The Marvels

 

Wow, it’s been a minute since I’ve ventured out to the theater to check anything out.  The whole life gets in the way thing and all.  

True confession time. I wasn’t particularly interested in going to see this one. I felt like viewing was more of an obligation than a desire. I certainly feel like the MCU has been hit and miss as of late.  Also, try as I might, I simply haven’t gotten into Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel.  There’s just something about the portrayal that fails to garner any more interest from me than... I dunno. Apathy?   As for Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, I liked her and her series (love the family) overall but have issues with parts of the character portrayal.  Teyonah Parris’s Monica Rambeau has me curious.  

Anywho, with this in mind, I nonetheless geared up and headed out to catch the latest offering from Marvel Studios, The Marvels.  

It’s been almost 24 hours since I watched The Marvels and I’m definitely feeling some kind of way about the film.  What exactly that is, however, I’m still not sure.

I didn’t hate it.  If anything, I feel it was better than I may have expected.  But I also don’t think it’s the greatest either.  I will admit that I’m feeling more hopeful and positive about what’s coming next in the MCU and the direction they seem to be heading than I have felt in a minute.  The one credit scene hit me in the feels, took me to my happy place, and got me really excited. This scene alone made the entire film worthwhile.

Other positives and there are quite a few.

Samuel L. Jackson.  Love him.  Love his portrayal as Fury and he killed me again and again every time he’s on screen.  His dialogue and delivery are pure perfection.  The humor and the humanity he brings to each situation had me laughing, cheering, and vibing throughout.  

As previously mentioned, the Kahn family.  Having them on the big screen is a joy.  Also loved them bringing in some of the Ms Marvel stylistic elements to this project.  

Nia DaCosta’s direction is impressive. Especially how she handles all the amazing fight sequences.  Kudos to her and the editing team pulling off all the body/power switching shenanigans.  

Goose and the Flerkens. 

Good humor. 

Good cameos.

I won’t call them negatives, but I do file these under “my issues”.  

I still don’t have any particular interest in Captain Marvel after this film, but in fairness this is the most engaging portrayal of the character to date. 

Ms Marvel. I understand she’s a “kid” but between the series and events of this film, the endless, over-the-top fawning/fangirling has gotten tedious to me.  She’s been through and seen enough $#@! at this point she shouldn’t still be on 11.  Dial it down and bring it to at least a 6 or 5.  Character development and growth are good things.  

Yes, The Marvels is a more lighthearted and fun film, but the one bit that was just plain silly? No, just plain stupid didn’t do the movie any favors.

The continuing big bad issue.  Once again, our villain, Dar-Benn played by Zawe Ashton is lacking. The character doesn’t have my character development, takes way too long to explain her motive, and for all intents and purposes doesn’t come off as being more than a generic threat.  Lackluster is now the norm, I guess?  They've forgotten the better the villain our heroes to overcome the better the story.

While the writing is strong for the more humorous and lighthearted elements of the film, the dramatic bits are more hit and miss.  There are moments in particular with the three main characters that really come off as forced and contrived.  

As I stated, these aspects of the film may simply be no more than me being a grouchy old woman. So, grain of salt.

My final stance.

Yes, I did enjoy the film. Yes, I’m glad I saw it in the theater. I certainly laughed and left the theater feeling hopeful for what has been set up.  Yet, my overall feelings remain, apathetic toward the film as a whole. 

As such, The Marvels doesn’t get a rating from me.

#TheMarvels