The original Black Panther from 2018 was a massive hit that became somewhat of a game changer for the superhero genre.
With the unfortunate death of its star Chadwick Boseman two years ago, the filmmakers chose not to recast his role, but rather, honor it. And that’s exactly what this sequel, Wakanda Forever, does.
The movie begins with Boseman’s character, T’Challa’s funeral and the emotional toll his death has taken on his family. Letitia Wright returns as his sister, Shuri and Angela Bassett is his mother, Ramonda.
As the nation of Wakanda tries to recover, they’re under immense pressure to share their technology with the rest of the world and they refuse.
Wakanda is threatened by the presence of Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejia) and his race of blue-skinned underwater people that have a vendetta against Wakanda and steal all of their vibranium. These characters look like they would be right at home in Avatar.
On a quest to keep Wakanda from being attacked, Shuri and company enlist the help of an M.I.T. student (Dominique Thorne). Her discovery of a vibranium detection machine sparks a war.
Writer/director Ryan Coogler once again delivers a thrilling, high-powered spectacle. He utilizes computerized special effects that create convincing, elaborate, and often impressive worlds.
Boseman’s presence is certainly felt throughout the movie. The sequel does its best to recapture what made the first film so memorable and yet it’s not afraid to be a standalone effort.
Wright does prove to be a compelling hero with real screen presence. She has the emotional drive that the story requires. Plus, she carries her own during the big action scenes. I could say the same about the rest of the cast.
It’s hard not to go into this movie and not think of Boseman. And while Wakanda Forever may not quite be the game changer its predecessor was, it’s both a riveting movie and an honorable dedication.
Grade: A-
(Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, action and some language.)
