The film Black Panther is one of the best Marvel films to date. From the casting, to the performances, to the story, everything was done so well. It is set in present day but often flashes back to the past for story purposes.

Chadwick Boseman delivered as the main protagonist, T’Challa. T’Challa is the heir to the throne in Wakanda. Wakanda is technologically superior to every country in the world. But they keep that hidden to refrain from conflict with other countries. He must step up to lead a country whilst in his father’s shadow. He faces many problems his Father wasn’t able to solve such as catching Klaw, a man who invaded Wakanda and stole one-fourth of the Vibrainium there. Chadwick did a great job portraying a son coming to grips with his responsibility and trying to do what he feels is right despite the consequences.

You can tell the cast studied for their roles. Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger was riveting as the he main antagonist. He is a veteran turned criminal with his eyes set on Wakanda and the throne. He challenges T’Challa to battle for the throne and he has an unlikely past that is revealed throughout the movie.

Many of the supporting characters such as Danai Gurira’s Okoye, Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia, Martin Freeman’s Everett Ross, and Letita Wright’s Shuri were also intriguing. Each of them has their own personality and brings another perspective and new light to each situation faced. Those characters left you wanting to know more about each of them. The movie deals with several subplots that deal with backstories about characters and their personal ambitions. A lot of the subplots involve other characters discussing the fate of Wakanda eluding to things that will be uncovered in later films.

This movie doesn’t focus on a long origin story, such as T’Challa coming of age and studying to become his father’s successor, or showing Klaw beginning the conflict with the Wakandans. It starts right where the action begins. It involves tensions between T’Chaka and his brother, which is great because the casual viewer will understand the story even if they aren’t familiar with the source material. The movie does this so well and the scenes they don’t explain, like the scenes of African culture peppered throughout, makes you want to do some research about African culture. The ritual scenes are done amazing too and the CGI isn’t overdone like a lot of recent films. This is important because it paves the way for more black directors to break into the mainstream, and create great films.

This is a must see movie for any die-hard Marvel fan and any casual fan looking for a good time at the movies.