Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
The world has changed oh so much since we were first introduced to Black Panther. And I don't mean only in the fictionalised MCU world but also in our real world. All of this is reflected incredibly well in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
In 2018 when the Marvel Cinematic Universe first ventured into Wakanda we were introduced to T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman. Tragically though as we now return to Wakanda Chadwick is unable to greet us again, having passed from cancer at just 43 years old. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever doesn't wait a second before immediately immersing the audience in grief & mourning.
These themes of grief & mourning are the cornerstones of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Across its lengthy 161-minute run time, we witness all of the characters we met last time we visited Wakanda evolving & being shaped by their experiences with loss & grief.
With their phenomenal performances as Queen Ramonda & Shuri, Angela Bassett & Letitia Wright, carry the weight of the film on their shoulders. Opposite the two ladies, we're introduced to Namor (Tenoch Huerta), a new super-powered being within the MCU. Namor simultaneously mirrors & echoes the theme of loss being a motivating factor & makes for one of the most compelling villains in the MCU to date.
Visually Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is stunning. Visually the lighting & shot composition in this film is some of the best we've ever seen in an MCU film. The lighting choices in the film do a fantastic job of setting a mood & sense of location at all times. Sadly, the CGI elements at times fail to reach these heights & subsequently drag the film down from masterpiece level.
Musically the soundtrack & score of the original Black Panther film in 2018 was one of the best. Even the moments of silence, which are used sparingly as emotionally charged tributes to Chadwick Boseman, are special. Once the music kicks in, we are once again delivered a thrilling soundtrack filled with African-inspired & hip-hop-infused beats. Although it doesn't quite match the greatness of the original.
When Black Panther: Wakanda Forever focuses on the people of Wakanda & Namor it is great. But, when it steps away for the inevitable MCU world-building it doesn't just stumble but falls flat on its face. Unfortunately, this appears to be a case of the MCU's crushing weight finally becoming too much to bear for these films.
Overall Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a heart-wrenching tale of the vast impact grief can have on everybody. While this is easily the second-best Phase 4 film, second only to Spider-Man: No Way Home, it is not without its flaws.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had to overcome some much anticipation & a bunch of hurdles to even exist. So for it even exists, let alone be this enjoyable is a feat. But it still fails just short of its predecessor.
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