By Daniel Paiz

The Marvels team-up that made comic book movies fun again is where things start off for this last Cypher Flicks Marvel edition article of 2023. The third Marvel film release of 2023 clocks in at around one hour, 47 minutes and is a lean, mean, light powered machine. Flerkins abound in this one, as do nods to space and time rips (multiverse callbacks anyone) and three powered folks forming one cohesive group.

Those quantum bands also somewhat add a game of keep-away, and definitely need further backstory and exploration of lore.

Don’t Call It A Comeback

Marvel’s recent films have been team-ups but with a clear focus on one particular character (Ant-Man, Dr. Strange). The Marvels doesn’t come across that way despite Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) clearly being the top-tier name on the lineup. Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) certainly steals the spotlight like she did so well in the Disney plus series Ms. Marvel, but it’s an adequate amount of scene stealing. Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) gets her screentime too, being the most important character of all as space and time itself unravel.

The medley where Carol, Kamala, and Monica learn how to sync their place switching (which happens due to their powers syncing when Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) creates jump points by force) is probably the most underrated part of the film. Music certainly helps the Marvel-bonding along, but it has some levity and stress relief that all three heroes need.

Teambuilding is certainly needed after sizing up the leader of the Kree, the Accuser-esque Dar-Benn. It’s hard to get behind Dar-Benn’s quest, only because of how singularly focused she is on revenge. Part of that revenge is to renew and save her planet, but it hypocritically involves depleting other planets to save Hala (home planet of the Kree).

The phrase “hurt people hurt people” might not be truer in the MCU. Sure, the destruction of the Supreme Intelligence causes some decades-long scuffles; however, sooner or later, everyone looks behind the curtain to see who runs Oz so to speak. Dar-Benn should probably have heeded her second-in-command/scientist’s words; while Kree are quite strong, quantum bands can’t be wielded quite as freely as her hammer.

Timely Parallels

The Kree and the Skrulls are locked in an ancient battle, rarely not fighting. However, it tends to be the Kree who are trying to wipe out the Skrulls, often due to miscommunication that encourages Kree overreaction. Skrulls are a people without a home, trying to find somewhere for their remaining numbers to live. The Kree feels deeply justified in wiping out Skrulls because of actions taken by someone connected to them (Captain Marvel) which is through no fault of their own.

Releasing this film in the middle of Israel’s current scorched Earth actions towards Palestinians is a bit coincidental. It’s unlikely there’s any real connection between the two realistically, but it does make it irresistible for this viewer to draw parallels. Plus, the reference to fracking even felt like another subtle dig.

There’s also the timely release of this as season two of Loki ends. The time branches the TVA and Loki work to fix, the jump points The Marvels are trying to figure out, both are adding layers to what’s next. Things are coming together for the next major event in a few years.

Final Verdict

Less is more. When a movie is lean and gets in, gives you the story, the tension/action, and resolution in under two hours, that is efficient fun. Personally, I’d rather be asking for more than wishing for less. This will be to this movie’s benefit in the long run. Another piece of insight appears as the MCU carefully steps towards the Kang Dynasty/Secret Wars films. In addition to Loki season 2, The Marvels are giving fans something to be a bit more excited about. Things you would see in comic book panels are on the big screen, and its stuff to surprise both the casual and hardcore comic book fans alike.

Sure, one might not like the flerkins and how the kitties from beyond the stars are used as a timely solution for escape. Perhaps one isn’t into how Kamala Khan is all of us should we encounter our Marvel hero or favorite character. And yes, the way the wonderful planet of Aladna is done dirty despite Prince Yan (Park Seo-Joon) and his people being so ready to scrap on Carol’s behalf is truly valid criticism.

However, the little stuff that might’ve seemed over the top or campy or insert your favorite disparaging adjective here is also what gives this film heart. It made these characters relatable, and dare I say human. Making superpowered beings flawed with shortcomings and miscues is what makes comic book characters appealing. A majority of fans enjoy witnessing the seemingly limitless powers of Carol Danvers. But her decisions show all that power doesn’t immediately lead to easy answers. That’s part of what makes The Marvels worth the watch.