Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

           Writer/director Ryan Coogler returns to the mythical Marvel kingdom of Wakanda for this sequel to the "Black Panther". With the untimely and tragic death of Chadwick Boseman, many wondered how Mr. Coogler could pull off a successful sequel. 

           Not only is the sequel a success but it is a loving tribute to Mr. Boseman, whose spirit inhabits the film from the first frame to the last. Most of the original cast returns and the emphasis this time is on Shuri, T'Challa's younger sister, played by Letitia Wright.  With the help of a strong supporting cast, including Angela Bassett as Ramonda, the Queen Mother, Winston Duke as M'Baku, Danai Gurira as Okoye, and Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia, Ms. Wright rises to the challenge. The film also features Dominque Thorne as Riri Williams, Tenoch Huerta as Namor, Martin Freeman as Evert Ross, and Julia Louise-Dreyfus as Valentina.

            Using Prince Namor, a Marvel iconic character, as the villain in the film is a bold choice and while Mr. Huerta tries hard, he doesn't quite capture the essence of the character. His backstory is also changed from the comics which will bother purists. However, the mass audience waiting for this film will probably not even care. Ms. Thorne's character is also derived from the comics, as the action hero "Iron Heart", sort of a female Iron Man. Mr. Coogler keeps most of the action contained in Wakanda or in the underwater Kingdom of Talokan (Atlantis in the comics). There is considerable action but the film gets bogged down in its excesses and could have easily been trimmed by 20 minutes.

              The film will undoubtedly be a success as it will satisfy all the fans and it does pay the well deserved tribute to Mr. Boseman. There is an important mid credit scene but nothing after the credits end, so no need to wait until the very end unless you enjoy reading credits.  We are told though that, like James Bond, The Back Panther will return.