Hollywood Gradebook: Five Nights at Freddy’s
October 31, 2023
Hollywood Gradebook: ‘The Holdovers’
November 23, 2023
Film: The Marvels (2023)
Plot: Carol Danvers gets her powers entangled with those of Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau, forcing them to work together to save the universe.
Cast: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L. Jackson, Zawe Ashton, and Park Seo-joon
Director: Nia DaCosta
Distributor: Marvel Studios
Average Grade: B-
Number of Graders: 37
Member Reviews:
Stacey Yvonne
I went into this film with no information, not having watched a trailer or even read the wiki. I wanted to be completely immersed. As it went on, there were small and important things that clued me into the fact that the film was not only directed by a woman but a Black woman at that, from Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) telling Monica to use her “Black Girl Magic” to shots of shapely brown thighs and backside showcasing an unabashed womanhood and strength. Another tip-off was the training montage scene.
When the women switch positions, they are placed in another environment where sometimes their powers are the most useful or seemingly useless. Kamala, Monica, and Carol need to work together to make sure no one is caught off guard if they’re zapped away. They organize a list of activities to show themselves completely in sync. Normal training montages can include sweaty running, punching a bag, doing extreme push-ups and more manly-manly pursuits. In The Marvels, balance is obtained by jumping rope, juggling, and balancing books on each other’s heads. There’s something so refreshing about seeing a group of women not resort to masculine conceits just to prove they are strong. The women in the film are strong and kick butt, but they are also cunning and clever and able to adjust when needed.
Grade: A
Caillou Pettis
The Marvels is a colossal win for Marvel Studios. Nia DaCosta’s directorial vision, coupled with stellar performances, a compelling storyline, and groundbreaking visual effects, propels the film to the upper echelons of superhero cinema.
Grade: A
The next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the sequel to “Captain Marvel,” starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani has been the talk of the internet. This time the franchise is under the guide of Nia DaCosta, the first Black woman to direct a MCU picture.
Two more heroines join Larson in “The Marvels,” Parris as Monica Rambeau (previously seen in “They Cloned Tyrone”) and Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan from Disney+’s “Ms. Marvel” make the transition from television to the big screen.
Grade: A-
Maggie Ma
The Marvels is a more entertaining film than the first Captain Marvel. The switching among the three characters played quite well during the fight sequences making the scene much more fun! I am glad that the kitties play bigger roles this time. Cat lovers will be happy. Kamala and her family are the scene stealers. I did have some problems with the story especially how those bangles work and the ending of the villain is quite lazy. But in general, this is a movie that everyone can enjoy.
Grade: B+
James White
While far from top-tier MCU output, The Marvels nevertheless offers plenty of charm, comedy and action. Nia DaCosta's film is strongest when focused on the dynamics between Brie Larson's Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau and Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel. Vellani is, as she was in her own Disney+ series, a scene-stealing delight and the character work goes some way to balancing the rote plotting and disappointing villain. This also features one of the best needle drops in any Marvel movie.
Grade: B+
Alexander Robinson
After a less-than-stellar year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, their final film of 2023, THE MARVELS ends the first year of Phase 5 on a positive note. This movie succeeds due to the dynamic of its three lead actresses. Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, & Iman Vellani all have great chemistry with each other, and watching these characters learn to work together due to consistently switching places when they use their powers leads to some exciting and often creative action sequences. Vellani as Kamala Khan is the big standout of the three, Larson is allowed to have more fun as Carol Danvers compared to her debut in CAPTAIN MARVEL, and while Parris is great as Monica Rambeau, the script does let the character down a bit. This is due to a combination of having her delivering a lot of clunky expository dialogue and a weak resolution to a supposed falling out between Rambeau and Danvers that was hinted at in WANDAVISION. The film's villain played by Zawe Ashton is also a major weak spot. While her motives are easy to understand, Dar-Benn doesn't feel like a dangerous enough threat for the heroes, ultimately proving that the Kree have never been interesting villains in the MCU. Regardless of those issues, THE MARVELS is a fun time that doesn't overstay its welcome with a short 105-minute runtime. Considering the film's underwhelming box office performance, I can see THE MARVELS joining other comic book movies like BIRDS OF PREY and BLUE BEETLE; movies that were overlooked in theaters but have since then gained a reputation of being underrated fan favorites of the genre.
