Skip to main content

The Marvels (2023)

 


The Marvels is a team-up between three women superheroes to save the universe from Dar-Benn.

Written and directed by Nia DaCosta, this isn't the first time Marvel Studios has given a little-known director a chance at a major motion picture. Sure, she directed Candyman (2021), but it was pretty bad and quite progressive and not in a good way. There are some eye-rolling scenes: a jump rope montage, a singing and dancing alien planet, and a bunch of cats. She writes Dar-Benn as a villain who is supposed to be someone you can understand why she does the things she does but it comes off like a teenager who holds a grudge.

Brie Larson reprises her role as Captain Marvel. She seems like she's really just ready for the role to be over with each scene she's in. She lacks emotions and doesn't interact well with her supposed friend who she hasn't seen in decades. Her character is inconsistent, she could single-handedly take down Thanos but now she struggles against a Kree General.  After Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, I never thought I'd hear Brie sing again. It wasn't what I expected.

Teyonah Parris plays Monica Rambeau who probably is the best actor among the three, and also the best looking but that's beside the point. She moves the plot forward while Ms. Marvel tries to add comic relief and I don't know what Captain Marvel's motivation is. Perhaps she intends to inspire leadership but the writing doesn't give her that dialogue.

Iman Vellani plays Ms. Marvel. She tries her best to be relatable and a comic relief but audiences didn't like Captain Marvel from the first film so I imagine audiences will have a hard time relating to someone fangirling over Brie Larson in every scene. She's insufferable and I was surprised I liked her less than Captain Marvel. Also at one point, Ms. Marvel uses her powers without her power source. It seems like the writer didn't watch the Ms. Marvel show.

The worst acting goes to Zawe Ashton who overacts in every scene. She plays the big bad. Her actions, though written as inspiring for the Kree, I found it unconvincing. Her character is nothing like that of the comics and has not only been gender-swapped but also race-swapped. 

The writing is really bad. There is a moment when something new shows up that has never really been seen before and the characters instantly know what to do to fix it. No studying or research is needed. It's bad, not too bad, and it passed the time. Result: C-


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Hokum (2026)

Hokum is written and directed by Damian Mc Carthy , known for Oddity , and continues his focus on atmospheric, slow-building horror. The film leans heavily into unease and isolation, crafting a setting that feels both grounded and unsettling. McCarthy shows a clear confidence in tone, allowing the horror to develop naturally rather than relying on constant shocks. The result is a film that delivers on both terror and atmosphere, even if it takes its time getting there. Adam Scott , known for Parks and Recreation and Step Brothers , plays a writer who is intentionally difficult to like for much of the film. His character comes across as abrasive early on, which creates a bit of distance between him and the audience. However, as the story unfolds, the writing shifts that perception, giving him more depth and making it easier to root for him as things spiral. Scott handles that transition well, gradually pulling the audience back onto his side. David Wilmot , known for Fantastic Beast...

I Swear (2026)

I Swear is directed by Kirk Jones , known for Waking Ned Devine and What to Expect When You're Expecting , and leans fully into heartfelt storytelling. The film focuses on emotional connection and sincerity, building its narrative around relationships rather than spectacle. It is a well-made film that knows exactly what it wants to be, delivering moments that feel genuine without becoming overly sentimental. Robert Aramayo , known for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Game of Thrones , carries the film with a grounded and sincere performance. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, making the emotional beats land in a natural way. His portrayal feels authentic, which helps the film connect on a deeper level and keeps the audience invested throughout. Overall, I Swear is a touching and effective film that succeeds in delivering real emotion. It resonates in a way that lingers after the credits, balancing its heart with strong execution. I Swear is the kind of mov...

Mortal Kombat II (2026)

Mortal Kombat II is directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater , known for Fant4stic , which understandably does not inspire much confidence at first glance. Thankfully, the writing here is a major improvement, delivering a story that is more focused and far more entertaining than the first film. The sequel embraces the chaos and personality of the franchise more confidently, balancing action, humor, and fan service better than its predecessor. While the film still stumbles in places, it feels like a genuine step forward. Karl Urban , known for The Boys and Dredd , easily carries the film as Johnny Cage. His storyline is the strongest in the movie, largely because Urban knows exactly how to play the role with the right mix of arrogance, humor, and charm. He gives the film energy whenever it slows down and feels completely comfortable in the over-the-top world. Adeline Rudolph , known for Hellboy: The Crooked Man  and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina , plays Kitana, t...