play with the white producers. Power struggles are running theme, and not just with her, that helps drive the plot. Ma Rainey appreciates Levee’s talent but resists his efforts to shift her traditional blues style to the more modern jazz. Jazz is firing up both black and white audiences in the 1920s and ambitious Levee recognizes the economic potential, particularly in the North, to which so many southern blacks are migrating, while Rainey is happy to rely on her base of Southern black rural audiences, who love her. She has also noticed, disapprovingly, Levee’s interest in Dussie Mae.

There are moments of humor, plenty of snappy, fast-paced dialog and well-drawn charismatic characters, but the film had serious things to say underneath that, things that are sometimes hard to hear, all of which are classic August Wilson. Boseman gets to show off his considerable acting chops especially in a few searing, emotional scenes, scenes that are both heartbreaking and explosively angry. Often his adversary in these scenes is Cutler, who acts as a kind of enforcer of Ma Rainey’s wishes. Colman Domingo is the perfect foil for Boseman’s dramatic fireworks, sharpening the crackling tone. When Boseman’s Levee talks about his ambitions, he strays into childhood experiences, scenes where the actor glows red-hot and vibrates with brilliance, seizing the audience with his heartbreaking performance. Boseman is so brilliant in this role, so emotionally powerful, that it further underlines what a tragedy it is to have lost this talent so young.

This excellent adaption of a gut-punching, realistic August Wilson play is an outstanding drama as well as a showcase for two great talents, Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. It is hard to imagine a more perfect farewell to Boseman, a towering talent gone too soon.

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM opens Friday, Dec. 18, in theaters.

RATING: 4 out of 4 stars

Marvel Studios Honors Chadwick Boseman On His Birthday With Special BLACK PANTHER Title On Disney+

Chadwick Boseman arrives on the red carpet of The 90th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, March 4, 2018.

In honor of his birthday today, Marvel Studios has updated the iconic Marvel Studios title ahead of Black Panther on Disney+ with a special presentation dedicated to Chadwick Boseman.

From Marvel:

It’s been over two months since the untimely and sudden passing of the great Chadwick Boseman on August 28, 2020, at the age of 43, following a four-year battle with colon cancer. Today, on what would have been his 44th birthday, we pay respects to our King.

The loss of the late Boseman and the legacy he leaves behind, especially for the Black and African American communities, is immeasurable. Throughout his career, Boseman highlighted the history and power of Black legends, such as Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall, on screen and brought their voices and aspirations into hearts and homes everywhere.

In one of his most prolific roles, Chadwick Boseman introduced King T’Challa (Black Panther) and the nation of Wakanda to the world. The embodiment of compassion, dignity, grace, and excellence, Boseman’s courage and talent on- and off- the screen demonstrated that anyone could be a Super Hero.

The outpouring for Boseman from his collaborators, close friends, and the world was felt deeply and instantaneously. 

In the 2018 commencement address at Howard University, Boseman shared, “Purpose is the essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill.”

Like the heroes he portrayed, his spirit lives on and we will continue to see his impact and legacy for many more generations to come, especially so for people of color.

In Tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the Jack Robinson Bio 42 Starts Friday at The Marcus Ronnies

” Maybe tomorrow, we’ll all wear 42, so nobody could tell us apart.”

In Tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the Jack Robinson Biography 42 will be opening in St. Louis September 4th at The Ronnie Cinema. For times, Ronnies website can be found HERE. Read Jim Batts’ glowing review of 42 HERE. Check Out this terrific trailer:

Check Out Spike Lee’s DA 5 BLOODS – On Netflix June 12

From Academy Award® Winner Spike Lee comes a New Joint: the story of four African-American Vets — Paul (Delroy Lindo), Otis (Clarke Peters), Eddie (Norm Lewis), and Melvin (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.) — who return to Vietnam. Searching for the remains of their fallen Squad Leader (Chadwick Boseman) and the promise of buried treasure, our heroes, joined by Paul’s concerned son (Jonathan Majors), battle forces of Man and Nature — while confronted by the lasting ravages of The Immorality of The Vietnam War.

