- THE MARVELS
- Starring: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani
- Directed by: Nia DaCosta
- Rated: PG 13
- Running time: 1 hr 45 mins
- Walt Disney
GIRL POWER! Twenty-five years ago, that was the motto of the popular series “Powerpuff Girls.” For a new generation, those words will belong to the Marvels.
On an unnamed planet, an excavation is taking place. A large object is removed from beneath the surface. Once broken open, it reveals the treasure being sought – a single, magical bracelet. On Earth, in her Jersey City bedroom decked out in her Captain Marvel fan artwork, superfan Kamala Khanfff Vellani) wears a similar bracelet. It will soon take her on the adventure of her life.
Even with wall-to-wall action, “The Marvels” feels almost formulaic in its story. An issue with a space portal causes Kamala, astronaut hopeful Monica Rambeau (Parris) and Captain Marvel (Larson) to randomly change places with each other whenever they use their powers. The situations lead to some exciting flight scenes, but they are edited so quickly that it’s often hard to keep track of who is fightin who. Thankfully, when the film pauses to catch its breath, there are some genuinely sweet and humorous moments to enjoy before the next battle. Highlight to me was Kamala choosing to be called Ms. Marvel, hoping she can avoid any copyright issues.
The cast try their best and the trio of leads have a fun chemistry, especially Ms. Vellani, who can’t help but show her youthful exuberance of being near her hero. And you can never be disappointed anytime Samuel L. Jackson is on your movie screen. As with all films in the MCU, the visual effects are first-rate. I especially enjoyed the image of dozens of cats floating helplessly in zero gravity.
I will say that this was the first film in the MCU where I was uncertain of some characters or their back story. I haven’t watched any of the various Marvel-themed shows on Disney + and apparently that is where Kamala was introduced to fans. Despite my reservations with the film, I found her to be a fun character and I may have to give “Ms. Marvel” a watch.
On a scale of zero to five, I give “The Marvels” ★★★
