The recent discourse for Marvel Studios has been “it’s dying”, which this reviewer feels like that phrase is a load of crap. Yes, we start this review off with a harsh statement. Don’t worry though, this review is not harsh at all, in fact it’s a positive review for a film that should be seen by Marvel fans as soon as possible! The Marvels does nothing different or game-changing but its fun with standout performances and features pivotal events that will impact the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Nia DaCosta, director of 2021’s Candyman takes over the director chair for this sequel to Captain Marvel, WandaVision, and Ms. Marvel (yes, to truly experience this film you do need to watch these three entries in the MCU). DeCosta does a decent job at crafting a Sci-Fi action comedy with capturing some truly visually stunning scenes. The Marvels is the shortest film in the MCU at 1 hour and 45 minutes, which unlike Venom: Let There Be Carnage (Which runs at 1 hour and 37 minutes), the runtime works in its advantage and this is due to the tight pacing of DeCosta’s directing.

Before diving into the positives of this film, let’s break down some negatives. There was a cameo in the film that kind of felt out of place. The cameo does feel like a device to continue their story and remind us that they are still around. That being said, there are a few more cameos that were extremely well done in the film that carries more weight in the story going forward. The biggest negative of the film has to be the villain, Zawa Ashton plays Dar-Benn, who is basically the female version of Ronan from Guardians of the Galaxy. Ashton just seems unbelievable as a villain, never feels like a real threat to the heroes despite the character supposedly having a reality shattering threat in the story. This is one thing that the MCU has struggled with, either you care about the villain and the hero takes a backseat, or the hero outshines the villain and they are forgettable. That being said, this more forgettable villain really brings Ms. Marvel, Captain Marvel and Monica Rambeau together in a heart warming way.

Now as the villain is forgettable, the main characters carry this film with chemistry and great character work from the actors. Brie Larson returns as Carol Danvers/ Captain Marvel and she does her best work as the character. Carol no longer feels like a robot and feels more human like, Larson whom is a great actor finally gets to showcase their acting skills with more emotional scenes and range. In a film just under 2 hours, we see Larson in a dramatic, comedic, action, and even a musical number (yes this film has a musical number and it’s weird. In the best way). If this is the Captain Marvel we get going forward, there might be a change in opinion towards Larson as Captain Marvel.

Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani are the MVPs of this film. They add this dynamic and energy to this film that elevates performances around them. Parris, whom we were introduced to in WandaVison as Monica Rambeau, feels comfortable in the role as Monica. Parris has a stoic presence that usually is associated with Larson’s performance but throughout the film, Parris is a joy to watch. The absolute joy and biggest positive of The Marvels is Iman Vellani. Vellani steals every scene they are in with this insane energy and likable attitude that pops off the scene. Iman as Kamala Khan/ Ms. Marvel feels like this era’s casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. Iman has played the character for a season and just one film, yet they have already established a stronghold on the character where it will be difficult to see another actor playing the part. Iman is only 21, we can have years of character work from them and I look forward to seeing what Marvel and Iman do with the character.

Iman Vellani is the star of this film and it’s a pleasure to say the visual effects are an improvement over other films we have seen recently from the studio. Overall the film is fun, hilarious and a good time. Is it one of the best MCU films? No, it may not be in the top 10, but its still a good entry in the MCU. A weak villain, a bonkers storyline, and one misplaced cameo does hold it back from being one of the stronger films in the recent MCU. The Marvels does feature one of the best mid credit scenes we have ever received from the MCU and if you don’t scream of excitement, maybe the MCU is dead to you. But personally, I cannot wait for what is next from this entire cast and the MCU.

I give The Marvels 3.5 out of 5. I do recommend this to any Marvel fan out there as it is a great time that does not take itself serious (don’t worry, it’s much better than Thor: Love and Thunder) and does have an impact on the future on Marvel going forward.