BLACK PANTHER WAKANDA FOREVER

Thanks to Marvel Studios for inviting me to a free advance screening of BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER before the movie officially opens the weekend of November 11. The movie is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for sequences of intense action, violence and language. From a dad's perspective though despite the MPAA rating, there really isn't content in the film that should preclude the average superhero movie loving elementary school aged kid from seeing it along with a parent. There isn't any nudity or sexual content, gory violence or troubling cursing that raised warning flags for this geek dad; but the film does address death both through sickness and warfare that parents will want to make sure a child is mature enough to emotionally handle.

Our screening at a local MJR Theatre had one of the most diverse audiences in regard to both age and ethnicity that I've ever shared a movie watching experience with. There was an electricity in the room for the enthusiasm for the show to begin where for this moment in time everyone was the same -- a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The vibe only got more pumped up as we were treated to a special performance of musical artists playing African drums before the action started on the silver screen. I was geeked to be in attendance at this screening of BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER.

Some impressive pre-movie entertainment in the theater at the Detroit advance screening of @theblackpanther #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/FaU6gNxyOn

— A Geek Daddy (@GeekDad248) November 10, 2022

There has been a lot of buzz about how will the Black Panther franchise go on without the charismatic Chadwick Boseman which has been amplified by the secrecy of Wakanda Forever's plot by Marvel Studios. I have to admit there is a noticeable void in the movie without Boseman that in my humble opinion no other Wakanda character suitably fills. Ironically, despite the title WAKANDA FOREVER, it is Tenoch Huerta who plays the film's nemesis Namor, the leader of a lost tribe of Mayans who escaped Spanish Conquistadors by becoming water-breathing undersea inhabitants, that counters Boseman's absence the most. These Talokens are similar to the Wakandans in the first Black Panther movie as they have stayed hidden for generations from the rest of the world and have access to their own supply of the super rare ore vibranium.

I have to admit finding myself rooting for the Taloken "bad guys" based upon the genocide their ancestors fled from and the environmentally ravaging, militaristic behavior of the societies that dominate the mainland now which Namor's people observe from afar. So obviously, Namor's people feel threatened when surface dwellers start exploring their underwater domain with a new high-tech device that can scan for and detect vibranium for the first time. How this devolves into a deadly conflict with the Talokens and Wakandans though felt a bit forced and contrived but makes for some great action scenes in the film.

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANADA FOREVER shows how cancer and diseases can be as dangerous to overcome as aliens, monsters and superhuman villains. How even King T'Challa, the ruler of the most technologically advanced society on Earth and heroic Black Panther, couldn't defeat an illness. A theme that should be relatable to all of us in today's COVID pandemic era. Yet life moves on!

This film is more about saying good-bye to Chadwick Boseman and introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is more about being a bridge to future Marvel Studios movies than being its own Black Panther adventure despite the film's title. For fans invested in Marvel's cinematic universe the movie is packed with information that builds upon canon and is interesting drama but those just looking for a popcorn munching superhero romp may be disappointed. 

Overall, I enjoyed the movie and it earns a Geek Daddy nod of approval from my being more satisfied than disappointed by it. While I'm glad I saw Wakanda Forever though compared to the original Black Panther that I've liked enough to watch numerous times this one for me is probably a one and done for me. Heads up too if you see this movie don't leave early you absolutely want to watch every minute of it plus the mid-credit scene too for the real future of the Black Panther to be revealed to you.

If you head out to the movie theater to see BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER share your thoughts about the movie with me by tweeting to @Geekdad248. This movie geek always enjoys hearing from you!

MARVEL UNITED WELCOME TO WAKANDA

Welcome to Wakanda! We had a marvelous game night playing the RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER expansion to Marvel United.  Marvel United allows players to role play as their favorite superheroes attempting to stop a villain's evil master plan. Combing strategic elements from both board and card games, Marvel United provides a fantastic tabletop gaming experience.

What I particularly appreciate about Marvel United is that the rules are simple enough for kids to join in to play with parents for a family game night, but it is challenging enough that adults can have as much fun as their children in playing it. Plus, it is a cooperative game, so all the players work together instead of competing against each other trying to win. So, you are all on the same team going for a joint win in Marvel United.

