A soaring film of higher energy, further destination, and faster pacing.
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) returns for a third time this year with its first all-female superhero team up film. Marvel Studios’ The Marvels sees the return of Academy Award-winner Brie Larson as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel in her sophomore lead film but this time she’s joined by Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau and Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan/Miss Marvel, both of whom were first introduced in the studios’ television efforts for Disney+. Alongside the marvellous three are Samuel L. Jackson reprising his role as Nick Fury with Zawe Ashton and Park Seo-joon in new roles.
Timelinewise, the film follows the events of Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel (2019) and the television miniseries Ms. Marvel (2022). It’s main antagonist Dar-Benn (Ashton), leader of the Kree, succeeds in finding one half of the Quantum Bands, of which Kamala has the other half. She intends on using the weapon to restore Hala, her home planet now barren after Captain Marvel destroyed the Supreme Intelligence that was once in control.
Dar-Benn’s harnessing of the Band's power tears apart a jump point in space, which Carol and Monica touch when they were sent to investigate by Nick Fury. This causes a switch between the two and Kamala every time either of them uses their powers. Banding together and training to use the switch to their advantage, Carol, Monica and Kamala (collectively known as The Marvels) set out on an intergalactic adventure to foil Dar-Benn’s plans.
Even with an antagonistic plot of galactical measures, Ashton’s Dar-Benn is easily one of the franchise’s least compelling villains. Her lacklustre performance only lends to the harsh criticism that her character would be forgotten by the time the film ends. Contrariwise, there is great weight pulled by The Marvels to the success of their film, mainly thanks to Vellani’s charismatic and endearing energy, on-screen presence and chemistry with her older co-stars.
Following the formula of MCU films of the past, The Marvels features scenes with a lighter side and memorable soundtrack which also makes for two of the films most outstanding sequences. One, The Marvels’ adventure takes them to Aladna, a vibrant destination where its habitants only converse in song form. This is also where South Korean actor Park’s character is introduced along with a fascinating reveal of his ties with Carol. It’s a wild disassociation but welcomed distraction from all the action the film has to offer. Another, a Flerken mess set to the melancholic tunes of the musical Cats’ most notable song, “Memory". It may be a choice that’s too on the nose for its own good but a choice James Gunn and his Guardians would be proud of considering its timeliness and opportunity.
Not to be forgotten are the signature mid credits scenes featured in this film which continues to tease big possibilities for the future of the MCU which could reignite the slow dying flame the franchise once held.
Running at only 105 minutes, Marvel Studios’ The Marvels is the franchise’s shortest film to date. Perhaps the short runtime is a self-sabotage for its villain’s establishment but where it lacks, it makes up for with its focus on the dynamic of its three female superheroes, packing a hearty punch of teamwork and friendship.
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