No matter the direction your thumb goes after seeing "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," one must applaud director Ryan Coogler for his handling of the "Black Panther" sequel. In the face of loss and grief over the shocking passing of Chadwick Boseman, Coogler guided the franchise into a new film that had to feel entirely different from the terrific first one. It's a task no one would envy.
As a drama about grief, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" is often quite moving, especially in the opening moments. The panic Shuri feels and the hope that she can save her brother is palpable, and the mourning that ensues can be felt. Perhaps it's all more effective as an audience member because the characters are grappling with the passing of T'Challa, while the cast is trying to honor their co-star and dear friend.
The movie starts to get muddied when it becomes a "Marvel" movie. Coogler masterfully threaded the needle of art and commerce with the original 2018 film, which introduced Marvel audiences to a brand new world and even made the tired superhero origin story feel fresh and thrilling. As sequels go, the stakes must always be higher and they are in this case, often to the movie's detriment. "Wakanda Forever" introduces Namor (Tenoch Huerta), who rules an underwater kingdom. A battle over vibranium begins, and at the heart of it is a college student named Riri (Dominque Thorne), who is being protected by Wakanda.
Superhero movies always culminate in the showdown between hero and villain, which is the weakest aspect of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." Michael B. Jordan starred in the first movie as the villain Killmonger, giving a nuanced and menacing performance while delivering the great baddie of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie's sequel has a villain problem, which zaps the tension out of the action.
"Black Panther" was a gigantic cultural moment for many reasons, but its place in movie history is always worth highlighting. It was the first superhero film to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, and it won three awards (Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Original Score). Ruth Carter returns with her breathtakingly detailed costumes, as does Hannah Beachler with her stunning production design. "Black Panther" shook up the visual sameness of most Marvel pictures, which helped make it feel like a singular event. Every craftsperson here continues to work at the top of their game.
Wright and Bassett's roles are elevated in the sequel, and they are both eminently commanding and powerful. We can feel their heartbreak radiate from the screen as they try to balance their Wakandan duties with their personal anguish. The "Black Panther" films boast the strongest ensemble of the Marvel movies, with Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, and Danai Gurira returning and each getting their own moments to shine. Martin Freeman returns as CIA agent Everett Ross, but his role feels entirely superfluous this time around.
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" doesn't have the punch that the first movie did, but how could it? Sequels rarely do. The film had to be reshaped around an unexpected loss and the film's crew had to contend with honoring their friend, which is done beautifully and respectfully. The movie just can't always sustain 161 minutes of Marvel bloat.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Movie Review By Matthew Passantino
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