Most people think going to see a movie in theaters is a diminishing indulgence, but on the opening weekend of “Black Panther,” theaters across the world filled with eager fans excited to watch history in the making.
And clearly they did, or else the 18th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe would not be boasting the highest Rotten Tomatoes score for any live-action superhero motion picture. That 97 percent rating comes with a total of $201.8 million box office earnings within the first three days. It appears “Black Panther” is taking the throne in countless categories and earning cinema accolades fit for a king in its first week.
However, “Black Panther” did a lot more than just break records during its cinematic debut. This stand-alone super hero film isn’t Marvel’s typical character introduction, as we’ve previously seen in movies such as “Ant-Man” or “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” The comic giant didn’t craft this film to merely bring the Wakandans into the MCU. We weren’t just given new bada$$ characters to watch integrate into the upcoming Avengers: Infinity War. We were given a mainly black-ensemble of fierce, loyal and inspiring men and women. And while they may have Vibranium weapons or super strength, that isn’t what makes these characters so strong.
The story behind “Black Panther” is more than high-speed chases and life or death battles. With witty and sometimes shocking remarks about Wakandan life that mirror our society, Marvel makes social commentary in ways they never have before. Though these topics could have potentially been murky water for the company, they’re now taking risks and doing it in their usual style.
With that come characters that are real and raw. The audience watches the harms of stereotyping, racial discrimination, poverty, politics and more unfold in front of them through these heroes and villains in ways many never expected from the entertainment company. The villain in “Black Panther” isn’t evil – he’s a well-developed and sympathy-inducing man who has felt the effects of racial discrimination all his life. The heroes aren’t your typical end-all-be-all good guys. They struggle with their moral compasses and highlight the difficulty in choosing between fighting for one’s beliefs and civil rights and acting upon your own anger and outrage.
And it’s about time. The MCU has a history of making an impact in the box office, but the world is finally seeing them use their power for a greater good. “Black Panther” isn’t just a movie. It’s a cultural representation that means every little black boy and girl around the world can look up at the big screen and say, “They look just like me, and I want to be just like them.” The impact of seeing strong black representatives in cinema is a movement that’s gaining momentum, and “Black Panther” has taken the baton.
“Black Panther” isn’t just another superhero movie. All I can say is, “Long live the King.”
