‘Wakanda Forever’ an ambitious and moving follow-up

When the ‘Black Panther’ solo film was released in 2017, it became one of the biggest Marvel Cinematic Universe films in their entire cinematic universe. It was also the second time film audiences saw the fan favorite character. Black Panther/T’Challa was first introduced in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and the incredibly awesome ‘Avengers’ sequels ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame.’

Sadly, in 2020, actor Chadwick Boseman (the actor who portrayed T’Challa) tragically passed away and the in-development sequel almost ended after his death. Now, we finally get to see the eagerly awaited film and, all I can say is, they really nailed it.

In the anticipated sequel ‘Wakanda Forever,’ Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death.

As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

‘Wakanda Forever’ is an amazing follow up to the 2017 movie and ends the latest phase of the MCU films with a bang.

The ‘Black Panther’ sequel delivers a lot of action and, at the same time, has a lot of emotion with some of the characters still dealing with the loss of T’Challa. A lot of the emotional moments are really effective. The opening twenty minutes or so of the film really packs a punch when the former king’s death happens and everyone reacting to it.

The latest MCU film also has some of the best acting featured in a Marvel film. During the emotional moments, you can easily tell the actors were emotionally into it while filming their scenes. Actress Angela Bassett really gives a truly amazing, and at times, tear-jerking performance and I can see her getting some kind of award recognition for her performance (which is a rare thing for the MCU).

‘Wakanda Forever’ also introduces us to a new villain Namor, portrayed by Tenoch Huerta (The 33; The Forever Purge). The Namor character is a compelling character who is trying to save his own people and feels that he has no other choice but to go to war with the Wakandans. In fact, Namor is one of the MCU’s best villains in their cinematic universe.

The action sequences are visually astounding and the final moments deliver non-stop action and excitement. The sequel does have some great surprises scattered throughout and give us a taste of a few new characters that we will see in future projects down the road. This anticipated sequel also is a beautiful tribute to late actor Boseman.

So, make sure to check out the incredible follow up. Filled with a lot of great action, some amazing performances and some emotional moments that may make you shed a tear, it’s an MCU film that’s not to be missed. Also make sure to stick around for a special mid-credit scene that isn’t your typical MCU mid/post credit scene.

The cast: Letitia Wright as Shuri; Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia; Danai Gurira as Okoye; Winston Duke as M’Baku; Angela Bassett as Ramonda; Martin Freeman as Everett Ross; Dominique Thorne as Riri; Florence Kasumba as Ayo; Michaela Coel as Aneka; Lake Bell as Dr. Graham and Tenoch Huerta as Namor.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is written by Ryan Coogler (Black Panther; Creed) and Joe Robert Cole (Black Panther) and also directed by Coogler.

‘Wakanda Forever’ is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, action and some language and has a running time of 161 minutes.

What did you think of this sequel and which recent MCU flick did you like the best? Let me know on my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews Facebook page.