Black Panther : Wakanda forever

To my brothers in arms Sylvain, Ludovic and Laurent

Discovering a new movie from the Marvel cinematographic universe is often like seeing an efficient blockbuster without any real surprise as these productions are perfectly calibrated to not only satisfy the expectations of comic book fans (of which we are part of) but also to take your eyes by spectacular special effects, an inspired director and a perfectly selected cast. Each film proves to be a celebration of the Marvel comics universe. 

Released in January 2018 the first installment directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station (2013), Creed (2015)) featured actor Chadwick Boseman in the title role. Died at the age of 43 on August 28, 2020 of colon cancer, this second installment is both a vibrant tribute to this actor but also to his iconic character who also appeared in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019) but also a way to close phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (no post-credits scene except for a complementary scene during the credits introducing T'Challa's son who is kept secret and is the future King of Wakanda).

This thirtieth movie of the Marvel cinematographic universe still directed by Ryan Coogler and still co-writer with Joe Robert Cole allows to find most of the actors of the first movie (Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke Angela Bassett and Michael B. Jordan in a short scene) but also editing Michael P. Shawver and music Ludwig Göransson. It emerges a true continuity of the first film but with a better mastery of ryrthm and action scenes better mastered and especially the appearance of an important character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía perfect in his role) and another Marvel Ironheart / Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) who will have next year his Marvel series on Disney +.

It is not a coincidence that the film begins with the death of King T'Challa and his burial in front of all Wakanda in tears at such a loss. His death also marks the death of the Black Panther we know. While the whole world seems to want to take possession of the vibranium even if it means sending armed forces to get it, another danger seems to be hanging over Wakanda as well.  Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M'Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) will once again have to fight to protect their nation from the dangerous Namor (Tenoch Huerta), king of the undersea city of Talokan, who has decided to take back control of the earth before their undersea city is destroyed.  Wakanda will be able to count on Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) who plays a short but important supporting role.

The presence of the character Namor created in 1939 by Bill Everett (Aquaman was created in November 1941) is certainly an important asset for this film. Of course this character has been reinvented in this movie but the main features of the character have been respected and make him a great villain for this movie. The numerous underwater scenes are perfectly rendered and easily surpass those of James Wan's Aquaman (with those rather ugly and not always convincing CGI). Despite the rather long length of the film with its 161 minutes, the script manages to keep you on the edge of your seat without any false notes and to avoid too long scenes of superfluous dialogue. By incorporating a global socio-political context, this new Marvel Studios film avoids being a simple blokbuster and has a real soul visible on the screen. In the same way, the script of Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole doesn't try to overdo it at any moment and prefers to give a real psychological thickness to the characters and in particular to the character of Suri who occupied a second role in the first movie and who becomes here only towards the last part of the movie the new Black Panther by gaining an important strength able to allow this character to face Namor.

Another great quality of the film is the sumptuous music of the gifted composer Ludwig Göransson which gives to this film a very particular dimension. We will also remember the new song of Rihanna Lift me up which concludes this new movie from Marvel Studios which will be a huge success in theaters. The numerous applause in the theater this day (rather rare in theaters these days) announce a global success to this mastered, bewitching and striking film from Marvel Studios.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Produced by Kevin Feige, Nate Moore
Written by Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole
Story by Ryan Coogler
Based on Black Panther by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Starring Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Dominique Thorne, Florence Kasumba, Michaela Coel, Tenoch Huerta, Martin Freeman, Angela Bassett
Cinematography : Autumn Durald Arkapaw
Edited by Michael P. Shawver, Kelley Dixon, Jennifer Lame
Music by Ludwig Göransson
Production company : Marvel Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release dates : October 26, 2022 (Hollywood), November 11, 2022 (United States)
Running time : 161 minutes

Seen on November 11, 2022 at Gaumont Disney Village, Imax Room, seat E22

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