This introduction is about to be a mouthful… The Marvels is directed by indie filmmaker Nia DaCosta and is not only the 33rd film the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also the sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel and a continuation of 2022’s miniseries, Ms. Marvel. The film follows a trio (Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau) of female superheroes who team up after they have discovered that they switch places whenever they each use their powers.

The Marvels is, fairly, going to be a mixed back for many. It’s not controversial in any way, but it feels like an artist such as the film’s director, Nia DaCosta, trapped in the confines of the Marvel machine. There is a clear vision from her, and when you evaluate the movie from that perspective, the film is actually pretty good. It’s when you throw Marvel into the mix, you get a lot of random events occurring surely due to corporate mandates and the typical Hollywood intervention.

In fact, it is clear how Marvel came in and damaged the film. There is so much footage that was clearly cut from the final product. Characters come and go just for the sake of plot, but then you also get random moments such as the subplot involving the Skrulls that feel forced to have some sort of connection with the prior film. I honestly thought to myself at some point during the movie: “What if I had never seen a Marvel movie before and this was my introduction?” That’s the problem with two different visions here. DaCosta is wanting to make one movie, while Marvel wants another. It probably explains the enormous budget of the film due to what I am sure were reshoots to fit the overall structure, because, well, Marvel is losing their mind at the moment. What I am trying to say here is that I think this film probably would have done a lot better had Disney/Marvel just had a cohesive plan to begin with and entrust a filmmaker like DaCosta to deliver the final product.

Starting off with the movie, though, is an odd way to start. The villain and their henchmen find something important that kickstarts the story. We have seen it so many times before. With such a short runtime, the film could have easily added more to the villain to make them a better character, because this is one of the weakest villains in the MCU (more on that later). The sets during this opening scene were also extremely weak and noticeable. It looked like an 80’s sci-fi movie. With what Disney has been able to deliver in the past, it looked out of place. The weird-looking sets also don’t stop here (also more on that later).

After this cringeworthy & redundant opening, we actually get to the good stuff! The film transitions to Kamala Khan, or Ms. Marvel, as she is day-dreaming of being a superhero now that she solidified herself as one in her series. Just on a side tangent, I have seen where Khan has received praise for her role though, yet the same people admitted to never watching her show. You do you, but I do feel like people are missing out on that show. Back to Kamala and her day-dreaming. This is actually where the film is at the best! The animation of her day dreams and then how the editing cuts to the next scene with Captain Marvel & Monica Rambeau are all great!

Shortly afterwards we get the plot moving in motion, which just goes to show how the movie wastes no time at all. I really respect that. Captain Marvel & Rambeau happen to somewhat encounter each other just as the plot is about to begin. The tension there says everything that needs to be said about them. I loved DaCosta had the opportunity to work Teyonah Parris again after working together 2021’s Candyman. While I do believe Rambeau was used more of a plot device, you can just tell the movie works at its best as soon as the trio of heroes start interacting all the way until the end, and that is because of DaCosta’s ability to make talent feel comfortable. There is even a cameo from someone who has worked with DaCosta in the past, and that was really nice to see.

Mentioning of talent, I do want to shout out Brie Larson and give credit where credit is due. I have never understood the hate. Maybe it was because I saw her in Room when that did come out, but Larson has just always brought her A-game. To me, she hasn’t been bad in the Marvel movies; however, her characterization is at its best with this film. We see her getting the ability to really try to get her life back while dealing with her past demons. All of that works. It’s just one small thing that they do with her character that I didn’t agree with. This felt like a true mandate from the execs from up above, and that was…

The musical piece. It was moments like this where I felt like the film’s lows were at its lows. At no point was a musical piece necessary. It adds context to Captain Marvel’s character, but it literally hurts her character more than anything. Maybe it’s because I am super critical of musicals, but you could have cut this out and it wouldn’t hurt the movie. When the trio visit this planet where only people can sing instead of talking, the songs were extremely hard to hear. When the true reveal of their visit there is that Captain Marvel needs help from her… husband, it just gets dumb. She mentions that the marriage is of convenience. Of what? Oh, and there’s this big piece between her and her husband. They sing. They dance. He spoke regular English all along? So what was the point of this whole scene? Disney/Marvel required it? This is what I mean when it comes to things that are out of pocket.

We get another scene where the sets look like literal sets and don’t look real at all. There is a goofy battle scene where I was just focusing on all of the side characters “fighting”. This is perhaps the best way to explain the film’s antagonist, who really has nothing to do with anything. DaCosta desperately wants to make a movie about just this trio, yet we get moments like a musical set piece and an underutilized villain just to hit what truly feels like mandates.

Not to mention the footage that was clearly left on the cutting room floor. I can’t believe I haven’t said it enough, because it happens nearly throughout the whole movie. While I do think the editing style was unique and I appreciated the fact-paced energy, characters magically appear out of thin air. That one scene with Kamala Khan that I am sure everyone saw in the trailers, she just magically appears back to Earth. I am convinced it’s because it was due to footage cut for some reason. When you have scenes that are cut out, it takes you out of the real authenticity of being attached to the story. Instead, you’re just seeing a money-making machine.

I do want to discuss a bit about the ending. I didn’t feel as underwhelmed as others did. I did, however, feel like it was rushed. The villain was gone way too quicky and pretty easily. Then, there is the moment that leads to… SPOILER

Rambeau being sent to another universe where her mom is a part of the X-Men. A few people in my theater cheered when they saw this. I already knew about it. I am not here to judge one’s excitement. I am always thrilled when people find enjoyment from something. The problem with the placement of the X-Men is that is is very random and out of pocket. The mention of Charles Xavier from Kelsey Grammer’s Beast is totally not necessary and only plays into getting people excitement. I wish there was a way that I could tell Marvel to calm down and to stop relying on nostalgia instead of good storytelling. And to give Nick Fury better writing.

Oh, there’s also the actual ending that happened before the X-Men bit. Ms. Marvel finds Kate Bishop, and I kid you not, acts and talks the exact same way Nick Fury did when he was trying to recruit Iron Man in the MCU’s first movie post credits scene. How would Ms. Marvel even know who Kate Bishop is other than the tablet she gets? Why choose her? How would she even know what Fury said to Iron Man back in the day? It’s a cheap way for laughs and excitement. Look, if people enjoy that with this movie, then who I am to judge. I just feel like the potential to truly connect with characters is missing.

Overall, The Marvels is going to be a hit-or-miss, rightfully so, yet, I still encourage people to see it. It is far from Marvels worst. I can see this bringing up a good dialogue between viewers and for Marvel on knowing what works versus what doesn’t. I hope this isn’t the end for these heroes. I do understand if Brie Larson leaves the role soon. It’s very unfortunate. If you look at the film as one where you just focus on the characters, it’s a good time. If you try to look it any other way, it’s a messy misstep for the MCU. Even though I have been rather harsh, don’t be fooled because I genuinely had a good time with the trio.

VERDICT: Good