The Marvels is hitting Disney+ on February 7, 2024. To say I love The Marvels is an understatement. I saw The Marvels a whopping eight times in the theater. I would have seen it more, but the holidays happened and by the time I got a bit of downtime, it had left my local theater. The Marvels is much more than just one more superhero film in an already crowded superhero film pantheon. It is the superhero film we need in this crowded superhero film pantheon. Here are a few reasons you should check out Nia DaCosta‘s The Marvels, especially if you missed it in the theater.
Phenomenal Fight Sequences
If you’re a fan of action sequences, look no further than The Marvels. The Marvels has some of the best-choreographed fight sequences in Marvel, and I would even argue that it’s some of the best put to film. Even on my eighth viewing, I was still catching new things and details in every sequence. The switching aspect of the film makes The Marvels an absolute visual treat to watch. You will find yourself grinning like an idiot during that first sequence and beyond. If you enjoy action, The Marvels has it in spades.
Comedy
People often forget that comic books can be funny. Heck, I’ve read more funny comic books than not, even ones that aren’t billed as funny books. The Marvels kept me in stitches from my first viewing to my eighth. The jokes land for me every time. Some comedies don’t do as well after the first viewing, but the humor in The Marvels hits the mark even on repeat viewings. The chemistry between our three leads—Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani—works a treat in this department. Iman’s Kamala brings her charm and exuberance to the forefront. Teyonah’s Monica plays it straight and is no-nonsense. I wouldn’t want her to call me out on my bull. When that is combined with Kamala, they make a double-team that really brings out the playfulness of Brie’s Carol. Perfect casting all around.
Plus, there are a couple of comedy curve balls that I didn’t see coming in this film that about put me on the floor. I’d say more, but I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise. You’ll just have to watch The Marvels and find out.
Note-perfect Needle Drops
If you’ve read any of my film and television reviews here on Fangirlish, you know how I have a thing for great musical scores and soundtracks. I’ve got nothing but praise for Laura Karpman’s score. She also composed the scores for Ms. Marvel and What If…?. She is the perfect choice for this film as well. Karpman takes that great Marvel energy to her scores, creating songs that are exciting epics, like “Evacuation,” to something a little more playful like “Entangled.” Karpman’s score pairs very nicely with the chosen soundtrack songs as well. “Ratata” by Skrillex, Missy Elliott, and Mr. Oizo is perfect for the opening fight sequence. And can you go wrong by putting The Beastie Boys’ “Intergalactic” over any montage in space? I submit you cannot. If you love a good needle drop, The Marvels is a solid choice all around.
A Family of Imperfect Heroes
Something that I don’t think gets enough talk surrounding The Marvels is the way it seamlessly interweaves themes of family, be they biological or chosen, and the idea of imperfect heroes. Without going into too many plot details, as I try not to avoid spoilers if at all possible, the film illustrates how family should work. It also reminds us that all of our heroes are human, and therefore imperfect, even if they are superhuman. That doesn’t mean that they can’t be heroic. It means they are heroic despite their imperfections. That is a worthy lesson for anyone. The Marvels has these ideas at its core, which makes it a superhero film with a lot of heart.
A Woman in the Director’s Chair
Nia DaCosta already had my attention with her 2021 spiritual sequel in Candyman (also featuring Teyonah Parris). She told a very nuanced story with that film, so I was delighted to learn that she would be helming The Marvels. DaCosta nails it again with this one. She also makes history by being the first black woman to direct a Marvel film. I want to see everything Nia DaCosta does now after this film. She is a great action director, while also balancing emotional stakes. I hope we get her back for more Marvel fun. We need more women in the superhero game, and DaCosta’s work with The Marvels is truly a breath of fresh air.
Women Get to be Women
One of the truly wonderful things about The Marvels is that because it is directed by a woman, and written by three women—Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, and Elissa Karasik—the women of The Marvels are allowed to be women. They are allowed to be powerful, strong, and brave, while also being empathetic, caring, funny, and even a little unsure of themselves. They can have EMOTIONS and it’s not seen as weak! These women are allowed to be perfectly imperfect. They are about their own agenda, and it’s not trying to win a man’s affection. It’s about saving the world. Heck, it’s about saving many worlds! The film is such a breath of fresh air in that respect. I didn’t know how much I needed that. If you want something different in your superhero films, watch The Marvels.
Barbie for Girls Who Played with Action Figures
I have come to grips with the fact that 99% of my interests make me the only lady in the room. I’m not sorry about it, but growing up, I knew that it made me a bit out of step in comparison to my peers. I’ve always been tomboyish. I preferred my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spider-man action figures over Barbies any day of the week. I read comics, rode my bike, played baseball, and in the dirt.
When I watched The Marvels, I had the same reaction that I did when I watched Barbie, but to an even deeper degree. Nia DaCosta, et. al. had gotten in my head and in my heart. I felt seen. I felt understood. That’s not a feeling I have ever felt watching another superhero film. When I was discussing this with my friend, film critic Kelechi Ehenulo, she said, “Wow! The Marvels is your Barbie.” I can’t phrase it better than that. The Marvels helped give voice to a girl who often found herself alone in male-dominated areas, including that of superheroes and comic books. It’s Barbie for girls who play with action figures. If that’s you, go watch The Marvels. You’ll be glad you did.
The Marvels is available for rental and purchase digitally and physically from your favorite video retailer. It is streaming on Disney+ on February 7, 2024.