*This review contains spoilers*

The second installment of what many consider to be the best Marvel movie is finally here. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is now in theaters across the globe. 

2018’s “Black Panther” was the 18th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther, alongside stars such as Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’i, Letita Wright, and Angela Bassett. 

It is no secret that the sequel had to go a different direction than originally planned, as the world grieved the loss of Boseman in August of 2020. 

There has been much speculation and theories of who would take the place of Boseman’s monumental role of the Black Panther, as his performance and presence of that character is irreplaceable. 

Marvel Studios president and CCO, Kevin Feige, confirmed that the role would not be recast, and said that the sequel would explore the world and characters of the first film as a way to honor the legacy Boseman helped build. 

Cast members bonded together on set while dealing with their grief for the loss of Boseman, coming together to continue Boseman’s legacy.

A concerning question many had with the sequel was exactly how the film would successfully honor Boseman’s legacy, while introducing a new Black Panther.  

However, the tribute and honor to Boseman is arguably the best aspect in the sequel. 

As director, Coolger was put in the difficult position of balancing the remembrance of the late King T’Challa (Boseman), and advancing the Black Panther’s story, but he was able to execute that with injecting genuine emotion and intuitive action sequences. 

Letitia Wright gave a stunning performance, despite carrying the heavy weight of replacing Boseman as the lead in the Black Panther films. 

Wright does a fantastic job stepping into the leading role, with her authentic emotions making it hard for the audience to sit dry-eyed as the pain of grief and loss carries through the screen.

Additionally, Angela Bassett gives arguably the best acting performance in the MCU, with many already campaigning for her to receive an Oscar nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category. 

The final acting performance to commend is Tenoch Huerta as the villain, Namor. He shined through to make a memorable antagonistic character, successfully executing the powerful action-packed scenes in addition to emotional monologues. 

Similar to 2018’s Black Panther, this film had exceptional cinematography, costumes, and a brilliant soundtrack composed by Ludwig Goransson, helping make the film captivating. 

Dallastown junior Olivia Lowry commends another important aspect of the film. “I think that the political commentary found in the Black Panther franchise is excellent and that the nuances in theory it introduces are easily accessible to the average American,” Lowry said.

Overall, this film successfully translated the real-life heartbreak with the loss of Boseman to the screen, while also propelling the fictitious universe forward with exceptional world-building, well-executed character development, and emotional action sequences. 

The only negative aspect in the film are the subplots that seem unnecessary. Marvel has been forcing the introductions of new, youthful characters, to introduce the “Young Avengers.”

The introduction of Riri Williams (Ironheart), played by Dominique Thorne, took away from the emotions of the main narrative this movie was trying to tell. Simply put, I did not enjoy the forceful addition of this character.

Additionally, I felt that the death of Bassett’s Queen Ramonda was unnecessary. I did not anticipate that there would be a death in this movie, as the passing of Boseman already created grief and the sense of loss. 

Many may disagree with this opinion, but Queen Ramonda’s death felt out of place and caught me off guard in an exclusively negative way. 

To finish, this film was needed to combat the criticism of the current state of the MCU, as it was a high-quality, nearly exceptional film. Arguably the best project in Phase four, this is a hopeful step in the right direction for Marvel. 

After watching this film, I am left with excitement to see the continuation of the Black Panther and the growth of Letitia Wright, as she has successfully taken upon the iconic character and superhero.