Though often derided, The Marvels is a lot better than many would give it credit. As the MCU’s follow-up to Captain Marvel and a crossover with Ms. Marvel and WandaVision threads, it had a lot riding on it. Unfortunately, the movie became one of the MCU’s lowest-grossing installments. Yet beneath the disappointing numbers lies a movie that’s far from a disaster.

The Marvels struggled at the box office for many reasons, including uneven writing and a lack of promotion in the wake of the Hollywood strikes. There were also claims of review bombing and animosity towards star Brie Larson. While it may not have reshaped the MCU timeline, The Marvels still delivered a memorable adventure with plenty to enjoy.

Feels More Like A Comic Book Than Most MCU Movies

One of The Marvels’ greatest strengths is how unapologetically comic book-like it feels. Rather than leaning on overly grounded realism or grim tone, it fully embraces colorful visuals, zany sci-fi concepts, and fast-paced storytelling. The movie jumps between cosmic locations, introduces talking alien cats, and uses musical planets straight out of a splashy comic panel.

Director Nia DaCosta doesn’t shy away from heightened visuals or weirdness – elements that often get toned down in other MCU projects. Instead, she lets the film be loud, vibrant, and kinetic. It boasts jump cuts and rapid team-switching that mimic the feeling of flipping through comic pages.

While some found this chaotic, it’s part of what gives The Marvels its idenтιтy. It captures the fun unpredictability that comic book readers love. These make it feel like an actual Marvel comic brought to life.

The Marvels Is Genuinely Funny

A major surprise in The Marvels is how funny it actually is. The humor isn’t just forced quips but comes naturally from character personalities and absurd situations. Kamala Khan’s bubbly fan-girl energy contrasts perfectly with Carol Danvers’ stoic demeanor, creating countless amusing exchanges.

Monica Rambeau’s exasperation at being caught between the two adds another comedic layer. Even the physical comedy, like the chaotic switching powers mid-battle, feels inventive rather than gimmicky. The film also uses running gags – like the Flerken cats swallowing terrified S.A.B.E.R. crew members – with impeccable timing.

This levity balances the stakes, preventing the story from becoming too heavy. While some MCU entries rely on self-aware snark, The Marvels embraces playful humor rooted in character, making its lighter moments feel earned. It’s easily one of the most purely fun entries of Phase 5 for this reason alone.

The Marvels Made Nick Fury A Fun Character Again

After years of seeing Nick Fury as the stoic master spy, The Marvels gave him a refreshing comedic edge again. Instead of being weighed down by paranoia or trauma like in Secret Invasion, Fury here is relaxed, witty, and even a bit sarcastic in a warm way.

Samuel L. Jackson looks like he’s having fun again. He leans into banter and dry one-liners as he wrangles chaos on the S.A.B.E.R. space station. He feels like the cool uncle figure to Kamala and the gang, rather than an intimidating authority.

This lighter approach recalls Fury’s earlier appearances in The Avengers, where he was strategic yet charismatic. It’s a welcome change of pace that made him engaging without diminishing his gravitas. By making Fury fun again, The Marvels restored some of the charm he’d gradually lost over time.

Kamala Khan Is Absolutely Captivating

Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan steals the show in The Marvels. She brings a joyful, infectious energy every time she’s on-screen, embodying the wonder of a fan suddenly living her dream. Kamala’s enthusiasm provides a perfect lens for viewers, grounding the wild cosmic story in relatable awe.

Unlike some young MCU heroes who can come off as cocky or overly quippy, Kamala radiates sincerity. Her excitement to work alongside Carol and Monica never feels performative. It’s heartfelt admiration that endears her instantly.

Vellani has a natural comedic timing and emotional range that make her scenes pop without overshadowing others. Even when the stakes get dire, Kamala’s optimism shines through, giving The Marvels much of its charm. She’s proof that earnest, emotionally open heroes can still thrive in the MCU’s increasingly cynical landscape.

Kamala’s Family Created A Warm Emotional Core To The Movie

While The Marvels globe-trots through space, Kamala’s family keeps the story grounded emotionally. Her parents and brother aren’t just comic relief: they’re the heart of the film. Their concern for her safety, combined with their proud support, gives the movie a human anchor amid all the cosmic chaos.

