disclosure: We were provided with a digital code of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own. No other compensation was received.
Audiences are back into the world of Wakanda, to begin the new chapter of the culture following the tragic passing of the Black Panther (keeping in line with the passing of Chadwick Boseman). The story begins with the emotional and visually stunning funeral procession for the Black Panther.
Ryan Coogler’s empowering return, post Chadwick Boseman, exemplifies the power and importance of women in Wakanda, as well providing audiences a perfect continuation of this African nation and its culture.
T’Challa’s mother, Queen Ramonda (played by Oscar nominated actress, Angela Bassett), has taken the throne of Wakanda, as Queen. His sister, Shuri (Letitia Wright), is determined to honor her bother’s memory. In a time of uncertainty, as the outer world attempts to acquire the broken nation’s reserves of vibranium, the new leaders of Wakanda face an ultimate test, while still in a state of mourning.
Wakanda, under the defense and power of Ramonda, the sheer defensive power of the Jabari, led by M’Baku (Winston Duke), and the Dora Milaje, led by the mighty Okoye (Danai Gurira), can hold its own against many nations — however the main threat in the movie comes from the sea and the king of Talokan.
The king of Talokan, referred to as Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía) is a powerful demigod with pointy ears and wings on his ankles. In this iteration of the character, he is a villain, one with a vendetta and quench for power, as well as a coherent political argument. The people of Talokan are descendants of a Meso-American tribe which escaped Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, leading them to water. The reason behind the move to water is overly complex, but the mistrust of the surface (based on the essence of war, slavery, infection and persecution of the natives by Spanish colonizers), is just the beginning of a heavy and overly deep plot. Ryan Coogler is known in the cinema world for his emotional connections to his life, and the reality of society with intricate effects and desire for a strong score.
Wakanda Forever’s big crescendo captivated audiences with a shocking death and a cinematic epic battle between Namor and the world of Wakanda. However, it’s Shuri, who steals the show and helps keep Wakanda safe. In T’Challa’s absence, Wakanda has become a matriarchy. Wakanda Forever shows the audience superhero feminism, rooted in emotions and near perfect performances from the entire female cast — Bassett, Wright, Gurira, Williams and Coel — rejoined by Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia. This new vision of Wakanda introduces and expands the world into a new era and ultimately, a new franchise in the MARVEL universe that audiences have been loving ever since the first comics.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, action and some language and available on Disney+, Digital, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD.
Be sure to check out these bonus features*, available now:
- Gag Reel
· Take a look at some of the lighthearted moments on the set of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. - Audio Commentary
· Listen to Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw discuss the film. - Featurettes
· Envisioning Two Worlds – Uncover the making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever through the lens and leadership of co-writer/director Ryan Coogler, production designer Hannah Beachler, and costume designer Ruth Carter.
· Passing the Mantle – Follow the evolution of the Black Panther through the films. In tracing Shuri, Ramonda, and Riri’s journeys through the film, this featurette explores what legacy ultimately means in Wakanda and how it will resonate with MCU viewers for years to come. - Deleted Scenes
· Outside The Scope – Okoye has a shocking standoff with Ayo and the Dora Milaje. Aneka makes a challenging decision.
· The Upstairs Toilet – Ross infiltrates the NSA in disguise in an attempt to uncover information.
· Daughter of the Border – After a conversation with her Uncle, Okoye is faced with a daunting choice.
· Anytime, Anywhere – In Haiti, Shuri and Okoye share a bittersweet moment.
*bonus features vary by product and retailer
Ever since he was young, Matt was enamored and glued to anything Disney. From the movies, to Playhouse Disney, to frequent visits to Walt Disney World. Disney was Matt’s childhood. As he grew up, and his interests went from movie fandom, to park operations fandom, his desire for spread to Disney Parks and his urge to work for Disney. Since then, he has completed numerous Disney College Programs, and is currently a proud Cast Member at his favorite park, EPCOT, having been apart of the opening teams for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Creations Shop, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’s Treasures of Xandar.
