Marvel's upcoming blockbuster, Black Panther, recently gained a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Hallmarked as the first big-budget superhero film to feature a black lead as well as a primarily black cast, the film already broke pre-sale ticket records with notable media figures buying out screenings for children to see the flick for free.
Based on the original comic books by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the film depicts T'Challa, a.k.a Black Panther as the leader and protector of the fictional universe, Wakanda. While the film draws attention to diversity and representation issues within the entertainment industry, responses to Black Panther from fans and critics alike have drummed up significant interest ahead of the film's release on February 16.
The New York Times said the film “creates wonder with great flair and feeling," IndieWire called it “the best Marvel movie so far, by far," and USA Today noted the film was adequate at “dealing with the consequences of age-old colonialism and exploring isolation at a time when actual countries are building borders rather than breaking them down."
In honor of Black Panther's newly acquired rating, check out some the best critics reviews below, and when you're done, revisit the trailer afterward.
The Good
David Ehrlich, IndieWireYou believe in T'Challa, you believe in Wakanda, and you believe - maybe for the first time - that the MCU actually matters.
Jeanne Kaplan, Kaplan vs. Kaplan'Black Panther' doesn't disappoint. It is splendidly endowed with awesome wizardry.
Jordan Hoffman, Popular MechanicsThe most visually arresting and memorable Marvel film to date.
Peter Travers, Rolling StoneSay this about 'Black Panther', which raises movie escapism very near the level of art: You've never seen anything like it in your life.
The Great
Liz Braun, Toronto Sun'Black Panther' is every bit as good as you were hoping. Actually – it's better. A terrific screenplay from Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole elevates this thing way beyond the usual boundaries of the Marvel Universe.
Jake Coyle, Associated Press'Black Panther' has real, honest-to-goodness stakes. As the most earnest and big-budget attempt yet of a black superhero film, 'Black Panther' is assured of being an overdue cinematic landmark. But it's also simply ravishing, grand-scale filmmaking.
Brian Lowry, CNN'Black Panther' really excels thanks to its rich array of characters and performances. While Boseman and Jordan hold center stage, the women's roles are especially meaty and muscular.
Alonso Duralde, The WrapOne of the most dramatic — and relevant — storylines the film explores is whether or not advanced societies owe it to the global community to share their discoveries rather than keep their bounty to themselves
The Even Greater
Frank Lovece, NewsdayWhile ultimately an action-adventure, 'Black Panther' also serves as an intelligent if broad debate between revolutionary rhetoric and the responsibilities of leadership.
Stephanie Zacharek, TIME Magazine'Black Panther'—has a social conscience, speaking out plainly about the moral obligations of powerful countries, from sheltering refugees to sharing technology and science to dividing wealth equitably.
James Mottram, South China Morning PostCoogler crafts a story that is more irreverent than Avengers tales. Hi-tech gadgets, jungle combat, vehicle chases, ready-made quips, casino hookups – there’s something very James Bond-esque about 'Black Panther.'
Kenneth Turan, The Los Angeles TimesWith dialogue that deftly explores serious questions, such as how much if anything do wealthy countries owe the poor and oppressed of the world, 'Black Panther' draws energy from Coogler's sense of excitement at all he's attempting. The result is a superhero movie that's worth seeing twice, and that is a rare sighting indeed.
In related news, Wesley Snipes details his untold 'Black Panther' story.
