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‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Review | A Deeply Cinematic Journey and Tribute to a King

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“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is breathtaking and emotionally powerful as it showcases a grieving Nation on the cusp of war after heartbreakingly losing its king. It’s a beautiful story about overcoming grief and what it does to the Community and the people you love. It perfectly honours Chadwick Boseman’s legacy.

In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livanalli.

©Marvel

Review

A Grieving Nation

Writer-director Ryan Coogler has crafted an immense emotional sequel, led by a phenomenal ensemble of women. These influential women of Wakanda are front and centre throughout and each brings to the screen such empowering performances as they are dealing with great change Coogler beautifully and powerfully depicts how each character deals with grief, revenge, and how it can all consume you. Bassett is heartbroken and hopeful in the role of Queen Ramonda, she delivers a stoic, commanding performance as she takes the throne until T’Challa’s replacement is named. With a tense and emotional opening, you get the sense that Shuri feels responsible for her brother’s death, she has these conflicting emotions that truly balance the movie, and there wasn’t a dry eye throughout as a funeral procession takes place, showcasing a celebration of what T’Challa brought to the nation. Wright showcases how Shuri processes her pain as she uses work and technology for distraction and her emotional, gripping performance carries Shuri through the grieving process as Coogler does it again by exploring the war that wages inside of you as self-reflection follows and serves as a reminder.

©Marvel

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” truly emphasises the importance of Community and the role they play in helping someone deal with grief as well as dealing with their sorrow. Throughout, T’Challa’s peers step into a comforting, reassurance sibling role for Shuri, and the entire cast indeed rises above. Danai Gurira’s Okoye is willing to put her career at risk to aid Shuri’s grief, especially in one sequence where she brings such emotion during an exchange with Ramonda. Winston Duke’s M’Baku enters munching away on a vegetable and provides a performance capturing how T’Challa’s influence visibly changed the Jabari Tribe and its leader. He provides Shuri with such sensitivity in his counsel.

However it is T’Challa’s love, Nakia played by Lupita Nyong’o who offers her support to Shuri throughout the personal parts of her journey . Nyong’o provides such tenderness and has some memorable moments in the latter half of the movie. Her mother and T’Challa’s friends are there to remind Shuri that life goes on, though Shuri isn’t ready to accept that.

The other new addition to “Wakanda Forever” is Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams who is fiery and personality is infectious. Her appearance and introduction into the MCU sets the stage for her own Disney+ series “Ironheart” Martin Freeman’s Everett Ross is intertwined with this political subplot as he brings such comedic and fun energy as he attempts to aid the Wakandans. Award-winning TV star/comedian Michaela Coel joins the cast as another fierce and funny member of the Dora Milaje.

©Marvel

¡Líik’ik Talokan!

The Power left by T’Challa’s death incites a challenge to Wakanda from the outside world. The outreach program from the end of the first film remains however there’s immense political pressure for Wakanda to submit and obey regulations. The United Nations’ demand for Wakanda to relinquish control of its resources sets up themes of colonialism. With Killmonger having destroyed the Heart-shaped Herb that granted T’Challa superhuman abilities, there’s no new Black panther to protect its nation.

When the United States discovers the film McGuffin at the bottom of the ocean, Wakanda finds itself in conflict with the underwater kingdom of Talokan and its ruler, Namor. Talokan is heavily inspired by real Mesoamerican culture, regalia, and Jewellery, and features Maya-styled murals. Namor’s people who speak Yucatec Maya, call him the “feathered serpent god” or K’uk’ulkan. Their open-palmed hand gesture and Talokan salute “¡Líik’ik Talokan!” are inspired by similar gestures found in Maya codices. Tenoch Huerta Mejía’s performance as the engaging antagonist makes him a force to be reckoned with, his dialogue scenes with Shuri are intense though the two share much in common as important members of their monarchies’ royal families. Coogler and co-writer Joe Robert Cole showcase how far Namor goes to protect his people’s homes, Talokan is another fascinating aspect and society that Marvel could do a deeper exploration of. 

©Marvel

Mabel Cadena and Alex Livinalli are incredible as Namora and Attuma, both characters act as a reminder to Namor that the surface people can’t be trusted. These two also feature heavily in the incredible action sequences whether that’s on dry land or underwater, one is especially breathtaking visually on a bridge. The underwater sequences in RealD3D were outstanding. Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter and composer Ludwig Göransson do a phenomenal job of adding Mayan-inspired costumes and music to the proceedings.

Throughout “Wakanda Forever” the biggest thrills come from watching the two nations clash. The Women of the Dora Milaje are fierce warriors crossing the spears with the gilled warriors of Talokan whose battle gear resembles deadly marine life. They fight and battle across land, sea, and air, and the action ranges from intense car chases, daring escapes, and three-on-one brawls all punctuated by water grenades that essentially cause tidal waves.

©Marvel

Final Thoughts

T’Challa & Chadwick Boseman’s death weighs heavy on Wakanda Forever, with the grieving nation struggling to replace both their monarch and their champion. It’s an emotionally powerful, gripping farewell & perfectly honours his legacy! With powerful Oscar-worthy performances and direction, shows how much love Coogler and the cast have poured into the making of this movie which is no doubt the best of Phase 4. I’m truly lost for words.

