Black Panther

It's Super Hero time again. This is the origin story for Black Panther, an action- (and CGI-) filled saga that follows T'Challa, the new king of Wakanda, a highly developed (but carefully concealed) country in the heart of Africa, after the death of its beloved old king. This son has set his sights beyond the borders of his kingdom but the challenges for his throne come from everywhere.

Writer/director Ryan Coogler ("Fruitville Station"), joined by the writing talents of Joe Robert Cole ("American Crime Story") brings to life another unique character created by Marvel Comics' Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. We start with the mythical origin of a tribe, followed by a modern museum heist, We quickly realize that Wakanda's natural resource Vibranium will be central to the story. The film is rated PG-13.

Some of Coogler's cast:

• Chadwick Boseman ("42" he plays Jackie Robinson and "Get on Up" he plays James Brown) T'Challa/Black Panther is ambitious and driven. He is motivated by what he sees in the outside world. And everyone will want Vibranium.
• Letitia Wright ("Black Mirror") Shuri is T'Challa's sister. She is a scientist, a loyal Wakandian, and a resourceful fighter.
• Lupita Nyong'o ("Queen of Katwe") Nakia must examine her loyalties. We already know what we want her to choose!
• Angela Bassett ("American Horror Story") Ramonda fears for her son but trusts his dedication to their country.
• Michael B. Jordan ("Creed") Erik Killmonger is positive that he should be the true king, so he sets to work. 
• Andy Serkis ("Star Wars: The Last Jedi") Ulysses is beside himself with glee because he has victory in sight. It's fun to see Mr. Serkis' "real" face, he is such a successful voice actor we rarely see him.
• Martin Freeman ("Sherlock") Everett K. Ross is with the CIA. I love it when Shuri wants his attention she shouts out, "Hey Colonialist" and he looks up!
• Forest Whitaker ("Empire") Zuri is like a second father to T'Challa. He knows the benefits of isolation (they do NOT want refugees!) and the value of Vibranium.
• Stan Lee ("Marvel") This time he is a helpful bystander in the casino.

To say there will be CGI (Computer Generated Imaging) that provides astonishing scenery, huge rhinos and many many battles, is a rash understatement. I would like to add that our star Mr. Boseman must have the world's best agent. He is in high-profile films, does a great job and is easy on the eye. A trifecta for sure.

I have one picky observation: It has been my long-standing belief that the lip-plating tradition (piercing and then stretching the lower lip around plates of increasing size) was limited to females. The person we see here is clearly a man. Hmmm...

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Here is the official trailer:

http://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi2320939289

* * * * * * * * * * * *