150 Word Review: 'The Marvels' (2023)
Three characters in search of a blockbuster
The Marvels is a tale told by Disney executives in a boardroom shouting things like "synergy!" and "IP!" and "streaming strategy!"
But at least the three leads are likable.
The 33rd chapter in the sprawling and increasingly incoherent Marvel Cinematic Universe is an opportunity for Ms. Marvel's Iman Vellani to show off her earnest teen charms, Teyonah Parris to add a dash of straightfaced heart to her superhero, and Academy Award-winner Brie Larson to, once again, have fun playing colorful Captain Marvel. Ol' dependable Sam Jackson is there, too.
Like many Marvel directors, Nia DaCosta seems crushed by conflicting corporate storytelling goals, but she manages to sneak in a demented homage to the musical Cats. The movie is 80% green screen sci-fi spectacle and 20% exposition. When the dialogue is allowed to breathe, it glows. The MCU's secret sauce/saving grace is its flawless casting. Not the action, the actors.
Great review, John. The only thing missing is a ranking of your top 5 MCU films. 🤓