Rise of the Panther
Synopsis & Review by Desperado00. Thanks!
T'Chaka, king of Wakanda, introduces his son and heir to his throne, T'Challa, to his people. T'Challa quietly informs his father that the elders of their tribe do not appear to be very happy with either of them, but T'Chaka is not concerned. The ceremony is interrupted as Chitauri bring down sentries outside the city. T'Chaka runs off and turns into his secret identity, the Black Panther. He begins fighting the Chitauri, the claws on his uniform surprisingly able to penetrate their armor. As Black Panther dispatches the last of the Chitauri soldiers, Captain America's old enemy, Kleiser, sneaks up from behind and stabs Black Panther through his stomach. T'Challa, having followed his father, witnesses the attack, and cries out to his father. Kleiser laughs, walking over to the young prince, threatening him, until Black Panther changes into more of a panther than a man, and attacks Kleiser from behind. The two tumble off the edge of the cliff, falling to the river below. T'Challa runs over and looks over the cliff, only to see Kleiser get up and walk off, while his father lays motionless on a rock in the river.
The royal funeral procession carries the body of T'Chaka to his final resting place, underneath a huge statue of himself. The tribal elders and a woman, apparently the royal bodyguard, give T'Challa his new title as king of Wakanda, with all of the responsibilities and privileges that go along with the title, including access to the panther spirit, which gives the Black Panther his abilities. The woman escorts T'Challa to the Black Panther's secret lair, where he finds a large bank of computer systems from the modern world, as well as the Black Panther costume inside, as well as many news clippings showing Captain America fighting Heir Kleiser.
Captain America defends three tied-up scientists as a band of terrorists attack them. He is clearly outnumbered, but he fights on determinedly, using is shield to divert the path of a missile fired at them, as well as open a pipe above the terrorists, leaving them in a fog. As he fights, he keeps imagining himself fighting against Kleiser, apparently memories from an old fight before he was frozen. He retrieves his shield and fights the terrorists man-to-man, then tossing his shield straight through their van, sending it crashing into a vat of acid. As the van melts down, other S.H.I.E.L.D. forces arrive to help clean up the mess, led by Black Widow.
Black Widow berates Cap for doing this again, explaining that she understands what he's going through, but if he doesn't back down, this life will kill him. Cap indicates that would be fine with him, and walks away, onto a waiting jet, which takes off leaving Black Widow to finish the job.
Back at base, Cap walks out of his room, past where Widow and Fury sit waiting on him. Fury asks if Cap is now a one-man army. Widow explains that Cap left her no choice, but Cap says he's only doing his job. Fury tells him that this will lead him to his death, but Cap dismisses them, telling them that he's scheduled for a drug bust with Bravo team. Fury tells him that his involvement in the bust has been canceled, and that he needs rest. Cap says that being a supersoldier means he doesn't need any rest, but Fury won't have any of it. Widow says that Cap is afraid of peace, because that means he could have a normal life, and he doesn't want to lose it again. Fury tells him it's time to start letting go and living his life again. Cap agrees, and walks off. Widow reminds Fury that Cap never listens, and Fury says that if he doesn't, he'll be locked up with Banner.
In his cell, Banner is forced to watch what he did as the Hulk the last time he changed, as the psychiatrist continually needles him, asking why he turned into the Hulk instead of trying to control it. Banner tries to explain that he only wanted to help, but the psychiatrist continues to keep on him, irritating him more and more, reminding him that he turned on the Avengers when they came to assist. Banner asks if the psychiatrist wanted this job, reminding him that Banner kicked off the SSP team the year before. The psychiatrist dismisses the idea, saying that Banner attacks others, not him. Banner pounds on the glass, demanding to see Betty Ross, but the psychiatrist instructs the lab assistants to hit him with the sedative. Banner relaxes, and sits back in front of the monitor, watching as the Hulk fights against the Avengers once again.
Alone in his room, Cap dreams of the last few moments before he was frozen, then of the events since he woke up. He is clearly upset over being the last of his squadron left. However, his dreams are interrupted by someone in his room. He jumps out off bed, and knocks the man through the window, down the side of the building. Cap jumps out after him, skillfully sliding down the sloped side of the building, preparing to attack the man in the black suit. The man crashes into a dumpster, and gets up just as Cap attacks him, asking who he is. Fury intervenes, introducing the man as the Black Panther, King of Wakanda, telling his men to stand down. Black Panther removes his mask, and Fury is surprised, asking where T'Chaka is. T'Challa explains that he is now King of Wakanda, and that he has sought out Captain America so that he can learn how to defeat Kleiser. Cap says that he doesn't know, since he's killed Kleiser twice now, but he keeps coming back. Fury insists that Wakanda must open its borders and seek help from the Avengers, but T'Challa says that he can't allow that. Since Cap can't give him any information on how to defeat Kleiser, T'Challa leaves. Fury orders that the Avengers be assembled just the same.
