Christian Family Movie Review of The Marvels (2023)

The Marvels movie, released in late 2023, is yet another addition to the Marvel Comics Universe (MCU). Think of it as a follow-up to Captain Marvel (2019) with a bit of the Ms. Marvel Disney+ show mixed in. Basically, it throws three powerful women superheroes together in a cosmic adventure.

The Marvels follows Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel, played by Brie Larson), who investigates a mysterious space-time anomaly caused by Kree warrior Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton). Dar-Benn wields a powerful bangle that destabilizes the universe, inadvertently entangling Carol’s powers with those of Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani). Whenever the trio uses their abilities simultaneously, they swap places, forcing them to join forces to stop Dar-Benn’s destructive plan to siphon resources from other planets (if all that sounds complicated and confusing to you, you’re not alone; see below). With the guidance of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), the heroes navigate action-packed battles, comedic moments, and personal growth journeys, culminating in a mission to save the universe.

How Popular Is The Marvels Among Audiences and Critics?

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The Marvels has had a mixed reception since its release. Critics praise its female-led cast and lighthearted tone but criticize its convoluted plot and lack of emotional depth. Roger Ebert’s review called it “the worst film yet in the MCU,” citing a messy script and disjointed action, while others, such as Common Sense Media, appreciated its focus on teamwork and diversity.

Audience reactions vary widely, reflected in a disappointing box office performance; the film grossed just over $206 million worldwide against a $220 million budget, making it one of the MCU’s lowest earners. Fans of the MCU, particularly those familiar with Captain Marvel, WandaVision, and Ms. Marvel, enjoyed the chemistry between Larson, Parris, and Vellani—especially Vellani’s energy. The complex plot (and possibly superhero fatigue among followers of the MCU) may have limited its success, though some viewers still found it a fun, underrated addition to the franchise.

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What Themes Are Portrayed in The Marvels?

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The film explores several key themes: The heroes must overcome individual struggles to work together, emphasizing collaboration over isolation. Carol’s struggle to overcome or atone for past mistakes by protecting others strikes a chord of redemption, while Kamala’s supportive Muslim family and Monica’s strained bond with Carol highlight familial love and reconciliation. Overall, and obviously, with strong female leads and a female director, the movie is intended to convey a message of female empowerment.

How Does The Marvels Compare to Biblical Teachings and Values?

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Anyone who enjoys superhero movies in general, and the MCU in particular, understands that the superhero genre is not intended to reflect real life or Christian theology. Still, some of the depictions in The Marvels are worth noting. For example, the community and cooperation between the main characters reflects the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (“Two are better than one”). And Carol’s quest for redemption as well as Kamala’s brother praying in a crisis reflect familiar human desires, though both fall well short of the Gospel message.

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Is The Marvels Appropriate for Children?

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The Marvels carries a PG-13 rating, suggesting caution for parents of children under 13. The film is clearly aimed at teens and adults and features intense action—spaceship battles, fistfights, and planetary destruction—plus disturbing moments like a planet’s population dying. “Flerken cats” swallowing people and later spitting them out will seem quirky to some but unsettling to others. The PG-13 rating reflects some mild language issues and there’s no explicit sexual content, though some interpret Carol and Monica’s vibe as subtly romantic. Common Sense Media suggests it’s fine for ages 12+, but younger kids might find the violence and complex plot overwhelming.

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Is The Marvels Likely to Be Acceptable to Christian Families?

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Christian families that know what to expect from a superhero movie will probably find little to object to in The Marvels, though the confusing plot, violence, and hints of same-sex attraction may concern some parents. The depiction of Kamala’s Muslim faith is respectful, more so than one might expect if it were a similar depiction of Christian faith. Reviews from Christian outlets such as The Collision call it “hollow” but not overly concerning for Christian families.

Discover a Quality Christian Entertainment Platform

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Parents who don’t fully trust Disney’s and Marvel’s agendas in their stories may find it helpful to discover an entertainment platform that tells charming and imaginative stories in ways that honor, reinforce, and instill biblical values. The TruPlay Games app–sometimes referred to as “the Netflix of Christian mobile games for children”–features games, videos, and digital comics videos starring animated characters at varying levels of spiritual growth and Christian commitment. The TruPlay app provides a safe, high-quality entertainment environment that offers countless hours of engaging fun for children, youth, and adults—a Christian resource for all ages, but especially for children.

TruPlay's website clearly details the app's offerings, and free downloads and trials are available in both the Apple App Store and GooglePlay. Start today and get a 7 day free trial!