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'Black Panther' measures up in Marvel franchise
Whats in with Justin
blackpanther
"Black Panther" is being praised for its strong black and female characters. - photo by Studio photo

"Black Panther" marks the 18th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and once again this franchise shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

This is another strong outing that proves Marvel can consistently deliver and this film is a great feather in their cap.

Chadwick Boseman stars as the titular character who debuted in "Captain America: Civil War." We get introduced to his homeland of Wakanda, a lush and fertile world filled with African culture, and Boseman plays T’Challa who returns home as the new king. Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o costars as his former lover, who aids him in his quests.

A mysterious artifact from Wakanda has been stolen from a museum and T’Challa must travel far and wide to retrieve it before it falls into the wrong hands. Andy Serkis from the "Lord of the Rings" and the rebooted "Planet of the Apes" series stars as one of the thieves.

One of the film’s best qualities is that it finds time to give weight and depth to the supporting performances among its predominately African-American cast. Forest Whitaker delivers strong work as the former king of Wakanda and Michael B. Jordan from "Creed" is also very good as someone from T’Challa’s past.

Boseman was already convincing in "Civil War" and now having his own film proves that his potential was anything but wasted. "Black Panther" also features a story that proves to be just as complex and intricate as its titular character.

I don’t quite put this film in the top tier with other MCU films such as "Iron Man," "Guardians of the Galaxy," or even "Doctor Strange," but with so many elements working together effortlessly, "Black Panther" is shaping up to be one more dynamic franchise for Marvel.

Grade: A-

Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture.

Hall is a syndicated columnist in South Georgia.

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