Marvel stands for unpretentious entertainment. But what if the movie is not funny or fun and not interesting? The $274 million expensive one The Marvels will make heads roll.
The story of The Marvels retelling it in detail is impossible. Marvel fans will understand some of it, because they probably do Captain Marvel still have in mind. Yet the narrative remains a chaotic affair in which a lot of scientific hocus pocus is used to explain things.
From what can be understood, you can deduce that Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), her cousin Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Muslim superhero Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) had to share light powers – or something like that – due to an incident. In addition, they can move to each other’s place anywhere in the universe – or something like that. The ability to join forces proves useful, as the Kree alien race has begun absorbing energy sources from other planets. And yes, the universe is saved once again, this time by a team of women consisting of different races. After all, Marvel and Disney go along with the new customs of our era. The Marvels was supposed to be a women’s party. Even the bad guy is a lady, but that is of course no reason to go and have a look.
Samuel L. Jackson (74) as Nick Fury, a grandfather who can assist the ladies in ‘The Marvels’. — © Laura Radford
As a viewer you expect entertainment first and foremost. The story isn’t going to do it for him. The first half hour feels like parts have disappeared and contains the most confusing and silly action scene in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Then you hope that the middle part will bring relief. Nope! Suddenly you find yourself in a semi-Bollywood musical – or something like that – that is so absurd that you cannot believe your eyes and ears. The trio ends up on a planet where no one talks, but only sings like in a bad musical. Problem: It’s silly, not funny.
‘The Marvels’ nods (prophetically?) to the musical ‘Cats’ in one of the most absurd Marvel sequences ever. — © Courtesy of Marvel Studios
When you think you’ve had it all, you’re surprised by the craziest evacuation scene ever, with the icing on the spoiled cake being a tribute to the musical Cats. Real? Then you think: ‘Someone secretly dropped drugs in the screenwriter’s food.’ But Disney probably realizes that The Marvels is a bridge too far. There were the poor results from the test screenings and now there is the unusually late embargo on publishing anything about the film. Director Nia DaCosta has already announced that the film is mainly the child of Marvel boss Kevin Feige. That’s called hedging.
‘The Marvels’ is now playing in cinemas
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