Quick Take: Black Panther

Black Panther opens in Oakland in 1992. Depending on your expectations, this might seem odd; you probably expected to see the world of Wakanda at first glance. But Oakland is where film director Ryan Coogler was born, and the connection makes sense as the story progresses, and is a smart way to set this superhero story in the world we inhabit. In Wakanda, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is a new king trying to cope with the complexities of tradition vs. innovation. As the Black Panther, protector of his people, he tries to keep the African civilization untouched by war and colonialism. To the outside world, Wakanda is a “third world” country, but in secret, it thrives due to its technological advances. Trying to defend the nation’s secretive technology sparks the question of helping others beyond Wakanda. Other important questions and ideas abound. Believe the hype. Black Panther is a must watch.