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Writer's pictureDan Brooks

The Marvels (2023): Feminism, Felines, and Cosmic Highs but mostly lows

Carol Danvers AKA Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol's estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau.



Greetings, fellow cinephiles and Marvel maniacs! I've just witnessed the cosmic spectacle that is "The Marvels," featuring the stellar trio of Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani. Before you dive into the unknown, check out this intergalactic adventure with the trailer: See link above.


Our cosmic journey kicks off with Carol Danvers, better known as the indomitable Captain Marvel, reclaiming her identity and settling the score with the tyrannical Kree and the Supreme Intelligence. However, as the universe wobbles under unintended consequences, Carol finds herself bearing the weight of a destabilized reality. A brush with a Kree revolutionary through an anomalous wormhole entangles her powers with Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan, and her estranged niece-turned-S.A.B.E.R. astronaut, Captain Monica Rambeau.


Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani bring their A-game to the cosmic table. Larson embodies the strength and resilience of Captain Marvel, Parris injects life into the charming Monica Rambeau, and Vellani dazzles as the effervescent Ms. Marvel. The chemistry among these leading ladies is palpable, elevating the cosmic camaraderie to new heights.


There's no denying the gravitational pull of the end credit scene. Marvel fans, brace yourselves – it's the moment you've been yearning for, a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the MCU. The anticipation pays off in spades, leaving you with a cosmic buzz that lasts long after the credits roll.


Special effects, when they make their cosmic entrance, are a visual feast. From mind-bending sequences to epic battles, these moments showcase Marvel's prowess in delivering cinematic spectacle. While these moments are a delight, they are, unfortunately, sprinkled a bit too sparingly throughout the cosmic journey.


Now, let's talk about the cosmic elephants in the room.


"The Marvels" sails into a cosmic territory heavily tilted towards a female audience. While celebrating powerful female characters is commendable, the film occasionally veers into the realm of overkill. The thematic force of feminism becomes so overwhelming and in-your-face that it risks alienating a broader audience. While diversity is essential, balance is key, and this cosmic escapade might have tilted the scales a tad too much.


The mid-movie musical extravaganza was a cosmic curveball that left me scratching my head. While it's an attempt to break the superhero mold, the execution feels like stumbling into a Marvel-themed Broadway show. Singing superheroes and feline companions may have their charm, but the tonal shift might leave some cosmic adventurers disoriented.


The appeal to female empowerment, while noble, can be a cosmic force so strong that it occasionally ventures into nausea-inducing territory. While the intention is commendable, subtlety can be a superpower too.


One cosmic letdown was the treatment of Nick Fury, the only male hero in the movie. Turning him into a seemingly useless character felt like a missed opportunity to showcase the potential of a well-rounded ensemble.


Trivia time for all you cosmic scholars! At a brisk 1 hour and 45 minutes, "The Marvels" claims the title of the shortest MCU film, surpassing "The Incredible Hulk" (2008) and "Thor: The Dark World" (2013), each at 1 hour and 52 minutes. It proudly stands as the 33rd installment in the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe. And here's a cosmic head-scratcher – Lashana Lynch, portraying Monica Rambeau's mother Maria Rambeau, is actually younger in real life than Teyonah Parris, who plays her daughter.


After the cosmic dust settles, "The Marvels" lands a not so lovely 5.0/10 on the cosmic scale. It's a mix of cosmic mini highs and perplexing choices that might leave you feeling both starry-eyed and mostly disappointed.



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