Black Panther

Score:  A

Directed by Ryan Coogler
Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Freeman, et. al.
Running time:
Rated PG-13

Long Story Short:  Black Panther is the first feature film for the previously introduced title character, and it is a true Marvel well beyond the scope of a typical superhero film.  The plot focuses on a fictional African nation, inspiring awe in its visual designs and advanced technology while also serving as an interesting reflection point on the real world.  The cast, full of new and fascinating faces, bring it fully to life, and the action and humor are as strong as in any superhero adventure.  A must-see.


Following the death of his king father, T'Challa (Boseman) returns to his home nation of Wakanda - a country that appears a modest, rural African country from the outside, but is in fact home to the most technologically advanced civilization in the world.  After proving his worthiness to the throne, T'Challa takes up the mantle of king of Wakanda, in addition to his identity as the Black Panther, the nation's traditional protector.  Soon after returning home, T'Challa learns that a long-time foe of Wakanda, Klaue (Serkis), has stolen an ancient Wakanda artifact that contains the nation's precious metal vibranium, which enables their advanced technology.  T'Challa goes out with other Wakandans, including his sister, Shuri (Wright), and former lover, Nakia (Nyong'o), to retrieve the artifact and capture Klaue.  However, in doing so T'Challa encounters another Wakandan, one with connections to the nation's royalty and a secret, dark history.  The past has returned for a reckoning, and T'Challa faces a grave challenge to the fate of not only Wakanda but the rest of the world.

Black Panther features a large, stellar cast, one that also reflects significantly more diversity than most other films, let alone blockbusters.  Although the film is part of the extensive Marvel universe, Chadwick Boseman's T'Challa (aka Black Panther) is one of the few familiar characters here.  He does very good work here again, primarily in portraying the calm strength and dignity of his royal and heroic heritage.  Although confident and capable, T'Challa is also modest not only in his rise to ruling his nation but also in heralding a brand new, hopeful yet daunting era.  I'd love to see continued development of his character, which at times is overshadowed by his brilliant co-stars.  One of those co-stars is villain N'Jadaka ("Killmonger"), played by Michael B. Jordan.  Thrust into the film suddenly, Jordan establishes him quickly, as strong a man as T'Challa but with swagger directly opposite his rival.  N'Jadaka is one of the most menacing supervillains in years because he is ruthlessly effective rather than overtly intimidating.  I could write a full review on just the trio of Wakandan women in this film, yet another of the film's highlights.  Letitia Wright is my favorite, T'Challa's feisty little sister who is a tech nerd yet also stands toe-to-toe with her brother and all who oppose them.  Danai Gurira is a tough, honorable member of an all-female bodyguard unit who kicks ass with the best of them.  Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o is actually outshone by the others, but still effective as an independent spy (and T'Challa's love interest).  Even after all of that, Winston Duke also steals scenes as Wakandan warlord M'Baku, a potentially dull role that he makes fizzy.  Finally, Andy Serkis (playing a human, for once) and Martin Freeman play significant supporting (and frequently funny) roles as an arms dealer and CIA agent, respectively.

Black Panther is not only an excellent superhero film, continuing the ever-expanding Marvel universe, but also one with intriguing ideas that have more real-world relevance.  The movie has all the hallmarks of its Marvel kin, from rollicking action to plentiful humor to expansion of previously introduced themes and characters.  However, the showcase of the film is actually a place - the fictional Wakanda - which orchestrates all other elements of the film and imbues them with fresh energy.  Black Panther directly acknowledges the overall, real-world exploitation of Africa, but flips all of that on its head with Wakanda.  The nation uses its technological wonders to conceal itself from the rest of the world (rather than boast, like others), and does not subjugate others with its might.  There is a rich diversity of cultures within the country, and certainly not all agree with the way Wakanda relates to the rest of the world - a realistic, fascinating place, in other words.  Wakanda is also beautifully designed, from the variety of colorful, traditionally-inspired dress to the cityscapes and vibranium mines to the whiz-bang gadgetry and tech, all a feast for the eyes.  The main plot is a familiar one, in which an heir to the throne is challenged by an outsider, but on top of this is layered the struggle for Wakanda's role in the world - what does it have the responsibility to do, and not do?  Of course, there are also the joys of the superhero adventure, too.  Black Panther has his own style of action; aided by a lithe yet tech-y suit, he whirls about and pounces like his namesake.  And every character gets to show a sense of humor, particularly T'Challa's sister.

***

Black Panther is a triumph, lifting the Marvel superhero universe to new heights but also standing on its own as an entertaining and thought-provoking movie.  For me, the overall concept and involvement of Wakanda itself is its central strength, an interesting and inspiring fantasy, fully realized.  Related to that is the film's strength in its diversity, as its impressive roster of new characters are well-developed, allowing their particular perspectives to be naturally compelling and not just for show.  It accomplishes all of that, something any drama would be proud of, while also providing tremendous entertainment that appeals to a mass audience.  Make sure to see this in the theater (and if you already have, see it again!).




