Adnerb the Movie Nerd

Movie reviews from a middle school teacher's perspective

Black Panther

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The Black Panther is the King and protector of the African Kingdom of Wakanda.  Wakanda is a technologically advanced and wealthy country that no one knows about; they use their advanced technology to keep their kingdom hidden from the world.  T’Challa (played in true regal form by Chadwick Boseman) becomes king following the death of  his father.  In the kingdom of Wakanda though, the king must fight any challenger before he is crowned.  Once he does so, he must drink the juice of a special flower that gives him the super powers that enable him to protect his kingdom.  Wakanda itself, is dazzling.  A beautiful African country full of sophisticated  3D phones and bullet- fast and efficient transportation.  The serenity and peace of this tranquil land is shattered by Ulysess Klaue (played with delicious evil by Andy Serkis), who sneaks into the kingdom to steal the precious metal vibranium, which is a seemingly magical metal only found in Wakanda. It all leads to a lot of superbly choreographed and exciting action, wonderful effects and some well played and emotional drama.  T’Challa has a cool costume, some really badass warrior women guards and a sister who reminds me of James Bond’s Q concocting some very state of the art weapons.  When an unexpected new enemy emerges, T’Challa faces some tough decisions;  should Wakanda use it’s advanced technology to help man-kind or should they remain isolated and hidden from the world?  You will want to know the answer! I loved this movie for the beautiful scenery, great direction. wonderful performances and a hopeful message for the future.

War For Planet of the Apes

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I went into this movie assuming I wasn’t going to like it.  I grew up with the original movies from the sixties, which featured older technology and unrealistic looking apes; but were naively entertaining.  My idea of a talking ape is the famous Koko, the gentle giant who uses sign language to communicate.  Boy was I wrong!  This is one engrossing movie!  Andy Serkis deserves an academy award, if not for this performance, than for his body of work as a whole.  From “Lord of the Rings” to “King Kong” to the “Planet of the Apes” movies, Andy Serkis and his motion capture acting make these creations seem so real and life-like.  Not only does Andy Serkis give a great performance, but this movie in a not so subtle way touches on issues of slavery, forced labor, civil rights and what constitutes humanity.  This movie definitely won’t be for everyone.  There was too much killing and war effects for my taste, for instance.  The first half of the movie is rather slow, but the second half is definitely worth it and packs an emotional punch.  Also, this not a happy, fun movie.  I would say if you saw the previous two movies, you would definitely want to see it, and won’t be disappointed.