The Marvels
The Marvels
Rating: PG-13
Theater Release Date: November 2023
Streaming: Disney +
Director: Nia DeCosta
Writers: Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, Elissa Karasik
Production: Marvel Studios & The Walt Disney Company
Leading Cast: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L. Jackson
Tagline: Higher. Further. Faster. Together.
I was surprised by how many unwarranted bad reviews this movie received. Was it the best Marvel movie? No, but neither was it the worst. In order to understand numerous plot elements you will need to have watched the previous shows/movies in which these characters have appeared.
Iman Vellani stole the show as Kamala Khan. She was definitely the best part of this movie. Although their travel into space was a little weird and unnecessary, the Khan family added some quirky humor.
The oddest scene in the movie was the world in which they only communicate in song – except the royal family who is bi-lingual. It was truly odd and out of place and tone with the rest of the movie.
The best scene with Monica Rambeau, played by Teyonah Parris, was the mid-credits scene. Without spoilers, I will simply say that I am looking forward to the movie or show this scene foreshadows. It will have a strong possibility of success. Well, if done correctly – which isn’t a given with their recent track record.
The biggest mistakes Marvel/Disney made in Phase 5:
1. Writing – they lost much when they killed off Tony Stark. His devil-may-care sarcastic humor was a critical element. Intelligent and witty writing is needed again. And this leads into number 3 below as a good story is essential.
2. Personal/political agenda – stop focusing on your personal and political agendas and simply tell a compelling story. They need to stop trying to make everyone conform to Hollywood’s sense of morality.
3. Strayed from strong hero plots – the previous stories were of normal humans who become extraordinary which the audience can identify with if only in their imaginations and dreams. Stop with all the dark stories and quasi evil supposed heroes.
If they fix these elements, they might recover from this slump. Overall, The Marvels is a good popcorn flic and enjoyable. Lighter and brighter than some of the recent releases. Enjoy.