Our most recent bout in Marvel United took us to Wakanda with the RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER expansion that I picked up by investing in a CMON / Spin Master Games Kickstarter campaign. Our team consisted of my son who took on the role of Black Panther, my daughter who played as Princess Shuri and myself who joined the team as Okoye, captain of the Dora Milaje Wakandan royal guard. I painted up our game pieces and we were ready to go to Wakanda. Let the battle begin!

Despite its technological prowess and wealth, the kingdom of Wakanda finds itself embroiled in a struggle for its throne. Erik Killmonger has taken an oath of vengeance against the royal bloodline for the killing of his father and has a master plan to take control of Wakanda as its new ruler. To that end Killmonger seeks to radicalize the population against their king, smuggling weapons and mercenaries into the country in preparation for an uprising that would place him on the throne. Can Black Panther, Shuri, and Okoye stop Killmonger's master plan?

Our heroes are defeated if Killmonger earns three crisis tokens being placed on four or more locations on the game board. Crisis tokens are earned when villain cards pulled result in more thugs or civilians being placed on a location than available slots. Also, the heroes lose if they or the Killmonger expend all of their action cards before the villain's health points are depleted. 

The heroes win if they deplete Killmonger of all his health points. They just can't attack the villain right away though. Before attacking the villain directly, players must first complete two of three task cards by rescuing civilians, defeating thugs or clearing threats. Keep in mind Killmonger can knock out our characters and earn crisis tokens from the start of the game but until we complete a few tasks the villain has an advantage on us.

Killmonger also has another bit of an edge on our heroes in an aspect that is unique to the RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER Marvel United expansion. During setup, each player is given an endangered location token. Each hero selects a different location on the board to place their token. If the villain's actions result in there being more civilian or thug tokens on a location then there are allocated spaces, a hero who has his or her endangered location takes 1 damage each turn until the overflow is reversed. Heroes need to protect these endangered locations or risk being KO'd.

The advantages of the villain though are the heroes can strategize and work together to win the game. From cooperating to achieve objectives or passing on action tokens from one turn to another for other players to utilize, teamwork is very important when it comes to winning in Marvel United. We've found it really takes a united effort to be competitive in Marvel United.

Black Panther, Shuri and Okoye held their own in our game, but Killmonger was able to keep filling locations with thugs that kept us off kilter and unable to achieve completing the two tasks needed to engage him one on one. Killmonger was able to KO Black Panther, Shuri and Okoye as our being aggressive to complete tasks opened our heroes up to taking damage. Knock outs can really throw you off your game plan and we never really recovered from those setbacks. 

In the end Killmonger outlasted us and achieved his master plan to become ruler of Wakanda. While he didn't win by accomplishing his villainous plot, our team of heroes exhausted all our action cards without eliminating all of Killmonger's health points. Doah! 

While we weren't victorious this game of Marvel United, the kids and I had a blast having a super time battling Killmonger. We are geeked about having a rematch! And actually since my kids look forward to game nights playing Marvel United in the end we actually do win every time we spend quality family time together. Wakanda Forever! 

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BLACK PANTHER MOVIE NIGHT AT KENSINGTON METROPARK

A Detroit area Metropark is hosting a super family movie night on Saturday, August 11, 2018.  Kensington Metro Park, located along Interstate 96 near the convergence of Oakland, Livingston and Wayne counties will be showing this year's blockbuster superhero movie hit BLACK PANTER on a big outdoor screen at dusk.  The movie is FREE to see with admission to the park with a daily vehicle pass ($10) or annual entry permit ($35).

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Maple Beach to enjoy the show. Starting at 5pm there will be a DJ playing some tunes and  face painting. Followed by a SUPERHERO SHOW at 6pm with Panther Hero, Bat Hero, Spider Hero, American Hero and Warrior Hero costumed characters.  Afterward kids can meet and get pictures taken with them.  Plus you are encouraged to wear your own superhero costume to get into the spirit of the evening. BLACK PANTHER begins at 9pm.

Bring your own snacks to munch on or buy some from these food trucks: Bearclaw Coffee, Kona Ice, Bigalora Pizza, MI Burger Burger, and Mystic Kettle. These vendor will be there from 5pm through the movie.

For directions to Kensington Metropark, click here. Here's a pdf of the event flyer. For more information about the park, head over to metroparks.com

About the Movie:

After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T'Challa's mettle as king -- and as Black Panther -- gets tested when he's drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.