Grade: B+
Taylor Gates
This movie is an absolute blast. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone more charismatic than Iman Vellani, and the entire Khan family is delightful. The chemistry between the three leads is excellent, and it’s so refreshing to see a team-up like this. While the villain could be a little more fleshed out, and there are a few rushed parts, overall, this movie is pure fun with some excellent fight choreography and performances. The ending hints at a future I’m very excited to see.
Grade: B+
Michael Lee
The Marvels is a terrific sequel that breathes new life into the MCU. It’s so playful but still has plenty of emotional stakes. The action sequences and cast chemistry makes up for some shaky plotting. And stay for some exciting surprises!
Grade: B+
For me, yes, The Marvels is messy. But at the end of the day, I found the characters and their chemistry endearing. I found the performances to be strong. I thought the action was well shot and a lot of fun. And I found myself excited again, just thinking about events to come in the MCU, in a way I hadn’t in a long time. If a movie was able to do that for me, that’s enough; even in the face of story and editing issues. Because at the end of the day, it’s the characters and whether I give a damn about them or not, that made the movie worthwhile for me. And that, thankfully, happens to be this movie’s greatest strength.
Grade: B+
Grant Hermanns
While its return to a more streamlined plot leads to some rushed character development and predictability, The Marvels largely overcomes its flaws. DaCosta's direction is gorgeous and energetic, the script is fully of charming moments and humor, the action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting and the chemistry between its three leads is a delight, though Iman Vellani absolutely dominates the screen.
Grade: B+
Conor Petrey
Nia DaCosta provides a new vision to the MCU, allowing for a genuine team up and a fantastic introduction of a new lead character on the big screen from the small. It’s a promising feature with a few flawed components but overall it’s a well made, terrifically written piece of Phase Five that allows these characters to be fun again while not making a complete fool of themselves (*cough* *cough* Ant-Man). As one of the shorter entries in the MCU, do yourself a favor and go see this marvelous film that contains an eXciting surprise.
Grade: B
Such a delightful film! The storyline could use some work. The emotional beats were lacking due to the rushed runtime. And the villain was subpar at best despite Zawe Ashton's best attempts at saving the character with a dedicated performance. However... It's so much fun. Nia DaCosta can spin gold out of anything. Iman Vellani deserves all the praise she's receiving. Brie Larson is finally allowed to shine in a portrayal of Captain Marvel that surprises and dazzles. Teyonah Parris reminds us why she was a standout in "WandaVision". The Marvels ultimately feels like a balm to the soul and a healing salve for all those that believed the MCU was past saving. It will leave many hopeful for what's to come. The most fun you'll have in the theater this season!
Grade: B
The Marvels is a structurally disjointed superhero film requiring a level of homework that may potentially alienate a portion of its intended audience. Still, it’s a charming team-up flick infused with enough genuine wit and admirably insane creative choices to warrant a full-throated recommendation.
Grade: B
Set around a core trio who are a lot of fun together, this movie indeed goes higher, further, and faster than 2019’s Captain Marvel and is all the better for it.
Grade: B
Director Nia DaCosta, who was one of the screenwriters, along with Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik, has a light, frisky touch. There’s a sense of joy here. Our heroes aren’t motivated by dead planets or dead parents, but rather an innate spirit of helpfulness. They also simply enjoy each other. The camaraderie feels effortless, in its writing, staging, and performance.
Grade: B
The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe outing is exciting because it unites three characters, all launched in different films or television shows. The result is something that's definitely fun but not always entirely even, in part due to the entirely new construction of the villain that isn't the franchise's strongest. Iman Vellani steals the show and represents a strong future for what's to come next in the MCU.
