The Marvels
review by Bobby Blakey
Of all the movies in the MCU the one that seemed to get the most flack at the time of its release was Captain Marvel. I am not referring to whether people liked it or not, but more the trolls that immediately blasted it before it was ever released. Instead of a straight up sequel I think they have made the smart move to blend it with elements of their other productions WandaVision and Ms. Marvel for their latest film The Marvels starring Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Iman Vellani and Teyonah Parris. Could this movie deliver the fun it promises or will it fail to marvel fans?
The Marvels follows Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel who has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan, Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team-up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as “The Marvels.”
As I said with Captain Marvel my biggest issue is really just not a fan of the character in any of its forms. The same can be said for Ms. Marvel, but admit that I didn’t hate Captain Marvel and loved the Ms. Marvel TV series. I was a bit more eager to see this one just due to the idea of this trio also including Rambeau aka Photon (although not mentioned by name in the film) together and bringing much needed fun to all the characters. While this is far from a perfect film and has some issues I still had a blast with it.
The story is pretty simple and a bit disjointed at times, but not hard to fit in the missing pieces to still work. While it is obviously connected to the rest of the MCU it kind of functions as its own thing just made better knowing the other elements. Sure you need to see WandaVision and Ms. Marvel to know their stories, but its not rocket science to figure out. Where this film works is in these trio of ladies who have great chemistry together and their fast banter and playing off their different personalities is fun to watch. They make this film work even when it struggles to find its way.
Vellani stole the film for me bringing the innocence we love very reminiscent of Holland’s Parker in the early appearances of Spider-Man. She showcases such heart and excitement that it is infectious and makes you forget about some of the issues here. I like Larson as Danvers despite what a lot of people say. Here she got to play it up a bit more light-hearted while still struggling with the situations that make her seem so cold. Parris is great carrying her own once again just like in WandaVision, but also having to channel that young girl that lost her mother and Captain Marvel that we first met in the previous film.
A common issue with ALL of the MCU has been the villain problem. I have loved some and hated others, but none are ever really perfect yet. This one is suffering from that once again with the Villain Dar-Benn played by Darwe Ashton. She does a fine job with the role, but the writing for her and her mission is one note and never really feels like a true threat. As I said she is fine in the role and makes the most of what she has, but sadly its not all that much. My other big issue is some of the pacing. It moves quick and entertains, but sometimes a little too fast and doesn’t allow some things that need more build-up or explanation to really happen. It takes away the primary impact that some of it could have had otherwise.
I think this movie might have been one to really benefit from the TV series format as it could have taken time to get where it was heading and build up the tension. At the same time I still had a blast from it and enjoyed the action, silliness and more importantly these three great ladies having a blast. There are some sequences that will no doubt loose some and felt out of place, including one planet they visit. At the same time it’s not any crazier than other aliens we have seen in Guardians of the Galaxy so can let that go. Thankfully it doesn’t last too long.
I had way more fun than I expected and while I know the film isn’t going to rack up the numbers like previous Marvel films, I hope it at least finds the audience that can allow it to exist in what it is. A good time. There is a fun end sequence that sets up a new possible direction that could be a blast and a mid-credit scene that will no doubt have fans smiling from ear to ear.
In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including commentary, gag reel, deleted scene, and numerous featurettes bringing this latest adventure to the big screen. Join the team and grab your copy of The Marvels available now on digital and then on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on February 13th from Marvel studios.