DETROIT FILM THEATER SCIFI SUMMER

The Detroit Institute of Arts film theater (DFT) is hosting a series of family friendly science fiction matinee movies throughout the summer of 2018 that are FREE to attend with paid admission to the art museum. Movies being shown include THE TIME MACHINE (1960), FORBIDDEN PLANET (1956), PLANET OF THE APES (1968) 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) & BLACK PANTHER (2018).  Each feature film will also be preceded by a chapter from the original FLASH GORDON serials of the 1930s.

The matinees will play daily at 3pm with rotating titles throughout the summer that explore the themes of Adventures and Quests, Space Travel, Alien Encounters, Other Dimensions, Creatures, and Robots.  Visit dia.org/dft for a full calendar of movies being shown and more information about the Detroit Film Theater's Sci Fi Summer event.

The DFT has posted a few disclaimers to their showing of these movies. First, that films of earlier eras reflect the values of the day including their portrayal of gender roles and lack of racial diversity. Showing them does not imply an endorsement of the portrayed social norms. Secondly, the theater does not condone war between planets, irresponsible time travel, or the destruction of Los Angeles by giant insects.

Remember, local Detroit area residents that those of you who live in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties get FREE admission to the DIA which means the only cost to view these movies for you is the price of parking (unless you live in Midtown than you can just walk or take the QLine to get there). So if you don't have anything going on during a summer afternoon escape the heat by watching a classic Sci Fi movie at the DFT.

MARVEL AVENGERS INFLATABLE PLUSH CHARACTERS

Fans of Marvel comic books and movies won't want to miss out on a GROUPON deal that is launching off the release of some great new Avengers: Infinity War super sized plush characters from DGL Toys.  These toys can be easily blown up to 30" tall with an included pump yet have a nice plush feel to them making them comfy to hold.  Plus flat weighted feet make them able to stand if you don't want to hold onto them.

DGL Toys' 30" Marvel Avengers Inflatable Plush Characters are available for Black Panther, Groot, Hulk, Iron Man, and Spider-Man.  Get 20% off by purchasing them from GROUPON for a limited time!

Suitable for ages 3+ these unique plush toys are sure to delight kids as well as adults who adore Marvel superheroes.  True believers are sure to exclaim "Excelsior!" when they get their hands on one of these giant Marvel Avengers plush characters.  Looking over the GROUPON deal my son proclaimed Spider-Man was his favorite and my daughter let out an excited squeal over the Groot plush.  Which one is your favorite?  I have to say mine is Iron Man!

Just pull the toy out of its box and spend a few minutes watching it grow as you enlarge the inflatable bladder within it using the included hand pump.  Then have a blast reenacting some of your favorite Marvel Avengers adventures.  When playtime is over deflate the toy for easy storage until it is ready to be played with again.

Don't miss out on this GROUPON deal for 30" Marvel Avengers Inflatable Plush Characters from DGL Toys.  These are brand new toys coming out just in time for the release of Marvel Studios' Avengers: Infinity War movie.  Be one of the first people to get your hands on these super toys!

Black Panther Marvel Sixth Scale Figures

Marvel's BLACK PANTHER has been a true blockbuster at the movie theater and now Hot Toys is producing some really wild sixth scale action figures of both the super hero and his nemesis in the film.  These sixth scale collectible figures are impressive! They are sure to provide children lucky enough to get their hand on them the neighborhood bragging rights for having the coolest toy on the block and are also fun for adults to own because they look great for decorating a bedroom, den, game room or office.  Hot Toys' Marvel BLACK PANTHER sixth scale figures are limited edition so once they're sold out you've missed your chance to own one therefore don't hesitate to get your order in to Sideshow Collectibles.

If you make a purchase through one of our links A Geek Daddy receives a small commission on the sale to help with our website and social media account expenses at no additional cost to you:

Black Panther

This figure representing Wakanda's king T'Challa a.k.a. the Black Panther from the Marvel Studios movie has a stunning incredibly detailed head sculpt portraying Chadwick Boseman, the actor who played the role in the film.  Marvel Black Panther Marvel Sixth Scale Figure also includes a switchable masked head which has two interchangeable eye pieces (masked/unmasked) to provide different looks for the figure.  Plus the figure's body wearing a movie accurate Black Panther costume is super posable with 32 points of articulation.

