In The Marvels, we revisit Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) as she continues her mission to safeguard the galaxy following the events of Avengers: Endgame. During one such mission, she encounters a peculiar wormhole that unexpectedly links her to her goddaughter, Captain Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and her dedicated fan, Kamala Khan/Miss Marvel (Iman Vellani). Consequently, when they utilize their powers, they inadvertently teleport to each other’s locations. Initially perplexing for the three heroes, they soon understand the underlying cause and recognize the sinister intentions of the villain, Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), who threatens the very fabric of the universe.
Prior to its release, The Marvels faced considerable negative sentiment. Numerous online critics speculated that the film would represent a critical blow to the MCU, potentially performing even worse than DC’s The Flash. Aware of these pre-release concerns, I entered the cinema with tempered expectations.
The film opens by introducing Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) on a desolate planet resembling the lunar surface. Initially, the scene’s execution and overall construction seemed somewhat underwhelming, considering the film’s presumably substantial budget.
However, the narrative takes a turn.
The reintroduction of Kamala Khan is well-executed and engaging, particularly for viewers unfamiliar with the Disney+ series. From this point onward, the film maintains a consistently brisk pace.
The Marvels boasts a runtime of one hour and forty-five minutes, a welcome departure from the increasingly prevalent trend of extended film durations. This concise runtime contributes to an engaging and well-paced viewing experience.
The core mission and interconnectedness of the plot are handled efficiently. The action sequences, featuring the three heroes teleporting between locations during combat, are particularly effective and visually stimulating. These innovative scenes showcase unique and previously unseen elements.
While initially perceived as somewhat irritating, Miss Marvel undergoes a believable emotional development throughout the film. Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani exhibit strong chemistry, maintaining a balance between humor and engaging character dynamics. Samuel L. Jackson reprises his role as Nick Fury, delivering his customary masterful performance. While his wardrobe choices were somewhat distracting, this is a minor observation.
Flerken Goose, a feline-esque space creature that was previously a point of contention for me in Captain Marvel, is utilized more effectively in this sequel, providing genuine moments of levity.
The Marvels is not without its shortcomings. Certain aspects of the film exist in a gray area, possessing both positive and negative qualities. Notably, significant portions of the plot bear striking resemblances to the Mel Brooks film, Spaceballs (1987). While many viewers may not be familiar with this classic, the parallels were readily apparent, even extending to certain camera angles. Another ambiguous element involves a sequence where the characters visit a planet with a distinctive language, eliciting a Men in Black vibe. While the execution is competent, its overall impact remains debatable.
A more significant issue lies in the film’s conclusion, which feels somewhat underwhelming and rushed. The finale lacks impact, suggesting a possible afterthought or reshoot. Furthermore, Zawe Ashton’s portrayal of the villain, Dar-Benn, lacks sufficient depth and menace, resulting in a rather bland and uninspired character.
The Marvels also necessitates familiarity with WandaVision and Miss Marvel (along with a few other series, revealing which would introduce spoilers) to fully comprehend the intricacies of the plot and the characters’ superpowers. While mentioned in passing, a lack of prior knowledge will undoubtedly lead to gaps in understanding.
In conclusion, I found The Marvels to be an enjoyable experience. While not a definitive high point within the MCU, it is far from the nadir. Therefore, I would still recommend that MCU enthusiasts see it in theaters, as its positive attributes outweigh its shortcomings.
