Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Wakanda Forever is too ambitious for its own good. It's a film largely built around the struggle for its distinct identity in the face of corporate synergy. It's a moving tribute to Boseman while being a flawed movie in many aspects.

Wakanda Forever works best when it conveys themes of grief, loss, and trauma through the coming-of-age story of Shuri. It certainly feels like an outlier with the framework of MCU films that sidestep these issues.

However, Wakanda Forever stumbles in its excessive plotting when it tries to connect to the broader MCU (Ironheart, CIA, Ross, Fontaine). These plot threads muddle the story and provide excessive baggage to the film.

Wakanda Forever is muddled in its handling of themes related to colonialism. Namor is a retread of the same conflict about being the oppressed minority and internalizing their tactics. It's a problematic statement that feels conservative and regressive.

 Wakanda Forever acknowledges colonialism through its portrayal of colonial powers; it does so at the surface level. By refusing to interrogate these histories or critique the military-industrial complex, the film shields imperial powers from accountability and weakens its political resonance.

By setting Wakanda and Talokan against each other, Wakanda Forever hints at how oppressive systems exploit divisions between marginalized communities. Yet the film never fully commits to unpacking this idea, resulting in a theme that feels underdeveloped and ultimately diluted.

In the end, Wakanda Forever is weighed down by too many plot threads and muddled themes. It struggles to assert its own identity while bending to the demands of Marvel’s larger universe. The outcome is messy, frustrating, and oddly fascinating all at once.

Technically, Wakanda Forever is imaginative. Its direction, while unfocused, still solidifies on a sombre and reflective tone and mood. The uneven cinematography portrays lush visuals and the underwater beauty of Talokan.

However, dim lighting and murky framing lead to a lack of clarity, especially in the big action set pieces. The acting conveys layers, poignance, physicality, and emotional depth to the narrative piece.

The shuddery pacing leads to unfocused plotting and strips momentum and urgency from the narrative. The score blends diverse sources from African drums, Mexican vocals, and instruments with percussion for an impressive score.

Propelled by local music, sharp needle drops, and evocative leitmotifs, the sound design draws power from African and Mexican influences, giving the film both cultural depth and emotional drive in its sound design.

The imaginative production design is striking, with new worlds, worldbuilding, and ethereal costumes centred on Afrofuturism and its unique identity. The cast, while minimal, provides diversity, representation, fit, and star power.

While Wakanda Forever uses green screen wizardry to conjure vast new worlds, its large action sequences too often sink into murky, washed-out visuals that leave the spectacle feeling strangely inert.

Overall, Wakanda Forever is technically proficient and strives for higher ambitions than its predecessor. However, its muddled storytelling and themes rob it of its potential and identity. It's a fascinating mess.

   Writing: 5/10

   Direction: 7/10

   Cinematography: 6/10

   Acting: 7/10

   Editing: 5/10

   Score: 8/10

   Sound: 8/10

   Prod Design: 10/10

   Casting: 7/10

   Effects: 7/10

   OVERALL SCORE: 7.0/10