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BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

The beautifully crafted film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is heart wrenching, but also showcases the power of identity, culture, family and pride. The costumes are intricate and gorgeous; the music is moving; and the acting is just spectacular. I felt captivated during every moment of the film, and the nearly realistic world of Wakanda made me feel like I was there myself, even though it is futuristic and fictional.

The storyline follows Princess Shuri (Letita Wright) and the Wakandan army as they fight to protect Wakanda from a new force that threatens to attack their home. After the heartbreaking passing of King T'Challah (Chadwick Boseman), Shuri and her mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) are left with the weight of the country on their shoulders. They must band together with Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o), General Okoye (Danai Gurira), and young scientist Riri (Domonique Thorne) as they constantly battle to save the only home they know from an otherworldly army, which threatens the secrets of Wakanda's renowned Vibranium. Will they win this excruciating battle, or will Wakanda fall?

Letita Wright, as the protagonist, Princess Shuri, performs beautifully. Her acting choices and authentic emotion are captivating. While this film is dark and somber, there is still enough comedy to keep you chuckling, just at the moment when a little happiness feels most necessary. The music in this film is perfectly aligned with every sequence in the story - powerful in battle scenes; sorrowful at moments of loss; and uplifting in moments of triumph. Without the music, viewers would not be so easily transported into Marvel's Wakandan world. The intricate and bedazzled costuming is gorgeous, displaying the marvelous variety of design from diverse cultures around the world. And last, but most certainly not least, the visual effects and CGI are spectacular. The beauty of Wakanda's futuristic world and technology is so real that you can almost touch it.

There are many messages in this film, but two stand out to me the most. First, always trust your heart; it will lead you in the right direction no matter how many paths there are to stray from. Second, no one is ever truly gone, they will live for as long as their memory lives inside you. These messages are uplifting for everyone who needs comfort. Although there is violence in this movie, there is not much gore. The use of a variety of weapons makes this film more appropriate for older children and teens.

I give Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters November 11, 2022.

By Nyara A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the greatly anticipated sequel to Black Panther. This powerful and epic movie is action packed -- introducing new worlds, new characters and new conflicts.

Following the unexpected death of King T'Challa, also known as Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) takes control of Wakanda, and with being the most powerful nation on the planet comes its challenges. But when vibranium, one of the most precious and powerful metals in the world, is found outside of Wakanda, tensions rise and a new, unknown enemy appears. What will happen to the rest of the world on the brink of war? Watch to find out.

This film is based on the first movie, Black Panther. The storyline is separate enough that it isn't necessary to watch the original to enjoy this, but I highly recommend watching it because it is a terrific film. The tragic and unexpected loss of Chadwick Boseman, who played the Black Panther, was devastating to the Black Panther franchise, so the writers had to get creative to continue the franchise. Also, they honor Chadwick Boseman is a very lovely way. I like how the Back Panther franchise has a bit more freedom to explore new places rather than stay so closely connected to the Avengers and other Marvel franchises or series. It is very engaging to explore a new world. The costumes and sets are extravagant and immaculate, and it is super interesting to dive deeper into Wakanda and Talokan, a new world introduced in this move. I found the plot and performances a bit darker and gloomier than the original film. The strongest acting comes from Letitia Wright (Shuri), Angela Bassett (Ramonda), Dominique Thorne (Riri) and Tenoch Huerta (Namor). All of the emotion for the returning cast members, especially towards King T'Challla's death, comes from a very genuine place, because the cast and crew were so close to Chadwick Boseman; this makes the acting all the more realistic and alive. Dominique Thorne's character, Riri, is introduced in this film and positions her upcoming show, Ironheart. Tenoch Huerta really captivates the audience with his character and hints at his possible further journeys into his kingdom and relationship with Wakanda. This movie also feature's Rihanna's first solo single in five years called Lift Me Up, and it is an absolutely beautiful song.

The messages of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are to fight to protect the things you love and to be your own person. Parents should be aware that this movie contains violence and intense action scenes.

I give Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Marvel and Black Panther fans will love this movie. It releases in theaters November 11, 2022.

