“The Marvels” is the sequel to “Captain Marvel” that opened in (2019). Nia DaCosta serves as director and co-writer. Screenplay credit also goes to Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik. The three main female characters are Brie Larson as Danvers, Teyonah Parris as Rambo, and Iman Vellani as Khan, with Samuel L. Jackson as the wise-cracking Nick Fury. The film is full of non-stop CGI computer-generated graphics and can be a little overwhelming. The film is entertaining and fun to view the three superheroes interchanging their powers.
Filming began at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire and Longcross Studios in Surrey, England. Other film sites are Los Angeles and Tropea, Italy. Yes, the girls go around both in the world and the Universe, ha! “The Marvels” starts with the introduction of Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), leader of the alien tribe the Kree, who has discovered a quantum band (a bronze wide bracelet) that can transport people and items to any place. The quantum band only works as a pair. Part of the movie is searching for the other band. Carol Danvers sets out to stop Dar-Benn, but because of some chicanery involving portals, every time she uses her powers, it triggers her to switch with Monica Rambeau, who’s not too happy to be reunited with her Aunt Carol. However, Kamala Khan is pleased to see Danvers. The primary plot lines are fun, yet they can also be confusing, and at times it becomes a little too much.
All three gave tremendous performances, with Brie Larson taking the lead. I would not recommend the film for younger kids; there is intense violence directed toward all three of the girls. How does Nick Fury fit into all of this? He now resides at the S.A.B.E.R space station. You’ll see him working out peace talks between the Kree and the Skeulls.
A jump point anomaly near S.A.B.E.R. is explored by Danvers, where Dar-Benn found the Quantum Band. When Rambeau touches the anomaly, she, Danvers, and Kamala switch places through teleportation. The switching causes the three to fight each others’ Kree enemies, leaving the Khans’ house destroyed in their wake. After the three women return to their original places, Fury and Rambeau visit Kamala on Earth. As Kamala eagerly demonstrates her powers, she switches positions with Danvers. When Danvers flies away, she changes places with Kamala in mid-air. The group surmises that their light-based powers are linked through quantum entanglement and switch places when any of the three use their powers simultaneously. As viewers, it takes more work to understand fully what is happening.
The search for the other band is ongoing, although when it is found, you’ll see the movie’s highlight, and it is worth the wait. Stay for the credits, as you’ll see a teaser scene for setting up the next movie.
Sarah Knight Adamson© November 19, 2023