We knew the first Twitter reactions were good, but the official reviews for Ryan Coogler’s Wakandan superhero epic are out of this world.
Black Panther‘s Rotten Tomatoes score is liable to change as more reviews roll in—stay tuned for Princess’s later today!—but kicking things off with 100% fresh is impressive as hell. With Black Panther already smashing presale ticket numbers, these reviews are going to ignite even more audience interest—especially from the sort of non-superhero-invested viewer who’s likely to be swayed by a rapturous notice.
The 100% freshness rating—currently compiled from 50 critical reviews—is also important to keep in mind going forward, especially in light of threats from angry trolls to trash the movie’s score after release.
We don’t want to delve too far until Princess’s review, but here are a few words from the critics that may help to whet your appetite.
Black Panther—”Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture” (now they have my attention):
Black Panther is every bit as good as you were hoping. Actually — it’s better. A terrific screenplay from Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole elevates this thing way beyond the usual boundaries of the Marvel Universe. —The Toronto Sun
You believe in T’Challa, you believe in Wakanda, and you believe – maybe for the first time – that the MCU actually matters. —IndieWire
That’s a tall order, IndieWire! I’m listening …
This is a superhero movie for the ages, and especially for this age. —Deadline Hollywood
Part spy thriller, part all-out battle and part social commentary, “Black Panther” is consistently propelled by tonal and thematic flourishes that break with the conventions that have defined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. —Screen International
I am living for and loving all of this not-so-subtle MCU shade.
Black Panther has surpassed Iron Man as the best film of the MCU. —We Live Entertainment
Hmm OK cool except everyone knows that the best MCU movie is Captain America: The Winter Soldier followed by Thor: Ragnarok but I can appreciate the general sentiment here. I won’t be sorry if Black Panther is truly the best MCU movie now. I will be jumping up and down in my goddamned seat. Is it next Friday yet?!
Tune in later today for Princess’s review, same Panther time, same Panther channel.
(via Rotten Tomatoes, images: Marvel)
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