By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever provides an emotional and thrilling experience for all MCU fans, yet continues to set up the future while focusing on the past. There has never been such a tribute film like Wakanda Forever within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel handles such a sensitive topic incredibly well by honoring Chadwick Boseman thoroughly, but still providing a classic Marvel adventure that all fans will enjoy. Wakanda Forever is beautifully shot. It arguably may have the best cinematography seen throughout the MCU, and possibly out of all superhero films in general.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever immediately addresses the largest question every fan has when entering the theatre. How will they cover the loss of Chadwick Boseman? The story starts off answering that question, while not going too in-depth (which is very respectful). In a world now struggling without a Black Panther, vibranium is discovered outside of Wakanda. This threatens the resources of vibranium for the people of Talokan (an underwater city of fish-like people). The King of Talokan, Namor (Tenoch Huerta), gives a threatening ultimatum to the Wakandans. They can either help the people of Talokan, or fight for what's right. The emotional depth this film goes into really defines the line between acting and showing human emotion. For the cast, they lost a family member when Chadwick passed away; on screen, they aren't acting. The actors behind the characters are also grieving for a man they loved. The audience can easily see this when watching the stellar performance from Angela Bassett, due to the theatre going absolutely silent and getting filled with goose bumps. Angela's feelings are absolutely raw. Her performance will hypnotize audiences, through thick and thin. It is genuinely one of the first times that it has been thought that a Marvel performance could win a major award.

Wakanda Forever teaches the moral that grief isn't beneficial until you move past it. As a result, the film has large themes of family, love and perseverance. Unlike other Marvel films, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is actually light with cursing and gore. Obviously the film still packs a punch with the average boatload of action, yet doesn't go to crazy lengths to emphasize the violence behind the story. This allows the audience to focus more on what the film is indirectly teaching rather than what is being shown directly on screen.

I give Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can find Black Panther: Wakanda Forever sprinting its way into theatres on November 11, 2022. So make sure to check it out!

By Jude A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

The highly anticipated sequel to the hit Marvel movie Black Panther is finally here. Each actor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever pulls their weight and produces captivating scenes, each proving critical to the story. This heart-wrenching, high-quality film is definitely one I will remember.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever follows the Wakandans as they try to move forward after the sudden death of King T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman). Shuri (Letitia Wright) and Ramonda (Angela Bassett) are both thrown into new roles during their grieving process. When a new power threatens their nation, the country has to come together with the help of their warriors, Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) in order to fight back.

Watching Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in the theater was a surreal experience. Throughout the entire movie, when there weren't periods of laughter, there was complete silence. You could hear a pin drop in the room, which shows how invested the audience is in the story. The writers, Joe Robert Cole and Ryan Coogler (also the director), along with the rest of the cast and crew were given a task that some would find impossible. Not only did they have to create a beautiful sequel that would entertain and surpass the audience's expectations, but also tell a complete story without their lead man, Chadwick Boseman. Despite this setback, the writers crafted a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Like all Marvel movies, this film is action-packed with highly engaging fight scenes. This doesn't mean that the moments between the Wakandans and the Talokans aren't jaw-dropping and intense. This empire led by Namor (Tenoch Huerta) is determined to get what they want - no matter what, and they make great antagonists. The set and costume design of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is amazing. All of the major and smaller details come together to portray Wakanda's powerful kingdom and African culture. One of the most impressive aspects of this film is the way the actors use their real grief to fuel the moving scenes we see in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. I want to especially give credit to Letitia Wright and Angela Bassett who both deliver monologues that bring tears to the audience's eyes.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever conveys a multitude of themes. One of the strongest themes is: even when you face loss, there is always a reason to live. The entire kingdom of Wakanda faces an unimaginable loss. This is especially true for Shuri and Ramonda. However, they know they have to honor the ones they lost by moving forward with life and protecting their country.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever leaves you fulfilled and yearning for more. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever releases in theaters November 11, 2022. This is an experience you do not want to miss.

Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 15

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a complicated, somber return to the world of Wakanda, packed with layers of intention, plenty of action and a whole lot of emotion. All of that amounts to a movie that--as rousing and thrilling and affecting as it is--can't help but buckle under the weight of its ambition.

