Disney and Marvel’s hit film, Black Panther, recently passed $1 billion earnings this week. That makes it the 33rd movie to gross $1 billion. This popular movie has been at the number one spot at the US box office for four weekends now and still continues to break records.  

The story revolves around T’Challa, the protagonist, and his discretely thriving African nation, Wakanda. After his father dies, T’Challa returns home to reign as king and Black Panther. He’s drawn into a conflict that puts his country at risk when a shockingly powerful enemy appears. The new king releases his power and uses his allies to secure his nation and save himself and his people.

This movie is widely considered to be one of the most incredible and empowering movies of 2018. The New York Times said, “Black Panther creates wonder with great flair and feeling partly through something Hollywood rarely dreams of anymore: myth.” Many loved the movie so much due to its portrayal of the movie’s African community, Wakanda, as being both technologically advanced and rich in traditional culture. The movie is also significant for its presentation of the first contemporary Marvel movie to have an African American superhero. The villain, Erik Killmonger, also makes the storyline stronger; critics have appreciated how he has a backstory and a reason to fight unlike many movie villains who are evil for no apparent reason. This helps develop a more realistic bond between Killmonger and T’Challa and helps amplify their true qualities.

Another reason for the hype of Black Panther is the unbelievably talented cast. The audience immediately falls for Chadwick Boseman, who plays the hero T’Challa with such passion and fierceness. Black Panther’s supporting actors Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright play the women of Wakanda, and their characters display female power, unity, and independence within the isolated civilization.

Many Pine Crest students also flocked to the theaters to enjoy this successful film. Junior Meghna Sharma shared her thoughts on the movie: “I’m not usually a huge fan of Marvel movies, but I honestly loved Black Panther. The movie was well made since the plot was captivating and the actors were fantastic.”

Sources: Forbes, The Journal, IMDB, NY Times

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