In San Francisco, Hank and Janet Pym are doing everything they can to make Hank grow as large as he can, but his body simply will not support growing anything over 60 feet. Janet and the lab tech start bringing him back down, causing Hank to yell at them for blowing two months of work. Janet says that it's not worth his life, and Hank tells her that it's his risk, but she tells him that it's only his ego, nothing else. Janet insists that they start working on shrinking him again, so that should he have to really shrink for a mission, it won't tear him up inside. Hank refuses, saying he won't go back to being a two-inch superhero again. Hank storms out, hitting his head on the wall because he's too large. Fury calls Janet, letting her know it's time to regroup.
On a snowy mountain, Tony Stark walks along with his managers reluctantly in tow. He conducts a business call, while the others are struggling just to move. He tells them to go ahead and take a break while he moves a little further on to change the power cell on his heart monitor in privacy. Just as he finishes changing the power cell, he receives a call from his assistant, telling him that Fury has requested him. He says he will be there when he can, and then informs his managers that it's time to go back down.
Thor meditates, and receives a vision, showing him all of the Avengers as nothing but superhero-clad skeletons.
Back at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Betty Ross and other scientists study the remains of the Chitauri ship, realizing that some of the vibranium hull has become very brittle, but none of them can explain why. Outside, a jet lands, and Betty goes to greet Janet. She asks how things are going, and Janet says that she and Hank are working things out, though Hank's demeanor suggests otherwise, and the three head in, but not before being greeted by Iron Man, who does all he can to get a positive reaction from the ladies. They decline, even though he asks for a hug. Hank walks past, and receives a similar offer, and tells Stark to shut up. They all board the tram and go inside.
In his cell, Banner sits and watches the screen, surprised when Betty comes to see him. He tells Betty that Fury is bringing him up on charges, and Betty says that she's been called as a witness. Banner says he doesn't understand why, since he helped get rid of the aliens, but she corrects him saying that they're still here. She tries to walk away, but he begs for information, telling her he needs something to think about other than his guilt, and she tells him about the brittle vibranium, giving him something to puzzle over, and walks away.
In the briefing room, the Avengers all privately deal with their own problems, until Fury starts the briefing, explaining about the return of Kleiser, and that they have to travel to Wakanda in order to find out what's going on. As Fury speaks, he notices Cap getting angrier and angrier looking at the 3D hologram of Kleiser, and shuts it off, bringing Cap back to his senses. Before they leave, Fury informs Cap that Black Widow will be in charge of this mission, as he seems to have more emotional investment in this matter than will allow him to command effectively. Hank chides him for being demoted. Deep in Wakanda, Kleiser informs his superiors that all is set for their invasion.
T'Challa remembers the day his father sent him to the outside world to get his education. T'Challa protested at first because the elders did not like the idea, but T'Chaka persisted, telling him that a good king must embrace the outside world and help their people enter it as equals, not as backwards tribesmen.
The Avengers' jet approaches Wakanda in stealth, and lands. Black Widow orders the Avengers to spread out and report what they find. Iron Man asks Cap if he would actually sacrifice himself as he had before, and Cap says that he would do whatever it takes to get the job done. Iron Man explains that he respects that, but it's not for him. Cap chuckles, telling him that you'd be amazed at what you can do when you have to. Cap remembers and earlier fight with Kleiser, when he'd killed all of his team, and Cap fought him hard, thinking he'd killed him, though he now realized he hadn't actually achieved his goal. Cap is brought out of it when Black Panther approaches him, warning them all to leave. Cap refuses, explaining that they're both after the same thing, and that he's there to help. Black Panther relents, saying that only Cap can join him, but everyone else must go back to their jet.
Panther secretly brings Cap into the kingdom, and shows him what they have achieved in their solitude, and explains to him that they have isolated themselves after having fought the Chitauri. He shows him the Chitauri ship they shot down in WWII, and explains that under their kingdom is a large deposit of vibranium, which they use to create weapons, and that all of their kingdom's electricity is supplied by the ship. The are interrupted by T'Challa's bodyguard, who is there to tell him about the intruders, only to discover and intruder with her king. She then runs off, and the two of them head out to bring and end to the conflict.
