I think the biggest question going into this movie was whether it could succeed without Chadwick Boseman. There were so many debates about whether to replace him after his death or to move on by incorporating his death into the story. Coogler and Disney decided on the latter. I think it was the right decision.
From here on out there will be spoilers…
-I enjoyed how they did it. Obviously T’Challa had to die off-screen, and I thought it worked well with him being sick, but Shuri failing to save him. It helped make her decisions throughout the movie feel more real.
-I was shocked when Killmonger ended up being her guide in the Ancestral Plane. I was thinking they found old footage of Chadwick and would do some Deepfake stuff, which was giving me anxiety that it would be very bad. But Killmonger ended up being the best choice. Her inner rage summoned someone who could identify with her (or something like that).
-I loved how they handled Namor. No Atlantis. Not even a stupid mention of the island. The Mesoamerican connection was much cooler, and it helped give Talokan a real vibe, much in the same that Wakanda feels like a real place.
-I did not enjoy the Ross and Valentina subplot. It did not seem to have much purpose other than to prepare us more for a Thunderbolts film.
-Namor was an interesting character, and I am happy they did not kill him off. Shuri showing him mercy and forming an alliance with Talokan worked, especially since Namor is already planning on how to use this alliance to get what he wants.
-I liked Riri and I look forward to her as Ironheart in a Young Avengers movie or show. Although, did they ever explain why Namor had to kill her? I get that she was the scientist who invented the vibranium detector, but did Namor or the rest of the Wakandans not consider that the CIA probably studied it and could create another one? Maybe I missed it.
-Lastly, I liked the mid-credits scene. T’Challa and Nakia having a son was a nice way to end his story. Not sure how I feel about naming the kid T’Challa Jr. Or would he be T’Challa II?
Anyways, I liked the movie. I do not think it was as good as the first one, but it was not far behind. I am excited to see where Phase 5 goes since this movie is the end of Phase 4.
