Overall Thoughts: Unique, lower-scale story is a refreshing throwback to Phase 1.
NOTE: Being a TV show, I will do my best to avoid spoilers!
In Marvel's latest series, 16-year old Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) is planning to attend AvengerCon, against her parents' wishes. After pulling off an elaborate plan to sneak out of the house, she finds out she has powers. Of course, that entire plan goes to waste as Kamala's powers cause near destruction at the convention. But, why does she have powers? And, are there others who may take notice and hunt her down?
First, Vellani does a wonderful job with the lead character here. She brings much spunk and enthusiasm to this role. She might be the first "fanatic" character I've seen in the MCU get superpowers (unless you count Tom Holland's Spider-Man). In the more serious and dramatic moments, Vellani shines too with a subtle empathy. Matt Lintz and Yasmeen Fletcher are solid as Kamala's friends, while Zenobia Shroff is a solid addition as Kamala's mother.
The show does not rely on big name talent, which I found refreshing. After the first episode, there's also refreshingly little callbacks to the MCU. I thought that was a great approach to ensure Kamala was given her own story. Finally, I thought that the film's authentic depiction of Kamala's religious background was respectful and thoughtful, without treating it in a mocking or condemning fashion.
The series really picks up on emotional gravitas in the final two episodes. A couple of twists really do a nice job engaging emotionally. I do feel like the series' main arc comes to a close with Episode 5. Maybe a couple of the events from the last episode could have meshed into the fifth episode, but I didn't mind it too much.
The series has two antagonists, though the main one focused on comes into play in the third episode. Maybe the second one wasn't necessary, but it was more of a SHIELD/SWORD style villain trying to figure out the root of her powers. The secondary antagonist plays a bigger role in the final episode, but we don't get to know them enough to really understand what they are planning on doing.
As far as visual effects go, Ms. Marvel is refreshingly low-key. There's some comic book art-style effects early on and some superpowered moments, but it's not nearly as ambitious or extensive as Loki or WandaVision. The places where the visual effects are placed are organic and work well. The action scenes are solid too.
In the end, despite a few hiccups (including maybe one too many villains), Ms. Marvel is still a unique, interesting and overall refreshing throwback of a superhero movie. More often than not, it feels like the kind of story that would fit in the introductory Phase 1 slate, rather than the more ambitious, crossover, more convoluted storylines of Phase 4. And that is a good thing.
Grade: B+
