The hyperbolic praise was a bit vague on details, thanks to a review embargo that won't lift for a few days. But what those in attendance could share should certainly entice fans to line up on opening weekend (which is already predicted to be huge, by the way, thanks to massive advance ticket sales numbers and some pretty exceptional early box office tracking estimates).
Words like "iconic," "exceptional," "astonishing," and "beautiful" were tossed around, and most critics were on the same page with declarations that the film was "unlike anything Marvel has ever done" and "will change the landscape of superhero movies forever." And then there was a very simple, very awesome (and very NSFW) rave from Laurence Fishburne, who reportedly said to himself throughout the screening, "Oh, Sh*t. Oh, SH*T."
Check out some of the highlights below.
I've been to Wakanda, and I may never recover. I am so grateful that our young people will see this film and their minds will be transformed. Congratulations #RyanCoogler —you did that! #blackpantherpremiere #blackpanther
— Vanessa K. De Luca (@Vanessa_KDeLuca) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is almost inexpressibly beautiful; it is topical and a truly special moviegoing experience! This is the MCU on a whole other level! Thank you, Ryan Coogler. I am truly MOVED! pic.twitter.com/oIdmWjr40f
— Angelique Jackson (@angelique814) January 30, 2018
WOW. Black Panther will change the landscape of superhero movies forever. Expect and demand more from Hollywood. The stories its denied us for so long don't just *deserve* to be told — they will save blockbusters from total irrelevance and creative bankruptcy.
— Jess Joho (@liongirl528) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is simply awesome. Extremely bold and as touching as it is thrilling, it boasts GOT-style intrigue, crazy innovative action and a deep bench of memorable characters. Top 5 all-time Marvel movie, easy. More later. pic.twitter.com/mmz8Nuf1sy
— Brian Truitt (@briantruitt) January 30, 2018
Stunning visuals. Iconic performances. And A REAL FREAKING STORY about a wealthy nation confronting its role in the world. Black Panther has the goods. Also there's a post-credits scene. Here's the premiere crowd racing back to watch it. pic.twitter.com/EiS7z9xbA7
— Rebecca Keegan (@ThatRebecca) January 30, 2018
BLACK PANTHER is just astonishing. Ryan Coogler has harnessed the superhero movie — and a really fun one! — to explore profound ideas and create vivid images of black excellence that so rarely ever make it to a giant Hollywood movie. Wow wow wow!
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is so kick ass. The female characters in it are amazing. Both physical forces and intellectual badasses. Yes!
— Rebecca Ford (@Beccamford) January 30, 2018
BLACK PANTHER is incredible, kinetic, purposeful. A superhero movie about why representation & identity matters, and how tragic it is when those things are denied to people. The 1st MCU movie about something real; Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger had me weeping and he's the VILLAIN
— jen yamato (@jenyamato) January 30, 2018
#BlackPanther is exceptional - the James Bond of the MCU. You've seen nothing like this in a superhero movie - it's bold, beautiful & intense, but there's a depth & spiritualness that is unlike anything Marvel has ever done. It's 100% African & it is dope af. pic.twitter.com/Z77IjnIjf2
— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) January 30, 2018
I like rarely weigh in on movies. But, I loved Black Panther. And the guy sitting next to me — Laurence Fishburne — kept saying "Oh, Shit. Oh, SHIT." Now that's a review. https://t.co/Q5f8VSSPeD
— Joe Bel Bruno (@JoeBelBruno) January 30, 2018
"Black Panther," starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, hits theaters on February 16.
[via: Twitter Moments, USA Today]