Review Round-up: 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,' 'Aftersun' and Netflix's 'My Father's Dragon'

Marvel Studios, 2022.

Undoubtedly, the biggest release of the week is the 30th Marvel Cinematic Universe film (and the final film of the MCU's "Phase Four"), "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

Click here if you missed our FULL review of
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

However there are a few other, smaller releases this week, both in theaters and on streaming. Read on for reviews of those films!

"Aftersun"

Grade: B

Genre: Drama.
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes.
Rated R.

Starring: Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio.

Written and Directed by Charlotte Wells (feature-film debut).

Being that "Aftersun" is the first feature-film written and directed by Charlotte Wells, it's clear that she is a rare talent. This is more of a visual contemplation, a swirl of feelings and memories, more than a narrative film, and for that reason "Aftersun" is destined to be adored by critics, and loathed by casual moviegoers who may not have the patience to endure this dreamy - and deathly-paced - father/daughter drama.

The acting is top-notch, especially from previously unknown child actress Frankie Corio, and Wells shows a confidence and a vision that is palpable. You can call "Aftersun" slow, but don't call it unfocused or ineffective...it's neither of those things.

"Aftersun" is playing theatrically as of Friday, November 11th, 2022.

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"My Father's Dragon"

Grade: C+

Genre: Family, Animation, Adventure.
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes.
​Rated PG.

Featuring voices of: Jacob Tremblay, Gaten Matarazzo, Dianne Wiest, Leighton Meester, Ian McShane, Judy Greer, Chris O'Dowd.

Directed by Nora Twomey ("The Breadwinner," The Secret of Kells").

The Irish animation studio known as the Cartoon Saloon has had an impressive run...their last film, "Wolfwalkers," cracked my Top Ten favorite films of 2020. They also did "The Breadwinner," The Secret of Kells" and "Song of the Sea." Unfortunately, their streak falls a bit short with "My Father's Dragon," a film adapted from an old 1930's children book of the same name.

It's about a boy who is trying to save his mother from poverty, and capturing a rumored dragon from a magical island seems like just the thing that could bring in some dough. But there are others on the island that need the dragon for their own interests.

Its a simple enough film - friendly enough for small children, even if some of the themes might fly over their heads. It has the same look as other Cartoon Saloon films, and ultimately doesn't do anything "wrong" necessarily...it's just slight, predictable and ultimately just below passable. Admittedly, if not for the high expectations given Cartoon Saloon, it may have landed a bit better, but it couldn't help but feel like a bit of a let-down.