Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M'Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect the kingdom of Wakanda 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 and Everett Ross and forge a new path for their nation.
Manuel Frangis reviewedApril 15, 2025
I just watched Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. This movie had a lot to carry, and somehow, it pulls it off with power, heart, and respect. It is not just a Marvel sequel. It is a tribute. It is a story about loss, legacy, and strength — and it handles all of that while still delivering the scale and intensity you expect from a superhero film. I went into it not knowing how they would move forward after losing Chadwick Boseman, and I walked out really impressed with how much emotion they brought to the screen.
The film opens with grief, and it stays present throughout. The characters are mourning, but they are also fighting to protect what they love. That combination makes the story feel more real than most Marvel movies. You can feel the pain, but you also feel the pride. Wakanda feels even more alive here, with more depth, more beauty, and more complexity. It is a country still healing, still strong, and still under threat — and watching how everyone responds to that makes for a powerful ride.
Letitia Wright steps up in a big way. Her performance as Shuri carries the emotional weight of the story, and she gives everything to the role. She is angry, heartbroken, and still trying to be brave. You see her struggle and her growth, and that makes her journey even more meaningful. Angela Bassett is absolutely incredible. Every scene she is in feels important. She brings so much fire and grace to her role, and her presence gives the movie a lot of its strength.
Tenoch Huerta as Namor is a strong addition to the MCU. He is not just a villain. He is layered, thoughtful, and intimidating in a calm and powerful way. His motivations are clear, and his background gives him depth that a lot of Marvel antagonists do not have. The scenes in his underwater kingdom are stunning, and his interactions with Wakanda raise real questions about leadership, survival, and power.
Visually, the movie is beautiful. The costume design, the landscapes, the underwater scenes — it all looks incredible. Every frame feels rich and alive. The action scenes are intense and creative. There is a lot of emotion packed into those fights, and they never feel empty. The music once again stands out. The score blends cultural sounds with modern beats, and it adds a lot to the mood. There are moments when the music says just as much as the dialogue.
The pacing slows down at times, especially in the middle, but I actually appreciated that. It gives time for characters to breathe. This is not just about big battles. It is about people dealing with grief, responsibility, and change. That slower pace makes the emotional moments land harder, and it helps the ending feel earned.
I give Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 4.5 out of 5 stars because it is emotional, bold, and full of meaning. It honors Chadwick Boseman while telling a story that moves the MCU forward with care and intention. Overall Wakanda Forever is a beautiful and emotional superhero film about legacy, leadership, and letting go. It is full of stunning visuals, strong performances, and a message that stays with you. I loved it, and I respect it for what it tried to do and how well it pulled it off.