Da 5 Bloods will be released on Netflix in United States on June 12, 2020 at 2:00 AM CDT.


21 BRIDGES – Review

Here’s a nice little break from the serious award-bait winter films and the heart-tugging holiday family flicks. I’m talking about a taut lil’ action thriller that harkens back to old movie palace double features. You see, when the major studios controlled the theatre chains, they’d roll out a big prestige flick with a big budget and their “over the title” stars, and for the second part of the evening program it would be paired with a smaller budget flick, often referred to as a “B” picture, and usually a detective mystery or a cop vs. criminals caper. The “B” would be a great way for up and coming directors, actors, and screenwriters to establish themselves. Now, this week’s new action romp stars an actor whose last couple of films were big box office smashes (in the billion-dollar range), but it really exudes the “B” picture spirit with a director plucked right out of some of TV’s hottest shows, and stunts a lot more “down to Earth” than the F&F style franchises. It’s a gritty and grim saga of cops and robbers all set on the big city that’s only accessible by 21 BRIDGES.

And that saga starts twenty years ago as twelve-year-old Andre Davis tries to hold back the tears at the memorial for his father, a member of New York’s finest gunned down in the line of duty. Flash forward to today as adult Andre (Chadwick Boseman), now himself a cop (investigating detective to be precise) is facing the review board of Internal Affairs after he’s returned fire on a suspect. Seems he has a “rep” for not hesitating to draw down if threatened (nearly 10 times in as many years). Once again, Andre is cleared for duty and returns home to help care for his ailing mother. Much later, just a bit after midnight, a “muscle” car pulls into the alley outside a closed Brooklyn pasta palace. Two men, both former military, Michael (Stephan James) and Ray (Taylor Kitsch), pull out their assault weapons and pull up their bandanas, revealing only their eyes. After tricking the place’s night manager into letting them in, the duo is stunned to find 300 kilos of cocaine in the big walk-in freezer (they’d been told that only 30 K was there next to the pre-made lasagnas). But when they try to leave with several stuffed “take-home” bags full of powder, Michael and Ray encounter four patrolmen at the front entrance. Gunfire is exchanged and after a violent battle, the thieves race into the night, leaving eight dead cops in their wake. Andre is brought in, and because of the large haul of drugs left behind, he’s paired with narcotics detective Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller). At the crime scene is Captain McKenna (J.K. Simmons) of the nearby 85th Precinct. He knows about Andre and states, loudly, his wish that the “perps” never make it to trial. Andre examines the debris and tells his superiors, including the deputy mayor, that the crooks can only move their “merch” on the island, therefore all roads into Manhatten, including all 21 bridges, trains, and flights, will be closed off until the killers are caught. The “DM” finally agrees, but for only five hours. The city has to be back in business by 6 AM. Andre gets to work as NYC is “flooded with blue”. He’s got to find the guys, but he’s got a feeling that there’s more to this than a drug heist gone really, really bad.

Boseman oozes big star charisma as the one cop you don’t want on your case. In his opening scenes, he shows us the heartbroken little boy still at the center of trigger- (“watch the pronunciation”) happy Andre, full of contempt for those who question his methods. But he changes over the course of the movie as he becomes more thoughtful. Boseman conveys his slow realization that he’s being used like a pitbull unleashed, and is stunned to find that he begins to have empathy for both the victims and accused. Miller joins him in a departure from her often glamorous roles, her hair pulled back as she pounds the Bronx accent with vigor (lotsa’ ‘dems and ‘dese’) as Frankie (not Frances or, forbid, Francine). The thugs on the run offer a strong contrast. Kitsch is quick to strike, “double-tapping” the wounded without any hesitation, perhaps eager to punish anyone in his way. James, as Michael, is also an expert marksman, but winces in battle, perhaps still stunned that the quick score turns into a grueling “firefight”. He soon learns that his bond with Ray has put him in a corner, and forces him to use his wits and speed to survive the night. Simmons, as usual, is quite effective as the grieving but vengeful mentor. And look for a terrific turn by Alexander Siddig as the most effete money-laundering expert ever, complete with Vincent Price-style evening robe.

