So here I am, diving into “The Marvels,” and I’ve got some thoughts. Don’t tell me men don’t enjoy watching attractive women fight on screen, especially when they’re doing it well. If the action’s subpar, that’s where mud wrestling comes in, but that’s not what we’re here for.
Plot and Characters:There’s been a lot of flak thrown at this project, with accusations that it’s men who are mad because they’re losing their heroes, or that they’re just not ready for strong female leads. But “Kill Bill” was fantastic because it was well-written, had deep characters, and the fights? They were something else.
“The Marvels” deals with the adventures of Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, and Ms. Marvel, whose powers are linked, causing them to swap places when used. It’s meant to be a big team-up, but the villain doesn’t do much for me. She’s lackluster, trying to be sympathetic but coming off as just another baddie.
Marketing and Audience Perception:The marketing of this film has been a misstep, focusing on attacking the audience rather than promoting the movie’s strengths. It’s not about not wanting strong women on screen; it’s about execution and respect for the audience. Look at movies like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” where the action was the star, not the gender of the fighter.
Action and Visuals:The action in “The Marvels” has some moments, like when Monica Rambeau does a move that feels straight out of Dragon Ball Z. But there’s inconsistency, especially with how Captain Marvel is portrayed in combat. She’s supposed to be all-powerful, yet she’s dodging like she’s human.
Acting and Dialogue:The male characters, particularly Nick Fury, are portrayed in a way that undermines rather than complements the female leads. Making men look incompetent doesn’t elevate women; it just makes for bad storytelling.
Criticism:
The tone of the movie feels aimed at a younger demographic, but then you’ve got heavy themes like genocide and war, which clash with the lighter moments, like a Bollywood-style dance number. It’s like they’re trying to make Captain Marvel into a Disney princess, which feels off-brand for her character.
Rating:
On my 5-blade scale, I’m giving “The Marvels” 3 blades. It’s watchable, but it’s not worth the full price of admission. It’s entertaining enough for a matinee or a rental, but don’t expect it to redefine the genre.
Conclusion:
“The Marvels” has some fun action sequences, but the narrative and character development could use some work. The backlash it’s receiving isn’t necessarily a reflection of its quality but more on how it’s been presented to the public. If you’re into Marvel’s universe, give it a watch, but don’t go in with high expectations.