This costume really stands out with some incredible special effects that glow when exposed to specialized LED lighting.  Amazing purple patterns show up highlighting the Marvel Black Panther Marvel Sixth Scale Figure outfit that looks amazing.  The figure comes with a LED lighted backdrop and stand to bring out these eye-catching reflective patterns.

 Also included are seven interchangeable hands to allow for different poses and a spear.  The two interchangeable heads are hand painted to ensure quality.  Plus the Black Panther outfit is meticulously tailored.  Hot Toys has put a lot of attention to detail in creating an accurate sixth scale reproduction of what the character actually looked like within the scenes of Marvel Studios' BLACK PANTHER.

Killmonger

In the movie, T'Challa's claim to the throne is challenged by his long-lost cousin the vicious Erik Killmonger.  This figure also is dressed in a movie accurate Golden Jaguar outfit and features interchangeable heads that show it masked as well as unmasked with the face of the actor, Michael B. Jordan, who played Killmonger in the film.  Marvel Erik Killmonger Marvel Sixth Scale Figure also has 32 points of articulation as well as eight different hands to mix and match for posing.

Unlike the Black Panther, Marvel Erik Killmonger Marvel Sixth Scale Figure outfit does not include the special glow effects though it does come with a backdrop and figure stand without LED lighting.  The costume is still very detailed with golden accents and includes recreations of Erik Killmonger's weapons, a sword and spear.

Concept Art

Also check out this limited edition art print created by Marvel Studios Head of Visual Development, Ryan Meinerding that is actually very reasonable priced for a collectible piece like this.  Each print is hand-signed by Meinerding and it is a very attractive poster that would look great on display.  If you are a fan of the BLACK PANTHER this really is a great piece of artwork to pick up.

The Marvel Black Panther Marvel Art Print created as concept art during the movie's preproduction efforts to visualize the film's story captures the majesty and energy of Black Panther, the sworn protector of Wakanda.  Set against the futuristic sci-fi inspired Wakandan skyline, this artwork features king T'Challa alongside his heroic Black Panther persona, highlighted in regal shades of purple.  His elite bodyguards, Okoye and Nakia of the Dora Milaje hold their weapons high while the villainous Erik Killmonger stands menacingly in the foreground.

Marvel Black Panther Slammer Plush

My kids were really impressed by the Black Panther's appearance in Marvel Studios' CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR and have been excited that the character is being featured in his own movie.  They're not alone in enthusiastically anticipating the theatrical release of BLACK PANTHER on February 16, 2018 as the film is setting records in advance ticket sales for a comic book themed movie.  Helping to build my son and daughter's excitement for the movie, JUST PLAY sent them some BLACK PANTHER toys they've been having fun playing with while waiting for the movie to arrive at theaters.

Just Play's Marvel Slammers Plush toys are great for pretending to have your own action-packed adventures with characters from Marvel Studios' BLACK PANTHER.  Both the movie's hero, Black Panther, and his adversary, Killmonger, are available as plush figures made from deluxe fabrics.  You can find both of these Slammers Plush at Toys R Us!

These toys from Just Play are called Slammers because when you slam or squeeze them the plushes talk.  These Slammers Plush add extra fun to playing with them by exclaiming phrases from the movie!  Their sound effects combined with the soft-to-touch plush bodies of these collectible toys have provided my kids with a lot of enjoyment.  Just Play Marvel Black Panther Slammers Plush are great not just for playing but also for decoratively displaying.



Black Panther and Killmonger are each sold separately.  Recommended for ages 3+ they are powered by 3 x AG13 batteries that are included sewn within each plush toy.  Other Slammers Plush representing characters from Marvel Studios' cinematic universe include Ant-Man, Captain America, Ironman, Spider-Man, and four members of Guardians of the Galaxy (Groot, Rocket, Gamora & Starlord).  These really are fun toys that are sure to thrill any fan of a Marvel's comic book themed movies whether they may be an adult or a child.

Following the death of his father in the movie CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, T'Challa returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take on both the role of king and the land's protector as the Black Panther.  But when powerful enemies appear within the BLACK PANTHER film, T'Challa's mettle as king and super hero is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that put the fate of both Wakanda and the entire world at risk.  Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes, ensure his people's safety and preserve his claim to the throne.

