“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” the sequel to 2018’s “Black Panther,” could easily be deemed one of the best Marvel movies to be created. The film’s writing, acting, cinematography, and the honoring of Chadwick Boseman left viewers in awe. The minor details that can be seen throughout the movie display the care that Ryan Coogler, the film’s director, put into the film. From my personal standpoint the environment of Wakanda, which reflects many across the African diaspora, allowed me to enjoy the film even more.

Chadwick Boseman, who played King T’Challa and the Black Panther, passed away in August  2020, due to colon cancer. Numerous fans of “Black Panther” and Chadwick’s previous works were fearful the sequel would be terrible without his presence. However, the film graciously integrates Chadwick’s passing by introducing King T’Challa’s death from illness. The funeral scenes included breathtaking visuals of Wakandans dancing in white and having a joyous celebration. As the director handled Chadwick’s death so well, the audience had a chance to mourn his death.

In terms of the script, “Wakanda Forever” engaged the audience through emotional but comedic dialogue. The slight humor added audiences into the film through laughs that erupted throughout the entire theater. As the character M’baku referred to Wakanda’s general as a “bald-headed demon”, the next lines weren’t heard due to laughter. The emotions of the script were carried by the phenomenal actors.Angela Bassett, who played Queen Ramonda of Wakanda, had a performance that left the audience silent while her emotions prevailed beyond the screen. As Ramonda exclaimed about how she has lost so many close to her, no one could deviate their eyes from the screen.

Letitia Wright, who played Shuri, the sister of the deceased Black Panther, had a performance that carried much more significance than in the first movie. Wright’s character dealt with attacks on Wakanda from the unknown, underwater nation of Talokan while eventually becoming the Black Panther. Passing the responsibility of the Black Panther onto Shuri was a smart move considering that it occurs in the “Black Panther” comic books. The possible alliance between the Talokans and Wakandans derived from wanting to end the abuse of their resource, Vibranium, from other nations.  This plot correctly resembles the way western nations such as the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, steal mercilessly from African nations. By the end of the film, the theater was filled with various emotions. Those surrounding me were either crying, smiling in awe, or screaming from excitement.