The Marvels
Third MCU Captain Marvel film featuring body-swapping between three cosmic-powered heroes
The brief
The Marvels feels like a Saturday morning cartoon come to life, with Iman Vellani's boundless enthusiasm as Ms. Marvel injecting genuine joy into what could have been another formulaic MCU entry. The body-swapping gimmick creates genuinely funny moments and forces these three cosmic-powered women to actually collaborate rather than just punch things in sequence. DaCosta keeps the pace brisk and the tone surprisingly light, even when the universe-ending stakes kick in. Perfect for Marvel fans who miss when superhero movies remembered they could be fun, or anyone who wants to see Brie Larson finally get to smile onscreen.
The verdict
If you're a Marvel fan who misses when superhero movies prioritized fun over formulas, this body-swapping cosmic adventure delivers genuine laughs and infectious energy thanks to Iman Vellani's standout performance. If you need your blockbusters to feel weighty and substantial rather than like a breezy Saturday morning cartoon, the light tone and mixed critical reception suggest this might feel too slight for your tastes.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for superhero fans and family movie nights
- ⚠️ Skip if you're burnt out on Marvel formula
Heads up
- Fantasy violence and space battles throughout (moderate)
- Brief intense moments during universe-ending scenarios (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Nia DaCosta
- Cast
- Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L. Jackson, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Park Seo-jun
Official synopsis
When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, Carol's powers become entangled
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Both feature young heroes discovering interconnected multiverse powers and teamwork.
Total runtime: 1h 45m + 2h 20m = 4h 5m