Grade: B
Alex Billington
Not one of the greatest entries in the MCU, but not one of the worst either. There's some really fun moments, but it also feels like another inconsequential Marvel movie I'm already ready to forget. I did have a good time time watching it in IMAX, it's solidly entertaining as a big screen experience. For the most part. Iman Vellani is the movie's MVP, along with Goose the Flerken getting more screentime, too.
Grade: B
The Marvels is a Super Cutesy, Super fun, and funnier than I expected almost return to form for the MCU. A good Superhero flick with a strong female led cast, solid action, villain problems, and a little too much set up in the 3rd act, but still has plenty of heart in all the right places. It’s a Flerken Good Time!
Grade: B
Gaius Bolling
Short, sweet & perfectly entertaining is the best way to describe The Marvels. The three leads were great together & it was a fun time BUT...the villain is super weak (common MCU problem) & it did feel a bit incomplete. Like something was left on the cutting room floor.
Grade: B
Felipe Patterson
The Marvels provides an enjoyable and entertaining cinematic experience, especially enhanced on the big screen and in IMAX. It has great chemistry between the leading actresses and some awesome action scenes. While it may not be the best or worst MCU film, it successfully captivates audiences with its compelling time and space-bending narrative.
Grade: B
The Marvels leans into what became hallmarks of a good Marvel production: a game cast, inventive spirit and joyous energy. The Marvels likely could have done with a little bit more around the edges. It’s a tough thing to try and establish the correct pace and tone for the movie, and they did, but still feel like there may have been some meat on the bone to tackle. However, the film overall worked for me and I enjoyed getting to spend time with the characters in the meaningful ways we were able to get.
Grade: B-
The Marvels' is a surprisingly fun and entertaining yet light superhero romp with low stakes that works only because of the three lead actresses chemistry together, particularly Iman Vellani's delightful performance.
Grade: B-
Clarence Moye
Fun, breezy, slightly cringe-inducing but worthwhile venture for its emotional bonds between the three leads. Better than you’ve heard for sure.
Grade: B-
Some of the greatest enjoyment of "The Marvels" comes from the three screenwriters playing wildly with an otherworldly version of the tried-and-true screwball body-swap movie plot device. The jovial levity and circumstantial humor from all the, at first, accidental haywire and, later, the more coordinated tag-team action capabilities are a hoot to chase on-screen. This busy-body humor creates a bevy of “whoa” and “wow” moments, which is an appreciated boost in any Marvel movie.
Grade: B-
Daniel Rester
The Marvels' feels rushed and underdeveloped, but it is still a fun enough MCU outing. The body-swapping aspect feels fresh and exciting and the three heroes at the center bounce off of each other well. Iman Vellani is a standout with her charming performance as Ms. Marvel. It's not a great MCU entry, but it definitely isn't as bad as some are making it out to be.
Grade: B-
The Marvels provides enough energy and excitement to satisfy the casual comic book movie observer, even if it's fleeting. Captain Marvel as a character isn't necessarily enough to warrant another similar film, but giving her allies in Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan makes for a worthwhile event. The film is exceptionally female-forward from the top down and surprises more than it bores.
Grade: B-
The Marvels enters the MCU roster as a fun, breezy movie that revitalizes the fun in the franchise without compromising its three female protagonists. Nia DaCosta brings a fresh take to the MCU with inventive fight scenes, humor, and leaning in to the weird found in comics. While Carol, Monica, and Kamala shine together, the villain leaves much to be desired. Still, The Marvels is fun, well-paced cosmic adventure that gives me hope for the future of the MCU.
Grade: B-
While the right elements are there for an involving ensemble piece, The Marvels comes off as rushed. It takes too long for the trio to join forces and when they finally do, any emotional baggage is sorted out too quickly. The Marvels is only 105 minutes, which is refreshing for a tentpole release. With so many balls up in the air, though, this project might’ve worked better as a Disney+ miniseries, especially since it requires viewers to see Ms. Marvel and WandaVision. The three actresses do everything in their power to keep the film afloat, but they can’t overcome one of the MCU’s most forgettable villains or stale comedy. Seriously, when is Marvel going to get the memo that the “coming up with a superhero name” gag is becoming painful?
