Reviving Marvel Magic: ‘The Marvels’ Cures Superhero Fatigue and Ignites Excitement For the MCU’s Future [REVIEW]

The latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “The Marvels,” has arrived, and I must say that it exceeded my expectations, especially if you, like me, were suffering from a bit of superhero fatigue and had been hearing mixed reviews. The film is not too long in length or feel. The diversity is not just in gender but in race. The original tagline, various new characters, and storyline aided in reviving my love for the whole superhero genre.

Nia DeCosta directed and co-wrote this film, making her the youngest and the first black woman to helm an MCU movie. And like its director, the movie breaks away from the usual Marvel formula where male heroes take the lead and female characters play secondary roles. “The Marvels” brings back Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, in which the women are the true heroes, not just necessary sidekicks.

However, as much as “The Marvels” celebrates women empowerment on many levels, it doesn’t fall into the trap of overly emphasizing it. Instead, it seamlessly integrates strong female characters into the MCU world, proving that women can be superheroes too. The movie excels in various aspects, from its music to its writing, and the chemistry between the characters. But, as is often the case with Marvel films, a certain level of cheesiness is part of the package. It’s not the kind that induces laughter, but rather the kind that occasionally leaves you questioning certain scenes. Fortunately, these moments are brief and only last for a few minutes.

Many of the fight scenes in “The Marvels” are Marvel-level, in which they mix comedy with full-fledge fighting. Especially the fight scene in the beginning. The film’s opening sequence, though, can be a bit disorienting as it introduces multiple characters and storylines. However, trust that it all comes together as the movie progresses, a characteristic common in Marvel films. What may seem perplexing at first serves to establish the villains and the challenges our heroes face.

What stands out most in “The Marvels” is the portrayal of the three leads. They are not defined by their gender; they are superheroes who happen to be women. Their dedication and teamwork make them a force to be reckoned with. And Iman Vellani’s portrayal of Kamala, aka Ms. Marvel, is particularly impressive. She and her family lead in the humor of the movie that perfectly fuses into certain scenes. We see how Marvel will use her youth and personality as the genuine comedic timing its movies need. The only drawback in character development was the conflict between Carol Danvers and Monica Rambeau, which felt underdeveloped and unnecessary in the grand scheme of the film.

Nevertheless, the synergy between Monica Rambeau, Carol Danvers, and Ms. Marvel is the highlight of the movie and a breath of fresh air for MCU fans. Their teamwork against a common threat is a testament to the potential of the MCU to explore new directions and storylines. This movie sets the stage for exciting developments in the MCU. It also introduces us to a side of Marvel we haven’t seen in a while, or ever for that matter, which is practicing as a team. And while for this film, it is necessary, when will Marvel start showing us the preparation stages as a team?

While “The Marvels” boasts strong female heroes, the same cannot be said for its portrayal of the antagonist. Among the characters in the film, the character played by Zawe Ashton, Dar-Benn, stands out as the least intimidating villain in MCU history. However, her vengeance, impulsiveness, and revenge-level may make her one of the scariest. As her wrath of destruction left me emotionally uneasy.

Overall, “The Marvels” is a must-see for superhero fans, those who welcome change in the MCU, and anyone who appreciates strong female characters. It not only reinvigorates the MCU but also hints at new directions and possibilities. It’s a bridge to future storylines and standalone movies, and it holds the promise of an exciting future for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.