Teyonah Parris, Brie Larson and Iman Vellani inThe Marvels(2023).Photo:Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Marvel / courtesy Everett Collection, Marvel Studios
Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Marvel / courtesy Everett Collection, Marvel Studios
The first reviews forThe Marvelsare in!
The newest big-screen addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe featuresBrie Larsonleading her second film as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, though this time alongside Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) as they team up to save the universe.
A sequel to 2019’sCaptain Marvel— as well as a follow-up to Disney+’s MCU seriesWandaVision,Ms. MarvelandSecret Invasion—The Marvelssees Carol, Monica and Kamala (with a little help from Goose the flerken, of course) join forces againstZawe Ashton’s villain Dar-Benn, who appears to arrive from another universe.
Deadline’s Valerie Complex calls the movie “a cosmic triumph grounded in sincerity and humanity,” praising the lead character for being “afforded a complexity and depth that showcases Larson’s acting range.”
“Parris’ Monica Rambeau exudes charisma and nuance, while Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan brings a refreshing innocence and humor to the table,” Complex added. “Together, they transcend the contrived ‘girl power’ narrative, instead shining through the strength of their individuality and agency.”
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Zawe Ashton and Daniel Ings inThe Marvels(2023).MARVEL
MARVEL
“But it’s Vellani who really splashes,” she also said. “Her character’s bubbly personality adds levity and humor toThe Marvels, making it lighter fare than its predecessor. The actress indeed does a lot with a role that could easily be one-note, stealing nearly every scene in the process.”
As for one drawback, “The stakes are not as high as they could be when it comes to their mission,” Gyarkye wrote of the plot. “A flaw ofThe Marvelsis how long it takes for Dar-Benn’s motivations to be revealed, and how that strand is abandoned in the pursuit of a tidy conclusion.”
Poster forThe Marvels(2023).Marvel Studios
In an early review,The Washington Post’s Herb Scriber wrote, “This film is so much fun and exactly what a comic book movie should be. It’s funny, silly, short and sweet, action-packed. Loved the cosmic sci-fi moments. Plenty of MCU interconnectivity without being overbearing.”
Though he praisedThe Marvels' action staging and cast (especially Ashton, 39), among other aspects,Variety’s Owen Gleiberman also called the film “skittery and episodic” in his review.
“You can weave the plot together in your head, but you may have a harder time pretending to know why it matters — not within the metastasizing mythos of the MCU, but simply on its own,” he wrote.
Previoustrailers for Marvel Studios' final film of 2023had teased that Carol, Monica and Kamala’s light-based powers are each entangled, forcing the group together as Dar-Benn arrives to provoke a new fight.
In the latest trailer, released Tuesday,Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury asks Carol (Larson, 34) for help in “one last fight,” at which point Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) is seen advising Carol, marking a a surprise appearance for the character.
Thompson, 40, last appeared as Valkyrie in 2022’sThor: Love and Thunder, in which the character takes on the task of leading New Asgard on Earth. She was not previously announced as appearing in the new movie, which is from directorNia DaCosta.
The Marvelsis in theaters Friday.
source: people.com
