The hype surrounding “Black Panther” is real.  

For weeks, the internet has been ablaze with talk of the latest installment in the Marvel Comics’ Universe, gushing over the cast and the characters. 

According to Forbes.com, “Black Panther” has topped $700 million worldwide within two weeks at the box office. This feat puts the film in special company, as few other titles have generated so much revenue so quickly.

The film centers around T’Challa, the heir to the fictional Kingdom of Wakanda, a technologically advanced African empire hidden from the outside world.

T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, struggles with his transition to power as King while dealing with the loss of his father, T’Chaka.

Throughout the film, T’Challa attempts to right the wrongs of his father while dealing with a challenger from the outside who stands as one his father’s greatest mistakes.

The popularity of the film shows how tastes are changing in America. The film is objectively beautiful while being unapologetically african.

The hero is black, the cast is black and the director, Ryan Coogler, is black. “Black Panther” stands as a milestone for the world of cinema because of the amount of positive representation given to African Americans.

The cast of the film is also packed with acting talent including Angela Basset, Lupita Nyong’o, Forest Whitaker,  and Daniel Kaluuya.

The white characters in the film are used simply as plot devices to advance the stories with far more complex and nuanced black characters. 

The soundtrack to film spearheaded by Kendrick Lamar is masterful. The songs are placed perfectly and each song delivers vibrant energy to the scene where it’s played.  

Michael B. Jordan’s character, Erik Killmonger, is one of the most refreshing and relatable villains in any superhero movie. Killmonger is used to make social commentary on modern day events like police brutality and institutionalized racism.

One of the most memorable lines from the film, which I’m sure will be quoted for years to come, is “Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors that jumped from the ships because they knew death was better than bondage.”

Throughout the film, characters battle against using their advanced technology to help black people suffering around the world at the risk of exposing their society to the world.

“Black Panther” is an amazing movie and is the best movie of the year thus far. The acting, the cinematography, and the script all combine perfectly to deliver an original and exciting new mythos. 

The film is thought-provoking and meaningful for adults while still being light-hearted and fun for children. In addition, the movie is a concise and efficient tie-in for Marvel’s next big title this year “Avengers: Infinity War.”

Before “Black Panther” I hadn’t watched a Marvel movie in theaters since “Captain America.” Now, I can’t wait for a sequel and I am even looking forward to the “Avengers: Infinity War.” 

“Black Panther” is a work of art that must be watched.