Trying to usurp T'Challa as king in BLACK PANTHER is a character named Erik Killmonger.  While just a boy his family was exiled from Wakanda by T'Challa's father.  Now that boy is a man and with the death of the king who exiled his family, Killmonger has revenge on his mind wanting to challenge T'Challa for the throne of the African nation they both consider home.  Years as an American black-ops soldier and mercenary make Killmonger a formidable foe.  With his knowledge of Wakanda and equipped with both deadly tactical skills and his own Black Panther style fighting suit, Killmonger presents a very dangerous challenge for T'Challa to overcome.

Courtesy of Marvel Studios here are some fun facts about BLACK PANTHER:

• Marvel’s Black Panther character made his debut in the comic book world in “Fantastic Four Vol. 1” Issue 52, published in 1966.
• It was decided that Xhosa, one of the official languages of South Africa, would be the language of Wakanda. A precedent had been set in Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Civil War,” when celebrated South African actor John Kani, who portrayed King T’Chaka, used his native accent. Chadwick Boseman, who plays T’Challa/Black Panther, picked it up from him as well.
• The cast and stunt team practiced with African drums played by musician Jabari Exum so that their movements would have a musical quality found in many African-based martial arts.
• The cast actually did the bulk of the fight work that will be seen on film. Chadwick Boseman, whose skill set includes a comprehensive martial arts background, knew what he was in for when he and all the other actors had to attend a “boot camp” to prepare them for the physical aspects of their roles.
• Michael B. Jordan, who plays Erik Killmonger, spent about two and a half hours in the special effects makeup chair every day, while makeup designer Joel Harlow and three other makeup artists applied close to 90 individually sculpted silicone molds to his upper body. This “scarification” application process entails transferring each mold and then blending and painting them to match Jordan’s skin tone. Each of Killmonger’s scars represents a “notch” of his kills over the years.
• Young Zuri is played by Denzel Whitaker. While he shares the same last name with Forest Whitaker, who plays the older Zuri, they are not related. However, they did play father and son in Denzel Washington’s “The Great Debaters.”
• The majority of the Wakanda sets were constructed on sound stages at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta, including the Tribal Council; the Wakandan Design Group, Shuri’s hive of research and development of the vibranium rich country; the ancient subterranean Hall of Kings; and most notably Warrior Falls, the ceremonial heart of Wakanda’s revered traditions. 

BLACK PANTHER is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America based upon prolonged sequences of action violence and a brief rude gesture.  For more information about the movie visit marvel.com/blackpanther.  To learn more about Just Play's collection of Marvel toys head over to justplayproducts.com

BLACK PANTHER PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY

BLACK PANTHER, the next movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has been setting records for advance ticket sales is almost here!  To share A Geek Daddy's anticipation for this upcoming comic book themed movie, I've teamed up with a group of bloggers to host a super giveaway. Who wants to win a BLACK PANTHER themed prize pack worth more almost $200 from The Hopping Bloggers?!

Black Panther Prize Pack Includes:

• Black Panther Mug
• Black Panther Funko Pop
• Black Panther Comic Prelude
• LEGO Superheroes Royal Talon Fighter Attack Building Kit
• Black Panther Keychain
• Killmonger Funko Pop
• Marvel Legends Series - Nakia
• Loungefly Black Panther Wallet
• Black Panther Chair Cape
• Black Panther Plush
• Shuri Funko Pop
• Little Golden Black Panther Book

Products subject to change based upon availability

About BLACK PANTHER

After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T'Challa's mettle as king - and as Black Panther - gets tested when he's drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.

See BLACK PANTHER in Theaters 2/16!

Enter to win this Black Panther Prize Pack using the form below. GOOD LUCK!

Entry-Form

Captain America: Civil War sets a new benchmark for comic book inspired films

If you didn't make it out to the movie theater to see CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR during its opening weekend make sure to see it while you can can on the big screen because it is definitely worth the price of admission.  The brother duo of Anthony and Joe Russo teamed up to co-direct this newest addition to Disney's Marvel super hero inspired film universe which does a stellar job of making the movie's audience feel as if they've actually been immersed into the pages of a comic book as they watch it.  This film is full of epic scenes which are amazing to see on the silver screen and demonstrates that while most motion pictures are easily available within a few months of their theatrical release to watch on dvd or via digital download going to the movies can still be a great experience that can't always be replicated on a television or mobile device screen.