Director Brian Kirk, fresh from helming episodes of lauded TV shows “Game of Thrones” and “Penny Dreadful”, confidently enters the contemporary cop thriller arena. His early scenes with the botched drug heist crackle with tension and energy. And he’s able to keep the pace taut throughout this long violent night. Thanks to the screenplay from Matthew Michael Carnahan and Adam Mervis (story too) just enough info is doled out so we, along with Andre, slowly learn that there’s much more to this manhunt than these two guys on the run. The story is given a real urgency thanks to the location work with Philly often doubling for NYC. And after a summer of blockbusters, it’s nice that whole city blocks aren’t leveled and cars really adhere to the laws of gravity. And despite the multiple endings, the whole thing clocks in at a lean and mean 100 minutes. 12 BRIDGES is an “A” flick that emulates the very best of the “B” spirit.


3 Out of 4

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR -Review

Wow. Ten years. Really? Must be since they incorporated the fact into their logo, so it’s gotta’ be true. So, time really zips by when you’re having fun. And fun is the often overused word when it comes to the prolific (19 and counting) output of Marvel Studios. Like many great achievements, people scoffed at first. That comic book juggernaut, nicknamed the “House of Ideas” by Stan “the man” Lee decades ago, thought the best way to bring their big staple of characters and properties to cinemas would be to make the films themselves. Or at least they’d make sure their beloved heroes would be portrayed with respect to the source material, and would delight their millions of fans across the globe. That scoffing came from movie reporters and analysts who thought this was pure folly. After all, Marvel’s biggest stars, the X-Men and Spider-Man, were off-limits, since their cinematic exploits were licensed to Fox and Sony, respectively. Plus the subject of their first film was Iron Man, a “B-lister”, and the star was an actor whose career had seen better days, Robert Downey Jr. ( the punchline for many late night talk show hosts). I wonder how those nay-sayers enjoyed their “humble pie” (à la mode, perhaps). All the Marvel Studios films have opened at number one with most in the top ten box office “grossers” of their release years (and a few like MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS and now BLACK PANTHER in the all time top ten). As “Phase Three” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe” (MCU) comes to a close, multiplexes will be packed once more to experience the longest, most ambitious, character-filled superhero epic yet. Face front (toward the screen, true believers) for AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR.

 

This will be one of the toughest review to write, since I’ve got to avoid all the delights and surprises in store. Talk about “walking on eggshells”! Well, I’m not giving too much away by saying that the film begins soon after the end of last year’s THOR: RAGNAROK, when the starship carrying the last survivors of Asgard, guided by Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), encounters a massive space vessel. As suspected, it is the battle cruiser of the mad Titan Thanos (voice and motion-capture by Josh Brolin). He and his aides, which he refers to as his “children”, are looking for several “infinity stones” which, when inserted into slots in a gauntlet (or glove for reg’lar folks), will make Thanos all-powerful and nearly unstoppable as he brings “order” to the cosmos. After a brief battle, the master sends his kids off to acquire the other gems. One duo takes a smaller ship to NYC to grab one that is guarded and worn by the sorcerer supreme, Dr, Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) as the center of the “eye of Agamotto”. Luckily for the doc, he is joined in battle by his trusted aide Wong (Benedict Wong), along with Tony Stark AKA Iron Man (Downey), his apprentice/intern Peter Parker AKA Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and a frustrated Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), whose “performance issues” thwart his AKA. Another Thanos pair goes after the stone imbedded in the forehead of the “synthoid” called the Vision (Paul Bettany) who is hiding out with Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olson) in Scotland, after breaking out of a maxium security facility at the end of 2016’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. But where are the other wanted ex-Avengers: Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), the Falcon/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), and Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson)? Meanwhile, in the deep reaches of space, the sextet of the stars, the Guardians of the Galaxy, literally bumps into Thor. When the Asgardian tells them of Thanos’s plans, Gamora (Zoe Saldana), who was raised by the Titan as his adopted daughter, knows that her “pop” is headed to the planet Knowhere. Thor hops in a pod ship along with Rocket Racoon (Voice of Bradley Cooper) and teenage Groot (voice of Vin Diesel) and speeds off to the planet of a weapons maker, while Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) pilots the main ship, the Milano to help Gamora, Drax (Dave Bautista),and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) take on the mad Titan. After many fights and escapes, all the heroes gather their forces inone location, the country of Wakanda, and fight to save the universe alongside King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and Steve’s old pal James “Bucky” Barnes (Sebastian Stan). But is Thanos too mighty for the “Earth’s mightiest heroes”?

