Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER is less than the sum of its parts. Despite a strong cast and some impressive action sequences, the film feels disjointed and fails to live up to the potential of its source material.

The plot picks up shortly after the death of King T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), with Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje fighting to protect Wakanda from intervening world powers. 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) to forge a new path for the kingdom.

While there are some well-choreographed action sequences, lots of diversity in the cast, and the different worlds are spectacular, they are not enough to make up for the film’s other shortcomings. The plot is disjointed and predictable, and the film fails to explore the rich world of Wakanda instead opting for fast-paced action that feels empty.

The movie includes a couple of respectful references to Chadwick Boseman who died after the filming of the previous movie. None of them feels gratuitous or out of place.

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER is a missed opportunity that fails to live up to the potential of its source material.

WAKANDA FOREVER is moderately entertaining but disappoints. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe may want to check it out, but everyone else can skip it.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your movie guide for your local show times.)