The Marvels Review: Mixed Bag of Action and Comedy

By 'Author' | Published at 10:00 AM ET on Tuesday, July 25, 2023

In the latest installment in the Captain Marvel franchise, Brie Larson reprises her role as Carol Danvers alongside new co-stars Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel and Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeul aka Captain America.

The film takes a darker turn as our heroes face off against an alien threat to save the universe while also dealing with personal issues such as isolation, ego and strained relationships within their own ranks.

While Larson, Parris, and Vellani have undeniable chemistry on screen which is evident throughout most parts of The Marvels but unfortunately does not make up for some major plot holes that mar this otherwise promising flick. With too much happening at once in its short runtime - we clocked it around two hours maximum before credits rolled - audiences may find themselves feeling somewhat lost and confused by what exactly transcauses (sic) throughout these 90 minutes.

However, when things do click into place thanks largely due to some truly electrifying action sequences courtesy of director Nia DaCosta who really lets loose here giving us some seriously mind-blowing set pieces that will leave you gasping out loud; combined with solid performances from our lead ladies especially Vellani who steals every scene she's in - it's clear there could've been so much more to work with here if only the writers had taken a few extra pages to flesh things out properly before sending this baby off into theaters.

Overall, The Marvels is an uneven but entertaining ride that will likely please fans of the franchise while leaving casual viewers feeling somewhat underwhelmed. While not perfect by any stretch - and let's be real who expects perfection from these big budget blockbusters anymore? - with some judicious editing to trim down those clunky exposition scenes, there lies potential here waiting to shine through if only given half a chance.

Grade: 2.5/5 stars

Rating: PG-13 for mild profanity and brief suggestive humor; also includes moderate violence and partial rear nudity.

Runtime: Approximately two hours (including credits)

Cast:

- Brie Larson as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel

- Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel

- Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau / America Chavez

Director(s):

- Nia DaCosta

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