 

 

Looks like there’s no egg-shell pieces between my toes, so let’s get into some specifics. Hey, how about this cast? Of course most of the ensemble have played these characters many times, so it’s often like slipping on an old comfortable pair of slippers (for Downey it’s seven features and a cameo as Stark, for Evans as good ole’ Cap it’s five and two). Despite the horde of heroes, some actors are given the time to show us a different side to them. Downey’s still got the genius swagger, though it’s tempered with a mounting, sweating anxiety. He’s a man who now seems to be living the nightmares that have plagued his nights for years (at least six). Cumberbatch is exuding more confidence, along with a different swagger, as the wondrous wizard, using the skill and courage from the last act of his solo flick. Same’s true for Holland, who, in this film’s final moments, reminds us that Peter is still a sensitive young lad (still a lot of boy in the Spider-Man). The film’s romantic heart, in addition to Quill and Gamora, is the unique romance between the Vision and the Scarlett Witch. Bettany’s artificial man is more caring and compassionate than most men made of flesh and blood. It’s a wonder that the longing looks from the formidable Olsen don’t melt his circuitry. As mentioned, there’s lots of heat on that space ship, but it’s mixed with dread. Saldana must finally confront her past, knowing that she may be consumed by it. Her later scenes with Thanos allow her to really flex her dramatic chops. Special mention should be made of Ruffalo who balances pure fright and comic frustration with supreme skill.

 

And in the opposite corner (from the good guys), is a villain every bit worthy of this wave of wonder men and women. Thanos is a true marvel, expertly crafted by an army of incredibly talented craftspeople and artists (and certainly “leagues” beyond another “baddie” from last year’s multi-hero flick from the “Distinguished Competition”). This seven foot purple-hued behemoth has real weight and brawn (we can imagine the planets buckle beneath his boots) as he swats away his foes as though they were annoying gnats. Yes, he looks like a monster, but his humanity breaks through, thinks in large part to the excellent work of Brolin. We see the unpredictable brutality, the amused glint in his eye before delivering a fatal blow. But in the later scenes and flashbacks the brute displays a tenderness and an aching, regretful sorrow. Andy Serkis has cultivated a reputation for being the premiere motion capture actor in his work as Gollum and Caesar (from the PLANET OF THE APES series). Brolin’s Thanos is a most worthy successor. As for his “children”, Carrie Coon intimidates as the towering dark-eyed Amazon-like Proxima Midnight. And Tom Vaughn-Lawlor is pure smirking, sinister savagery as the effete telekinetic Ebony Maw. Oh, and I don’t want to leave out the always superb Peter Dinklage as …oops, don’t want to give that away…it’s one of the film’s most delightful surprises.

