Continued from Page 3 - Movie Review : Black Panther by Christian Spotlight on Entertainment
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Continued from Page 3 - Movie Review : Black Panther by Christian Spotlight on Entertainment
The film discusses ideas regarding what makes a good leader , as well as the idea of whether to remain faithful to a nation regardless of who is the leader . T ’ Challa is often tempted to take people ’ s lives , but is always advised that the world will see what he does . He later exercises grace toward others , willing to try to bring them to the light . In one other moment , he shows compassion for ( and tries to save ) someone who took a bullet for one of his fighters ( even if it means risking Wakanda ’ s safety in the process ). In many ways , T ’ Challa showcases an attitude and persona that brings to mind what the
Apostle Peter said ,
“ Finally , all of you , have unity of mind , sympathy , brotherly love , a tender heart ,
and a humble mind .” -1 Peter 3:8
T ’ Challa and the rest of his crew willingly risk their lives to try and save their country and the world .
Negative Content
Language : The MPAA ’ s PG-13 reasoning included a “ rude gesture ”. This comes from T ’ Challa ’ s sister towards the beginning . She gives the “ middle finger ” in response to one of her brother ’ s teasings .
She is reprimanded for this action .
Elsewhere , there are four uses of the s- word , three uses of “ h ***,” and one “ a **.”
“ Oh my g **” is uttered once .
Sexual Content : There are a couple of passionate kisses between couples . The females on Wakanda wear tight outfits ( though some complain about it ). A few outfits in a gambling place are low-cut .
Males go shirtless in Wakanda fairly often .
Drugs / Alcohol : Someone orders whiskey at a bar . Other alcoholic drinks are spotted on tables . A serum apparently has the
power to weaken someone .
Violence : This is the biggest of the content concerns . Overall , the violence is a little more visceral than you might expect from a superhero movie like this . An early scuffle involves gunshots , punches and Black Panther using his claws . However , the shaky camerawork keeps the biggest impacts off-screen . A couple of flashbacks to the U . N . explosion in “ Captain America :
Civil War ” are seen again .
A man is knocked across a room by stored energy . A fight in a gambling room involves gunshots , spears stabbing people ( mostly offscreen ) and an explosion . A chase involves cars traveling at high speeds , crashing , flipping upside down and
literally being blown apart .
A fake arm is ripped off . Someone is shot with a gun three times , with somewhat bloody entry wounds seen in two places . Others are killed by gunshot . Someone is killed by sharp claws . A bomb explodes a brick wall . A man blocks a grenade from exploding ; we see a limited reaction . Rhinos and other large creatures knock soldiers away in another action scene . Ships are fired at and explode . Someone is run over by a car ; we only see the person
in the car and hear a bump .
T ’ Challa gets into a couple of “ challenge ” fights for the throne . Both result in some severe injuries . A man is stabbed in the side before wrestling his opponent down . In another fight , a man slices his opponent ’ s face . But the opponent slices his side and leg before stabbing him and then throwing him off a waterfall . Another fight involves characters getting hit into a wall by a train , and more stabbing . Someone
takes out a sword ( bloodlessly ).
The film ’ s opening segment , told in sand figures , involves images of slavery and war with spears and airplanes firing . Someone
is poisoned and passes out .
Other : Wakanda has an odd religion that involves ancestor worship and powerful serums or spells . The movie ’ s opening prologue tells a story involving a Panther god giving special powers to the first “ Black Panther .” A man is buried alive and drinks a serum that allows him to go into an altered state and speak with his deceased father in a spirit world . He does this twice . The villain does the same . The serum is made from a glowing purple flower . There is also a serum that causes T ’ Challa to lose his abilities ; we see him
react and slightly convulse to both serums .
Characters lie and steal , at times . The villain ’ s plot involves implications of starting a war between races .
Conclusion
“ Black Panther ” currently has many people talking . Similar to “ Wonder Woman ” last year which had a female superhero lead , this movie is a cultural touchstone as it is the first real superhero movie having an African lead . Considering the controversy involved in today ’ s world , the film ’ s
release seems very timely .
The overall movie has a different feel and tone in comparison to the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe ( which is entering its 10th year ). The result is an entertaining ride with some nice original touches . But it ’ s not one of the superhero genre ’ s most moving tales . Unlike the emotional heft at the end of “ Wonder Woman ” or “ Civil War ,” “ Black Panther ” definitely has heart , but it doesn ’ t emotionally move or
inspire in the same way .
Some have been critical about the movie being just politically-correct commentary . And it is true that a few moments / lines of dialog may bring to mind certain ideas involving racism . However , I thought that the stronger messages of integrity , selfreflection , grace and striving to make wise choices mitigated these concepts . And the movie presents a true , honest hero that models compassion and respect for everyone ,
regardless of skin color .
As for content concerns , the violence is the major concern here . I did hear a few younger kids cry in the audience at the screening I attended . While not very bloody , “ Black Panther ” is intense , and the shaky camerawork at times may induce motion sickness for some . Wakanda ’ s spirituality also will likely be a turn-off for some families . On a more positive note , foul language is infrequent , and there is no inappropriate humor or strong sexual content . Ultimately , with the PG-13 rating in mind , parents are encouraged to take the content problems listed here into consideration before making a decision for their family .
In my opinion , “ Black Panther ” doesn ’ t reach the top pantheon of Marvel films . It ’ s sometimes messy and unbalanced in its pacing . And it doesn ’ t deliver the same gut-punching , jaw-dropping twists and surprises of “ Thor : Ragnarok ” or “ Civil War .” But , it ’ s still entertaining and unique for a Marvel film , and includes the laughs and excitement one would expect .
� Violence : Very Heavy
� Profane language : Minor
� Vulgar / Crude language : Moderate
� Nudity : Minor Sex : None