Grade: C+
The Marvels is actually lots of fun. Liked it more than Captain Marvel. The film is fast, fidgety and kooky (GOTG-ish), with some cool action/choreography. The whole switching thing between the three leads is awesome. Iman Vellani elevates everything. That said, another weak MCU villain.
Grade: C+
Christian Eulinberg
The film's strengths surpass its weaknesses, particularly when the golden trio (Iman Villani, Brie Larson, and Teyonah Paris) takes center stage. Enjoyable action, engaging banter, and impressive production design elevate it above some recent Marvel projects. Despite noticeable flaws stemming from multiple delays, like odd editing, cuts, and a forgettable villain, it offers a satisfying experience—especially for fans of Ms. Marvel, contributing significantly to her evolving story. I look forward to seeing where her next journey unfolds.
Grade: C+
Make no mistake: Vellani's big-screen debut singlehandedly makes The Marvels worth your while.
The same can't quite be said for the rest of the disjointed and painfully rushed effort, which comes with the metallic aftertaste of a made-by-committee affair. Thankfully, the chemistry between the three leads, the occasionally rousing power-swapping action, and the mercifully short runtime of 105 minutes helps make the messier bits go down easier. However, that does little to disguise a production that appears to have been cut to the bone in the edit.
Grade: C
Scott Menzel
The Marvels is such a disappointment. This feels like a movie where countless scenes are missing from the final cut of the film. There are characters and storylines that just appear and disappear without much explanation. Yes, the energy levels are high, but so much of this film is way too childish for its own good. The chemistry between the three leading ladies works well, but ultimately The Marvels feels more like a Disney+ Movie than a cinematic experience.
Grade: C
Lawrence Sharma
The Marvels is fun, but it's messy. While it's great to return to characters like Carol Danvers and Kamala Khan, I didn't buy into the chemistry between the leads, and I felt like there was a lot of context missing to the hijinks featured in the film. The villain is forgettable and the plot takes a backseat to the gimmick of the power swapping and comedy. That said, I enjoyed it more than the first Captain Marvel and thought the cameos were a good tease to the MCU's future. I just wish it was a stronger movie because I think a character like Captain Marvel deserves that.
Grade: C-
There was a time when the Marvel Studios logo would open a movie and you’d get excited. Now it’s a gamble as to whether or not you’ve put in enough homework to actually understand what’s going on within the convoluted cinematic universe. Gone are the days when you could easily follow the threads of the movies and didn’t have to invest hours upon hours into backstories or watch seasons of television shows just to be part of the conversation. In the case of “The Marvels,” the 33rd entry in the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe, not only do you need to brush up on “Captain Marvel,” the 2019 prelude to “Avengers: Endgame,” but make sure to remember small, minor details from the Disney+ series “WandaVision,” and have seen the first season of “Ms. Marvel'' in its entirety. Oh, and don’t forget to pencil in time to watch “Secret Invasion” too.
Grade: D
The release of the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – “The Marvels” – was delayed several months because more scenes had to be shot to help explain the story. Those were wasted months as the final version of the film is a mangled, bloated, jumbled mess that only the most devoted fan of Marvel movies will be able to fathom.
Grade: D
Somewhere, deep down in The Marvels, there is something. There are glimpses in the story about idolizing our heroes and learning about their mistakes. About family and returning to them. And even about the regret that comes as unintended consequences after hard decisions. There are peeks into these themes, but they’re cut away from too soon to stuffed between gags that keep them from paying off in any substantial way. In the end, The Marvels is a mess despite its leads trying their hardest to hold it all together.
Grade: D-
Demetri Panos
The Marvels is a marvel of a miss! This is where we are at with the MCU: silliness, incoherence, watered down characters, and a heavy reliance on Disney+ streaming shows. If you don’t pay attention or just plain forget the minutia/plot details of one of the shows, even ones that were on a few years ago, you’ll be wondering what the hell is going on when watching one these newer movies.
Grade: F
