‘The Marvels’ Movie Review: Iman Vellani Shines In A Refreshingly Fun, Solid Marvel Outing
Photo from Disney/Marvel Studios
From Joe Peltzer
Amidst all of the fuss about Marvel Studios’ recent stumbles, cast crises, and lack of ‘Infinity Saga’ mojo, Nia DaCosta delivers an action-packed, FUN (remember when the Marvel Cinematic Universe used to be fun) outing with The Marvels, led by the incredibly talented trio of Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani.
In the film, while investigating abnormal jump points causing destabilization around the universe, Captain Marvel (Larson) finds her powers entwined with those of her niece, Captain Monica Rambeau (Parris), and the young Kamala Kahn aka Ms. Marvel (Vellani). The unlikely trio must learn how to work as a team in order to stop a vindictive, villainous Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) before she siphons the very life-force of multiple civilizations. The Marvels instantly reminded me of a Phase One MCU film, one that tells a more contained story with limited impact on the larger storytelling arc at play. Said differently, DaCosta’s script, written along with Elissa Karasik and Megan McDonnell, focuses on the character development of those present, similar to films like Thor: Ragnarok and each of the Guardians of the Galaxy entries. It serves as a proper sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel, exploring the consequences of Carol Danvers’ actions in the first and subsequent off-screen activities, neatly rounding out Captain Marvel’s story.
Larson is confident and comfortable as the main hero here, a nice departure from what was a somewhat timid performance from the Oscar winner in the first film. DaCosta and team certainly give her more to work with on a character level, exploring the repercussions of her former actions and how that impacted her psyche. The inclusion of Parris’ Monica Rambeau, daughter of Danvers’ late best friend Maria Rambeau, further instigates an introspection that allows for more depth all around. Rambeau, who refers to Carol as “Aunt Carol,” is upset that the person she looked up to was nowhere to be found when she returned from The Blip, leading to an awkward yet revealing encounter with Danvers that propels character development. Parris. For her part, is steady and powerful in each scene, picking up right where she left off in WandaVision. She and Larson make for a dynamic pair, but it’s Vellani’s energy and humor, not to mention her never-ending charm, that provides a third vital puzzle piece to the excellent lead trio.
We already knew that Vellani was a force from her star turn in Marvel’s Ms. Marvel on Disney+. In The Marvels, she provides an infectious exuberance coupled with palpable innocence that disarms the oft-presented serious Captain Marvel for the better. Her comedic timing is spot-on, her presence always evoking a smile in every scene. Add in the return of her family (Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, and Saagar Shaikh), who bring a grounding to the story as well as some hilarious moments with Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury and you have a welcomed continuation of the formula that made the series work. Jackson for his part is, as per usual, hilarious with his one-liners and quick quips. He along with Vellani’s Ms. Marvel and the smart (yet farcically ridiculous) use of flerken Goose, firmly establish the amusing tone that provides a solid juxtaposition to the seriousness of the main plot. The same is true for a scene set on Aladna where its people, led by Park Seo-Joon’s Prince Yan (who only makes a brief appearance), communicate in song. It’s silly, but it works.
Like many Marvel films, the villain could be seen as the weakest part of The Marvels. Ashton brings a character forward filled with rage and vitriol, one who we’re also led to feel empathy towards as she works to restore the Kree’s home planet of Hala. While there is a quick backstory established for Dar-Benn, basically highlighting that she witnessed Captain Marvel destroy the Supreme Intelligence, leading to the destruction of their sun, it’s all rather convenient for the story being told. There is clearly more history between the two characters, context that is left unexplored. Dar-Benn is also after the bangles that Ms. Marvel introduced in order to gain enough power to… it’s not quite clear. She already is able to open jump points to steal resources for Hala; her drive for the second bangle, held by Kamala Khan, seems unnecessary.
Refreshingly, The Marvels visual effects are crisp and cool, a nice surprise as the discourse around rushed VFX from the studio continues. The visual of each of the trio switching places when using their powers at the same time is seamless and well-executed in every scene. It adds a creative new dynamic to the zestful action that keeps the film humming along its tight, well-realized runtime. Laura Karpman’s score is unique and energetic while Cara Brower’s production design comfortably transports us into the intergalactic settings.
At the end of the day, with all of the hubbub around Marvel being unable to deliver on its grandiose plans for the future, The Marvels is a pleasant surprise, a low-stakes yet highly entertaining entry that rightfully supercharges the characters at the center of the story. And yes, the mid-credit scene is one of the best in recent memory, one that will have fans theorizing as to what is to come and no doubt hooking doubters back in to see how it all plays out. It’s undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable times I have had with a Marvel film in years.
Rating: 4/5
The Marvels hits theaters on November 10th, 2023.
