‘Panther’ one of Marvel’s most epic films in long time

Even those suffering from superhero overload will want to think twice about passing on "Black Panther," for it truly feels like no other superhero film before, and it takes a long-overdue seismic shift in terms of providing cinematic cultural touchstones.

Overwhelmingly breathtaking in its world-building and thorough in its character construction, "Black Panther" is yet another strong entry into the Marvel canon, but more importantly, it's a thunderous step forward for audiences hungry to connect with on-screen heroes where they can envision themselves in the roles.

Primarily taking place in the fictional African country of Wakanda, "Panther" gives us the origin story of T'Challa (played by Chadwick Boseman), who is preparing to replace his father as king following the elder's sudden death during the United Nations bombing that took place in "Captain America: Civil War."

And while Wakanda is one of the most technologically advanced spots on Earth, it is still rooted in tribal traditions, which means T'Challa must earn his seat by taking on any neighboring tribes' challengers. Meanwhile, a particular natural substance – found only in Wakanda and the source of its countless technological, scientific and medicinal advances – has made its way to the outside world and is on the verge of being exploited.

It has fallen into the possession of one Ulysses Klaue (played by Andy Serkis, for once not behind billions of pixels as he was as Gollum in "Lord of the Rings" or Caesar in the "Planet of the Apes" series), a mercenary with a deadly mechanical arm. Klaue is coordinating his efforts with a rather driven, mysterious former soldier who earned the name "Killmonger" (played by Michael B. Jordan).

When word of this gets back to Wakanda, T'Challa enlists the help of the warriors of his tribe, including Nakia (played by Lupita Nyong'o), his former flame, and Shuri, (played by Letitia Wright), a young technological wizard who also happens to be his sister.

Films such as "Panther" can rise or fall depending on the skills of the writer and director, as there is an inherent familiarity with cinematic origin stories. Ryan Coogler serves both roles here, and despite his impressive resume, which includes "Fruitvale Station" and "Creed," some wondered, would the weight of this important film prove too heavy for his skills with smaller films?

Past attempts to launch black superheroes have ranged from weak, half-hearted efforts (Robert Townsend's "Meteor Man," or Shaquille O'Neal's "Steel") or had the hero surrounded by a white cast to ensure "marketability," such as the "Blade" trilogy.

But Coogler steeps the film in African culture and lays out the story as a sprawling epic filled with depth of, and respect for, its characters, a fully realized futuristic world, dollops of humor, and most importantly, an embrace of ethnicity that feels natural, matter-of-fact, and essential.

Coogler enlists a cast that uniformly rises to the task, with Boseman (no stranger to portraying screen icons, such as Jackie Robinson in "42," James Brown in "Get on Up," and Thurgood Marshall in "Marshall"), Nyong'o, and Angela Bassett, who plays T'Challa's bereaved queen mother.

There are two stars born in "Panther," though, and those are Jordan and Wright, both emerging with such energy and ownership of their respective roles, it's difficult to walk away without anticipation for their next moves.

Jordan is the DiCaprio to Coogler's Scorsese, having started in both the director's feature films.

Here, the actor provides "Panther" with perhaps one of the most nuanced of Marvel's villains. Without revealing too much, we understand there is a deep-seated purpose to his thirst for conquest that may not completely absolve his actions, but gives his quest more dimension than the typical world-dominating delusions of most antagonists, which Jordan handles expertly.

The true breakout, though, is Wright, as the playful, fierce and brilliant sibling of T'Challa. She exudes strength, both physical and mental, as well as countless memorable breaks of humor scattered throughout. In fact, though Black Panther may get title billing, it is the entire cast of women in the film who are the true heroes.

"Panther" is perhaps one of the most epic films Marvel has released in quite some time (and considering its track record for quality films, this is saying something). Socially prescient, richly textured and thrilling throughout, "Black Panther" has undoubtedly set the blockbuster bar high early in the year, and those who dismiss it for whatever specious reasons they may have will starve themselves of one damn fine time at the theater.