Ever since Avengers: Endgame, Marvel Studios has found it hard to follow the epic finale. Issues have been coming their way from substandard productions, introductions of characters that no one knows, too many T.V. shows leading to poor receptions, problems with the effects teams and a future studio star being accused of abuse leading to a future court case. Not forgetting the writers’ and actors’ strikes. Only Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 came out with his head held high. Now we have The Marvels, a movie that has had its own issues, from rumoured reshoots to delays in release. Would this be another nose-dive in the virtually indestructible studio? Thankfully, while not perfect, this is a hugely entertaining return to form.

Carol Danvers, known as Captain Marvel, has found herself the object of revenge from the Kree and a former adversary, Dar-Been, whom she left for dead. She has now discovered a mighty hammer and a bracelet that can absorb power. A second one just happens to be around the wrist of Kamala Khan, the hero of New Jersey, Ms Marvel. Searching for it, Dar-Been has been causing rips in the space wormholes that Caron has touched, which swaps her with either Kamalla or her estranged niece, Captain Monica Rambeau, who can manipulate light.

Now I know what you are thinking: the plot sounds ever so complicated. And it is, but don’t let that put you off. Once you’ve got the idea that three female superheroes keep swapping places, no matter where they are, you are partly there for the film’s most enjoyable sequences every time they use their powers. Director Nia DaCosta, who gave us the reboot version of Candyman, can see the possibility of three heroes jumping from one world to another, mostly finding themselves in the middle of fights they have no clue who they are facing. This not only is cleverly played out but often laugh-out-loud funny.

What also holds this film together is that it is more than just superheroes fighting every five minutes. This is about three strong women bonding. We get the relationship between Carole and Monica, one that was left behind a long time ago, to the point that Monica has grown up, gone through the ranks of the secret military group S.A.B.E.R. and has superpowers of her own from entering a mysterious dome in the T.V. show, Wanda Vision. Additionally, Kamala’s obsession with Captain Marvel led to her calling herself Ms Marvel and Carol’s struggles to be regarded as the most powerful superhero in the universe. It’s the quieter scenes between the three women that work the best.

These scenes are interspersed with decent action sequences and some funny moments involving Kamala’s family, who have found themselves in the middle of this war, and Goose, the cat from the previous Captain Marvel movie, who has a very dark secret. Of course, there are the usual heroes fighting villain scenes, but with the added swapping, these look more interesting, and, finally, the effects seem half decent this time.

There are some problems with the film. The editing in places seems odd, and this could be because of the reshoots and the villain, Dar-Barr, isn’t as strong as past baddies, but these are minor issues in an otherwise enjoyable romp.

Brie Larson finally gets her teeth into Carol’s problems and proves she is as adept with comedy as she is with drama (plus, she shows she can sing in one of the film’s more bizarre moments). She brings heart and warmth to a character slightly one-dimensional in her previous outings. Teyonah Parris, as Monica, is allowed more room to breathe and looks like having a promising future in the MCU as Monica, but Iman Vellani, as Kamala, steals the show. Her awkward character, who melts into pure fangirl on meeting Captain Marvel, is hilarious, and she steals every scene she is in. An absolute hoot.

The Marvels is one of the first superhero films of late, and I came out with a positive feeling for the future. It’s like returning to old-school Marvel and how they used to make them. Great chemistry from the leads, imaginative set pieces and just loads and loads of fun. Look out for exciting cameos that will lead you to future productions. It’s not the best Marvel movie, but it’s undoubtedly the right way to go.

4 out of 5

Director: Nia DeCosta

Starring: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Samuel L. Jackson, Zawe Ashton, Gary Lewis, Park Seo-Joon, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh

Written by: Nia DeCosta, Megan McDonnell and Elissa Karasik

Running Time: 105 mins

Cert: 12A

Release date: 10th November 2023