As hard as they try to avoid being detected, it is not long before the Wakandan sentries are attacking the Avengers. Most of them come out alright, but Hank has been hit with many poisoned spears, and finally Black Panther steps in and calls his people off, offering to cure Hank, so long as the Avengers promise to leave.
As the Avengers board their jet, Black Widow informs Fury of the situation. Fury orders them all back, and then asks his communications offer if there has been any word from Thor. The officer says that there hasn't, but Fury tells him to keep trying.
Thor goes to consult his father, Odin, about what this vision means. Odin informs him that it is none of his concern, than he is to return to Asgard because Midgard has forsaken the Gods. Thor refuses, and leaves to rejoin the Avengers.
At S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Betty shows Fury a cube of vibranium they found in the center of the Chitauri ships, which is denser than any other vibranium they've found before, and is able to absorb a large amount of energy, apparently the power source for the ships. When she tries to tap into its energy, it melts all of the equipment there. Fury asks if it is related to the brittle vibranium on the ship. Betty denies this, but says that it all seems to be concentrated in one general area on the ship.
In his cell, Banner continues to watch the video of the Hulk fighting the Avengers, and starts screaming for them to bring Betty, and that he's discovered the answer to the weakened vibranium. The psychiatrist unleashes a bit too much sedative into the cell, and Banner slumps back languidly into his chair.
Onboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, Cap sees a Chitauri soldier on the ground. Widow tells him there's nothing they can do since they've been ordered back to base, but Cap disobeys, and takes the jet down. In the Helicarrier, Widow tells them all what has happened. Hank says they should leave him, causing him and Janet to get into yet another argument. Finally, Janet says she's done with Hank's ego and everything else, and walks away from him. Hank yells that he's fine with that, and walks away as well. Widow offers Janet her gun, and Janet warns Widow not to tempt her. In Wakanda, the elders berate T'Challa for bringing outsiders there. He tries to defend himself, saying that they were trying to help, but they will hear none of it. The strip him of his title, and announce that they will lead Wakanda. They leave him alone, even his bodyguard abandons him. T'Challa puts on his Black Panther costume, and leaves, only to see Cap's jet returning.
When Cap lands, he is greeted by Black Panther, who has captured the Chitauri Cap saw. Cap says that he will take him back to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters and get what information he can from him. Black Panther agrees, but insists on going with them.
Back at S.H.I.E.L.D., Thor arrives, blowing out some of the electronics, and informing them that the Chitauri mothership is approaching the earth. As they scan the skies and find the mothership, Thor once again sees the vision of death.
Onboard the Helicarrier, Cap returns with Panther and the Chitauri. Widow berates him for bringing that thing on board and endangering them all. Panther agrees with him, turning into Kleiser, and the two Chitauri begin attacking them, wounding Janet. Kleiser and the soldier escape the ship, and give the mothership firing coordinates. The Chitauri mothership fires a bolt of energy into the Helicarrier, however a bolt of energy protects the Avengers, and Thor teleports them all back to headquarters. After they return, Hank takes Janet to the medical bay, while Iron Man returns to his home base to remove his damaged suit and find another.
As the Avengers scatter, a computer operator informs Fury that the mothership is still in orbit, and releasing a covering around the atmosphere of the entire planet that will envelope the earth within minutes.
Back at Stark Enterprises, Jarvis enters the room as Tony finishes removing the remnants of his battered suit. He comments that this is the end of that particular suit, and Jarvis asks if he should prepare a memorial. Tony jokes that it was his favorite suit, but Jarvis reminds him that they were all his favorites at one time. They then set about finding the next face for Iron Man. Jarvis suggests the Tailwind model, but Tony says he would prefer the War Machine model because he likes the guns on it.
Betty tries to get Banner's attention, but he seems completely out of it. As she tries to leave, he announces that he's found the answer, showing her a spot in the tape where he pounds on the hull of the Chitauri ship, causing it to flash. He says that it's the gamma radiation he emits that must weaken the hull. Bruce tells her that there is a gamma emitter in his office, and that she needs to let him out. She says that only Fury has the release code, and that he doesn't trust Banner. Bruce goes back to watching the tape, as Betty goes off to perform the tests to prove the theory.
Hank kneels by Janet's bed as she lays in a coma, promising her that he'll change himself for her and become the man she wants him to be. Cap comes by to apologize, but Hank makes it clear that he won't hear any of it, and tells Cap to leave before he throws him out.
