Thirtieth feature film making up the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which also concludes phase 4 of it. Tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who played T’Challa, aka Black Panther, in the movie of the same name. Continuation of the cultural phenomenon that occupies the 14e all-time box office ranking with grossing over $1.3 billion. The expectations towards Black Panther: Wakanda Forever were huge.
Posted at 12:00 p.m.
And they are fulfilled! Not shattered, however.
For it is impossible to surpass what has accomplished Black Panther when it was released and in the months that followed. Its enormous success demonstrated that a major film led by a predominantly black cast, a black director and black screenwriters could reach a large audience. It also demonstrated that a story, albeit fictional, drawing parallels with the history of blacks in the United States as well as the current political and social climate could appeal to a varied audience.
Without diminishing his successes, and even if he was selected as a finalist in the category of best picture at the Oscars, in 2019, Black Panther was not flawless. Some scenes lacked breath, some stakes faded too quickly and the special effects of the final confrontation left something to be desired.
These flats do not reproduce in Wakanda Forever.
Visually, this is one of the most impressive films we’ve seen. The costumes are even more remarkable than in the first chapter. The action is captivating and daring – we sometimes feel inspirations from Cirque du Soleil. But it is above all the beauty of the place that takes your breath away, especially the underwater city of Talokan.
Namor emerges
With the death of Black Panther, protector of Wakanda, various world powers see an opportunity to extract the precious vibranium, the metallic element at the origin of many Wakandan technologies, from the kingdom now ruled by Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett). Namor (Tenoch Huerta), ruler of an underwater world unknown to those on the surface, worries that other countries may have access to vibranium. He therefore asks the Wakandan royal family to ally with his people in order to annihilate the “invaders” before they get their hands on the powerful metal.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARVEL STUDIOS
Tenoch Huerta plays Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
In addition to offering exceptional views of Wakanda thanks to his ability to fly and to show sublime aquatic landscapes since he breathes underwater, Namor is the kind of antagonist who seduces with his charisma and his argument. persuasive. We understand his motivations, even if his methods are extreme. Tenoch Huerta is a revelation in the role.
Letitia Wright is also brilliant as a bereaved Shuri. While she was a ray of sunshine in the previous installment, the princess with an unparalleled technological genius goes through a wide range of emotions throughout the two hours and forty minutes of the film. She is supported by her mother, Ramonda, who faces adversity in many ways. With strength and grace, Angela Bassett delivers a most compelling performance that would certainly be worthy of a nomination for best supporting role.
The rest of the cast excels just as much, especially Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke. The music of Ludwig Göransson (The Mandalorian, tenet, Creed) is wonderful. Just like the direction of photography of Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Loki, Teen Spirit).
We could criticize Ryan Coogler for stretching certain scenes or waiting too long before diving into the heart of the story. If we see Wakanda Forever as mere entertainment, these reviews are valid. But this work is more. It pays tribute to an actor of great talent while allowing the artisans of the film to express their pain artistically.
The death of a famous personality can affect us in different ways. Most of the time, our grief is fleeting. But here, for the first time, as far as we are concerned, we had the impression of experiencing a mourning that we did not suspect, that we believed was behind us. And it is very likely that the experience will be repeated with each viewing. It’s both sad and beautiful.
super hero movie
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (VF: Black Panther: Long Live Wakanda)
Ryan Coogler
With Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Tenoch Huerta
2:41 a.m.