This weekend might be all about Black Panther, Marvel's much - anticipated, 18th entry in its ten - years - and - counting cinematic
universe, but that's no reason to ignore the other visually expansive, comedic delight arriving in in multiplexes: Oscar - winner Nick Park's (Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit) latest foray into stop - motion wizardry (his first as sole director), Early Man, an unexpected, if no less welcome, ode to the joys, excitement, and
wonders of the «
beautiful game» («soccer» to less enlightened Americans, European football everywhere else) set against the backdrop
of a future - hanging - in - the - balance, winner - take - all Stone Age vs. Bronze Age football match that's almost as thrilling and exhilarating as watching Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona or Manchester United vs. Manchester City play in front
of paying fans (i.e., in the real world with real - world stakes).