Rating of
3/4
Decent sequel that uses a sad death with respect
Indyfreak - wrote on 03/21/23
Despite the sad death of Chadwick Boseman delaying its release, this sequel to the megahit Black Panther is pretty good. I have to admit it is less enjoyable to watch because T'Challa is not even in the movie. The action scenes are pretty well done and the scale of the movie is much bigger than the first one. I remember people complaining about the CGI in the last movie. Don't worry, it looks far better in 'Wakanda Forever'.
It does feel more of an ensemble movie. But that also means the plot kind of jumps from one point to another following different characters. Some do a nice job. Angela Bassett is excellent as Queen Ramonda. It's no wonder she got an Oscar nomination. Winston Duke is pretty good as M'Baku but he's not onscreen that much. Honestly, the teen scientist chick is not that interesting yet she gets a huge chunk of the story dedicated to her even being there Letitia Wright is the main protagonist and she's okay but I just preferred Chadwick Boseman.
Tenoch Huerta is the main villain as Namor the Sub-Mariner. His motivation is understandable but I cannot say it makes him interesting. Although I'm surprisingly not laughing at the tiny wings on his feet helping Namor fly. The MCU version of Atlantis actually look intimidating and their introduction into the story is a suspenseful set-piece. The design of their culture taking cues from Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya is an inspired one. Although I will admit, the lighting is pretty dim during the Atlantis scenes so I couldn't always get a good look. It's a unique approach but I think I prefer the version we saw in the DCEU's Aquaman movie.
Ryan Coogler's direction is good. There is nothing wrong with the fight choreography or how the plot beats unfold. It's a competently made and reasonably entertaining entry into the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. But I was left with the melancholy feeling that it won't be the same knowing that T'Challa (or Boseman for that matter) will not be a part of Black Panther's future in this franchise.
