Black Panther

Strong performances, refreshing gender diversity and fearlessly ambiguous look at morality of cultural isolationism elevate this action flick above its overly shiny visuals. Freeman’s comedic relief perfectly inverts stereotypical token roles as he quizzically wonders, ‘Wakanda movie is this?’ Sole weakness is questionable villainy of Jordan’s character’s legitimate throne claim.

Creed

Coogler embraces source material with arms wide open and delivers drama that could go toe to toe with its cinematic senior. Jordan’s unstoppable acting train has left the station and he trades emotional blows with still-alive Stallone. Reboot reveals that Black or white, Pandora’s boxing is filled color of money.