 

Thanos as drawn by his creator Jim Starlin

And what one director could keep all these “plates spinning”? Well. there’s two men keeping this entertainment express on track, the Russo Brothers, Joe and Anthony. Here they’re building on the terrific work they accomplished in the last two Captain America films. We know they can map out those multi-hero battles, but they somehow pace (really it just zips along) the story to allow for many intimate sequences, truly fleshing out the drama and bringing the laughs (don’t be put off by the somber marketing, the jokes are there). The Russos are the first film makers since the talented James Gunn to work with the Guardians, who pivot seamlessly from last year’s VOLUME 2 (it helps that Gunn’s one of the executive producers). Somehow everyone gets a moment to shine (amazing, even though this is the longest MCU flick at two and a half hours). Much of the credit there must also go to another impressive team: screenwriters Christopher Marcus and Stephen McFeely (this is their fifth MCU effort). As I said, they haven’t neglected the humor, an element essential to the Marvel franchises (other comic book flicks are finally wiseing up to this), but this is darker story than we’ve really seen before. Sure, the Earth’s been in real jeopardy, but with the fearsome Thanos and company at play, we get that it’s for “all the marbles”. The scars, physical and psychological, may never fully heal. That’s even reflected in the incredible score from prolific film composer Alan Silvestri. The biggest “game changer” may be the last act which, the producers have been fairly upfront about this, has an EMPIRE STRIKES BACK feel. The studio’s detracters can’t complain about them sticking with a tried (or trite) and true formula. It’s big, but never bloated. More importantly it makes us eager to see the Marvel-ous movies that will follow the truly epic AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. Nuff said!

5 Out of 5

BLACK PANTHER – Review

 

What’s all the commotion rolling out of the hallways down at the multiplex? Could it be a celebration? Well definitely, since it’s the first new Marvel Studios release of this year, a much earlier release than ever, just a touch over six weeks into the new year (a long way from the first weekend of May, usually considered the start of the Summer movie season). That’s sure to bring a smile to theater owners, who know that this is the start of Marvel Studios’ tenth year. In 2008 IRON MAN blasted out of that old white and red logo to usher in a new age of superhero spectaculars. And which one of their beloved characters is leading the big 2018 parade? Those trumpet blasts can only mean one thing: royalty. Not content to repeat themselves (although Marvel’s the new leader in tent pole franchises), they’re branching into different genres and settings. ANT-MAN was a buddy heist comedy, while DOCTOR STRANGE delved into magic by leading us through lots of weird, “trippy” dimensions. And those “a-holes”, the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, expanded the Marvel Universe even further by taking us on a pop-tuned filled adventure in the cosmos. Well, we’re not reaching for the stars this time, but we’re exploring a fantastic land hidden from the rest of planet Earth. And our hero is indeed royalty, a man we met as a supporting player nearly two years ago. Next stop on the Marvel movie express: Wakanda, a country governed and protected by T’Challa…the BLACK PANTHER.

 

The story begins with a father telling a story, one thousands of years old. The land of Wakanda in Africa is fought over by four feuding tribes until a meteor crash lands. At its core is the mysterious substance known as Vibrainium a source of technological wonders. The rock affects a local plant which produces a serum that gives the enhanced abilities of the panther. The head of the royal family drinks the serum and becomes the land’s guardian, the Black Panther, who brings peace to the different tribes. The Panther role is passed on, generation to generation, over the centuries. The story jumps forward, not to today, but to Stockton, California, USA circa 1992. An angry young Wakandan, N’Jobu (Sterling K. Brown) is amassing an arsenal in his run-down apartment, with help from his friend James (Denzel Whitaker). A flash of light and suddenly the current Black Panther, T’Chaka, along with two of his elite security guards, known as the Dora Milaje, face the stunned duo. This tragic confrontation will have repercussions in the present day. Speaking of which, we’re back in the present as the new Black Panther, T”Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is on a secret midnight mission with the leader of the Milaje, Okoye (Danai Gurira). Their cloaked flying battleship is tracking a truck convoy filled with kidnapped Wakandan women. But one of the taken is a highly trained spy, Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), who’s also a former flame of T”Challa. This occupies his thoughts along with the recent death of his father T’Chaka at the hands of master terrorist Zemo (which put events in motion that played out in 2016’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR). At the mission’s end they return to Wakanda for the ceremony that will crown T’Challa the new king.