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The Post

Score:  A-

Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Bob Odenkirk
Running time: 116 minutes
Rated PG-13

Long Story Short:  The Post is a historical drama about the publishing of the Pentagon Papers, an event that led to national upheaval on the Papers' topic - Vietnam War - as well as to a critical showdown between the press and the government.  The movie's theme is all too relevant in today's society, but more than holds its own as a quality piece of art and entertainment, too, thanks to Hollywood legends Spielberg, Streep, and Hanks.  Highly recommended.


In 1970, the New York Times publishes top secret documents about the Vietnam War - a struggle going on at its peak both on the bloody battlefield as well as the tumultuous home front.  The Times begins to reveal the extended history of the conflict, but the Nixon administration soon blocks it from writing more.  Four years earlier, an analyst had visited Vietnam and, after seeing its horrors first-hand, then witnessed the hypocrisy of the government's policies, leading to his theft of the documents.  Meanwhile, the Washington Post, led by heiress Katharine Graham (Streep), struggles to gain relevance as it goes public to keep the lights on.  Shocked like the rest of the nation, the Post searches for the source of the secret documents and lands on the prized - yet dangerous - package.  Graham is faced with an agonizing choice: play it safe, or continue the journalistic mission to bring out the truth of the Vietnam War and risk the paper's very existence.

The Post has an impressive cast of familiar faces, headlined by perhaps the two most celebrated actors working today.  Although advertised as a duo, Meryl Streep is the true lead and the heart of the film.  Unsurprisingly, she is fantastic as the high-profile yet privately uncertain owner of the Post.  Hers is not a showy performance; even at the climax, she does not overreach for a glorious heroic turn.  Instead, she is a much more interesting, nuanced character.  Comfortable mixing it up with Washington's power players, she still keenly feels the weight of her family's newspaper legacy, and two incredibly challenging yet vastly different problems.  She is confident, yet still finding herself; smart and savvy yet warm (and not cliche).  Excellent work.  Tom Hanks as editor Ben Bradlee is certainly next up, but in, I'd argue, more of a supporting than a lead role.  Tom is always fun to watch and he digs into the hotshot boss role with relish, but it's also somewhat unremarkable (by Hanks's standards).  I will give him (and the script) credit for not trying to steal the spotlight, which is and should be Streep/Graham's.  Bob Odenkirk has a pretty decent sized role as a reporter, one that is quite similar to his Better Call Saul role, actually (pay phones included).  Bradley Whitford and Bruce Greenwood, as a Post board member and McNamara, respectively, are great as complex "villains".  There are plenty of others, but they're essentially cameos.

The Post is a strong historical drama with an important, contemporary theme and an interesting lead role.  Anyone not living under a rock for the past year is surely aware of a rising criticism from certain areas (e.g. our reality-TV president) of the media; "fake news" is spreading around the globe.  Spielberg took up this film precisely because of this disturbing trend, and the publishing of the Pentagon Papers is certainly a powerful symbol of the essential importance of a free press to democracy.  There is little sermonizing, however; the film is driven more by the urgency of the Post's attempt to get access to the Papers - and subsequently, the wrenching decision of whether or not to publish.  The "journalistic thriller" side is fine and fun, but also a bit predictable and by-the-numbers, particularly if you've seen films like Spotlight.  It also struggles to convey the importance of the topic of the Papers themselves, the Vietnam War.  Aside from brief, half-hearted war-and-protest scenes at the beginning, the discussion of what the Papers represent is fairly bloodless.  Fortunately, Streep helps enliven and elevate the impact of the Post's publishing on its own fate.  This is by far the strongest, most impactful aspect of the plot (though again, the power of the press theme is obviously vital, too).  This could have been a simplistic, if still relevant, portrayal of men's underestimation of women, particularly those in power.  But Streep's Graham is both liked and respected - though when opposition comes, particularly as the stakes rise, this gives way to skepticism, even by Hanks's Bradlee.  Graham is not an invincible superwoman, but she learns, she summons her courage, and ultimately balances the competing arguments of powerful men to come to the right decision.

***

The Post is a worthy Best Picture-nominee, with three of the biggest names in Hollywood (Spielberg, Hanks, Streep) teaming up for an entertaining movie with themes particularly relevant today.  I do feel that the film failed to quite live up to its potential, though, considering the premise and the players.  Hanks is fun but forgettable; Spielberg creates an engaging story but fails to really juice the action as much as he usually does.  It's Streep who stands out, with a truly great performance, and the script gives her enough of the spotlight to develop and emphasize her intriguing part of the tale.  If you are in the mood for a pretty standard but rock-solid drama led by stars, this is a great choice; and don't underestimate the film's ability through drama to show the importance of the press (often at its peril), either.




