Dog’s Movie House: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Is A Stunning Cinematic Ode To Both The Black Panther And Chadwick Boseman!

The story, after a short prologue featuring T’Challa’s sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) trying and failing to save her brother’s life after the onset of an unknown illness, takes place a year after T’Challa’s death, with the ruling family of Wakanda trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. Shuri has buried herself in her work while her mother Ramonda (the fiery Angela Bassett) has assumed the mantle of queen. Wakanda finds itself under attack both politically and militarily from other nations wanting to get their hands on the precious Vibranium that Wakanda uses to power its technology. Things get even more complicated when a new power in the form of the underwater Mayan kingdom of Talokan shows up to try to make an alliance with Wakanda to take on the rest of the surface world. They are led by Namor (a magnetic Tenoch Huerta), a powerful mutant who has near limitless power. How will Wakanda survive without its protector?

As with most Marvel films, the action and effects are first rate and the production of both Wakanda and Talokan are amazing to behold. But what separates “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” from other superhero films are the mature themes dealing with grief and loss that are interwoven throughout the narrative. This film is a love letter and memorial to both T’Challa and Chadwick Boseman and, although the character is not in the film, you can feel his presence all over it. I don’t imagine the cast and crew had to look far for their emotional commitment to the film as it so closely mirrors what occurred in their own lives. Instead of burying that tragedy in a standard superhero narrative, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” wears those emotions on its sleeve and the film is all the better for it.

It helps that the performances are all outstanding. Wright really comes into her own as Shuri, a young woman who is having trouble coping with the death of her beloved brother. She is caught between grief and vengeance and the two emotions are pulling her apart. It is truly a magnificent performance. Bassett is equally good and may be in the running for an Oscar. Other returning characters such as Okoye (Danai Gurira), Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and M’Baku (WInston Duke) all have a chance to shine, with M’Baku getting some big laughs as gruff but likable leader of the Jabari clan. New to the cast is Riri Williams played by newcomer Dominique Thorne. Riri, in the comics, is Ironheart, Tony Stark’s successor as Iron Man. Thorne does a great job of balancing Riri’s prodigious intelligence with being totally overwhelmed by the events happening around her. It’s a perfect introduction to the character who is getting her own series on Disney+. And Huerta is a wonderful, layered antagonist as the fiery Namor, a committed leader whose personal and long history has given him a justifiable rage against the surface world. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him soon.

Most superhero films, even the good ones, have trouble living up to the hype. I would say “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” actually surpasses those expectations, providing an exciting film that also gives a moving sendoff to one of the most beloved actors of a generation. Bring some tissues as your tear ducts will get a workout on this one. 5 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

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