The Marvels movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Marvels

The newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is now playing in theaters.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 45 minutes (This is the shortest Marvel movie ever!)

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

Has Marvel lost its touch? Unfortunately, I wasn’t super impressed with the first Captain Marvel movie and I wasn’t super excited about this one either. A lot of people have really loved this new addition to the MCU. How about you?

This movie is directed and written by Nia DaCosta with the help of Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik. Megan McDonnell was a story editor on the WandaVision (2021) TV series. Nia DaCosta is the first Black woman and the fourth woman to direct a Marvel Studios movie.

THINGS I LIKED:

Brie Larson looks fantastic. It was hard to relate to Captain Marvel in her first movie because she showed no weaknesses. All of the other superheroes have some kind of flaw or quirk that makes them endearing. Finally, in this movie, she reveals doubts about herself, has concerns, and doesn’t have the arrogant look on her face that she did in the first Captain Marvel. I liked her character so much more in this film.
The newest Marvel to join the team is played by Iman Vellani. She’s very enthusiastic and offers a lot of comic relief for the movie. Not only is she the first Pakistani superhero, but she’s also the first mutant to be introduced to the MCU.
Some of the special effects are pretty cool.
Another part of the Marvel team is the lovely Teyonha Parris, who also does a great job.
We also can’t forget Samuel L. Jackson who has now been in 10 Marvel movies, plus the post-credits scene in Iron Man in 2008.
Cats and kittens! Weird ones though. It was funny when a song from the Broadway musical “Cats” started playing. With all of the focus on female empowerment between villains and heroines, I guess you could say this gives new meaning to catfights. Ha ha
Keep watching after the final rolling credits for another fun clip.
If you enjoyed the cats in the 2019 Captain Marvel movie, you’ll be happy to know they’re back. Well, the cat characters are back, although the cat “actors” are different. You can see my review of that first Captain Marvel movie on my “Movie Review Mom” YouTube channel, as well as here at https://moviereviewmom.com/captain-marvel-movie-review/
I’ve never read comic books, but it’s interesting to learn that the idea for the Marvels switching places when they use their powers is an homage to the original series in the 1960s when Captain Marvel would switch places with his teen sidekick Rick Jones.
There are LOTS of action sequences!
The story is very imaginative. It doesn’t always make complete sense but it sure is creative.
The soundtrack is fun and energizing, often providing humor to the scenes.
The heart of the movie is provided by the Khan family and their love and support for their daughter. Captain Marvel is completely devoted to helping others and always willing to make whatever sacrifices are required without any thought for herself.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The script is simply too busy and messy. It’s destined to be easily forgettable.
We barely have time to get to know the new Marvels in Act 1. We’re supposed to root for them but we don’t even know them.
The movie tries to inject humor but it doesn’t always land.
It’s yet one more female-empowerment movie that emphasizes diversity. As a mom of 4 sons, it really annoys me when all of the men in a movie are useless buffoons and the women are the heroes.
The female villain just wasn’t compelling at all.
Some of the action sequences are so fast that it’s hard to see exactly what’s going on.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some profanity
Cute cates become pretty scary.
Violence with various weapons and hand-to-hand combat
Explosions and destruction
People in perilous situations
Young kids will appreciate the colorful palette and exciting action, but might not be able to fully understand the story.

THEMES:

Family
Friendship
Teamwork
Sacrifice for others
Your greater purpose
Time-space continuum

FUNNY LINES:

“Hey, you wanna go party with the Avengers?” – Captain Marvel
“If this is all top-secret information, why is it on a clear case?” – Kamala Khan
“Hey, Babes. So, we’re in this space elevator going up or down? Are there directions in space?” – Aamir Khan
“Nobody cares more than Captain Marvel, and nobody gets more grief for it.” – Nick Fury
“How many chapters of Captain Marvel fan fiction is this giving you?” – Monica Rambeau
“Stop running and let the kittens eat you. You will be fine.” – S.A.B.E.R. intercom