The Marvels, the latest blockbuster from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. The movie, which stars Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau and Iman Vellani as Ms Marvel, follows the trio of superheroes as they team up to stop a cosmic threat from destroying the Earth.
The movie has been praised for its diverse and charismatic cast, especially newcomer Vellani, who plays Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager who idolises Captain Marvel and discovers she has shape-shifting abilities. Vellani brings a lot of humour and heart to the role, making Ms Marvel a relatable and lovable character. The movie also explores the bond between the three heroines, who share a connection through their light-based powers and their admiration for each other.
However, the movie has also been criticised for its weak and confusing plot, which tries to cram too many elements and subplots into a two-hour runtime. The movie suffers from a lack of focus and direction, as it jumps from one location to another, from New Jersey to New Orleans to outer space, without giving enough time to develop the characters or the stakes. The movie also fails to deliver a satisfying climax, as the villain, a mysterious alien entity called the Lightbringer, is defeated too easily and without much explanation.
The Marvels is a movie that has soaring parts, but they are fighting to get through an underwhelming whole. The movie has a lot of potential, but it does not live up to the expectations of the fans or the critics. The movie was released on November 5, 2023, and has grossed over $500 million worldwide so far. The movie was reviewed by Wenlei Ma for PerthNow, a news website based in Australia, on November 8, 2023.
