The day so many of us have been anticipating for so long has finally arrived! Tonight audiences will fill theaters to see Black Panther: Wakanda Forever for the first time. No spoilers here, but they are in for a treat!
The best sequels are the ones that take the greatest elements from the original and elevate them by making them bigger and better. This sequel did what needed to be done in that regard. The storytelling, especially sharing real shared historical experiences of groups of people, the imagery in the creation of these fictional worlds, the incorporation of real cultures and languages within the fabric of these fictional cultures, the fight sequences, the powerful women, double the genius with the addition of Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne (cannot wait for the "Ironheart" series) alongside Shuri (Letitia Wright), and of course the amazing talent (loved the addition of not just Dominique Thorne but also Michaela Coel and Tenoch Huerta). Other similarities include the "villain" who some could argue isn't really a "villain," and dueling sides that have more in common than not, making who you root for/against not so clear cut.
The tributes to Chadwick Boseman/T'Challa were executed in a meaningful, intentional, and moving way. That of course was to be expected, what may not be expected... well I won't spoil it, but there are a handful of scenes that I would just never have expected to see happen. One of the tougher to swallow unexpected scenes was shocking, but at the same time, you'll probably understand why it needed to happen for what would follow in the film. Another unexpected scene almost made me lose it in the theater out of excitement, because I just never expected to see it. And another was just such an amazing bonus, like just when you thought the film couldn't get any better it goes and adds this scene. There's just so much to love about this film.
At 2 hours and 41 minutes, this is the 2nd longest MCU film, but it won't feel long at all. It's action-packed with a great plot, amazing visuals, and talented actors.
10/10