The Marvels 2023 Review

‘The Marvels‘ may not be a perfect film, but it’s undeniably fun, bringing together three dynamic heroines — Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) — for a galactic adventure that mixes action, comedy, and heart. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film leans into its lighthearted tone, offering a bubblegum-bright experience that works best when it embraces its silliness.

The story follows Carol, Monica, and Kamala as they are drawn into a tangled web of quantum entanglements and intergalactic stakes. The plot kicks off with Kree leader Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), who wields one-half of a powerful set of bangles capable of tearing apart space-time. The Marvels find themselves “swapping” places across the galaxy whenever they use their powers, creating both comedic chaos and an opportunity to explore their growing bond. This gimmick, while ridiculous on paper, leads to some of the film’s most inventive and visually engaging sequences, including a standout fight scene where the trio seamlessly learns to coordinate their powers.

Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan steals the show with her infectious enthusiasm and relatable fangirl energy. Her bright-eyed optimism balances out the more grounded performances of Larson and Parris. Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers is as composed as ever, though the script leaves her emotional arc feeling underexplored. Monica, played with warmth by Teyonah Parris, brings an emotional depth tied to her grief over her mother and complicated relationship with Carol. Together, the three make a likable and engaging team, even when the film struggles to give each of them equal narrative weight.

Zawe Ashton’s Dar-Benn, unfortunately, falls into the trap of being a forgettable Marvel villain. While Ashton does her best with the material, the character’s motivations feel thin, and her presence is overshadowed by the more compelling dynamics between the leads. The same can be said of the film’s visual effects, which fluctuate wildly in quality, with certain sequences resembling unpolished soundstage sets.

However, where ‘The Marvels’ truly shines is in its sense of humor and willingness to embrace absurdity. A visit to a planet where communication happens entirely through song is delightfully bizarre, even if it risks alienating audiences less willing to go along for the ride. The film’s humor recalls the irreverent charm of Thor: Ragnarok, though it doesn’t reach the same level of comedic precision.

The film’s pacing feels rushed, particularly in its attempts to tie into the larger MCU. References to previous Marvel properties, including Ms. Marvel and WandaVision, will resonate with hardcore fans but may leave casual viewers confused. Additionally, glaring omissions — such as the lack of follow-up on the Skrull storyline introduced in Secret Invasion — make the plot feel disjointed within the wider Marvel tapestry.

Despite its flaws, ‘The Marvels’ manages to deliver an enjoyable, albeit chaotic, superhero escapade. Its playful tone, combined with the chemistry of its lead trio, injects a much-needed dose of levity into the increasingly serious MCU. While it’s unlikely to become a franchise-defining entry, it succeeds as a fun, fast-paced adventure that sets up intriguing possibilities for the future.

For viewers craving a more self-contained Marvel story that emphasizes character over convoluted multiverse mechanics, ‘The Marvels’ offers a refreshing, if imperfect, detour. It may not be the MCU’s strongest chapter, but it leaves behind a sense of hope for what comes next — both for its heroes and the broader universe.