Hi everybody! Welcome to the MC Tuesday, where we watch a movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We finally made it to the end of the MCU (for the moment). Near the end of the journey lies Wakanda, home of Black Panther. Friends, I’ve been looking forward to this conversation so let’s dive into it! But, before we do, the movie is directed and written by Ryan Coogler, director of Creed and Fruitvale Station. He works with Michael B. Jordan quite a bit. Are they cousins? Enough banter. Off we go to Wakanda! Spoilers guys!
The Cast
This is by far my favorite cast in any Marvel movie. First, we have our main character T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman. Besides Black Panther, he played Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get on Up, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. Talking about a resume! His bae in Black Panther is Nakia, played by the amazing Lupita Nyongo. His general is played by Machonne herself Danai Gurira. Micahel B. Jordan plays Killmonger. I could go on and on. Angela Bassett is there, along with Forest Whitaker, Daniel Kaluua, Martin Freeman, and, my personal favorite, Letitia Write. This is an amazing cast of outstanding actors. This is the type of cast you want to bring a Marvel movie to life.
Black Girl Magic
If you have followed me throughout my MCU journey, you will see that I always shout-out the strong women of the MCU (Black Widow, Pepper, etc.). Black Panther takes it to another level. I am dark skinned woman seeing other dark skinned women on the screen playing warriors and scientists. This did something to my soul. And in the Wakandan society, these warriors and scientists are revered. That’s even more thrilling.
Killmonger
Killmonger is an interesting villain. Though he goes about it the wrong way, his goal is kind of noble. Think about it: Loki wanted to rule Asgard and take over the earth, Hydra wants to rule the world, Falcon wants to make money, most of Tony Stark’s enemies wanted to destroy Stark Industries. Killmonger wants to help a people that he feels is oppressed. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not the worst motive. Plus, it kind of leads to a breakthrough for T’Challa.
Success and Society
I went back and forth with myself in addressing some things. However, I feel like I should because (1) it is important to me, and (2) it an important part of the Marvel and Black Panther story. With this movie, you have a mostly black cast, with a black director, breaking box office records. You have Kendrick Lamar, a Grammy award-winning and now Pulitzer Prize-winning Hip Hop heavyweight creating the soundtrack. You have men and women sitting together in Saudi Arabia for the first time in 35 years to watch Black Panther. These are not small feats and are a testament to black excellence.
With that being said, there are some white people that did not understand the excitement African Americans felt about the movie, even with all the milestones I mentioned above. Now, I’m not talking about racists. They weren’t going to like it anyway. I’m talking about a group of people that I saw throughout my personal Facebook timeline. I don’t know if they realize it, but their microaggressions are hanging out all over the place.
I have a theory about this. I think they believe that black people celebrating black excellence is meant to be spiteful towards non-people-of-color. They say stuff like, “I don’t understand the big deal. White men came up with the comic. Why aren’t Stan Lee and Jack Kirby getting props?”. I think this speaks volumes about the divisive times we live in. Listen, the black community celebrating black achievements is uplifting to the community, not to spite non-black folks. I’m going to step off my soapbox now.
The Stingers
The first stinger show T’Challa addressing the United Nations on the existence of Wakanda. In the second stinger, we see my girl Zuri talking to someone. It is the one and only Bucky Barnes, the infamous Winter Soldier. This harkens back to Captain America: Civil War when Cap leaves him there to recover.
Wrapping It Up
Well, this ran a little long. I may wait a while before I discuss Infinity War, considering that it is still a little new. So, next Tuesday I will give you my thoughts on upcoming MCU movies like Ant-Man & Wasp and Captain Marvel. Until then, join me this Thursday for Batman Ninja!
Follow me on social media and check out Couch Jammin’ on Spotify, where you can listen to new, unknown, and unsigned artists.
Couch Cruisin' 