Synopsis: Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel 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.”
It is very possible to be so overwhelmed and impassioned in your convictions on your path to fight for what you believe in that you become a villain in your own story. What begins as a righteous endeavor can quickly turn into devastation and regret. Your perspective, as important as it may feel, isn’t the only one. For a successful outcome, common ground must be found. It lives somewhere in the grey where perspectives overlap. Until we can overcome ourselves, we will always be in disarray.
“She’s targeting the people I love and the places I call home.”
It’s said that you should never meet your heroes. However, if you both have superpowers, why not team up, right? Maybe even be twinsies. Directed by Nia DaCosta, The Marvels is entertaining in any universe and lightyears ahead of its predecessor. As it further expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe literally and narratively, its connection to the grand scheme is subtle. Thriving off the energy leftover from the Ms. Marvel series, this Phase 5 entry is full of exuberance, fun, and the greatest mid-credits scene to date. Unfortunately, no matter the impact of the events that take place, it does not make this a great superhero movie. It doesn’t make it terrible either. While we unconsciously compare every MCU project to the writing and grand spectacle of Infinity War or Endgame, sometimes it can be about fun. And that’s where this movie shines. It feels like a superhero hangout.
From the witty and emotional dialogue, teambuilding montage, musical number, and an abundance of Goose, it’s difficult not to laugh and have a great time. However, when we get into the thick of the threat that brings our heroes together, the story is lacking. We are presented with another villain in Dar-Benn that while a tad more nefarious than others, is still someone that is acting out of necessity. Therefore, not innately evil and never quite feels like she’ll win. Nevertheless, the fabric of time and space still hangs in the balance. As multiple planets in different corners of the universe begin to be stripped of their natural resources, there is only one person who can stop it, Captain Marvel. But now that their powers are entangled with Carol Danvers’, Captain Rambeau and Kamala Khan must help stop Dar-Benn and the Kree before they continue their dark reign.
“Did I get in?”
This might be Captain Marvel’s movie, but Kamala Khan completely steals the show. In many ways, this story feels like a passing of the torch or at the very least, a refocusing. Its themes of family, teamwork, and forgiveness are only overshadowed by the reunion of time lost and the exploration of the past. Ending with events that set the MCU on a new path, the film can appear to simply be a jumping point. However, sometimes simple journeys have complex endings. It would’ve been nice to learn more about our heroines other than why Captain Marvel is called The Annihilator by some. With very few CGI issues and residing mostly in space, this film is beautiful on an IMAX screen. The fight choreography is both stunning and inventive. The score is great and something you’ll want to pay close attention to. There are a few thrilling cameos and one that we’ve been waiting for since the merger. I can’t promise that this will be your favorite MCU movie, but you will enjoy yourself a great deal. Like Avengers: Age of Ultron, the impacts of this film will be felt for movies and series to come. Its rewatchability is medium. Mid-credits scenes but no end-credits scene.
Pace & Pop
This energetic film featuring a galactic threat is paired with a pace that may please some but is perhaps too quick. Some moments could use more context while others could reside in their emotional beats longer. The pace is so brisk at times that the threat doesn’t feel as serious as they’d like it to. Besides its mind blowing mid-credits scene, what popped for me were the exciting and creative fight scenes. Not only are they impressive and showcase abilities that we have yet to see, but also must have been difficult to shoot.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Seo-Jun Park, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, and Samuel L. Jackson
As expected, Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani have marvelous chemistry. With Larson’s Captain Marvel being the world-saving veteran, Parris’ Captain Rambeau using her power for the sake of science, and Vellani’s Ms. Marvel being the star-struck newbie, the vastly different personalities and perspectives make for a captivating dynamic. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Kamala Khan unequivocally steals the show. Vellani’s vivacious spirit, genuine joy, and appreciation jump off the screen. If Larson is the force and Parris is the emotion, then Iman Vellani is the soul of the film. And let me not forget the character transformation that Carol goes through. It’s rather enjoyable. Zawe Ashton fully commits to the role of Dar-Benn in fierce fashion. Unfortunately, it’s a villain we’ve seen before which makes her somewhat forgettable. However, the ripples she inadvertently makes will forever keep her name alive in the MCU.
The Marvels releases in theaters on November 10, 2023. Remain safe and reach for the stars.
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 1h45m
Director: Nia DaCosta
Screenplay: Nia DaCosta and Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik
Producer: Kevin Feige
Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Mary
Livanos, Jonathan Schwartz and Matthew Jenkins
Director of Photography: Sean Bobbitt
Production Designer: Cara Brower
Costume Designer: Lindsay Pugh
Editors: Evan Schiff and Catrin
Hedström
Visual Effects Supervisor: Tara DeMarco
Special Effects Supervisor: David Watkins
Composer: Laura Karpman
Hair and Make-up Designer: Wakana Yoshihara
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uwmDH12MAA4%3Fsi%3DmRFmA_cZt54zYr44
The Marvels is entertaining in any universe and lightyears ahead of its predecessor. As it further expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe literally and narratively, its connection to the grand scheme is subtle. Thriving off the energy leftover from the Ms. Marvel series, this Phase 5 entry is full of exuberance, fun, and the greatest mid-credits scene to date.
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GVN Rating
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
