Spoiler Alert
The latest movie set in the MCU, The Marvels, feels a lot more like a Disney movie, and whether that’s a good thing depends on how often The Mouse interferes with Kevin Feige’s plans. This architect has a goal, and this film offers a mixed bag of entertainment that’s not always like a Marvel comic book. Here, what I see is a lot more development of the characters from the streaming series. That is, not everyone would’ve watched Ms. Marvel and Wandavision.
Thankfully the film begins very easily, and gets viewers up to speed. It’s easy to see why the very plucky Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) has a huge case of hero worship to work through before she can be a true hero. Meanwhile, Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) has other issues when it comes to dealing with Carol Danvers (Brie Larson). However, there were many times I thought this film is simply season two of Ms. Marvel.
Meanwhile, Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) is out for payback because she believes The Annihilator (Denvers) destroyed her home world. Apparently, this happened between films, and the result is a dying sun. She vows to restore it by any means possible and one method is to steal from other planets their resources so her world can use it.
This new leader of the Kree Empire isn’t simply out for revenge. Instead, she wants to hurt Captain Marvel. She’ll need the Quantum Bands in order to do that, but when she discovers that one of them has been lost, that’s when Ms. Marvel becomes involved! This teenage hero possesses the missing piece, and as for how her grandma got it, that’s a plot hole that still needs to be explored.
Because of bracers are not used as intended, rifts tearing apart reality are forming. Honestly, I’m surprised the Time Variance Authority is not taking notice. Although they’re busy with Loki, all this film needed was a nod. Instead, it’s up to Captain Marvel to investigate these fractures. But every time she uses her powers, Kamala teleports in! The confusion that takes place is explained because she possesses one of the quantum bands and they are “linked.” As for any other detail, audiences are expected to put everything together. While she gets excited that S.H.I.E.L.D. is keeping an eye out for her, her parents aren’t as happy.
There are a lot of stories to keep up with, since this teen isn’t ready to become a full-time superhero! What makes this movie work is with the bonds that must form between her, another hero in training, and Denvers if they are to team up! The better segments show them working together, and being the well oiled machine that they are!
Afterwards, the Marvels visit Aladna and that’s just a part of the film that’s entirely unneeded. Even though Carol Danvers tries to explain why this civilization loves breaking out into song and dance like in Schmigadoon!, it was just as painful to watch as it sounds. The only person who approved of this moment was Kamela. That may be because of The House of Mouse saying we need this part of the film in order to sell it in India. As charming as Prince Yan (Park Seo-joon) is and as much as I like this actor, he deserves better.
Barring this one inconvenience, Goose the Flerken steals the show once again! This adorable feline is hilarious and makes for a great plot device to help deal with a difficult situation when rescue is needed. Without saying too much, her role has been greatly expanded on, and I’m just waiting for one of the two studios to give this cat her own series!
But as for how it all comes together, Doctor Strange: The Multiverse of Madness holds no candle to what this film sets up. Even though the Marvels are mostly about giving Kamala a place in the MCU, I can’t help but think she’s replacing Peter Parker. Since this world has forgotten about him, somebody else has to fill those shoes. She’s a decent replacement, and hopefully the plans for the future of the MCU are in good hands.
3 Stars out of 5
The Marvels Final Trailer
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