My Absolutely Unbiased Thoughts on THE MARVELS by Michael S. Katz

THE MARVELS was a very good movie, just not one that has to be seen in theaters.

Let me start by saying that I have nothing against a movie fronted by females, so I would not take points off for the simple fact that THE MARVELS is led by a cast of three women. Some of my favorite films are fronted by female leads. I Ioved Charlize Theron in ATOMIC BLONDE, Kate Beckinsale in the UNDERWORLD series, Milla Jovovich in the RESIDENT EVIL films, and the (now-fallen) Gina Carano in HAYWIRE, movies I've seen multiple times for their excellent fight scenes. And who could forget Gal Gadot in WONDER WOMAN? Plus the MS. MARVEL show was one of the best (if not THE best) TV series Disney+ has created.

The chemistry between Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel and Monica Rambeau is excellent, primarily based upon the work of the latter two actresses. I have nothing against Brie Larsen. I think she is gorgeous, and I probably agree with all of her political views (I like to think that I'm a feminist by nature) but her acting as Captain Marvel has been entirely one dimensional in all of the Marvel movies. I never saw her in THE ROOM, so I have no basis for comparison, but people who defend her acting ability usually cite to that particular movie. Maybe it's the Marvel scripts that she has been given, but her delivery is usually very flat.

Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan/Ms Marvel makes up for that, and then some. She is an excellent actress who steals a lot of scenes. A bubbly personality that shines through in every scene she steals. And her family is an excellent presence that actually adds to the film.

Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau holds her own. Her acting ability (at least in this film) falls somewhere between the other two. She has some good lines and delivers them well.

Samuel L. Jackson is back to his fun, wisecracking ways. He has some great scenes in the movie. Nice to see him back to normal after SECRET INVASION (which I liked, by the way, despite its flaws).

The villain in the movie is forgettable and mainly not very well fleshed out. I can't even remember her name and can't be bothered to look it up. Okay, I can't let you down, it's Dar-Benn, who was actually male in the comics. I guess there were too many cast members to spread characterization around, but it was still disappointing to see another villain given short shrift.

There were some excellent fight scenes. The choreography was amazing, considering the three Marvels kept swapping places for a reason I will not mention. But that little tidbit should come as no surprise if you saw the very end of the MS. MARVEL TV show. If you didn't watch the TV show first you don't have to in order to watch this movie, but you are missing out (as I said before) on one of the better Marvel TV shows on Disney+.

SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD

My son, who is a cat fancier, thought the best scenes were with the kittens/baby flerkins. They were cute and funny. 'Nuff said, watch the movie to see what I am talking about.

The very last scene in the movie was exciting because (1) it brings back a cool character, represented by an excellent actress in her own right (in my humble opinion) and (2) seems to set up the next phase (or the next to next phase) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I personally can't wait for new blood to appear, I think the MCU badly needs it.

The mid credits cut scene was amazing (some might say uncanny). It sets up even more future developments while adding a ton of fan service. It takes place in a different dimension, so I'm eager to see how they bridge that one with the "regular" MCU.... That is, if they do combine the two. The future film SECRET WARS is supposed to combine various realities. We'll see if that comes to fruition.

Finally, there is no after credits stinger, just a sound effect. Skip out before the credits end. They should have put the mid credits scene at the very end, it would have excited all Marvel fans immensely. Then they could have put the final scene in the mid credits.

Overall, I give the movie a 7 out if 10. Am I a victim of Marvel movie malaise? Maybe, but I liked the last Dr. Strange and Spider-Man flicks. I think I can enjoy a good movie for it's own sake, superhero or not. As I said at the beginning of this post, I don't think the movie needs to be seen in cinemas. But I wouldn't begrudge anyone who wants to support the film. Get those box office totals up, it's for a good cause.

Plus, movie theater popcorn is the best!