 

The first appearance of the Black Panther from Fantastic Four #52, 1966

 

Across the globe, in a London museum, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) is causing a scene at a display of tribal items from Africa. This distraction is put of an elaborate robbery by Ulysses Klau (Andy Serkis) and company (you may recall his painful encounter with Ultron in the second Avengers epic). They escape with a hammer head made of Vibranium. Word gets back to T’challa, and soon he, along with Okoye and Nakia, is headed to Korea to stop the piece’s purchase and bring Klau to justice. At a shady casino they encounter undercover CIA agent Everett Ross (Martin Freeman), who insists that T’challa’s team stand down (Ross had met him two years ago). Klau arrives, mayhem ensues, and, after a wild chase through the streets, the criminal is captured. But not for long. Turns out that Killmonger was using Klau to achieve a more lofty goal. The young master assassin is on his way to Wakanda to challenge T’Challa for the throne. Despite his skill, can T’Challa defeat the American mercenary and retain his title?

 

Boseman, finally getting to play a fictional film hero (Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall comprise a terrific trio), brings a sense of humanity to the protector king. T’Challa has changed quite a bit from the grieving son thirsting for the blood of the Winter Soldier, maturing into a leader seeking justice rather than revenge. Boseman handles his action sequences with great agility and a dancer’s grace. But his king is a man much like all of us. He stammers around his former love and agonizes over his homeland’s role in the world. Nyong’o is dazzling as that rekindled love who’s a skilled champion in her own right. Her ultimate goal isn’t sharing the throne with T’Challa, rather she wishes to explore and right wrongs. Her Nakia has a sly sense of humor that enhances her compassion. Plus she’s a terrific partner not only to T’Challa, but also to Gurira’s Okoye whose retorts are nearly as sharp and deadly as her teched-out spear. While leading the Dora Milaje, she a most fearsome force of nature. Though she spends most of her time in the lab, the most essential woman in support of the king may be his younger sibling Shuri played with charm and energy by the scene-stealing Letitia Wright. She’s up for any challenge, always enthusiastic about some new gadget she’s crafted from the multi-purpose Vibrainium (Flubber’s got nothing on it). And her scenes with Boseman truly crackle with good humor. It’s as if James Bond’s tech wiz was his teasing kid sister, who beams with pride as she delights in “taking the piss” out of him. As for the other members of “Team Wakanda”, Angela Bassett projects a noble dignity as widowed Queen Ramonda, while Forest Whitaker is a most patient sage advisor as Zuri, uncle and consul to the king. GET OUT’s Daniel Kaluuya is impressive as W’Kabi another aid to T’Challa (and husband to Okoye), who doesn’t always see eye to eye with old childhood friend.

 

Opposing T’Challa and his team is Jordan as the menacing Eric Killmonger, full of swagger who strikes out unexpectedly like a springing poisonous snake. His casual air, boasting like ambitious rap star, masks his lofty aspirations and hides the pains of his past. When his dead-eyed stare erupts into a snarl, Jordan makes a villain worthy to challenge the hero. Although he doesn’t appear to be having quite as much fun as Serkis as the gleeful poaching pirate Klaus. He’s a party animal out for profit, destroying anything in his way via the sonic Vibranium cannon that replaced his left arm. They guy just seems to love his work, especially as he thumbs his nose at those who would stop him. Aside from T’Challa that’s mainly the always wonderful Freeman as the prickly, exasperated Ross, a by the book lawman who’s irked by these super-folk. Later on, he proves a valuable ally and a good audience stand-in as he gasps at the wonders of this hidden high-tech paradise. Speaking of surprising allies, kudos to Winston Duke as the imposing and hilarious leader of the “ape tribe”, M’Baku.

