Long Live The King: Review of Black Panther

Black Panther

Director: Ryan Coogler

By Alex Watson

When first introduced in Captain America, no one had any idea the kind of impact T'Challa would make in his own outing. Black Panther under the direction of Ryan Coogler is arguably one of the Marvel franchise's best efforts. Giving a whole new spin and embracing the African identity of the character, Coogler combines thrills and comedy with a great big heart. It also taps into the notion of family and the mistakes we make along the way.

Recently crowned King of Wakanda after the demise of his father, T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) hopes for a long and fruitful reign. But an old problem rears its head in the form of mercenary Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) who is keen on giving the world Wakandan weapons. Also, there is the added problem of former soldier Eric Stevens aka 'Killmonger' who has a score to .  with the new King!

Opening on a stunning CGI recreation of the past, the deceased king T'Chaka tells his son about the history of the nation, the black panther and how precious vibranium is to Wakanda. In a seemingly meaningless prologue scene set in 1992 Oakland, we are shown how the old king is forced to deal with his traitor brother. At first, this appears nothing more than backstory but the consequences of this set Black Panther's wheels in motion. T'Challa wants nothing more than fulfil his destiny but is also still dealing with his feeling for ex-lover Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o). The scenes set in Wakanda are a visual feast of glowing purple plants, a brightly lit metropolis city and a coronation against a rushing waterfall with tribes wearing different vibrant colours.

Coogler gives us thrills early on when Klaue and Stevens make a daring raid on the British Museum in London. He always able to expertly turn the excitement on and off when necessary. Particularly during a pulsating chase sequence through the neon-lit Busan, Korea. Channelling Fast and the Furious style manoeuvres, Coogler somehow finds a way to make this one of the funniest scenes of 2017.  Wakanda's glorious and advanced technology is truly game beating here. Family legacy is very much the heart of this picture. T'Challa has some ballsy female figures as siblings with his hard as nails General sister Okoye (Danai Gurira) and his tech-savvy sister (a hilarious Letitia Wright). Shamen Zuri (Forest Whitaker) hints at some potentially dangerous actions by his father in the past.  Frequently the new king has his authority and right to rule contested. Emerging as an emotionally pained but steadfast regent, Wakandan seems like it is in firm hands.

Little by little Killmonger's plan becomes increasingly more unstable and risky. Determined to share Wakanda's resources with the world, his a killer with a humongous chip on his shoulder. He also has the physical threat down as well and in one brutal beatdown, he asserts his dominance over the new king. A radicalised crusader who unlike T'Challa has seen the oppression of his race over and over again. Killmonger emerges as one of the universe's most underrated villains. Unlike the other more notable villains intent on global domination, this guy's intentions run to a much deeper core. Coogler has formed a fascinating new franchise, may T'Challa's reign with confidence for years to come.

Chadwick Boseman gives a high-calibre turn which is surprisingly deep for a Marvel film. Through the pained expression in his eyes, we see a king getting to grips with his new responsibility and dealing with the consequences of his ancestors. Boseman has always had great presences on screen from when played Jackie Robinson in '42' and as James Brown in 'Get on Up'. A tough but noble warrior, Boseman is a welcome addition here. Michael B Jordan matches his co-star blow for blow as the vengeful Killmonger. Bringing the natural swagger he brought to Coogler's previous outing 'Creed' Jordan is a compelling nemesis. Full of blunt force and adept at getting down to business, T'Challa is right to be sweating when this guy comes to town.

Black Panther once again shows that the Marvel universe works best when it takes an unorthodox approach. Coogler has made a picture that is both thought-provoking and immensely entertaining all at once. Wakanda Forever!

A Disturbance in the Force: Review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Director: Rian Johnson

By Alex Watson

Life in the galaxy rolls on and in the hands of Rian Johnson it still feels thrilling. Keeping the twists and turns coming thick and fast, there is also a heavy emotional core to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Characters are forced to look inside and make some tough internal choices. Some Star Wars fans might gripe over its feel along with its more humorous and heavy-hearted approach. But you can't deny there is potential here and finally, this new batch of characters are beginning to come into their own.