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Action

Five Reasons To Love ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ 

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Back in 2014, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 opened into theaters with a mixed reception from critics and audiences and has been deemed as the least desirable of the Spidey movies. In the film, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) must face off against another villain who has been given the name Electro. Moreover, our brave hero uncovers some bizarre mysteries surrounding his parents.

Many fans of the series view the film as an overcrowded mess, but I think it might be the most entertaining of all the Spidey films, until No Way Home arrived, and here are five reasons why that remains true.

Andrew Garfield

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 [Credit: Sony Pictures]

First and foremost, Garfield is always a delight to have in the Spidey outfit. His charisma and witty banter is almost what makes the film truly great. I have always said that he was the best Spider-Man and this movie proves it with his ability to elevate any scene from dull slog to a comedic venture. 

Spidey, in this particular movie, embodies the hero in the original comics with his incessant need to make a fast-talking quip to one of his enemies. There is nothing better than a comic-book character sticking true to his essence and spirit of its source material.

Electro

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 [Credit: Sony Pictures]

Despite what many people say about the villains, Jamie Foxx as the supercharged baddie Electro proves to be a formidable opponent for the web-head, with his omnipotent powers and overly-powered nature. More than that, Max Dillon is depicted as a quiet, shy loner who is invisible to other people. He is essentially a nobody, until he falls into a vat of electrically-charged eels and becomes the sinister villain Electro. 

To better understand a villain, you must understand their plight and Electro’s plight is that of a rags-to-riches success story and the visual effects are certainly something to marvel at. 

Action Sequences

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 [Credit: Sony Pictures]

This article wouldn’t be complete if I decided not to talk about the exhilarating action that embodied the film. Whether we see Spidey chasing down a truck with Oscorp’s product or a massive fight inside a grid that seems like a colossal feat for any Marvel film, the film can take a lot of pride in its action sequences. 

One can also never forget the massive and iconic battle sequence between Electro and Spidey in Time Square that seems impossible to be made. 

Green Goblin

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 [Credit: Sony Pictures]

While he remains a secondary villain, Dane Dehaan’s Green Goblin is still noteworthy. Dehaan portrays Harry Osborne who is left with his dead father Norman’s life work and stumbles upon a Goblin serum that enhances his speed, strength, and intelligence. 

His little spat with Spider-Man is certainly befitting for the dark, moody tone of the film and entertaining for plenty of comic fans with zippy action and certified intensity. In the end, he is also responsible for the death of Spidey’s girlfriend Gwen Stacy. 

Gwen Stacy Death

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 [Credit: Sony Pictures]

Speaking of Gwen Stacy, this is the only Spidey film that features his love interest dying. As he battles the Green Goblin, Spidey attempts to hold on to Stacy, literally, by a thread in the clocktower. However, when the thread snaps, Spidey is able to snag her in mid-air but the whiplash of the fall snaps her neck, killing her. 

What might be the saddest moment in any Spider-Man film, was brought to life in this extraordinary scene that silenced an entire generation of Spider-Man fans. 

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Marvel

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania | New Trailer | Marvel Studios

Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne, along with Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, explore the Quantum Realm, where they interact with strange creatures and embark on an adventure that goes beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.

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Genre:

Action, Adventure, Comedy

Release Date:

February 17, 2023

Director:

Peyton Reed

Cast:

Paul Rudd, Jonathan Majors, Evangeline Lilly, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Douglas

Plot Summary:

Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne, along with Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, explore the Quantum Realm, where they interact with strange creatures and embark on an adventure that goes beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.

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Comic Book Movies

Marvel’s Upcoming Slate of 2023 TV Shows and Movies

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It can be difficult to keep track of the massive slate of projects that Marvel Studios has to offer. San Diego Comic-Con 2022 laid out a path as to what we can expect going forward in the MCU. Luckily, our friends over at IGN have compiled a list of projects slated for Phase 5 and 6.

Marvel has revealed some major announcements, with Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine for Deadpool 3, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3’ being the final installment in the franchise, as well as phase 6 ending with The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars.

Check out the full list below:

  • What If…? Season 2 (Early 2023)
  • Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (February 17, 2023)
  • Secret Invasion (2023)
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 5, 2023)
  • Echo (Summer 2023)
  • Loki: Season 2 (Summer 2023)
  • The Marvels (July 28, 2023)
  • Ironheart (Fall 2023)
  • X-Men ’97 (Fall 2023)
  • Agatha: Coven of Chaos (Winter 2023/24)
  • Daredevil: Born Again (Spring 2024)
  • Captain America: New World Order (May 3, 2024)
  • Thunderbolts (July 26, 2024)
  • Blade (September 6, 2024)
  • Deadpool 3 (November 8, 2024)
  • Spider-Man: Freshman Year (2024)
  • Fantastic Four (February 14, 2025)
  • Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (May 2, 2025)
  • Untitled Marvel Movie (November 7, 2025)
  • Avengers: Secret Wars (May 1, 2026)
  • Vision Quest (Date TBD)
  • Live-Action Spider-Man Sequels (Dates TBD)
  • Armor Wars (Date TBD)
  • Wakanda Series (Date TBD)
  • Marvel Zombies (Date TBD)
  • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 2 (Date TBD)
  • Wonder Man (Date TBD)
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special 2 (TBD)

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