BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER – 8 SPOILER-FREE THOUGHTS
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was released last Thursday to much fanfare. It is an excellent movie that really solidifies the Black Panther series as one of the all-time best comic book movies, and really elevates Ryan Coogler to a rarified air as a director. Here are a few spoiler-free thoughts on the movie.
1. The MCU’s Prestige Film Series
Black Panther really is the MCU’s “prestige” film series, and it’s clear that they treat it as such — Marvel is very “white glove” in the brand’s handling. I think this is why you don’t really see significant crossover with other series beyond the odd Dora Milaje appearance (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier). This may change in the future, however.
2. Ryan Coogler Has A Deft Hand
Ryan Coogler really is a highly competent and sensitive filmmaker. He’s eventually going to get a statue or 2 or 3 before the end of his career.
3. Letitia Met The Moment
For all the foolishness surrounding Letitia, she did very well in this movie. Her character arc was excellent, and it’s clear this role helped her mature as a performer.
4. Angela Basset IS The Moment
Angela Bassett is going to screw around and get an Oscar nod for this movie. She was absolutely magnetic in all of her regality on the screen.
5. Tenoch Huerta Is A Star!
I loved seeing Tenoch Huerta’s elevation to superstar status. He’s a phenomenal actor (see Narcos: Mexico), but glad to see him move up from drug-lord to charismatic anti-hero.
6. Ruth Carter’s Next Oscar Nod On Deck
Ruth Carter and Hannah Beachler are definitely going to be nominated for costume design and production design Oscars again — Ruth is probably going to win another.
7. Lots Of Staging For Future Movies
The movie really does set up quite a few upcoming movies and Disney+ shows — they definitely knew this was going to be a massive hit.
8. It Came Together Better Than I Could Have Hoped
I missed Chadwick, BUT the cast absolutely held their own here and delivered one of the best movies of the year and for sure of Phase 4 of the MCU. You couldn’t ask for a better sendoff.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a must see film and I highly recommend seeing it, maybe even more than once.
