The most anticipated sequel of 2022 premiered to a sold-out audience at Amerovich Cinema in Reunion last night. The midnight screening delighted theater-goers with consistent action, cheeky dialogue, and yet another satisfying cliffhanger to build anticipation for the final installment of The Black Lion trilogy. The Black Lion II promised a definitive viewing experience, and boy did it deliver.

The action picks up a few months after The Black Lion story ended. The main protagonist, Alejandro Onoja, is struggling with his newfound moral obligations after his identity was revealed to the world. His superhuman abilities resulting from his biological makeup have made him a target of governments and militaries from around the globe. After a bloody encounter with the Global South Military Alliance, our hero goes into hiding, citing early retirement. If it was only that easy.

From there, outsiders attempt (and fail) to replace Alejandro as The Black Lion. They all learn the same lesson, one cannot learn to become a Black Lion, one must be possess the DNA and spirit to be a Black Lion. While outsiders accept their fate that they cannot possess Black Lion DNA, they do acquire his spirit. However, one individual manages to successfully merge his DNA with Alejandro’s, morphing himself into a superhuman villain, because he does not possess the proper spirit to harness his abilities.

This sets up the battle between our hero and our villain. Whyte Mann begins his crusade to eliminate the world of Black Lions everywhere with the goal of appointing himself as the Supreme Leader of the world. Here is my one complaint. Whyte Mann hunting Black Lions is a bit too tongue-in-cheek for this reviewer. Nonetheless, the actions and motivations of all the characters involved are relatable. Alejandro is drawn out of hiding and into the battle joining other Black Lions to battle Whyte Mann. Our heroes struggle to unify at the onset makes their climactic rally very enjoyable and well-deserved. The villain is as distasteful as the least favorite person in your life, not to mention an unapologetic, genocidal mass murderer.

The film industry is saturated with superhero movies. However, this one does not follow the cookie-cutter formula of so-called blockbusters. It’s story-telling is genuine and nuanced. The writers and actors deserve credit for making a blockbuster superhero film that feels like an art house passion project. The Cinniapolis Chorus gives The Black Lion II 3.75 stars out of 4 stars. Go see this film as soon as you can.