Scenes where they interact with Nick Fury aboard S.A.B.E.R. are among the most heartfelt and hilarious moments. The Khans bring warmth and cultural specificity, showcasing a loving family dynamic rarely spotlighted in the MCU. Their relatable reactions (equal parts panic and pride) feel like the most realistic reaction to discovering your child is a superhero ever put to film.

By involving them in the larger plot, the film underscores that heroism affects loved ones too. This emotional throughline makes The Marvels feel more personal. It gives it a soul that many ensemble superhero movies lack.

The Marvels Had Strong Feminist Themes Without Feeling Heavy Handed

Despite what some claim, The Marvels successfully embraced feminist themes without resorting to preachiness. Its story focuses on three powerful women collaborating, clashing, and ultimately lifting each other up. Rather than pausing the narrative for speeches, it shows their strength through actions and relationships.

Carol, Monica, and Kamala each represent different stages of womanhood (mentor, peer, and mentee), allowing The Marvels to explore generational dynamics naturally. Their conflicts stem from personal trauma and misunderstandings, not contrived rivalries. This subverts tired tropes of women being pitted against each other.

The Marvels celebrates their individuality while emphasizing teamwork, showing that strength doesn’t require isolation. Even Dar-Benn’s villainy arises from personal loss rather than simple evil, making her a complex counterpart. It’s empowering without ever feeling like it’s ticking a box, which makes its feminist undertones resonate more authentically.

The Post-Credits Scene Was Huge

The post-credits scene alone made The Marvels unforgettable. It delivered one of the MCU’s most exciting teases in years. Monica Rambeau wakes up in an alternate universe and meets a variant of her mother alongside a live-action Beast from the X-Men.

This bombshell cameo not only confirmed mutants in the multiverse. It also hinted at the long-awaited arrival of the X-Men into the MCU proper. It was a jaw-dropping, theater-cheering moment that reignited excitement over Marvel’s future with the X-Men.

While the main film focused on a smaller, personal adventure, this stinger made the wider implications feel mᴀssive. It’s the kind of game-changing reveal Marvel built its brand on. It reminded audiences why sticking through the credits has always been part of the fun.

Dar-Benn Was A Truly Compelling Villain

Zawe Ashton’s Dar-Benn was a surprisingly layered villain who deserved more credit. Rather than a one-note conqueror, she’s a desperate leader trying to save her dying world, even if it means morally questionable methods. Her plan to siphon resources from other planets has tragic logic behind it.

She’s not driven by greed but by grief. This makes her more sympathetic and complex than many MCU antagonists. Ashton gives Dar-Benn an intense presence, mixing vulnerability with menace, which makes her scenes genuinely riveting.

The Marvels also draws parallels between her and Carol, as both carry the weight of worlds on their shoulders, but choose different paths. This moral mirroring adds depth to their conflict, turning their clashes into ideological as well as physical battles. She’s a rare MCU villain who feels tragic rather than disposable.

The Body-Swap Fight Scenes Are Incredible

One of The Marvels’ most innovative elements is its body-swapping fight sequences. Every time the trio uses their powers, they switch places, forcing them to improvise on the fly. This creates exhilarating chaos as they learn to sync their movements mid-battle.

Director Nia DaCosta stages these scenes like intricate choreography, blending action and comedy seamlessly. Watching Kamala appear midair in a fight she wasn’t expecting or Carol suddenly crash into a suburban living room adds constant unpredictability. Unlike standard MCU brawls, these fights feel playful and inventive, keeping viewers on edge.

They also visually communicate the theme of teamwork. The heroes literally can’t win unless they coordinate perfectly. It’s a creative twist on superhero action that stands out as some of the most memorable and fun fight choreography in the entire franchise.

The Marvels Is A Fun Team-Up Movie

At its core, The Marvels is a joyful team-up adventure, and that’s where it shines most. It avoids the dour tone of some recent MCU entries by focusing on camaraderie over conflict. The trio’s chemistry grows organically.

Carol learns to open up, Monica confronts her lingering resentment, and Kamala blossoms under their mentorship. Their arcs intertwine smoothly, giving The Marvels a satisfying emotional payoff when they finally operate as a true team. It captures the thrill of crossover comics – unlikely heroes meeting, clashing, and eventually bonding.

Even the smaller moments, like training montages or shared laughs aboard S.A.B.E.R., make their partnership feel genuine. While it may not reshape the MCU, The Marvels* delivers a spirited reminder of why team-ups are fun in the first place. It’s one of many reasons why The Marvels isn’t anywhere near as bad as many claim.