Black Panther

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, the Black Panther/T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), the eldest son of the king, is next in line to rule Wakanda. T’Challa wants to be a great king, just like his father, but after his coronation, a long-lost cousin arrives at the palace bringing a rival claim to the throne, as well as questions and doubts about everything T’Challa thinks he knows… He must draw upon help from old and new friends in order to stop Wakanda, and all of its advanced technology, from being dragged into a world war…

Black Panther is important for being the first superhero comic aimed at an African-American audience. Marvel have been bold and pushed the boundaries in the same way that the comics that inspired this film did. Too often Hollywood is afraid to take a chance and break new ground, and it’s to Marvel’s credit that after having built a billion-dollar empire, they have been prepared to take chances to help develop cinema and show what can be done in a mainstream blockbuster film. However, it’s not just worth watching for those reasons alone...

The action, jaw-dropping special effects and plot rival any of the recent Marvel series. All of the cast are strong and work well together, with Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings) even making a charismatic appearance as an arms dealer. The aesthetics are highly distinctive, beautifully blending African motifs with futuristic elements, and bursting with colour. Black Panther is simply stunning and definitely one to watch.

Natalie Tyldesley-Marshall