The latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “The Marvels,” sadly falls short of expectations, earning the dubious honor of being the weakest film in the franchise to date.
Previous entries like “Thor: The Dark World,” while forgettable, were not outright disasters. “Eternals” may have been visually stunning but felt like an arduous journey. “Thor: Love & Thunder” had its tonal issues but at least showcased a chilling performance by Christian Bale.
In a cinematic landscape dominated by the relentless output of the Marvel universe, “The Marvels” had the potential to bring a breath of fresh air. The prospect of a joint adventure featuring beloved characters Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau, and Kamala Khan was enticing. Unfortunately, the film turned out to be a chaotic mishmash, raising the question of whether we need a constant stream of Marvel content in theaters and on streaming platforms.
What’s particularly disappointing is the talent involved. Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani have each brought something unique to their respective roles, and having Nia DaCosta, director of “Candyman,” at the helm seemed like a refreshing choice. However, the script, penned by DaCosta along with Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik, struggles to weave the stories of the three characters while connecting to other MCU properties, resulting in a narrative mess. Familiarity with the characters’ previous outings and additional Disney+ content is practically a prerequisite, making the film feel disjointed and lacking a cohesive flow.
Clocking in at just about an hour and 45 minutes, the film’s brevity works against it, with emotional connections and stakes feeling forced and rushed. The story oscillates between characters explaining convoluted plot points and bewildering action sequences that lack coherence. The trio of heroes—Carol, Monica, and Kamala—find themselves thrown together to combat Zawe Ashton’s Dar-Benn, a wild-eyed, vengeful Kree villain.
From the outset, Ashton’s character is marred by subpar visual effects, with a cringe-worthy opening sequence that fails to live up to the standards set by seasoned cinematographer Sean Bobbitt. The plot introduces a confusing twist that causes the heroes to switch places whenever they use their powers, resulting in a convoluted narrative that struggles to engage viewers.
While the cast delivers individual charismatic performances, the film relies heavily on frantic action sequences, leaving little room for the actors to convey the emotional depth of their characters. The obligatory teamwork to thwart intergalactic destruction feels predictable, and the film’s musical choices, including the eye-roll-inducing use of the Beastie Boys’ “Intergalactic,” add little to the overall experience.
Despite its shortcomings, “The Marvels” does offer a few unexpected and delightful moments, particularly in its musical selections. These moments, reminiscent of the irreverent tone found in “Thor: Ragnarok,” stand out as the film’s saving grace, injecting some much-needed humor into an otherwise lackluster narrative.
In theaters from Friday, November 10th, “The Marvels” leaves audiences questioning whether the Marvel formula is starting to wear thin.
Summary
“The Marvels” is harshly criticized in a November 8, 2023 review, labeled as the worst Marvel Cinematic Universe film to date. The chaotic narrative, messy script, and subpar visual effects are blamed for the film’s shortcomings. Despite the talented cast, including Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris, the brevity of the film is seen as a drawback, leading to forced emotional connections and rushed stakes. While a few unexpected musical moments are acknowledged, they are deemed insufficient to save the film from being a disappointment. The review raises doubts about the necessity of a constant stream of Marvel content and questions the film’s overall cinematic value.