In the time since the first film, Chadwick Boseman, who played the titular Black Panther a.k.a Prince T'Challa tragically passed away from cancer in 2020. This real-life loss heavily influences the plot of this fictional movie. Wakanda is in mourning, they've not just lost a king, but a guiding light, and their most powerful protector. The nation is already in a precarious place, having opened up their borders and making the unprecedented choice to share their knowledge and technology with the rest of the world, but losing T'Challa and all he represented puts them at great risk. T'Challa's sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) and his mother Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) mourn a loved one while gathering their ranks and preparing for battle against the mythic Namor (Tenoch Huerta). He resides in the underwater world of Talokan which has thousands of sea-dwelling creatures like him primed for battle. He comes to Wakanda with an ultimatum that could result in all-out war between the two empires.

If the first Black Panther was a coming of age story, a prince becoming a king, and the burdens he must carry to rule, this, too, is a coming of age story, but rather about that king's little sister soldiering on in the midst of suffering to lead and protect a people when they need it most. Wakanda Forever isn't simply a meditation on loss and grief, but, at points, an active engagement with the process of grieving, how far it can reach and how deep it can cut. From the shock of losing someone to the acceptance that they're never really gone, a foundational part of the fictional Wakandan culture is that the ones we love live on. And that part of the movie is something truly beautiful that ties into both the fictional world that Director Ryan Coogler has created on-screen and the off-screen passing of Chadwick Boseman.

Coogler hasn't lost his ability as an image maker. He understands the weight of every moment that acknowledges Boseman's impact and the void he leaves behind. His tomb ascending into a Wakandan cruiser--with the Black Panther insignia scrawled into it-- or the silence when we see glimpses of him, pieced together from the first film. No one gets the connection we had to the character and actor who played him better than Coogler does--it's remarkable the depth of feeling he is able to draw from his actors and the narrative regarding that idea. It will satisfy both fans of MCU and of Chadwick Boseman--honoring the legacy of Chadwick Boseman and looking at Marvel's future. It's definitely worth seeing if you're a fan of either. I laughed, I cheered, I was emotionally wrecked at times. Even with my quibbles, I can't argue it played me like a fiddle. It never fully balances the two narrative pillars of paying tribute to Boseman and advancing the plot of a larger universe with Namor and a whole new mythology, but it sure tries to.

I give Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. When it comes down to it, it's a labor of love to a fallen star taken much too soon, and the fact that this exists on those terms makes it all worth it. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in theaters November 11, 2022.

By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is full of action-packed scenes, phenomenal cameos, plot twists and a tribute truly fit for a king! Kudos to Director Ryan Coogler for creating a sequel that's not just a film, but an entire experience. Audiences should definitely pack tissues, and be prepared to be entertained as this film takes you on a journey through Wakanda and new worlds, as if you were there.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the follow-up to Black Panther and takes place a year after King T'Challa's a.k.a. Black Panther's (Chadwick Boseman) unexpected death. This film is the perfect example of art imitating life as Boseman's life is included in the storyline. The film follows Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) and her mother, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) as they try to cope with the loss of King T'Challa and continue to rule and protect Wakanda from outside threats. Meanwhile, Wakanda's precious and valuable resource, Vibranium, has been detected outside the country and new enemies arise. With the absence of Black Panther, Princess Shuri and Queen Ramonda must now figure out how to protect their people and the metal from getting into the wrong hands.

The main characters are Princess Shuri, Queen Ramonda, General Okoye (Danai Gurira), Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) and M'Baku (Winston Duke). They are joined by breakout star Riri Williams a.k.a. Ironheart (Dominque Thorne). Marvel fans will love Riri Williams' wittiness and fierceness. Newcomer, Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejia), also joins the cast as the villain and king of the underwater kingdom of Talokan. Prepare to be amazed by the different aspects of the film that combine to create one of Marvel's best films yet. Some of my favorite parts in the film, of course, are the tributes to Chadwick Boseman.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever highlights the importance of family, heritage, identity, protection, grief and mental health. The overall theme is being true to who you are, protecting what's most important to you and taking care of yourself. Parents should be aware of mild language, slight violence, and scenes that may be triggering due to life experiences or young viewers' maturity levels.

I give Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can watch it in theaters November 11, 2022. Be sure to arrive on time and to stay for the post-credit scenes so you get the full experience.

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

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In Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M'Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation 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 the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation.