The Marvels Review
The Marvels attempts to bring together three beloved Marvel characters, Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan, in what could have been an exciting adventure. However, the film falls short of its potential due to a cluttered narrative and lackluster visual effects.
Clocking in at just about an hour and 45 minutes, The Marvels benefits from its brevity, avoiding the excessive length that has plagued some previous Marvel entries. It opens with a promising premise: the convergence of three compelling characters from different Marvel projects. Brie Larson's Carol Danvers, known as Captain Marvel, impressed audiences with her spiky coolness in Captain Marvel. Teyonah Parris charmed viewers with her warmth and wisdom in WandaVision as Monica Rambeau. Iman Vellani brought infectious teenage enthusiasm to her character in the Ms. Marvel series as Kamala Khan. With Nia DaCosta, director of Candyman, at the helm, the film's potential seemed high, offering a fresh perspective in the male-centric Marvel universe.
However, the promise of The Marvels quickly falters as the narrative becomes muddled and disjointed. The script, co-written by DaCosta, Megan McDonnell (known for her work on WandaVision), and Elissa Karasik (Loki), attempts to weave together the stories of these three characters while connecting them to other MCU properties. Unfortunately, this ambitious endeavor results in a lack of narrative coherence. The film relies heavily on prior knowledge of the characters' backgrounds and other MCU content, leaving newcomers at a disadvantage.
The plot oscillates between characters standing around explaining things to each other and perplexing action sequences that feel disorienting. The emotional connections and stakes in the story feel forced and rushed, as if critical elements are missing that could have provided better context and understanding. The film centers around the pursuit of vengeance by Zawe Ashton's Kree villain, Dar-Benn, who, from the very start, is the focal point of some underwhelming visual effects. The opening sequence, featuring Dar-Benn's discovery of a powerful bangle, lacks the visual finesse and sophistication that Marvel movies are known for.
A significant plot twist causes Carol, Monica, and Kamala to switch places whenever they use their powers, leading to some action-packed scenes. The film attempts to explore the dynamics among the three heroines, with Kamala's unbridled enthusiasm contrasting Monica's disillusionment and Carol's more stoic demeanor. However, any potential conflicts and character development are quickly brushed aside in favour of advancing the convoluted plot.
The film's primary antagonist, Dar-Benn, falls short of the compelling villains we've seen in the MCU. Her character feels like a throwback to the era when Marvel movie villains were often one-dimensional copies of the heroes. The lack of a truly menacing adversary hampers the film's ability to build tension and deliver a satisfying climax.
While The Marvels struggles to provide a cohesive narrative and captivating villain, there are some bright spots. Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan stands out as the film's most engaging character. Her infectious enthusiasm and genuine excitement about being part of the Marvel universe are a breath of fresh air. Kamala's introduction, where she shares her Captain Marvel fan-fiction, captures the joyful spirit of comic books and adds a layer of creativity that the MCU desperately needs.
Despite its flaws, The Marvels does offer moments of entertainment, particularly during an action sequence that showcases the heroes' powers as they switch places. The Khan family, including Zenobia Shroff and Mohan Kapur, adds humor and charm to the film. Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, while underutilized, injects some levity into the story.
In conclusion, The Marvels is a mixed bag within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film's saving grace is its brevity, but it ultimately remains forgettable. The mishmash of characters and plotlines, coupled with lackluster visual effects, make for a disappointing addition to the MCU. While it has its moments, they are few and far between, leaving the audience wishing for a more coherent and memorable Marvel experience.