All across the world, the membrane continues to expand, and begins releasing Chitauri soldiers, especially in Wakanda, where they begin attacking in an attempt to get to the vibranium reserves beneath the kingdom. Wakanda, however, is not the primitive tribal kingdom it appears to be, as it reveals giant missile launchers and begins firing at the invaders, hitting them hard with vibranium shells. The soldiers throw their vibranium-tipped spears at the invaders, and make it clear that they won't go down without a fight, but there are far too many Chitauri, and it is clear that they will overwhelm the humans sooner or later. The elders tell T'Challa that they will never need the help of outsiders, but T'Challa disagrees, and walks out on the elders.
Back at headquarters, T'Challa requests the Avengers' assistance, and tells them about the vibranium beneath his land.
Outside, the battle continues to rage, with more Chitauri weapons and soldiers attacking all the time. A downed Chitauri ship opens the side of the kingdom, revealing the older ship inside. Kleiser orders his men to take out the ship. They destroy it, and the entire city loses all of its power. Now, it is only a matter of time, since Wakanda's entire defense was powered by that ship.
Just when all seems lost, Thor teleports the Avengers to Wakanda. Black Panther, who had seen the jet destroyed, greets them, saying he thought they were dead. Cap says they aren't dead yet, and they begin fighting the Chitauri.
On the ground below, Kleiser sees both of his enemies together, and orders the attack.
The Avengers begin gaining ground against the Chitauri immediately. As Thor fights against the aliens, Odin scolds him from the air. Thor announces that he will not abandon humanity, and continues to fight. Giant-Man grows to match the Chitauri weapons, but is soon being beaten back, until Iron Man comes to his aid, hammering the Chitauri. Iron Man is knocked from the air, but Thor comes to his aid. Black Widow's vibranium bullets bring down many Chitauri. A Chitauri earthquake generating vehicle opens a wall in the Wakanda fortress, exposing the people inside to the attack of the soldiers, but Black Panther is there to protect his people, whether they will accept his leadership or not.
Kleiser and Cap begin their fight to the finish.
In New York, S.H.I.E.L.D. prepares for an attack from the Chitauri, which wakes Wasp. Betty tries the gamma gun on a piece of vibranium, which ends up as brittle as the earlier metal. She is amazed that it works, and runs off to take the weapon to the Avengers. Wasp takes out a Chitauri on her own, and meets up with Betty.
Chitauri enter Banner's cell, but soon realize they can't break through his cage. His psychiatrist tries to run, but they get him to release a lethal dose of sedative into Banner's chamber, after which they destroy him for his trouble. Betty and Wasp arrive just in time to destroy the Chitauri, but it's too late for Banner. He is gone. Wasp reminds Betty that they have to leave, and they flee for Wakanda.
Back in Wakanda, the Avengers continue to fight against the Chitauri, and slowly make progress, though they all realize there will be more at some point. Wasp contacts Black Widow, and informs her of their plan. Black Widow summons Iron Man, as he is the only one capable of getting the weapon up to the mothership.
Kleiser absorbs the weapon of a fallen Chitauri, and attacks Cap with it. Before he can finish Cap off, Black Panther fires his vibranium claws into Kleiser's back. Kleiser absorbs them, and fires them back at Black Panther, hitting him in the chest. As he goes to finish Black Panther, Cap attacks him from behind.
The Avengers gather as the Wakandans begin distracting the Chitauri long enough to get the plan started. Giant-Man tries to welcome Wasp there, but she's still very angry with him. Iron Man is suited up with the gamma gun, and Thor volunteers to take out the mothership's main cannon. Giant-Man steps up and says that he'll watch Iron Man's back inside the ship, but Iron Man doesn't have room for a passenger. Giant-Man says that he can make room. Wasp protests, saying his body can't handle it, but he's already made up his mind, and shrinks down small enough to fit inside one of Iron Man's missile silos. The three take off, and the plan is set in motion.
Thor knocks the blasts from the cannon protecting the other two, and they make their attack run. Iron Man uses the gamma gun to weaken a spot in the armor, and fires missiles into it, opening a hole large enough for them to fit through. A blast from the cannon finally hits Thor, knocking him to the ground, unconscious. Inside the ship, Iron Man and Giant-Man fly through, shooting Chitauri out of their way, looking for the power core.
Black Panther and Cap double-team Kleiser. His blades and cannon help him very little, as he is again and again knocked into walls and the ground. Cap slices his cannon off of his arm, while Black Panther changes into his panther form and slices Kleiser to ribbons. Kleiser regroups himself, and turns into his true form. Cap realizes that they can't kill him, but Black Panther says they don't need to kill him, only lure him to a chamber in their armoring facility.
The Chitauri pour into the control room at S.H.I.E.L.D., and prepare to destroy the place, until the Hulk emerges from the floor, still alive and very angry, and wipes the floor with them, before running off, fighting Chitauri all the way.
