The spirit of the late Chadwick Boseman formerly T’Challa, Black Panther, is strong in this moving sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, effectively transitioning from the past to the future with some stirring moments as directed by co-writer Ryan Coogler.
Wakanda mourns the loss of their leader, T’Challa, and must reconcile its standing in the world as it guards its precious vibranium. However, the discovery of another source threatens a mysterious underwater kingdom led by all-powerful Namor (Tenoch Huerta), who ruthlessly protects his people and proves a formidable rival of Wakanda led by Queen Mother (Angela Bassett) and T’Challa’s brilliant sister, Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright). As the FBI and CIA close in, Wakanda ally Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) tries to stave off disaster when Namor challenges Wakanda setting up a major confrontation. In a world with no Black Panther, Shuri must prepare her nation for battle; will she do the right thing and at what cost?
The ambitious story is engaging as it builds to a grand faceoff while it deals with processing loss and healing for T’Challa’s family. Contrasting two proud cultures, each powerful and technologically advanced, the film effectively serves as an origin story for Namor and introduces a new character, Ironheart (Dominique Thorne).
Along
with Lupita Nyong’o, Bassett and Wright
are simply excellent; indeed the cast rises to the occasion with their
roles expanded significantly while newcomer Huerta shines in his debut. There
are callbacks to the past (with some surprises).
With
colorful production values and a lovely Rihanna song, Coogler accomplishes much
by honoring Boseman’s legacy, introducing new characters and storylines, and, to its credit, it almost all works. This
is Marvel’s most mature film, and the moving end (and mid-credit scene) will
resonate.
***1/2
of ****stars (add ½* for Wakanda fans)
No comments:
Post a Comment