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What do you do with the upper
hand? Have you ever had the
upper hand, you know where you
clearly have control over another
person or a situation? What do
you do? What would you do? For some, it’s a
cause for celebration — and a call to protect
the upper hand no matter what the cost. For
others, it’s a time to lend a hand up — a call for
compassion or forgiveness.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been one
of the most anticipated releases of the year. In
many ways, the film centers on the question
“What do you do with the upper hand?” In the
story, the ultra-powerful material vibranium
gives the country of Wakanda an upper hand
on the world stage. It is a coveted metal that
has other world powers searching for it, which
leads to the depths of the ocean. That’s where
the troubles begin.
The film does more than feature a moving
tribute to the first Black Panther (King
T’Challa), played by the incomparable
Chadwick Boseman — it is steeped in his
The Movie Column
By arts columnist Tom Sims
memory. The Oscar-nominated actor died
in 2020 at 43. He left behind a body of work
including several impressive biopics of major
figures in history. He was as noble as the
regal character he played in the first Black
Panther film. Hear my podcast about Boseman
by selecting the link at the website www.
flixyoumissed.com.
Wakanda is confronted with a formidable
enemy under the sea. His name is Namor,
and fans of the comic book have been waiting
for this conflicted hero to be adapted in the
movies. And Namor delivers. His winged feet,
speed and agility are all depicted boldly in this
film. His presence is worth the price of admission
— as is the rise of a new Black Panther.
No spoilers here, most of this is in the trailer.
Namor is played by Tenoch Huerta, a
Mexican actor with many film credits from his
home country. Letitia Wright plays Shuri, the
sister of T’Challa. Angela Basset plays Shuri’s
mother, the queen. The cast turns in amazing
work with costumes from Ruth Carter, who
will no doubt receive another Oscar nomination
(she won for her work in the first film).
What do we do with the upper hand?
Some see it as a time to oppress and dominate.
This can take centuries in unraveling
and reconciling profoundly tragic injustice.
Others see the upper hand as a time to teach
and support — to raise the standard for equity
and kindness. This sequel is an example of
a franchise that gained the upper hand and
leveraged it for even more.
November 24, 2022 EXIT ZERO Page 37