Black Panther - Review

The three-Oscar award-winning Black Panther is regarded by critics as one of the greatest Marvel films ever made. The film was groundbreaking in its design and whether you agree with the critics or not, its social significance was undeniable. Expectations for the sequel are therefore high. Can Wakanda Forever tempt the critics again? The film also marks the conclusion of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is a pity that the very phase that revolved around the introduction of new characters has to end with the farewell of an old character.

Instead of the usual bombastic Marvel opening tune, this time a deafening silence. Wakanda is in mourning over the loss of King T'Challa and the beginning of the film is dedicated to saying goodbye. From the Black Panther character, but also from the man behind the mask. A touching beginning that hits hard, and a beautiful final tribute to Chadwick Boseman. It is clear from the outset that Wakanda Forever is not going to be your standard superhero movie.

Ryan Coogler, who is also the first Black Panther directed, breaks with the James Bond-like approach of the original and comes with a loaded film in which the tears are often closer to the laughter. He tells a story about loss, grief and inner struggle. But also about regained strength, taking responsibility and the choice between revenge and forgiveness. It is a story full of symbolism that, in addition to African culture, also puts strong women on a pedestal. T'challa's sister Shuri takes over as the main character, and the film is essentially about her path to acceptance.

It is of course also just a classic Marvel film and it is not complete without a CGI spectacle of a battle. The film introduces two new characters: Riri Williams (Ironheart), a nineteen-year-old super genius who will get her own series on Disney+ in 2023, and of course the villain on duty; the feathered serpent god Namor. To protect his underwater world Talokan, Namor targets Riri, whose invention threatens his world. When Shuri steps in to protect her, Wakanda faces a new enemy.

The Ironheart character barely takes shape, but the film spends a lot of time on Namor's origin story, which is convincingly portrayed by Tenoch Huerta. However, his interpretation is a bit of a telenovela and his shorts deprive him of any respect. This makes the character less badass than Jordan's Killmonger from part one. The Shuri character, on the other hand, transcends her supporting role from part one and Letitia Wright's narrow shoulders prove broad enough for the greater responsibility. The highlight of the film is Angela Bassett, who clearly gives a voice to much more than just her character with her powerful performance as a grieving mother and proud queen.

Wakanda Foreve ris of course also much more than just a superhero movie thanks to its immense cultural significance. Coogler's statement, however, is less obvious this time and he leaves it to the audience to draw the parallels. The film is primarily a celebration of African culture. The visually beautifully designed afro-futuristic Wakanda is a feast for the eyes and the costumes of Ruth Carter, who won an Oscar for Black Panther , are again phenomenal. The beautiful African-inspired score by composer Ludwig Göransson completes the experience.

The experience is reminiscent of phase three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, when the movies were still lousy and the stories were still epic. Admittedly, the script sometimes seems secondary to the introduction of the new characters, but the film is rock solid thanks to the strong symbolism and deeper themes. The action is grand and compelling, the special effects are beautiful, and the film's emotional tension takes the original cast's game to the next level.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a painful farewell but also a new beginning. It is a tasteful tribute to Chadwick Boseman's legacy that occasionally deliberately plays on the sensitive string. Coogler clearly breaks with the typical humorous approach of phase four and this will be a relief for fans. The film takes itself seriously, feels topical and holds up a somewhat moralizing mirror to us all. It's a tearjerker, a blast of a fence closer and above all a worthy successor to the original Black Panther movie. But who succeeds the Black Panther character?