The Marvels

So here we are at the 33rd film of the MCU. The Marvels follows Captain Marvel (2019), which presented the origins of this heroine, and Avengers Endgame. It is part of the continuity of the series Wanda Vision (2021) and Ms. Marvel (2022). The last post credit scene of Ms Marvel saw Miss Marvel trading place with Captain Marvel. The film arrives on our screens preceded by a bad buzz, due to its postponements, and without the possibility of promotion from the cast, due to the strike. This bad buzz is unfair. The film is successful. The review is spoiler-free.

Brie Larson reprises her role as Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel, alongside Kamala Khan as Iman Vellani aka Miss Marvel, and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau. The trio team up against Kree general Dar-Benn, played by Zawe Ahston. So it’s a women story, a girl power. Good surprise, their characters are not Manichean, which allows the actresses to express a range of emotions and the spectators to ask questions. Can a good action lead to devastating consequences? Special mention to Iman Vellani who steals the show from everyone, and confirms her talent, as well as to her mother, the actress Zenobia Shroff. The family scenes are successful. Men have secondary roles here. Samuel L. Jackson, always so cool and funny, takes over the role of Nick Fury. Park Seo-joon, South Korean actor (Parasite, Midnight Runners) plays the Prince of Aladna. Not to mention the cast of cute cats!

This Marvel is a good film: humor, action, top casting, unexpected storyline, full of colors, good VFX. It was worth the wait. The screenwriters took care to make the film understandable to everyone. History holds surprises, which we will not reveal here. The main theme is anchored in our today concerns: saving the planet. The idea of ​​swapping places when they use their powers regenerates the action scenes.

The film is directed by Nia Da Costa, known for Candyman (2021) but with as usual Kevin Feige at the helm. The director and the screenwriters knew how to infuse humanity, kindness, and questions into this entertainment. Naturally Kevin Feige is in charge. It was he who insisted on giving a larger place to women and minorities. Post-credit scenes reveal his vision for the MCU. So as usual we stay until the end.

The Marvels
Directed by Nia DaCosta
Written by Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, Elissa Karasik
Based on Marvel Comics
Produced by Kevin Feige
Starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Park Seo-joon, Samuel L. Jackson
Cinematography : Sean Bobbitt
Edited by Catrin Hedström, Evan Schiff
Music by Laura Karpman
Production company : Marvel Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release dates : November 8, 2023 (France), November 10, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 105 minutes

Seen November 7, 2023 at Pathé Quai d'Ivry salle 2 IMAX

Sabine's Mark:

The Marvels is an important addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), offering a refreshingly unique take on the superhero genre. Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik, the film sets itself apart by focusing on character development and solid storytelling amidst the multiversal mayhem and interplanetary conflicts that have become commonplace in the MCU.

The story kicks off with warrior Cree Dar-Benn, played by Zawe Ashton, on a mission to acquire a powerful bracelet that could save her planet. Her journey intertwines with that of Kamala Khan, played by the delightful Iman Vellani, and Captain Marvel, played by the charismatic Brie Larson. The film explores the consequences of their interconnected powers, leading to unexpected shifts in identity and location, resulting in humorous and chaotic moments that offer a refreshing break from the typical superhero formula.

One of the highlights of the film is the portrayal of the three heroines. Brie Larson's Carol Danvers gains in complexity and depth, exploring the impact of her actions and cosmic journey. Teyonah Parris shines as Monica Rambeau, exuding charisma and nuance in her character. Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan brings a refreshing innocence and humor that resonates with audiences. Together, they move away from the girl power cliché and emphasize their individuality and agency. The Marvels succeeds in creating strong, relatable female characters in the superhero genre, bringing a refreshing change from the norm.

The film's soundtrack adds depth to the narrative, avoiding mushy anthems and opting for a more nuanced score that effectively complements the narrative. The choice of music adds to the emotional resonance of the film and enhances key moments.

The action sequences in The Marvels are well choreographed and visually arresting. There's a satisfying balance between hand-to-hand combat and spectacular displays of superpowers. Captain Marvel's powers remain untapped, creating a sense of impatience as to when her full potential will be unleashed. Monica Rambeau's new abilities, especially her phase-shifting, enhance the visual spectacle of the battles, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.

The film's production design deserves mention. From costumes to sets, The Marvels pays meticulous attention to detail, setting it apart from previous MCU films that relied heavily on CGI. The film's practical elements help make the superhero universe more immersive and tangible.

However, The Marvels suffers from a common flaw in Marvel films: the avoidance of definitive conclusions. Instead of offering a satisfying ending, the film opts for teasers of future tales, which could leave some viewers feeling frustrated. In addition, external issues, such as the actors' strike that affected the film's promotion, added a further layer of complexity to its reception.

The Marvels is a breath of fresh air in the MCU. Its character-driven approach, well-realized heroines and thoughtful production set it apart from the usual superhero films. Although it faces external challenges, it demonstrates the potential of a story firmly rooted in the vast Marvel universe. The Marvels is a testament to the power of strong character development in a genre often defined by explosive action sequences. It's a film that resonates on a human level, and highlights the wealth of storytelling possibilities in the superhero genre.

The Marvels
Directed by Nia DaCosta
Written by Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, Elissa Karasik
Based on Marvel Comics
Produced by Kevin Feige
Starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Park Seo-joon, Samuel L. Jackson
Cinematography : Sean Bobbitt
Edited by Catrin Hedström, Evan Schiff
Music by Laura Karpman
Production company : Marvel Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release dates :  November 8, 2023 (France), November 10, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 105 minutes

Seen November 8, 2023 at Gaumont Disney Village, Salle 11 Imax place E18

Mulder's Mark: