By Darlene Donloe
Wakanda Forever!!!
Four years after the original blockbuster, the sequel to Marvel’s Black Panther has arrived!
The anticipation and excitement surrounding the opening of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” was palpable on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles on Thursday, Nov. 10, as an enthusiastic crowd of fans waited to view the long-awaited film.
They were all there for a special event at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, which offered a double feature and two fan event screenings hosted by pop culture outlet Nerdist for Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
The double feature, which started at 12 noon, included an exclusive mini poster, snap-back hat, collectible coin, event credential, Bashenga popcorn vessel, and 20 oz. bottled beverage – all for $85.
There were two $60 fan event screenings at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., each with their own exclusive items included with a ticket. Attendees at the 7 p.m. screening received an exclusive mini poster, Wakanda Forever collectible tin with popcorn, LE 1,000 stained glass pin, event credential, and bottled beverage.
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| Black Panther: Wakanda Forever costumes on display at El Capitan Theatre |
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| Black Panther: Wakanda Forever costumes on display at El Capitan Theatre |
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| Black Panther: Wakanda Forever costumes on display at El Capitan Theatre |
Guests were also able to view a display of costumes from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
Attendees at the 11 p.m. screening received an exclusive mini poster, Wakanda Forever collectible tin with 64 oz. popcorn, Celebrate: Wakanda Coca-Cola® Can, event credential, and 20 oz. bottled beverage with their ticket.
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| Chadwick Boseman as The Black Panther |
Throughout the film, audience members were very vocal about their approval or surprise at the storyline. The film included several memorable scenes from the first film that had Boseman as King T’Challa aka The Black Panther. Some of the scenes were definite tear-jerkers.
In the first film, hidden in plain sight, was the high-tech African kingdom of Wakanda.
It’s where we saw King T’Challa defend his throne against a long-lost cousin, Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan).
Wakanda has an indestructible vibranium that every nation would like to get its hands on, but can’t, or can they?
This time around we are introduced to Riri Williams, a young inventor whose technology is coveted by Western powers but hated by some people called water dwellers.
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| Letitia Wright plays Shuri in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever |
In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death.
Director Ryan Coogler paid respect to Chadwick Boseman in several moving scenes – most of which were tear jerkers. Boseman died of colon cancer in 2020.
Boseman’s presence in the franchise is sorely missed.
But, as they say, Wakanda Forever!
As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.
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| Tenoch Huerta as Namor |
The franchise's second installment introduces Namor, a new villain played by Tenoch Huerta. The half-human Namor is the king of the hidden underwater nation, Talokan.
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| Winston Duke as M'Baku |
Coogler manages to make even villains somewhat likable. Mixed in with the impressive chase scenes is the humor that made the first film work so well. Most of the humor comes from Winston Duke’s M’Baku, the Jabari tribe leader.
It’s hard to think of the characters or the film as a whole being as good as the original Black Panther, but, without blowing any smoke, the movie represents very well.
Dominique Thorne literally enters the picture and joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Riri Williams, an M.I.T. prodigy also known as Ironheart.
At first, she’s unwilling, but eventually, she teams up with Shuri and the Dora Milaje general Okoye (Danai Gurira).
Riri, who is a breath of fresh air and even has several comedic scenes, serves as an inspiration for young Black girls who have an interest in the STEM fields.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is everything you want in a Marvel blockbuster. It does not disappoint!!
The film also stars Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Florence Kasumba, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, Isaach De Bankole, Danny Sapani, Dorothy Steel, Zainab Jah, Sope Aluko, Connie Chiume, Trevor Noah (Griot), Shawn Roberts, Zola Williams, Lake Bell, Anderson Cooper, Robert Schiff, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Alex Livanalli.
Daily show times for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” starting November 11 are 11a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11:05 p.m. Show times are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale now at www.elcapitantickets.com and https://www.fandango.com/el-capitan-theatre-aacon/theater-page. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $24 for adults and $20 for children and seniors. A Sensory Inclusive Screening is available on November 16 at 7 p.m. and an open caption screening is available on November 19 at 3 p.m.
The El Capitan Theatre has taken enhanced health and safety measures for its guests and cast members. All guests must follow posted instructions while visiting. For health and safety information including theatre policies and procedures visit https://elcapitantheatre.com/safetyinformation/
All tickets for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” are on sale now at El Capitan in Hollywood.
On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (oh, yeah), and E (excellent), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever gets an E (excellent).
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