The Resistance led by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) is being forced to fall back against the might of the First Order. Low on numbers and morale, the only hope they hold is for Rey (Daisy Ridley) to convince reclusive Jedi Luke Skywalker (Mark Hammill) to return. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is also fighting his own personal battle against his own conscience. 

Johnson wastes no time thrusting Star Wars: The Last Jedi into light speed. Starting with a thrilling dogfight which sees hotheaded but heroic Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) take on the First Order fleet and permanent sneer of General Hux (Domnhall Gleeson). This side of the story provides the unpredictable thrills of the story. Dameron along with former First Order trooper Finn (John Boyega)  and newcomer Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) are on a mission to disable an enemy tracking device. Dameron in this story emerges as the new Han Solo in the making- charismatic yet immature and brave yet ballsy. Always drawing the wrath of new commander Vice Admiral Holdo (Laura Dern), Dameron is both indispensable and a wild card all in one. The Kylo Ren/Ben Solo side story also holds its own as the conflicted Jedi is pushed and pulled by Supreme Leader Snook (Andy Serkis once again rocking motion capture) to embrace his evil side. Rey can still feel the human side of him but is he past the point of redemption?

The real heart of this picture comes from the unlikely alliance of Rey and Luke Skywalker. At first glance, this would seem like the movies Achilles heal. Not only does it succeed but it is by far the movies most glorious aspect. After the lightsaber hand over at the end of Force Awakens- Johnson makes this scene an unlikely moment of hilarity. Skywalker wears the ghost's of the past in this flick- scarred by his failure of his nephew Ben he at first stubbornly refuses to help Rey. However, the new protege never backs down and a caring and strong bond forms. As talented as she is with a lightsabre, Luke also greatly fears the influence of the dark side. Also during this time, a mysterious connection arises between Rey and Ren which could potentially alter the course of either life. Johnson during this sequence brings a tender touch which could bring big things in later movies. Of course, who won't enjoy the nostalgia of watching Luke board the Falcon after so many years?

While the Star Wars: The Last Jedi has plenty of ideas that hit, there also some that just fall flat. During an overly long sequence to rich planet Canto Bight, Johnson's movie comes a little unstuck. This whole plot device just feels added to draw out the mileage and becomes little more than a wild goose chase. Was the introduction of Benicio Del Toro's codebreaker DJ really necessary? This trickster comes and goes while making little impact or weight to the story. This is easily the strongest Star Wars effort since Empire Strikes Back, but Johnson is all about the changing of the guard. Seeing Carrie Fisher on screen for the last time will bring a tear to some eyes. Luke Skywalker along with many others are present but by no means are the focal point of the story. Some fans may not like the more jokey side or the almost video game like approach during the battle scenes. But you cannot deny that this franchise is at once with the force again.

Firstly it feels amazing to see Mark Hammill once again holding a lightsabre as Luke Skywalker. Turning in a career-high performance, Hammill reminds us why this character is so special. Playing a more jaded and afraid version of Skywalker, he shows a man unable to let go of the past. Oscar Isaac emerges as the new king of cool for this franchise. Poe Dameron is a man who plays by his own rules but is also the leader the Resistance desperately needs. John Boyega once again is superb as Finn and matches Isaac for strength of character. Daisy Ridley, however, is the real ace in the deck in Johnson's movie. Effortlessly looking cool with a lightsabre, Ridley is the picture's backbone. Able to handle the difficult of upstaging Skywalker, Rey is very much the franchises future Jedi master.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi brings new hope to the galaxy- just a shame Johnson won't be returning for episode 9.

