The Marvels

The Loki season two finale and The Marvels dropping on the same day has given the MCU a little shot in the arm.

Despite the histrionics and clickbait, the MCU is not in any trouble. Yes, the current phase has dipped in quality from the Infinity saga but to follow some of the best films of all time (superhero or otherwise) and successfully expand into TV whilst still producing top quality cinematic entertainment is nothing to be sniffed at.

For once, can we all take a step back and appreciate just how lucky we are that something like this exists and is expanding in real time right now.

It may be flippant to talk in such way about a series of films when there are much scarier things ongoing in the world, but from a pure culture perspective we’ve gone through the ‘peak of franchise filmmaking’ (Potter, Star Wars, Rings etc.) and to still have the MCU churning out consistent content is frankly miraculous.

The murmurings of discontent, the haters and the trolls can get in the bin and the fans (and fans of movies and just joy in general) can just sit and enjoy a film which feels lightweight, easy, spirited and actually feels a part of the wider universe.

These links are the shot in the arm I mentioned at the top of the review. In recent times, it has felt that the MCU has been burrowing ever deep holes and problems for itself (where is Shang-Chi? Where is that giant thing sticking out of the earth in Eternals? Who is actually an Avenger anymore? Is Harry Styles actually coming back? I could go on.)

To have the three titular Marvels, Nick Fury and a scattering of others (no spoilers here) and a plot revolving around the Kree and Skrull war feels like we’re back in familiar territory and all those hours spent watching all that content is rewarded.

The standard Marvel hallmarks are all present and correct with some absolutely laugh-out-loud moments, an excellent soundtrack often mixed perfectly with original action and a self-contained story with a strong villain. Having the wider links saves it from feeling too much like a ‘Tales of the MCU’ film as well.

It also has a proper ‘we’re moving things forward’ ending and a post credits stinger to make you grab the person next to you in excitement.

Ignore the online negativity and appreciate the MCU doing what it does best – offering glorious and unmatched entertainment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️