Panther and Cap lead Kleiser further and further into the building, until he falls into a deep chamber, and they flood it with liquid vibranium, leaving him forever encased in the metal.
Inside the mothership, Iron Man flies on, while Giant-Man jumps off and increases his size to defend Iron Man. Iron Man enters the core, while Giant-Man faces down hundreds of Chitauri. Iron Man soon realizes he doesn't have enough power to destroy the core, and tosses the reactor into the power core. It's enough, and the core begins to explode. He and Giant-Man jump from the ship just before it explodes. On the way down, Giant-Man begins to resume his normal size, but it's too late, as a piece of debris hits them both. When they crash to the ground, it's obvious that Hank doesn't have long, but he tells Janet that he became the man she needed him to be just before he dies.
It's not over yet, as the remnants of the ship begin to fall to the ground. Iron Man flies off, trying desperately to slow it down. His power cells are failing, so he diverts power from life support, and gives it his every last effort, sending it far enough away to save the city, but falls to the ground, completely powerless. Cap mourns the loss of another one, as Thor wakes up and summons Mjolnir. He uses his powers of lightning to repower Stark's suit, bringing him back to life. Stark looks at him and realizes that Thor is a God.
The elders recognize T'Challa once again as king, and return him to his throne.
Back at base, the Avengers celebrate their victory, and mourn the loss of their friend. There's no sign of Hulk, but Janet reminds Betty than Bruce is still out there, somewhere. Cap decides it's time for him to get on with his life, and gives Widow a very deep kiss. Fury and Thor finally makes their peace over a pint of mead.
Thoughts on the movie:
Overall, not bad. I can't put my finger on just why, but it feels as though there was something in the first one that just wasn't there in this movie. Still, I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
Captain America:
Once again, great job with Cap. Great characterization all around for this guy, and he does just as well in his action scenes in this movie as he did in the first.
Nick Fury:
They did a good job with Fury when he was actually on-screen, but he is just so underused in this series. If they do a third, I just hope they actually stick Fury into a few action scenes like in the first movie.
Black Widow:
Not a bad character, but she just feels underused, even though she's on-screen a lot.
Iron Man:
If there's any character better used in this movie than Cap, it's Iron Man. Excellent characterization, and I loved the scene where he was looking through all of his Iron Man suits. I'm betting they had every version of Iron Man in this one room. Very cool.
Giant-Man:
They did a great job showing Hank grow in this episode, no pun intended, but you just feel robbed when just as he starts to become likable, they kill him off. Pity.
Wasp:
Not quite as good a job of characterization as with Hank, but still pretty good. If the series continues, it will be interesting to see where she goes from here.
Hulk:
I'm thoroughly stunned here. They actually made me start to feel sorry for Bruce/Hulk, if not outright start to like him. Surprisingly well done.
Thor:
Thor is fairly well used in this movie, though not quite as fun to watch as he was in the first movie. I like that they diverged from the Ultimates version of Thor and actually made him the ancient thunder God. Again, should the series continue, it will be interesting to see if his disobedience to Odin leads to anything.
Black Panther:
Wow. This was my first real exposure to the Black Panther. I loved his story, and I hope to see more of this guy in the future. I thought it was interesting how they integrated Wakanda into this story line, though I'll admit I would have liked to have seen Hawkeye, or Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch instead. Still, I'll take this in trade. Just for a little side note, his costume doesn't match the costume he's shown wearing on the cover art. Not a big deal, just a little interesting.
Special Features:
"The Ultimates"--Featurette
This is an interesting look behind the making of The Ultimates line of comic books, both the first and second storylines, as well as why certain characters were chosen for the line.
The Ultimate Gag Reel
If this had been all that was on the DVD, I would have been just as happy. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with the movie or any of the other special features, but this is pure comedic genius. Basically, they've taken selected clips from the first movie, and dubbed over them with absolutely hilarious one-liners by the actual voice actors. Oddly enough, Tony Stark appears to have an odd obsession with ribs in this. No matter what else you watch on this DVD, this is a must-see.
First Look at Iron Man
This is an entirely new story for Iron Man, and apparently is a prequel to the first Ultimate Avengers DVD. So far, it looks very interesting.
First Look at Dr. Strange
This appears to be the first of Marvel's animated DVD's that is linked to their Ultimate Avengers storyline, or at least they showed no connection to it in the previews. It already looks very good, though that's really not saying a lot as Marvel is really producing some good stuff with this animated line of movies.
What Avenger Are You? -- DVD-ROM Game
This is exactly the same as on the original. Not sure why they included this again.