This is the End: Review of War for the Planet of the Apes

War for the Planet of the Apes

Director: Matt Reeves

By Alex Watson

Closing out a trilogy can often be tricky but Matt Reeves gives Caesar and his band of apes a triumphant finale. War for the Planet of the Apes is continually thrilling third instalment but Reeves also injects a heartfelt touch where it is needed. The previous outing Dawn only hinted what this franchise could achieve. Together apes truly are strong and few could have expected a final act quite like this one.

Set two years after the previous events- Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his followers have located to a place deep in the woods. Desperate for peace and for his people to be left alone, Caesar issues an ultimatum. After an attack by a vengeful Colonel (Woody Harrelson) leads to tragedy for their leader- war between man and apes is declared.

Rarely taking a breather during a hectic first act, Matt Reeves plunges War for the Planet of the Apes in battle mode early on. Opening on a horrific firefight by soldiers and apes- the 'leave us alone' message is made violently clear. Caesar has become a weary and war fatigued leader who is haunted by visions of his friend Koba (Toby Kebbell) whom he killed in Dawn. Nothing is more gut wrenching than the sneak attack the Colonel issues soon afterwards. In the blink of an eye, his peaceful intentions are torn to shreds and his lust for revenge becomes overpowering. Unable to shift his anger, Caesar sets off to settle scores- but not without taking his loyal friends Rocket (Terry Notary), big lug Luca (Michael Adamthwaite) and his voice of reason Maurice (Karin Konoval) along for the ride.

The actual war part of this picture involves little actual warfare, Reeves wants to get to the heart of his characters rather than giving his audience 'Free Fire' with apes. The emotional content is decidedly heavier and even the biggest of fans will be questioning Caesar personal motives. Along the way, the apes show glimpses of being more human than their enemies. Picking up a mute human girl (Original Apes movie purists should look out for clues), Maurice forges a tender father-daughter bond with her. Our nameless Colonel, however, is an entirely different story. Shaving his bald head from his tower up high in his graffitied compound- his soldiers worship him like Kurtz in Apocalypse Now. One smart touch the movie makes is how perceptions of him shift rapidly throughout. At first, the wild eyed mad-man with who wants apes eradicated, soon we begin to clue in that certain events have influenced his fears of humanities eventual decline.

During a lengthy sequence when the apes are rounded up and used as slave labour to build a giant wall (wonder where this idea came from?) Reeves resists the urge to go full rebellion. Instead, he gives things a more thoughtful and considered approach. The smarts of the ape's plan and how well it is executed brings back memories of The Great Escape. Caesar emerges as a true cinematic hero during all this, particularly when willingly allowing himself to be flogged. Finally, when Reeves releases the much-anticipated fireworks, the result is surprisingly deep. Questions of differences between humans and apes surround War for the Planet of the Apes. "Look at your eyes, almost human," says the Colonel to Caesar at one point. Rather than letting the bullets fly and pleasing the popcorn audience- Caesar's final revenge is shown with great emotional depth. The complexities between the two leaders show the pain and suffering the comes with command.

Andy Serkis confirms his status as one of the most under appreciated actors of his time. What he achieves with his motion capture of Caesar is truly remarkable. Every little gesture rings true and the variety of expression and conflict from just using his eyes deserves big credit. Were there any justice, Serkis would be a multiple Oscar nominee by now. Woody Harrelson mixes in some great stir-crazy as the Colonel. At first, a pure antagonist intent on causing havoc, our opinions are forever changing whenever he appears. As the layers come off, Harrelson shows us a highly conflicted soul. Always a tall and looming presence, Harrelson plays the villain role well. Steve Zahn also impresses as the childlike Bad Ape- a coat and bobble hat wearing chimp. Showing an innocence and charm to this picture, Zahn shows a truly human side to these creatures.

War for the Planet of the Apes is the mighty finale this impressive series deserved to go out on. If Hollywood ever (and quite likely) reboots this again- good luck surpassing these movies.

