The Marvels

Review: I was finally able to watch the newest film in the MCU. Trying to save money last year limited the films I was able to see in theaters and I’ve spent the last month and a half watching mostly Oscar-nominated films, but I finally was able to stream ‘The Marvels.’ And I was pleased. I think it was (slightly) better than the Internet was making it seem that it would be. It was a fun, quirky addition to Marvel’s catalog that is definitely a weaker addition, but also not the weakest. It features fun character dynamics from the titular trio and many fun moments. Some of these include SPOILERS the power switching training montage, the flerken kitties eating everyone, Samuel L. Jackson riffing with the Khan family, and the mirrors in Carol and Kamala’s relationship to Carol’s with young Monica. It also does feel like a comic story brought to the big screen.

High: Hands down Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan. She acts how every single Marvel fan would in her situation (both on & off screen) and is such a joyful character. Her portrayal is one of the stronger in the recent MCU and I hope it lasts.

Low: While the 105 minute runtime is much shorter than the average Marvel outing, it did make the story feel a little rushed. As the 33rd film that required 3 TV series for context, it didn’t need much world building, but Zawe Ashton’s Dar-Benn didn’t feel like a formidable threat due to the lack of story.

Rating: 7/10 (I will admit my rating may be biased due to my huge love of the MCU)