The Marvels
The Marvels is an action/adventure superhero film, a direct sequel to 2019's *Captain Marvel* and a continuation of the *Ms. Marvel* miniseries, integrated into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie brings together Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau, and Ms. Marvel as their powers become entangled, causing them to swap places unpredictably. They must learn to work together to combat a new Kree antagonist, Dar-Benn, who threatens to destabilize the universe by siphoning resources from various planets. Targeted at a broad audience, the film is noted for its lighter tone compared to some other Marvel entries, emphasizing themes of teamwork, friendship, and responsibility. With a runtime of 105 minutes, it offers visual spectacle with heavy CGI and bright, flashing light sequences. Parental guidance is often suggested for children under 10 due to intense action and some disturbing scenes, although it is considered more family-friendly than many MCU predecessors. Overall, The Marvels provides a fun and engaging superhero experience focused on its female leads. While it contains typical superhero violence and some intense moments, it generally steers clear of explicit sexual content, heavy profanity, or overt substance use, making it an accessible entry point into the MCU for many families.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film contains subtle implied references to LGBTQ+ themes that some Marvel fans might infer, though no explicit or canon LGBTQ+ characters or storylines are directly confirmed within the movie's plot or dialogue. These are presented as ambiguous gestures, open to interpretation by the audience.
One instance involves a brief kiss on the cheek between two women, which could be interpreted as a platonic gesture but also as an implied romantic nod by some viewers. Additionally, two women are shown holding hands, which Marvel fans might interpret as a non-explicit LGBTQ+ gesture, rather than solely a sign of friendship.
Violence
MediumThe Marvels features frequent superhero-style action and sci-fi violence, including hand-to-hand combat, energy blasts, and gunplay, with minimal blood or graphic gore. However, some scenes involve moderate peril and implied death, including planetary devastation and creature-related consumption.
The villain, Dar-Benn, uses technology to ecologically devastate planets by siphoning off their resources, resulting in the implied death of many residents, such as the siphoning of air from the planet Tarnax and ocean water from Aladna. In a notable sequence, Flerkens (cat-like creatures) use long tentacles to consume people on a spaceship, who are later shown to be regurgitated, which is described as disturbing.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes brief and moderate instances of profanity, primarily mild to medium curse words, but avoids stronger language like the 'F-word'. Occasional exclamations using the Lord's name are also present.
The word 'sh!t' is used approximately five times in the film, including two instances sung within a song. There are also multiple uses of 'd@mn' (three times) and numerous instances of 'hell' (referred to as 'H-E-double-hockey-sticks' 11 times in one review) as exclamations.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe movie contains several intense and potentially frightening scenes, especially for younger viewers. These include chaotic superhero battles, menacing villains, distressing creature behaviors, and sequences with significant visual effects that may trigger photosensitivity.
The Flerkens, cat-like creatures, are shown to have disturbing capabilities, emitting long tentacles from their mouths to consume people, and later regurgitating them. Additionally, the film carries a photosensitivity warning due to numerous scenes featuring intense CGI flashes, bright light powers, and spinning camera work during cosmic battles, which could be overwhelming for some viewers.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe movie contains very little in terms of romantic or sexual content. There are no explicit sexual acts, nudity, or suggestive dialogue. Any romantic gestures are mild and open to interpretation.
There is a brief kiss on the cheek between two women, which is not sexual in nature but is noted as an 'adult theme' by one reviewer. In a non-human example, the Flerken 'Goose' is shown cleaning itself in an 'awkward position' with its back to the camera, which could be perceived as referencing its private areas, though it is not explicit and is unlikely to be noticed by most children.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe Marvels does not feature themes of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, or demonic elements. The powers displayed by the characters are presented as fantastical, science-fiction-based abilities originating from cosmic sources, rather than magical rituals or supernatural forces.
The characters utilize 'light powers' and 'quantum bands' which are rooted in a science-fiction framework, not magical incantations or occult rituals. There are no depictions of spellcasting, summoning spirits, or engagement with dark symbols or forces traditionally associated with the occult.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction of substance use, including alcohol consumption, illegal drugs, or smoking, by any characters in The Marvels.
The film does not show any characters engaging in the use of illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine, nor does it feature drug paraphernalia. There are no scenes depicting characters drinking alcohol or smoking, maintaining an absence of substance abuse throughout.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowThe film does not feature significant instances of disrespect or rebellion. Character interactions, while sometimes involving disagreements or playful banter, generally promote themes of teamwork, cooperation, and loyalty rather than outright defiance of authority or elders.
There are no notable scenes where characters openly defy authority figures with rudeness or disrespectful language. The narrative emphasizes the three main heroines learning to work together as a cohesive unit, demonstrating collaboration rather than rebellion.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe Marvels does not contain any discernible anti-Christian themes. The movie's narrative is focused on science-fiction superheroics and personal growth within a cosmic setting, with no overt religious or anti-religious messaging.
There are no instances of characters mocking, insulting, or showing disrespect towards Christian beliefs or symbols. The plot does not involve any sacrilegious acts or explicit criticism of Christianity, maintaining a neutral stance on religious topics.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 10 and up. This recommendation is based on the PG-13 rating for action/violence and brief language, as well as the presence of intense sci-fi battles, some disturbing creature-related content (Flerkens), and themes of grief and planetary destruction. While less graphic than some Marvel films, younger children may find certain scenes frightening or overwhelming due to visual intensity and implied peril.
Additional Notes
The Marvels has a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes and is rated PG-13 for action/violence and brief language. There are no reported extended or director's cuts. The film is considered generally more kid-friendly than many other MCU films, largely due to the character of Ms. Marvel. It includes one mid-credit scene and a post-credits sound effect.
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