Walking out of the theater after seeing Wakanda Forever, the sequel to Marvel’s Black Panther, something felt different. Actually let me correct myself. Something felt good. It felt like I had just watched a Marvel film from a pre-Endgame era. That was a time when you went to the movies to see superheroes do awesome things. Those movies told an entire story. Ones where you could lose yourself watching them. If there was talk of a broader scope, it was in the background. Or it was just an end credit teaser. As a result you often had to watch YouTube videos nerds made to help explain what it all meant. Wakanda Forever feels like those movies. The way the MCU use to be.
The film bears the weight of the loss of actor Chadwick Boseman, whose passing was felt across Hollywood and beyond. The film honors the actor by honoring T’Challa, the once King of Wakanda. As a result, the filmmakers acknowledge his death from the start and the film explores how Wakanda and the world responds to it. Art imitating life. Consequently, the weight of his loss, the grief felt by his family and how each respond to it is an undercurrent throughout the movie. Pro tip: bring tissues.
The world, anxious to get its greedy, power hungry hands on Wakanda’s vibranium has set its sights on Wakanda. Who-of course-respond accordingly. Apparently, though, vibranium isn’t only in Wakanda. Enter the underwater world of Namor and the Talokan people. They’ve been hiding vibranium in their undiscovered underwater city for years…and guess who’s come a knocking on their door as well? And a little too loudly.
I’m not here to recap the movies highlights though. Moreover, plenty of other non-spoiler reviews can do that for you. Let’s get back to all the feels. Watching Wakanda Forever is a refreshing return to watching an MCU movie and never thinking about the MCU. Other blogs have mentioned that this film is the button they’re sewing on Marvel’s Phase 4. But I’m getting to the point where I don’t care about phases as much anymore. I want less: what are they building towards? and more: great storytelling. More awesome hero journeys and less easter eggs. Watching Wakanda Forever, I was able to get lost in the story. I never thought about Wanda Maximoff. Dr. Strange never crossed my mind. And I never saw a kid wearing a Spider-Man t-shirt, not once! Wakanda feels like it’s…away from it all, and it was great!
The story is layered and complicated. The storytelling is excellent. At about 2 hours and 40 minutes, it’s a long movie! but I swear I never felt it. The actors are all at the top of their game here. I believe in Wakanda. I believe these characters are telling me the truth when they talk about how they feel. And I empathize them. I read some other reviews that had light complaints about certain characters being underdeveloped. I disagree. Rather we just didn’t get to spend enough time with them.
Wakanda Forever is heavy but great. It’s still connected to the MCU, but isn’t hitting you over the head with it. Go see it! But bring tissues, and save some for the end credit scene. You’re going to need it. Oh, and one last pro tip, there’s only a mid credit scene. Once the names start scrolling, it’s time to go home.
Power Rangers in Space Reunion Event!
On November 19th and 20th Fanboys Marketplace is hosting a Power Rangers in Space Reunion Event. VIP passes and photo tickets are available now for purchase ahead of time. Click the link here, and we’ll see you in November!
