Last Friday I had the pleasure of seeing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on opening weekend, which is always a fun time. I think I’ll stick with the convention of reviewing things a week later to avoid ‘post-movie hype’ and other factors. I am glad I waited because this film required time to think certainly. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is unlike almost any film in the MCUs vastly growing catalog to my surprise, I would argue this is their first truly “slow burn” movie. The movie is entertaining through and through, with an emphasis on dialogue rather than spectacle (which I appreciate). The movie, considering the personal tragedy tethered to it, is written with an emotion and weight that is very real, which is something I both expected and was pleased to see realized. Chadwick Boseman had a significant impact on so many lives, and truly was one of a good few people. This film does right by him in what I think is probably the best you can get, all the while presenting a narrative that feels fluid and grounded in the MCU. Ryan Coogler, with the extra time given to write the film, has done what some would consider near impossible. Although the runtime can turn some away, I think this is a movie worth people’s time. Wakanda Forever feels like a return to form for Marvel in the wake of the “experimental” projects they’ve produced over the last few years, some people are not fans of those things, but I personally enjoyed most of them. Tenoch Huerta’s Namor is a strong antagonist and serves as one of the MCU’s better, but also has a promising future as something more, given he is an “anti-hero” according to most. The cast as a whole put their heart and soul into their parts, Angela Basset as Queen Ramona does exceptionally with her role, in every scene she is a force. Letitia Wright’s Shuri has solidified herself as even more of a fan favorite following her arc in this film, mirroring Boseman’s T’challa and also producing so far an entirely unique development among the ridiculously large roster of heroes. Ludwig Goransonnn delivers another masterful score in this film, implementing new mesoamerican inspired music to compliment the people of Talocan, and further improving upon his Oscar-winning OST of the first film, breathing new life into Wakanda. I will put movie reviews on a score of 10 I think, and show what each number means in my opinion so with that, I give Black Panther: Wakanda Forever an 8/10…maybe even a 9 after I see it again.
Ranking Glossary
10: Masterful film, perfect, almost anyone would like.
9: A great film, most would enjoy, memorable, great themes, good writing, overall super enjoyable
8: A good movie, a lot to love, most would probably like it
7: Fair amount will enjoy, might not be for everyone, if you’re into it you’re into it
6: has some good things, probably will forget about it, you neither lost nor gained anything by watching it
5: probably fun to watch with friends
4: good background noise
3: not good
2: I am sorry whoever made it
1: not that it shouldn’t exist, but the conversation is there