 

 

Director and co-screenwriter (working with Joe Robert Cole) Ryan Coogler has crafted an action-packed thrill ride fantasy, that, as the best of the Marvel Studios movies, has a lot to say about our modern world. The film’s hero is determined and more than a tad conflicted. Should his land join the planet or remain hidden, their achievements only benefitting its citizens rather than saving lives outside its holographic walls?Isolationism isn’t generally a theme in popcorn superhero flicks, which adds to this story’s emotional heft. And it doesn’t detract from the spectacular stunt work and bracing battle scenes. I was surprised to feel so uneasy during the last act “throw-down” because I truly cared about the people of this fictitous country, they weren’t merely toys to be tossed about the jungle. In addition to the superb cast, script, and director, the many artists that created this world deserve a lion’s share of laurels. Unlike the dark and murky films from another super-hero studio (the “Distinguished Competition” as Stan Lee would say), the visuals here truly dazzle the senses, the colorful costuming gives new meaning to “eye candy” (it may have sparked a new hybrid, “Afro-futuristic”). I can imagine pausing the eventual Blu-ray to savor all the gowns and sparkling jewelry. And the towering cities of the country are as awe-inspiring as any part of glorious Asgard from the Thor series. Wakanda now joins Shanga-La and Middle Earth as cinematic “dream destinations”. Though it’s early in the movie year, I can’t imagine the production team not getting a well-earned Oscar nomination for their inspired work that’s a great tribute to the art of comics co-creator Jack “King” Kirby. Along with a majestic soaring music score from Ludwig Goransson, the newest Marvel entry shows the studio moving forward, never content to merely rest on their impressive previous hits. And from the trailer for the next Avengers extravaganza, looks like we’ll have to wait just months rather than years for another adventure in the astounding world of Wakanda and its ruler, the BLACK PANTHER.

 

5 Out of 5

 

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER In St. Louis

© 2018 Marvel Studios

Opening in theaters February 16, 2018 is Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER.

AND

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INVITE YOU TO ATTEND
THE ST. LOUIS 3D ADVANCE SCREENING OF

Screening is on Monday, February 12th, 7pm.

For the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of Black Panther ENTER YOUR NAME AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. LIMIT TWO (2) ADMIT-ONE PASSES PER PERSON. THIS FILM IS RATED PG-13. MUST BE 13 YEARS OF AGE TO RECEIVE PASSES. EMPLOYEES OF ALL PROMOTIONAL PARTNERS AND THEIR AGENCIES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018 AT 10:00AM TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PASSES. WINNERS WILL BE CONTACTED VIA E-MAIL. SPONSORS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INCOMPLETE, LOST, LATE OR MISDIRECTED ENTRIES OR FOR FAILURE TO RECEIVE ENTRIES DUE TO TRANSMISSION OR TECHNICAL FAILURES OF ANY KIND. SEATING IS LIMITED, SO ARRIVE EARLY. PASS DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SEAT AT THE SCREENING.

Get tickets to see “Black Panther” now: www.fandango.com/blackpanther

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.

“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay.

Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER..Black Panther/T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) ©Marvel Studios 2018

Wakanda Forever! Chadwick Boseman Talks BLACK PANTHER In “Good To Be The King” Featurette

Chadwick Boseman takes a look at Black Panther’s ascension to king and his newfound responsibilities in “Good to Be King,” a new, action-packed video featurette

Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER hits U.S. theaters on February 16, 2018.

Tickets are on sale now: https://www.fandango.com/black-panther-202991/movie-times?cmp=TWFD_Tickets_BlackPanther_OnSale

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.

BLACK PANTHER stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay.

©Marvel Studios 2018

Watch Chadwick Boseman As The King Of Wakanda In Killer New Trailer For Ryan Coogler’s BLACK PANTHER

©Marvel Studios 2018

Tonight, during the 2018 National Championship Game, fans got a special, brand-new look at Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER.

Tickets are now on sale and available wherever tickets are sold.

Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER hits U.S. theaters on February 16, 2018.

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.

©Marvel Studios 2018

BLACK PANTHER stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, Jeffrey Chernov and Stan Lee serving as executive producers. Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole wrote the screenplay.