The Force Will Be With You Always: Review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Director: JJ Abrams

By Alex Watson

You cannot express in words just how great it feels for Star Wars to be back on the big screen. JJ Abrams has brought the Lucas universe to life again in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Sporting the lightsaber battles and the powerful war between the force and the dark side, we have a reason to believe again. Giving us a good selection of our old and loved favourites mixed in with an interesting new batch of players, Abrams ensures there is a new lifeblood to carry things forward.

30 years after the collapse of the Empire, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hammill) has gone missing and has become like a myth spread among the planets. Finn (John Boyega) is a Stormtrooper in the newly assembled First Order who is having a conflict within himself. Rey (Daisy Ridley) is a scavenger on the desert planet Jaaku while Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) is the top pilot in the Resistance army led by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher). Together each of these characters will come face to face with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and be witness to the uprising of the powerful First Order Jedi Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

From the first frame, Star Wars: The Force Awakens simmers into life and the ride from there on is the most fun we have had in ages. Beginning with the First Order forces arriving on Jaaku, we are given a potent introduction to the dark side's new favourite, Kylo Ren. A forceful and lurking threat, Ren is very much a disciple to Vader who has not only been seduced by the Dark Side but absolutely loves it. As a villain though he is possibly one of the most impressive ones that the franchise has produced. Sporting a cold-blooded malice without equal, we get the sense that this one conflicted kid has firmly buried his old past. The new recruits are not given as much depth as we may have liked, but there is room to work with. During Finn's first battle, his horror behind the mask is felt immediately as he reluctantly commits atrocities. Finn is the best-developed lead of the lot and having being groomed as FN-1287 by the Order since birth, he is keen to break free.

Rey comes off less well in this piece and despite being a tough and capable female (along with skillfully piloting the Falcon), there isn't enough depth for this installment. Dameron with limited screen time comes across with an effortless swagger that remind us of a young Han Solo with an X-Wing. The taste may feel undercooked, but give it another installment these three may just transpire into something special. Having Han and Chewie back together again is something very special indeed, "Chewie, we're home!" smiles Han as he reboards his beloved ship. In this episode, the old smuggler is a shadow of his old self and still clings to his old reputation. His wisdom, however, is unbeatable and he becomes almost a surrogate father to abandoned child Rey. Luke is more like a ghost figure than man in Force Awakens and there are Alec Guinness-like echoes all around. Leia thankfully has formed into the leader we always wanted. She is scarred from her constant warring both at home and the past (spoilers to be withheld).

Despite blips in storytelling, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is still a fine piece of work. Abrams never fully explains the intentions of the First Order. They are big and evil and appear to mean business but just what does Grand Master Snoke (Andy Serkis) want? We are given an interesting duel for power between Ren and the sneertastic General Hux (Domnhall Gleason). Both men are wanting different kinds of power which leads to a mini civil war. Their ruthless streak, though, makes them the perfect heir to the Empire. Seeing them destroy several planets in 'one swift stroke' is a chilling prospect. There are some finer things lead that need to be ironed out, such as nailing a great lightsaber finale but there is a new hope surrounding this franchise. Best of all, there is no Jar Jar in sight fans.

John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac all prove they belong in this universe with a trio of decent performances. Boyega in particular in able to summon the courage and charm that Attack The Block promised us. Harrison Ford is the real tour de force in this piece and you forget just how well Han Solo fits him. Sweeping in without missing a beat, it feels like the old pirate never left us. Top honours, however, go to Adam Driver. Firmly filling the void that Vader left us, Kylo Ren is the most intriguing the Jedi have had to deal with in some time. A gangly menace desperate to escape his one loving past, Ren is very much a product of the Dark Side. Driver is able to give us a bad guy who doesn't just frighten us, but makes the film sag whenever he is off screen. The groundwork has been laid, now the cast needs to do the rest.

Finally, we get the 21st century Star Wars we have always wanted. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is not only a throwback to the original trilogy, but it is the start of something special. Disney might be taking the reigns now, but the force still lives on.