Bozeman Is the Star of “Black Panther” But There Are Scene Stealers Everywhere

“Black Panther” (Disney)

The much anticipated “Black Panther” movie has finally arrived in theaters. Chadwick Boseman stars in the title role and makes an impression. Unfortunately there are numerous scene stealers in the cast who diminish his effect. Michael B. Jordan, Letitia Wright and Sterling K. Brown are three very adept players who grab your attention the moment they appear on screen. The focus they bring to themselves deflects from the power of Bozeman’s performance.

Still it is good to have all four of these actors on board. Bozeman brings a gentle force to T’Challa/Black Panther. He loves his homeland of Wakanda and puts its safety and security above all else. When he is forced to fight he will but he does it reluctantly. Bozeman exudes goodness and integrity in this role.

Jordan plays Erik Killmonger, the villain of the story, and who knew he could play bad so good. He strides into the action and makes sure you know he is a force to be reckoned with in a host of ways. He doesn’t owe his allegiance to anyone except himself. Jordan appears to relish being the bad guy so he almost snorts fire to show his villainy.

Wright plays the role of T’Challa’s sister. She has the funniest lines in the film and she tosses them off without regard to where they fall or who they hit. In the words of TV’s Lou Grant, she has spunk. A movie as full of drama and adventure as this one is needs a little lightening up and Wright’s character provides that over and over.

In the first few moments of the movie Sterling K. Brown appears. Who knew? His appearance is a surprise and a welcome one. Admit it, Brown is one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood these days and by showing up he provides credence to all that follows. His role is brief but the reaction to it is huge.

Another plus for this film is that T’Challa has a security force made up of women. These are not token females but are warriors who will fight to the death to defend T’Challa. Watching them in action is a thrill. Leading them is Okoye (Danai Gurira) who can use a spear in a zillion ways and each of them is deadly.

The film is an origin story but you meet most of these characters with their relationships already formed. T’Challa’s father has died so he is quickly crowned the new king of Wakanda. Plus he has already met and fallen in love with Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) so we have to accept it as a fact that these two are involved. It would have been enlightening to see these relationships and characters develop more on screen than in the past.

The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence.

As the series builds It will get better and better. The actors will become more comfortable in their roles and audiences will become more familiar with the characters. “Black Panther” should easily slide into the approved roster of Marvel heroes.

I scored “Black Panther” a marvelous 7 out of 10.

Jackie K Cooper

www.jackiekcooper.com