The Marvels is the best MCU film in years. I know that isn’t saying much, because the latest Ant-Man was perhaps the worst superhero film in a decade already chock-full of disappointing superhero fare. A mix of tragedy (the death of Chadwick Boseman), bad luck (a global pandemic that complicated filmmaking), and bad choices (why won’t Disney pay its visual effects people properly?) have produced a noticeable dip in quality for the MCU. But the light-manipulating heroines of The Marvels provide us with a glimmer of hope…

As the film starts, the villainous Dar-Barin (Zawe Ashton) unearths the twin to Kamala Khan’s superpowered bangle. Dar-Barin believes that, if she completes the set, she will be able to restore her people’s sun, which was accidentally destroyed when The Annihilator (their unflattering nickname for Captain Marvel) attempted to save them from their AI overlord. As is always the case with the MCU, much destruction ensues, and someone (or someones) must save the day. Yep, it’s time for a team-up! 

Enter our protagonists! The powers of Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) become entangled. And soon, this trio of light-manipulating ladies must band together to save the day! 

The three fearsome ladies become the titular Marvels. The catch? Monica Rambeau is the chosen family Danvers left behind when she became Captain Marvel. Oh, and Ms. Marvel is a total Captain Marvel fangirl. Complicated feelings follow!

Directed by wunderkind filmmaker Nia DaCosta, The Marvels never reaches the heights of MCU classics like Thor: Ragnarok or Black Panther. However, it is the first Marvel movie in a while that is actually fun to watch. Vellani’s effervescent Ms. Marvel is a particular standout. While it isn’t Parris’ or Larson’s fault that their characters are written as fearless but humourless, Vellani steals every scene she’s in with her impeccable comic timing. By the time she hilariously asks her idol, Captain Marvel, if it’s okay “copyright-wise” for her to go by Ms. Marvel, it’s obvious she’s a comic genius. 

Ms. Ashton is also properly terrifying as a baddie. Described as “a very beautiful but scary woman” by Kamala, Dar-Barin has a penchant for destroying the atmospheres of other people’s planets when she doesn’t get what she wants. Helping the action along is a colourful set design that truly pops and composer Laura Karpman’s energetic score. As a nod to Ms. Khan’s Pakistani heritage, Karpman integrates South Asian musical influences. The result is a fresh sound for Marvel that enhances the action.

Admittedly, The Marvels is uneven. What’s most disappointing are the places where Marvel’s team chickens out instead of going for broke. At one point, Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie makes a cameo and suggestively kisses Carol Danvers on the cheek as they say goodbye. It’s 2023, so why can’t they just let Captain Marvel be queer?

Another weak spot is Brie Larson’s lackluster performance. Mercilessly trolled by toxic Marvel fanboys since she first assumed the Captain Marvel role, Larson exudes “I’m just here because I’m contractually obligated to be.” It’s heartbreaking that such a capable, Oscar-winning actress was beaten down this way; however, there’s no figurative fight left in this actress – even as she navigates literal fight sequences.  

In the more emotional scenes, Larson still can’t muster much enthusiasm for her part. When Monica Rambeau confronts Captain Marvel for abandoning her as a little girl, Ms. Larson is practically nonchalant. For a storyline that’s meant to highlight the importance of chosen family, it’s damaging when the central chosen family members don’t appear to care for each other.

Despite some undeniable lows, I mostly loved watching this movie. Kamala Khan is a pitch-perfect character who is sure to become the fan favourite MCU hero she deserves to be. Equal parts teenage fangirl and adolescent badass, Kamala is a consummate pleasure to behold. And then there’s her adorably raucous family, who make for an excellent chorus – always there to provide levity, even while fighting aliens in their Jersey City living room. But most importantly, The Marvels gave me hope for the future. I left the film feeling genuinely excited to see where Kamala Khan’s next chapter takes her. I’m excited about the MCU again, which is no mean feat….