Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — A Love Letter Dedicated to Chadwick (Review)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a tribute to Chadwick Boseman. It’s a wide-ranging yet self-contained story about moving forward in the face of grief.
Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Nakia, Okoye, and the Dora Milaje fight to defend Wakanda against various attempts by outsiders to take advantage of King T’Challa’s untimely death. As the Wakandans prepare for the next chapter, they must join forces with Riri Williams and Everett Ross to protect their beloved country from international threats. A war between Wakanda and Namor’s underwater kingdom, Talokan, ensues after King T’Challa’s passing.
Themes and issues such as how to move forward in the face of grief, the people’s resilience, and political affiliations are all times in the highly anticipated sequel to Marvel’s only Best Picture Oscar nominee. These pertinent messages are, unfortunately, all too evocative of our society.
Ryan Coogler, who has been charged with the impossible, directed the most intimate and heartfelt Marvel film to date. The filmmaker balances the Marvel lore with the emotions felt by the characters (but also by the audience) throughout the 2 hours and 41 minutes. Coogler has undoubtedly replicated the first film’s success and delivered a love letter and a tribute on every level.
The director of Black Panther also has a gift for giving depth and understanding to his antagonists. He did it with Killmonger and now again with Namor. Both have valid motivations for being who they are, which makes them persuasive, believable, and truthful. Part of me even feels compelled to root for the villain somehow.
Letitia Wright deserves the top billing on the call sheet. Her arc as Shuri, created through her collaboration with the writer/director, is poignant. Her portrayal appealed to me. She displays a range of emotions and rage in the face of adversity, with a hint of hope.
Angela Bassett could receive some attention at the Oscars for her supporting role in the film. She stands out in every scene as Queen Ramonda, and her pain is shared in every line of dialogue. As the trailer suggests, the queen has given everything, and so has Angela Bassett!
Tenoch Huerta Meija debuts as longtime Marvel Comics character Namor. His characterization is that of the anti-hero found in the comics. Everything he has done to avenge his people is, in a twisted way, justified by his convictions. The original Marvel Studios film, Namor the Sub Mariner, starring Tenoch Huerta Meija, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livinalli, when?
The techs are above the line. They have all been upgraded since the first Black Panther. Autumn Gerald Arkapaw’s photography ranges from beautiful Wakanda to underwater Talokan. Her camera work is sure-handed and delivers gorgeous images. Ludwig Göransson’s score could be better than his Oscar-winning score from the first film. His fusion of cultural influences culminates in sounds that I will continue to whisper and hum. The soundtrack is both far-reaching and charged. It is straightforward to associate the music with certain prominent moments. The visual effects are the most significant upgrade between the first and second film. Talokan is beautifully rendered, and unlike Black Panther, no moments could be described as questionable visual effects.
Wakanda Forever is the second-longest film produced by Marvel. With surprise appearances, twists, and high-octane action, the sequel’s duration flies by. During the final battle, my mind still seemed to wonder if we had an hour to go or if this was the ultimate combat.
The opening sequence is a direct punch to the gut, and I wasn’t prepared for the emotional charge I would feel. Followed by the presentation of Chadwick’s version of the Marvel logo with a blatant silence, these fellows unquestionably captivate everyone from the start. However, the end credits scene is the bearer of hope, and its significance will satisfy the audience as it is a perfect way to honor Chadwick.
Overall, Ryan Coogler, with the help of his cast’s performances, succeeds in delivering a feature film that celebrates the life of Chadwick Boseman. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a fitting conclusion to Phase 4’s recurring theme of grief. Tears and smiles will be shared.
Final Thoughts : 9/10. Marvel fans will be eager to see what future plans are planned from this one while paying homage to our fallen king!
The official trailer for Wakanda Forever:
The post Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — A Love Letter Dedicated to Chadwick (Review) was originally written by Kevin Finnerty and published on Medium.