This movie has it all ... a dynamic script that provides a serious dramatic tone to the film, action scenes that are sure to entertain you, special effects that provide a wow factor, plus humorous moments and one liners that cause the whole theater to erupt with laughter.  Captain America: Civil War does a nice job of making its cast of larger than life super hero characters relatable to viewers with its plot themes of loss, fear and revenge and great visual elements that absorb you into their story.  With such a large cast of prominent Marvel super heroes featured in this film, it was a nice spin on things that a lesser known character such as Ant-Man becomes the biggest hero of them all. I really enjoyed the Ant-Man solo movie and am looking forward to its sequel even more after seeing the great role  Scott Lang played in Civil War.  While Captain America and Iron Man are without a doubt the two main characters of the film, the directors really did a nice job of finding screen time and a role in the plot for everyone.

Two new heroes, Spider-Man and Black Panther, are added to the film franchise in Captain America:  Civil War and they really are provided impressive introductions that do their comic book characters justice in how they are portrayed and exceeded the expectations I had going into the movie.  I am looking forward to seeing the upcoming Black Panther solo movie after seeing Chadwick Boseman's performance as T'Challa the ruler of Wakanda in Civil War, while prior to seeing Captain America it wasn't of that much particular interest to me.  Tom Holland does a nice job of portraying the wise-cracking, teen age side of Spider-Man from the comic books that hasn't been highlighted as much in previous film versions of the character while his Aunt May goes in another direction not being a grey haired elderly lady in this new take on Peter Parker's adventures.

While the first two Avengers movies were great when it came to action scenes, special effects, and comedic scenes, Captain America: Civil War creates a new benchmark for the quality of a comic book inspired movie by incorporating a nice script with a plot that adds a sense of drama to the movie while also including all the elements that have made the Avengers movies incredibly enjoyable to watch.  Yes there are some plot flaws and other aspects of the film that make it far from perfect but this is an action movie not a documentary and it fulfills its mission of transporting its audience away from the reality of their own lives and entertaining them within one filled with super heroes that awe and amaze.  The tension between Captain America and Iron Man's feud leaves you on the edge of your seat while Ant-Man and Spider-Man provide comic relief that breaks the tension of the serious elements of the movie's plot.  The CGI effects continue to be very well done with one particular scene standing out in which a 20-year old Robert Downey Jr. appears on screen alongside his modern day self.  Watching theses special effects it really appears as if Iron Man is flying through the sky or Vision is walking through someone which is a big part of what makes watching these takes on Marvel's comic books so fun. Heading to see this movie, I had reservations about whether this movie could continue the momentum of the last two Avengers movies and was pleasantly surprised to leave the theater considering this my favorite film in the Marvel cinematic universe yet.

Captain America: Civil War follows the aftermath of the incidents in Avengers: Age of Ultron where the European nation of Sokovia was devastated with death and destruction by the conflict that occurred in that film.  Combined with the civilian death toll from incidents involving the Avengers in the original Avengers movie and in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the world has become afraid of this team of super powered individuals led by Steve Rogers (Captain America).  The countries of the world come together to sign a treaty called the Sokovia Accords which would have the United Nations oversee and direct the team.  The new status quo fractures the Avengers resulting in two camps, one led by Captain America and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference and the other following Tony Stark's decision to support government oversight and accountability.

This movie absolutely did not "stank" and you'll want to keep an eye out for comic book publishing icon Stan Lee's appearance in this film which is one of his best movie cameos yet.  Also stick around after the movie ends for a special post-credit teaser for the upcoming Spider-Man movie.  Captain America: Civil War gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval because I frankly thoroughly enjoyed the movie theater viewing experience and am looking forward to adding it to my home video library when it arrives on blu-ray and dvd later this year.  This is one of those movies though you really should make an effort to see on the big screen to enjoy the expansive battle scenes as you won't regret going to the theater to see it.

For more information about the movie, visit Marvel.com/CaptainAmerica

A Geek Daddy was invited to a free screening of this movie by Walt Disney Studios.  Opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own.