There has been a lot of concern going around fandom about the state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Much of it was exacerbated by a recent article in a respected magazine that seemingly codified all that was going wrong behind the scenes, possibly painting a picture of the studio being in much more dire straits than it actually is.

The Marvels, however, is proof positive that Marvel studios still have plenty of mojo, and the fears were greatly exaggerated. It is a funny romp through space, with lots of action, new locations, and wacky-ness. Put those fears to rest, fellow fans. Shut them out, end of the story. Marvel Studios may have hit a rough patch recently, but The Marvels shows it is far from collapse.

As far as MCU movies go, The Marvels is unique in that it isn’t just a sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel, but it also weaves story strands from three other Marvel television shows, Ms. Marvel, WandaVision, and Secret Invasion. Don’t let it put you off from watching this film if it sounds intimidating. All those shows are readily available to binge on Disney Plus once you feel up to it, but The Marvels is still very enjoyable even if you haven’t.

Brie Larson returns to the film as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, the infinity stone-powered heroine last seen in Avengers Endgame. Joining her this time is Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, who, in the comics at least, also took the name Captain Marvel for a time. Also along for the ride is the ever-cool and now much more nonchalant Nick Fury, still played by the man himself, Samuel Jackson.

Making his Hollywood debut is K-Drama star Park Seo-joon, who plays, well, best to see it and hear it for yourselves. 

And let’s not forget Goose the flerkin, of course.

First thing you’ll notice is the tone of the movie is very different from its predecessor. While the stakes remain high, there is much more whimsy and humor this time, keeping things mostly light and not overly serious.

The different personalities of the three of them who have carried the name Marvel give a lot of opportunity for character development. Kamala Khan is the fan in all of us, eager to meet our heroes and eager to please and be a part of something. Monica is level-headed, damn good at her job and reliable.

Carol Danvers, though, still has the largest character arc and the most development. We get to see a bit of what she had been up to while away from Earth, and it gives us a bit of context on how she’s been. Aside from Goose and the occasional message from Fury, Carol has been flying solo. Now, she is suddenly forced into a team dynamic, one where she is a de facto leader, and it is interesting to see her grow into the role.

The entanglement of their powers is a fun dynamic that provides many funny and cool moments, especially when they begin to understand it more and use it tactically. It’s what forces them together, to have to figure things out together and eventually, what forces them to act as a single unit instead of as individuals.

And to be a team is exactly what they have to be to win the day against Dar-Benn, played with a singular intensity by Zawe Ashton. Far from the typical power-hungry despot, Dar-Benn is one of the more relatable antagonists in Marvel films of late. Her motivations are clear and understandable. One might even be sympathetic to her cause, aside from the atrocities she commits to accomplish her mission.

The film has plenty of girl power but no politics, which is refreshing. It doesn’t feel like there’s a consultant behind the curtain ticking off boxes of what should be included, just strong female characters kicking butts and taking names. These ladies get the job done and save the day. Their actions speak for themselves, and that is the best kind of girl power you can find in a superhero film if you ask yours truly.

Catch The Marvels, now showing in a theater near you. And please, please, please, stay for the end credits scene. It is one of the best in a long time.