The 33rd superhero entry in the Marvel Studios catalogue, with quite a lot going for it to be a commercial success. However, there were news headings, “Marvels land with a thud”. Practically no one has very much good to say about The Marvels.
Which is something of a pity. Brie Larson had success with Captain Marvel in 2019, appeared in one of the Avengers films, could be counted on for a successful sequel. In the meantime, there was the television series, six episodes, Ms Marvel, which starred Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan the teenager who wanted superhero powers and got them. Zenobia Shroff and Mohan Kapur appeared as her parents. All three are part of The Marvels. In addition, there is Monica Rambeau from Wandavision. The director is an African American woman, age 34, Nia DaCosta (Candyman). And, in fact, there is quite a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds in the cast. And, as often happens in Hollywood blockbusters, the villain is British!
With three women as the central characters, super heroes, and a female villain, this is something of a breakthrough in the Marvel Universe consciousness. Samuel L Jackson, in his 13th Marvel film, returns as Nick Fury. And this time the Marvel superheroes are operating in space, on different planets, able to travel through space in swift flight. Plenty of special effects.
Perhaps without the hype and the Marvel expectations, The Marvels might have passed as a slight and easy entertainment. The story opens with the villain, Zawe Ashton, excavating a mysterious band, to be placed on her arm, giving her powers. She searches for the other one. But, we the audience, know that Kamala Khan, 16-year-old, living with her parents and brother in New Jersey, has the other one. In the meantime, there are space operatives trying to maintain order in the universe, including Carol Danvers, who is Captain Marvel, and her alienated niece, Monica Rambeau.
In the comparatively brief running time, there are all kinds of fights, confrontations, family bondings, but, maybe, not quite enough zest to keep the audience excited. With the women’s sensibility of three female writers, a female director, three female superheroes, female villain, there is a clear target audience. While watching The Marvels, one might wonder what macho audiences are making of it, and its impact on the expectations of male fanboys.
And, perhaps, this will be a turning point for Marvel Studios and their next superhero adventures.
Reviewed by Fr. Peter Malone, MSC
More info re The Marvels
US, 2023, 105 minutes, Colour.
Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L.Jackson, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis,
Park Seo-joon, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikah.
Directed by Nia DaCosta.
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