Plot summary
BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER is the story of a kingdom facing a huge challenge. After King T’Challa dies, his mother, Ramonda, becomes the ruler. When various countries blame Wakanda for not providing them with vibranium, Ramonda makes it clear that it will not be shared. Meanwhile, the USA finds traces of vibranium in the Atlantic Ocean and sends a team to extract it, but they are attacked by mysterious creatures. The chief of this tribe, Namor, secretly meets with Ramonda and Shuri and tells them to find the scientist who built the machine for the USA, or he will harm Wakanda. Shuri and Okoye go to the USA and find the scientist, Riri Williams, but they are attack by Namor’s army and Riri is captured and taken to his underwater kingdom, Takolan. Namor wants to kill Riri as he fears the surface people will extract vibranium and harm his kingdom.
Synopsis
When various countries blame Wakanda for not providing them with vibranium, Ramonda makes it clear that it will not be shared. Meanwhile, the USA finds traces of vibranium and sends a team to extract it, but they are attack by mysterious creatures. The chief of this tribe, Namor, secretly meets with Ramonda and Shuri and tells them to find the scientist who built the machine for the USA, or he will harm Wakanda. Shuri and Okoye go to the USA and find the scientist, Riri Williams, but they are attack by Namor’s army and Riri is captured and taken to his underwater kingdom, Takolan. Namor wants to kill Riri as he fears the surface people will extract vibranium and harm his kingdom.
Script analysis
Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole’s screenplay for BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER neatly encompasses action, thrill, and emotions, although the pacing is a bit slow. The dialogues are powerful. The story effectively deals with the challenge of continuing the BLACK PANTHER franchise after the death of Chadwick Boseman, incorporating it into the film’s story and paying tribute to the actor in a respectful and non-forced manner. The emotional quotient is strong while the action element is well woven. The underwater scenes enhance the appeal and offer something different from other Marvel films. The pre-climax is moving while the climax fight is impressive.
Acting performances
Letitia Wright is excellent as Shuri and handles the lead role efficiently. Angela Bassett is effortless as Ramonda. Tenoch Huerta is a great villain and keeps his act restrained. Danai Gurira is dependable as Okoye. Dominique Thorne is fine but has limited screen time as Riri Williams. Martin Freeman is charming in a supporting role as CIA agent Everett K Ross. Lupita Nyong’o is excellent as Nakia, and Winston Duke is impressive as M’Baku.
Negative aspects
The film is too lengthy, with a run time of 164 minutes, and is dragging in places, which takes away from its impact. It also has limited hype compared to other recent Marvel films.
Positive aspects
The direction by Ryan Coogler is neat, and he effectively deals with the challenge of continuing the BLACK PANTHER franchise after the death of Chadwick Boseman. The story and screenplay are entertaining, with strong emotional and action elements. The performances by the cast, particularly Letitia Wright and Angela Bassett, are top-notch. The underwater scenes and the Takloan sequence are visually spectacular. The film ends on a touching note.
Conclusion,
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a well-crafted film that manages to pay tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman and continue the story of the beloved character. The film is packed with action, emotion, and thrilling moments, but its lengthy runtime and limited hype may hold it back. The performances by the cast, particularly Letitia Wright and Angela Bassett, are strong, and the visuals and effects are impressive. Overall, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever deserves a rating of 3.5 out of 5.