“Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever” has finally opened in theaters. The film is a bombastic funeral spectacle for Chadwick Boseman, but also brings the entire MCU forward tremendously. Read more in our review!
- “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was released in cinemas. It is the 30th film of the MCU.
- Even if “Black Panther 2” is at heart a film about grief, “Wakanda Forever” trumps with a lot of humor and action.
- Rarely has a Marvel film been so well balanced when it comes to the subtlety of combining serious and humorous scenes.
With “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the new blockbuster from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has finally been released in theaters. It is the sequel to the 2018 feature film “Black Panther” and tells of the kingdom of Wakanda after the surprising death of King T’Challa (embodied by Chadwick Boseman in the first film). This event refers to the actual death of the actor.
We are introduced to the new reality of the film in a highly emotional and sensitive way, and Chadwick Boseman hovers like a heavy shadow over the whole film. But even though “Wakanda Forever” is about coping with grief, Chadwick Boseman’s death is by no means the focus. Without paying too little respect to the tragic loss, the film succeeds wonderfully in creating a life of its own.
While Shuri (played magnificently by Letitia Wright) and all of Wakanda mourn T’Challa, a new power rises from the sea: Namor (the charismatic Tenoch Huerta) and his Atlantis, called Talokan. The latter, together with Wakanda, wants to declare war on the rest of the world, because he sees his homeland and wealth, Vibranium, endangered.
A beautiful rumination on loss and revenge
In fact, it sparks a kind of political thriller that revolves around the greed of some countries that claim the Vibranium for themselves. It’s very exciting and we feel reminded of “The Return of the First Avenger”, but don’t worry: for families, the “political” plot line is still “amusing” enough, because Martin Freeman, in particular, stems the political part and provides amusement with his witty manner.
But not only the “Hobbit” star knows how to lighten up the sometimes very sad film with humor. Winston Duke is back as M’Baku and once again gives free rein to his charisma! The comedic highlight, however, is a trip of Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Shuri to the USA. However, we do not want to anticipate too much about this.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is thus a political thriller, an action comedy and a philosophical work about processing grief – and last but not least, revenge. The film wants to be a lot of things and it succeeds brilliantly! Rarely have the ingredients of a Marvel film been so well balanced! And a sad work so hopeful!
Absolutely in balance, as all things should be.
If Thanos had to describe this film
Director Ryan Coogler manages to unleash a cinematic force, as he did with the first “Black Panther” film. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” even takes it up a notch and is one of the best, if not the best, second installment of any Marvel film.
Black Panther 2 succeeds in telling an independent and gripping story, balancing humor, tragedy, suspense and action, and also adds new aspects to the overarching story of the MCU. The aimlessness often criticized in the previous films of the fourth Marvel phase is not to be found here. “Wakanda Forever” knows exactly where it wants to go and is incredibly determined.
We would also like to mention the film music as outstanding here. Ludwig Göransson had already won an Oscar for his music for the first “Black Panther“. Now the composer of “The Mandalorian” proves once again that he belongs to the best of his guild. Hardly any other composer unleashes such energy in cinema as Göransson. The use of rap and vocals in his overall work is especially outstanding. It doesn’t feel like a film score, but like an exciting mixtape.
A beautiful and deeply sad work, but one that never loses hope and optimism
Antagonist Namor definitely holds a candle to Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan from the first film). Tenoch Huerta (known from “Narcos: Mexico”) plays his role wonderfully sympathetically. However, as he pursues – shall we say – difficult goals, his manner at times reminds us of Christoph Waltz: so ass-friendly that we forget he’s the bad guy. Also, the Namor costume looks immensely cool. All of Talokan looks stunning. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is a movie to marvel at!
Last but not least, Angela Bassett deserves praise. The actress gets many strong character moments and knows how to use them.
