The Marvels review – bonkers battle for ‘quantum bands’ in bubblegum sort-of sequel

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This is a science-fiction superhero movie that is as light and entertaining as bubblegum. It is a follow-up to the 2019 film Captain Marvel, which introduced Brie Larson’s character of the same name. She is one of the rare MCU characters to have the franchise name in her actual name. However, the concept of a “sequel” is complicated in this universe where consequences can be altered or undone or shifted to alternate realities, or even rendered insignificant in the post-credits scene.

The story begins with Captain Marvel, also known as Carol Danvers, flying alone in her spaceship across the galaxy. She is reflecting on the events of the previous film, which involved her taking extreme measures to save the universe. This caused a crisis on Hala, the almost-destroyed planet where the Kree people live, and where Danvers has personal connections. She is about to meet the new leader of the Kree, Dar-Benn, who is a fanatical villain played by Zawe Ashton. Dar-Benn has found one of two powerful bracelets called “quantum bands” on a distant planet. If she obtains both of them, she will have immense power and the ability to manipulate space through “jump points”.

Changing these portals will bring our trio of protagonists into comical close proximity. One of them is Danvers, while another is Monica Rambeau, portrayed by Teyonah Parris. She possesses superhuman abilities and is the adult daughter of Carol’s closest friend and fellow fighter pilot, Maria Rambeau (played by Lashana Lynch). Interestingly, there is not a significant age difference between Carol and Monica, with Parris actually being one year older than Larson. However, time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is fluid. The third hero is Kamala Khan, soon to be known as Ms. Marvel, delightfully portrayed by Iman Vellani (in the TV miniseries Ms. Marvel). She is a teenage superhero from Jersey City, whose family happens to own the second quantum band.

Kamala spends most of her time in her bedroom, daydreaming and avoiding homework. She also obsesses over Captain Marvel and argues with her parents (impressive acting from Zenobia Shroff and Mohan Kapur). Suddenly, Carol, Monica, and Kamala realize that they can teleport to different places in the universe when using their powers, thanks to Dar-Benn’s interference with the “jump points”. This causes frustration for Nick Fury, leader of Shield, who is played with ease by Samuel L Jackson. However, instead of controlling a team like Charlie with his Angels, Fury finds himself bewildered as he leads the new group, the Marvels, in their battle against Dar-Benn.

The situation may seem absurd, but the delivery is charming and lively, especially during the Marvels’ trip to a world where singing is the main form of communication. Carol takes on the role of a princess on this planet, most likely included in the plot for Larson to showcase a cute “princess” outfit and appeal to younger viewers. Larson, Parris, and Vellani make a delightful team in this intergalactic adventure.

Source: theguardian.com