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The Shape of Water

Score:  A-

Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Starring Sally Hawkins, Richard Jenkins, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer
Running time:  123 minutes
Rated R

Long Story Short:  The Shape of Water, this year's most Oscar-nominated film, is a live-action fairy tale in the distinct vision and design of filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.  Sally Hawkins gives an outstanding performance in the lead (and mute) role, and the supporting cast around her helps to bring a fairly standard story to life as she befriends a strange, fantastical creature.  The style is mesmerizing, so if you need an escape or diversion, this is a great theater choice.  Recommended.


Every day is much the same for Elisa (Hawkins), a mute custodian: she wakes up, says hello to her neighbor, Giles (Jenkins), and takes the bus to a Cold War-era government facility where she clocks in with an army of co-workers.  One day, however, something secret arrives at the facility, and is put into an area where Elisa and her friend, Zelda (Spencer), work.  Elisa at first knows only that there are massive water tanks, and at times a great commotion, but eventually discovers to her shock that a humanoid sea creature is being held.  Elisa's curiosity gets the better of her and she begins to interact with it, through sign language.  However, she is not the only one interested in the creature - the facility has grand ambitions for it, and word leaks out to other parties as well.  Elisa seems to have little power to protect her strange new friend, but she finds help from unexpected sources that just might be able to keep it from becoming a victim of Cold War paranoia.

The Shape of Water has an interesting mix of characters, familiar yet fresh thanks to some very good performances.  Sally Hawkins is the lead as Elisa; the heart and soul of the film, her great work serves as a solid foundation for the rest.  Unable to speak, Hawkins must communicate strictly through body language, especially her "fluent", appealing facial expressions.  She effectively conveys everything you need to know: Elisa is a content, static woman at the start, but pushes past her initial fear when confronted by the life-altering entrance of the sea creature and develops into a strong, compassionate heroine.  The performance gives the film a distinctly old-fashioned feeling, in a good way: Elisa is vibrant, expressed through images rather than words.  Richard Jenkins is the surprisingly buoyant neighbor-friend of Elisa, a chatty guy who more than makes up for her silence.  His is a character that easily could have spilled over the top, but Jenkins is great, particularly how he plays opposite Elisa's lead.  Michael Shannon is the facility boss, and he makes an effective "villain".  It helps that his appearance and voice lend themselves to the role, but he's also truly menacing while getting in some surprising nuance, too.  Octavia Spencer plays a familiar maternal role here and she does it well, and Michael Stuhlbarg is sneakily good, too, as a timid but concerned scientist.

The Shape of Water is a modern fairy tale, one that draws its strength and simplicity from a previous age while utilizing modern techniques to paint a unique picture, resulting in a pleasant, leisurely experience.  The structure of the film is pretty standard, nothing new to see, but it's also solid and allows other elements to be the main focus.  Primary among these are Elisa and her relationship with the sea creature.  Along with the supporting cast of characters, you could almost imagine the story played out in Disney animation.  To be sure, this is more serious and subtle than Cinderella, but the heart of the film is pure, thanks largely to Hawkins's performance and her undivided loyalty and care for the creature (part of this is what earns the film an R rating and is not family-friendly, but it's tastefully done).  Besides the familiar yet unique journey, the film has great design and style, such as thematic color choices (green is emphasized), dark and foreboding yet not grim sets, and a fun soundtrack with distinct themes and instrumentation.  The whole physical realm of the film has an odd fantastic-realistic feel, like the grimy yet symbolically important waters.  The design is so well conceived and executed that it can override the narrative and even the characters at times; combine this with the familiar story structure, and the film struggles to maintain its tension.  However, the action is well-paced and there is always something interesting on screen - whether in the action or simply the images themselves.

***

The Shape of Water is a very well-made film, and deserving of recognition (it has an impressive thirteen Oscar nominations - not difficult to see it dominating at least the "technical" categories).  I must admit that while I thought the film was pleasant and well done, it also didn't make a very big impact on me.  This kind of fantasy/fairy tale is fine, but neither the story nor the main Elisa-creature relationship stood out to me; I think it much more likely I'll remember the design, and perhaps Sally Hawkins's performance.  Therefore, while I don't begrudge it its Best Picture nomination, there are some significantly better fellow nominees (so far: Dunkirk, Lady Bird; and, though it was snubbed a nomination, Molly's Game).  If you are looking for a fairly simple film with great design and visuals (this is the best argument for a theater viewing), then it's still certainly a fine choice in the middle of a cold winter.




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