Once again, Marvel Studios has used their super hero formula with the Black Panther, and critics and fans around the globe are claiming this is the “perfect superhero movie,” but is it really all its hyped up to be?

Everyone is raving about this film because it finally includes another culture into the geek world since the comic book industry has been a predominantly Caucasian business from its beginning. Prince T’Challa is the Black Panther, a hero that African Americans can admire.

But the best part was how T’Challa has a team of kick-butt women behind him. His sister, Shuri, his ex-girlfriend, Nakia, and the general of Wakanda’s army, Okoye. Most superhero films revolve solely around the hero with their love interest as more of a side plot.

However, the women in this story are far more influential to the plot and ending than ever before. Feminists should be proud of these three women and all that they do to protect their country.

From a technological point of view, the visual effects are gorgeous and all the action scenes are amazing.

For instance, the major chase scene in South Korea is the kind of exciting where you are sitting on the edge of your seat the whole time and the final climactic battle is intense from beginning to end. The enemy army has computer generated war rhinos that looks incredibly realistic on screen and a futuristic armory that was designed around traditional weapons that would have been used in Africa. The sword and spear have been modified to a whole new level to add depth and action to the fight sequences.

Yet other than these strengths, the screenplay writers of Black Panther did not do anything outstanding to the story as a whole.

Black Panther is a far too basic rendition of the hero’s journey. In fact, Rotten Tomatoes actually gave this movie a 97%, calling it the best Marvel film ever made and yet nothing about the plot makes it unique.

The lead villain, Erik (aka Killmonger), is another generic archetype that writers have been using for centuries. Because of how he was raised, Killmonger’s perspective is the complete opposite to T’Challa’s. He truly believes that no cost is too high to end governments and cultures where there is a “superior” race.

His ultimate goal is to use Wakanda’s Vibranium mine and advanced technology to supply rebellions across the globe.
A little over halfway through the film, he reveals his relation to Prince T’Challa, then challenges him to single combat for the throne of Wakanda. Since T’Challa’s pride was at stake, he agrees to fight Killmonger which sets in motion the last 45 minutes of the film in motion.

 In all honesty, the script was a revamped modern version of The Lion King; a displaced prince, vengeful relative, epic battle where Prince takes back his home. Don’t take this the wrong way, the movie was good but was it “the perfect superhero film,” not really.

Black Panther has a lot of amazing qualities that qualify it for such high praise from movie critics. Outstanding visuals and powerful characters combined can draw any viewer in. However, the script could have had more exciting twists and turns to truly make it the best superhero film ever.