Movie Review: ‘The Marvels’ is a breath of fresh air for the MCU
“The Marvels” is one of the most surprising movies of the year, bringing fresh air to the MCU, as well as a few jaw-dropping moments that will have audiences screaming.
Photos courtesy of Marvel Studios
When Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) touches a mysterious jump point in space, a chain reaction causes her powers to be entangled with Kamala Kahn (Iman Vellani) and Monica Rambeau. (Teyonah Parris) The three must figure out how to work together to stop Kree Leader Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) from killing more worlds.
I had mixed feelings going into “The Marvels,” I didn’t feel like the trailers truly piqued my interest, and based on Marvel Studios’ previous track record, I was worried about this film (to say the least). On the other hand, “Ms. Marvel” was one of my favorite TV Shows the studio produced, with Iman Vellani bringing a new life to the MCU, so at the very least, the film had that going for it. But once “The Marvels” started, all my worries disappeared.
“The Marvels” is jam-packed into the shortest runtime in the MCU (105 minutes) and doesn’t waste a second. Right from the start, you are thrown into the cosmic roller coaster, taking you across the universe, making for some of the wackiest moments we have seen in the Marvel Universe. Part of me feels like there was a longer version of this film that existed because there is so much plot crammed into it. I loved that the film was so fast-paced and didn’t waste any time, but people who don’t do their MCU homework might feel lost very quickly, especially since two of the film’s central characters were introduced and developed in two different TV Shows.
Doing your homework is essential for this film; the biggest reason I say that is because, for the second time, Iman Vellani proves she is a bonified star and absolutely steals the show as Kamal Kahn, aka Ms. Marvel. She balances the other two stars, making for some great character interaction. Don’t get me wrong, Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris are great, but anytime Kamala (or her family, for that matter) is on the screen, it is pure gold. I am incredibly excited for the future of Kamala’s character and happy it seems like Marvel trusts her to take on an even more significant role in the MCU.
The film doesn’t take too many risks despite a lot of the crazy moments in the film, but what truly sets “The Marvels” apart from the rest of the MCU is the incredible fight choreography and editing. Throughout the film, the three protagonist’s powers become entangled with one another’s, and every time they use their powers simultaneously, they swap places. This issue made for some of the most exciting fight sequences in the MCU since “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” You would think this mechanic would make the fights feel all over the place, but it makes for a damn good time.
The biggest downfall to “The Marvels” is its villain; as I said earlier, I feel like a longer film exists, and I hope in that more extended version, Zawe Ashton’s Dar-Benn receives more love as her character didn’t have anything to do. The motive and reasoning are there, but by the film’s end, she is just incredibly forgetful.
“The Marvels” is a wild ride that reminds us why we all fell in love with the MCU in the first place. I wasn’t sure if this was a film I would see multiple times, but I can now confidently say I am excited to see it again on opening night.
For those of you wondering, there are some jaw-dropping surprises that happen during this film. I can’t remember the last time I walked out of a Marvel movie with chills from excitement. You don’t want to have this movie spoiled for you.
“The Marvels” Score: 4/5
“The Marvels” is rated PG-13 and hits theaters Nov. 10, 2023. There is one post-credit scene, and it is a MUST-SEE.
“The Marvels” in the Parks
If you want to interact with your favorite characters from “The Marvels,” head to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure or Disneyland Paris where you can meet Carol Danvers and Kamala Kahn.
Since the parks will introduce new characters to coincide with new Marvel releases, one can only assume you will be able to meet all three characters from “The Marvels” very soon at a Disney Park.
