Reviews by:
@augustkellerwrites
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Black Panther is culturally significant, wildly popular, and formulaic. Themes are underdeveloped, motivations are vague, growth is artificial, worldbuilding is superficial, and the plot is contrived. The acting is committed, raw, and distinct, but that's in service of a shallow script. Specifically, the film introduces debates around imperialism, isolationism, and colonialism, but never fleshes them out. A civil war breaks out and resolves without discussion of either side's merits. Politics are oversimplified, making the conflict ring hollow. Action feels bloated without considering why these battles arise. Representation is important, but Black Panther delivers that in a sterile story.
Technically, Black Panther flashes creativity but is weighed down by MCU mediocrity. The editing has an exposition montage and fair pacing, but is otherwise plain. Its effects are ample but heavily CGI, with uncanny valleys and cartoonish action. The production design is culturally informed, but that clashes with the sci-fi elements. Similarly, the music alternates between generic and culturally relevant. The sound utilizes echoes and the cinematography adds a memorable upside-down shot. Still, Black Panther's key is its iconic cast, which is progressive and recognizable. Overall, Black Panther is fine entertainment and significant to many, but it's also a commercialized product.
Writing: 5/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 10/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 7.1/10
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