The Marvels Review

Ever since Marvel introduced us to Captain Marvel in 2019, it has been clear they are starting a campaign to champion women’s empowerment in the superhero realm. However, unlike many other female superheroes, Carol Danvers (played by Brie Larson), known as Captain Marvel, didn’t quite resonate with all MCU fans.

While some fans dismissed this group of “haters” as misogynistic for not wanting a woman to be the mightiest Avenger, it’s essential to acknowledge their perspective. They argued that Captain Marvel came across as unlikable, portraying her as rude without apparent reason, a manhater, and who was always shrouded in anger.

It’s a fair point…

But in ‘The Marvels,’ it’s evident that they’ve made a conscious effort to give her character depth and make her more relatable or likable.

Here’s how they did it:

Directed by Nia DaCosta, “The Marvels” revolves around Captain Marvel, also known as Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau (portrayed by Teyonah Parris), and Ms. Marvel, or Kamala Khan (played by Iman Vellani). Whenever they use their powers, these three “Marvels” swap roles/places, leading them to just form a team against an intergalactic threat posed by Dar-Benn (played by Zawe Ashton), a Kree leader on a vengeful mission to save her planet, Hala.

Throughout the movie, a whirlwind of emotions sweeps over you, with laughter taking center stage. “The Marvels” injects genuine emotions into Captain Marvel’s character, making her aura different from her other films, where she’s mostly sarcastic and distant.

The movie also delves into why she is the way she is, offering a concise explanation of her mindset and somehow clarifying her tendency to keep her distance from people. The main takeaway is that while you might enter the cinema without a strong liking for her (disclaimer: we never really disliked Captain Marvel), you’ll leave with a much deeper understanding of her character. It’s almost like a redemption for her previously “unlikable” portrayal.

The film also subtly introduces new characters, serving as a bridge to Phase Five of the MCU.

Meanwhile, the final battle and its resolution leave something to be desired, especially considering the trials they’ve faced. We just felt like they could do so much more than that.

In terms of the cast, all the actors deliver strong performances, regardless of their role sizes. For instance, Samuel Jackson, who portrays Nick Fury, ensures each appearance leaves a significant impact. Meanwhile, Vellani, in her role as Ms. Marvel, showcases her emotional versatility.

Nonetheless, there are moments in the movie, especially those involving the three female superheroes, where they aim to make the scene emotional, but it falls slightly short. While the film excels in making us laugh and feel thrilled, it doesn’t fully capture the desired depth of sadness in certain emotional scenes.

Sound effects and music are perfectly placed in every scene. No exaggeration. See it to believe it. On the other hand, for visual effects, watching it in IMAX is (somehow) overwhelming, particularly during the outer space sequences. BUT, the experience was really great. Most scenes were fine, though.

In summary, “The Marvels” is an excellent movie. Some critics predicted it would have the lowest box office numbers among MCU films. However, for us who have watched all the MCU releases in 2023, we know it doesn’t deserve to be at the bottom.

The movie’s runtime is 1 hour and 45 minutes, which is shorter than most MCU films, yet it still feels complete. And yes, you’ll love the end-credit scene.