‘The Marvels’ (2023) a tremendous trio

The Marvels is a film that tries to be many things. It’s a direct sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel, a follow-up to the television series, Ms. Marvel, WandaVision, and Secret Invasion, and it functions as the next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, drawing on references to several other films. Entertainment should never feel like homework, but with some clever choices, The Marvels stands alone without demanding your knowledge of its preceding projects.

The film is at its best when it’s about the Marvels themselves. Captain Marvel, reunites with her best friend’s daughter Monica Rambeau after abandoning her with a promise to return. Their rocky reunion is propelled by the fact that attempts to use their abilities result in their switching of places with each other, or an adorable superhero fan girl named Kamala Khan.

Watching the interplay with the characters is the movie’s strong suit. There’s a chemistry among the trio that is not only fun, but also well-balanced. Kamala Khan idolises Carol Danvers, so much so that she’s taken on her moniker, yet the idolisation doesn’t sit well with the more jaded Monica who’s felt the pain of your hero disappointing you.

As far as the plot goes, The Marvels is conventional. A villain with an artifact wants to use it for their own selfish means even if it means ending the universe. The film depicts an intergalactic conflict in which the hyper militaristic force of the Kree, threatens to cause destruction from above on the Skrull refugee group occupying land they call home. One scene in particular has refugees running to escape the destruction around them, with the films heroes trying as best they can to mitigate the loss. It’s heavy and feels relevant, with a surprising level of emotion.

The main conflict of the film threatens the world, but the film gives greater weight to the more relatable personal issues giving them time to develop, but avoids smaller conflicts along the way. The Marvels makes the revolutionary choice of having its characters speak to each other when they have a disagreement, rather than storm off for a contrived separation, only to rally together for a grand finale.

The three leads of the film are charming to watch, and the movie does take some bizarre turns to have some fun with them. Rather than feel constrained by its connection to a wider universe, The Marvels makes the most of it, taking an anything-goes approach to its more whimsical elements. The first act has the burden of immense set up for an overly familiar plot, but by the time the film gets going, its easily enjoyable, and worth watching.

Rating: Half Price