Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther Wakanda Forever starts very emotional. Explaining what happen to Tchalla was connected to what happen to Chadwick in real life. Beautiful way to honor both the character and the person. The first hour of the movie is kind of a catching up to where we are in the plot. Plus they go ahead and reveal the new stuff we will need to understand this film. It was a fun and entertaining first hour.
We got to see Riri Williams which eventually becomes a Superheroe called Ironheart. I believe the original was an MIT student that won a Stark scholarship. She was a scientific genius and fan of IronMan. Which she based her invetions on TonyStark projects. Aslo, I tought she was a funny sweet student with a gentle personality. Well, on this movie we saw RiriWilliams. She was a genius and a young student. But she had a tougher personality and didn't confirmed if she was a fan of IronMan. The government officials did mentioned she built an IronMan suit and the final design had IronMan suit similarities. But never heard if she even met IronMan.
About Namor. Not sure about the full background of the character only the basic. But apparently there are many changes to its origin. Maybe starting from the pronunciation? I believe he was always called Namor as it sounds in English: Nay-More. But here he presented as Namor as in Spanish: Nahmo-r. But then Shuri went on to called him Nay-More so not sure of the correct pronunciation for this version. I didn't know Atlanteans were originally Blue. Didn't like that but hey that wasn't change so it is ok. Also, I didn't know he could fly but that was from the original. Another mayor change was Atlantis. Namor was supposed to be the prince of Atlantis and his people were Atlanteans. But on the MCU it is Talokan City snd his people Talocans. In general, it was a great adaptation of the character. I was afraid that they could ruin it by changing it alot. But since the story had already changed due to BlackPanther character forced change, it was done great. I'm against forced inclusion because it usually leads to a weak plot. But here it was done fine. They actually showed us the background story of Namor without taking too much time but also without rushing the story. They presented the character origin and introduced us to the Mexican culture in the MCU. It was done perfect. From the language, clothing, locations, designs, names, and everything they show us. Much like Wanda with Africa they also did it beautifully with the Mexican culture. They manage to keep the Mutant origin of Namor which was great. A little curious fact is that Lupita NYong that portrays Nakia and is an African-Mexican actress. Born in Mexico but from African parents. Maybe could have used that as an advantage for the movie plot that involves African and Mexican cultures but she move to Haiti instead of a Mexican city. But the scene at end helped understand that she needed to be full Wakandan. Maybe imrelating her to the Mexican culture could have affected her character connection to the Talocans.
A key phrase by Namor raised the voice to for these cultures. Namor mentioned how the outside people were their enemies. He refers to invaders as "OUR Enemies". Referring to how both cultures have suffered from invaders that slaved them and discriminate them still in current time. Remembers how African and Mexican people have suffer from racism and discrimination throughout the decades.
Another thing that stand out is Shuri's personality. She used to be a chill and funny person. But after all her lost and specially her family grief has made her tougher. It has fill her with internal anger and Vengeance. But still manage to keep her funny side which he showed occasionally.
We were introduced to Ironheart, MidnightAngel and Shuri as BlackPanther.
Now the main purpose of this movie is BlackPanther. This has been the topic of controversy for some time now. The unexpected passing of the actor Chadwick Boseman left the MCU without one of the most importan Heroes moving on. This completely changed many movies plots but specially BlackPanther Wakanda Forever. Im sure we would have seen the epic fight between BlackPanther and Namor and probably TChalla relationship with Storm and a probable son with her. But many changes had to be made. After the passing of the amazing Chadwick Boseman many fans demand NOT TO RECAST the character. Not only they were againts a new BlackPanther but also of replacing Tchalla character. Marvel tried to stayed in the dark but eventually recognized that they wouldn't replace BlackPanther for respect to the actor. But after some time fans knew they needed a new BlackPanther. Because it was need for a sequel and probable future MCU movies. But with all the rise of inclusion fans now demanded Shuri to take the throne and become the next Official BlackPanther. Even do she already had her own character and in comcis she was supposed to take her mother mantle. Which she had her own powers. But Shuri also had her technology and was the genuius of Wakanda. The controversy was huge so Marvel stayed quiet again. It was obvious they were planning out the best way to move on but without the pressure of fans. There were many rumors about the next BlackPanther. Some involve using the multiverse, a doppelganger, Shuri, saying Killmonger didn't die, a hidden son or MBaku taking the mantle. But later after a while Shuri was revealed as the new Black Panther. But was she? No. Again Marvel gave what fans wanted but the main story had a different path. Shuri was chosen as tye temporary BlackPanther. They even show used an emotional path she had to take to deserve the mantle. Her struggles and sadness lead her to rush the process. She created an Artificial Heart-Shaped Herb to received the BlackPanther powers. But without actually believing in the afterlife, her anger and the artificial herb she saw Killmonger instead of another ancestor. Killmonger words convinced her to use her anger to avenge her family. But right st the last moment she repented and manage to stop the war before killing Namor.
Towards the end we learn the true purpose of this BlackPanther path. The moment were Shuri was supposed to show for the BlackPanther duel ceremony she didn't arrived. Instead MBaku show to claim the BlackPanther mantle. So we can predict MBaku might become the Next BlackPanther but still not the Oficial One. Seems Mbaku will be another temporary BlackPanther in case they need him. Because at the end of the film it was revealed the rumors were true. TChalla had a hidden son with Nakia. Even more important his Wakandan name is TChalla. Amazing. Marvel did it again. We will have our original BlackPanther that is Prince TChalla but won't be a replacement since he is the Son of King TChalla. So apparently MBaku will be the next BlackPanther until TChalla's son grows at a decent Age to become the Next an Finally Official BlackPanther. An Official BlackPanther but a the same time a way to honor and keep remembering Chadwick Boseman BlackPanther character. Now the question will be if we will see the son grow naturally or he could skip some Years with some time travel, multiverse or even Quantum event. That might depend on how fast they will need the Official BlackPanther to appear. My guess is they will save him until they introduced Storm from the X-Men and they will finally explore that relationship.
Overall, this movie was well made. From the emotional scenes, the great action scenes, the important information and characters revealed etc. It had a little bit of everything. Must confess I didn't expect much but it was really great. They manage to created a beautiful movie, majestic visuals and great soundtracks. From a person that doesn't know anything about the Marvel movies it could be seen as a 7.0 movie. But taking into consideration the emotional feelings after what had happen and how it continued from there I believe it is an 8.5 movie.
Rating: 8.5
