After months of anticipation and a fair amount of bad buzz, the first reactions to The Marvels are in, and it seems that the general consensus is that the movie is underwhelming, but not a complete disaster. The film, which has been the subject of rumors about re-shoots, lousy test screenings, and a surprisingly short running time, has been met with mixed reviews from critics.
The reactions are coming in hot on the heels of the release of the middling Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania and some poorly received Disney Plus shows, leading many to predict that The Marvels will be a rare box office misfire for the typically successful Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, while some may be quick to write off the film’s potential success, it’s important to note that Marvel’s track record is second to none. This summer’s Guardians of the Galaxy 3 outgrossed all other superhero fare this year, suggesting that The Marvels may still have a chance to win over audiences.
Recently, critics’ screenings for The Marvels have taken place across the country, and the initial reactions from those lucky enough to attend have started to surface. One such reaction comes from our own Alex Maidy, who just saw the film in Chicago. His initial thoughts suggest that The Marvels is an underwhelming, but not awful addition to the MCU. Other reactions have echoed similar sentiments, with many praising the film for its entertainment value, but criticizing its weak villain and disjointed storytelling.
One Twitter user commented that The Marvels is “a fine MCU entry,” highlighting the great performances from lead characters Carol, Kamala, and Monica, as well as some creative action scenes. However, they also noted that the film’s villain is forgettable and that the visual effects are inconsistent. Another critic described the film as a “disjointed mess,” criticizing its lack of coherence and high energy levels that come off as too childish. On the other hand, one reviewer found The Marvels to be “a whole lot of fun,” praising the humor and action, as well as the team-up of three powerful female characters.
In general, it seems that while The Marvels may not be the most groundbreaking Marvel film to date, it still has its moments of entertainment value. However, the criticisms of the film’s weak villain and disjointed storytelling suggest that it may not be a standout addition to the MCU.
Ultimately, the true test of The Marvels’ success will come when the film is released to the general public. As always, opinions on movies are subjective, and what one person finds underwhelming, another may find enjoyable. With that said, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to The Marvels once it hits theaters.
For a more in-depth review of The Marvels, stay tuned for our full review, which will be published at noon ET. Whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or simply curious about the latest addition to the MCU, we’ll be sure to provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision about whether or not to see The Marvels.
