The Marvels had no intention of being marvelous, at least that’s what the fans thought. Adding to this, Marvel fans aren’t particularly thrilled about Brie Larson, as reflected in the abundance of memes and trolls.
Additionally, the introduction of two new leads hasn’t garnered much traction. While a small group of fans may be enthusiastic about Miss Marvel and Monica Rambeau, their numbers aren’t significant enough to shift expectations. Currently, the film is projected to open with $60M-$65M, marking the lowest opening for any MCU film when adjusted for inflation.
This film also checks several boxes, sending a clear message to the industry. The bold decision to feature two lesser-known characters alongside Larson is commendable. It also stands out as the first film directed by a black female director.
Today, selected fans and journalists had the opportunity to get a taste of the 33rd Marvel Project, ‘The Marvels,’ and the reviewers are now flooding the internet and social media.
Overall, fans seem genuinely pleased with the film; at least, that’s what the initial reactions suggest. There is a wide range of comments, from describing it as a delight to a ‘wild and fun ride’. Some skeptical faces entered the hall, but upon leaving, they wore smiles of excitement.
Kristen Maldonado, the founder of Pop Culture Planet, wrote on Twitter, “It’s hilarious, action-packed & full of girl power. There was a great balance of the team, while dropping shocking bombs that will change EVERYTHING.”
“Female Avengers team-up movie packs in chuckles, cats, hairballs, and musical sequences. Much more episodic than a cinematic endeavor, but I think that’s its greatest strength. Great post-credits. Loved my leading lady trio. Great visual effects.” Variety‘s editor Clayton Davis wrote.
Washington Post reporter Herb Scribner was also highly positive regarding the film. Scribner tweeted, “This film is so much fun and exactly what a comic book movie should be. It’s funny, silly, short and sweet, action-packed. Loved the cosmic sci-fi moments. Plenty of MCU interconnectivity without being overbearing. We will be talking about this movie for years to come.”
Steven Weintraub, the editor in chief for Collider, also shared his remarks regarding the film over on X. “Happy to report #themarvels is a blast. It’s fun, funny & the cast is so good together. Is it one of the best Marvel movies? No. But I had a smile on my face a lot. Definitely worth seeing in a movie theater.”
There are also critics who applaud the storyline. While there were initial complaints about the shorter runtime on paper, it works well for the film. The Marvels rarely feature anything that seems out of place, and this shorter runtime is indeed a gift. Also, being an all-girl lead, it gave the three stars time to shine and build their chemistry, as some are calling it ‘crazy fun’.
ScreenRant’s Joseph Deckelmeier reviewed, “The Marvels is a whole lot of fun! Hilarious, action-packed! Kamala Khan & her family steal the show, but seeing this teamup of 3 powerful ladies is something special! The most excited I’ve been for the future of Marvel in a LONG time!”
The previous installment of the franchise was undoubtedly a financial success, but the fans don’t share a similar opinion; they even questioned Larson’s acting ability (which shouldn’t really be questioned). The previous one, Captain Marvel, was released sandwiched between Infinity War and Endgame. The timing was so opportune that a blank screen with Marvel’s logo would have earned billions.
Collider’s Ross Bonaime also highlighted the shorter runtime and how it worked well for the film. “The Marvels is short, sweet, and a hell of a lot of fun. The main trio is a blast together, and it’s great to have action sequences that are exciting again. Probably the most charmed I’ve been by an MCU film since No Way Home, and I can’t wait to see what this film leads to…”
Now, if you remember the iconic ‘girl power’ scene, think of this film as the perfect conclusion to that. Though the faces have changed, Larson leading the girl force isn’t the worst choice. It also gave the characters the room to grow, build their chemistry, and cook up something delicious.
But then comes the audience reaction, which doesn’t always align with the critic’s view. DC’s own The Flash suffered from a similar syndrome, as the critics loved it but the fans, they just weren’t on board. The opposite was observed in Five Nights At Freddy’s, as the horror film surpassed the reviews and became a massive hit at the box office.
The Marvels also accomplishes one more task flawlessly; it provides a seamless transition to the upcoming stages of the MCU, creating a roadmap for the films to come. (The credit scenes have barely disappointed in MCU and this had no intention to make an exception)
Overall, the film leaves a positive aura. Some even point it out as a must-watch in theaters. It’s far from being a box-office hit, but in the end, it carries the MCU tag and the ‘girl power’. Additionally, the limited promotion of the film will definitely impact the numbers, but with the ongoing Actor’s strike, the creators couldn’t do much, especially when it falls under the Disney umbrella.
https://twitter.com/GraceRandolph/status/1722117681153745299?t=bu_tFR6aneFaRtuuHiOD5A&s=19
NO CAP…Tain, 😏 the #TheMarvels isn’t the train wreck the media has been pushing it to be. Sure, the story can be uneven at times & the villain isn’t memorable but #MsMarvel and #MonicaRambeau carried this film and also made #CaptainMarvel a more interesting. This is better pic.twitter.com/G21fa0rLPj
— Movie Files (@MovieFilesLive) November 8, 2023
The Marvels is a fine MCU entry.
Carol, Kamala, and Monica are really great, especially together in very creative action scenes! First 25 minutes really rocked, exciting MCU stuff by the end.
Villain is forgettable. VFX vary, both good and bad. Some silly scenes didn’t work. pic.twitter.com/dflCP2hOPX
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) November 8, 2023
#TheMarvels was such a lovely, surprising, decent and delightful experience.
The chemistry of the cast is out of this world. Kamala Khan and her family are definitely one of the movie’s standouts.
Nia DaCosta delivers a movie full of heart. The emotional beats are also great,… pic.twitter.com/xN4z3XqagU
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) November 8, 2023
Refreshingly creative, surprisingly funny yet endearing, great world building & perfect pacing. It’s got a lot of flavor from GOTG but it’s also reminiscent of an episode of Star Trek! Solid fun that creates genuine excitement for the future of the MCU for me! #themarvels pic.twitter.com/aag1WdHaFe
— Curry Morris (@CurryMorris17) November 8, 2023
Well, #THEMARVELS is a fine MCU film. Not good. Not great. Just fine sadly. It’s a film that teases to be about so much more, but it’s betrayed by a very uneven script, an unmemorable villain, some clumsy direction, way too speedy resolutions, and a couple of wild swings that did… pic.twitter.com/QOHSHogkVg
— John Rocha aka The Outlaw Nation (@TheRochaSays) November 8, 2023
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