Ms. Marvel (2022)

_Ms. Marvel_ is a great down to Earth origin story that is able to resonate with a large variety of audiences, but when the story delves into the cosmic realm it drowns under the weight of underdeveloped villains and poor writing choices. At first, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed _Ms. Marvel_. The high school setting was really refreshing to see, as we really only have one hero in the MCU that is in that age range. I felt as if Kamala Khan was an extension of the audience, a mega super fan whose lifelong dream was to become a hero herself. The interactions with her family and friends as she was trying to fit into the popular clique of school while dodging the overprotection of her parents were fantastic to see. I did find that her parents were a bit over exaggerated and did not really seem genuine in their worries, as Kamala was a very respectful daughter who was being open and honest with them initially. Despite that, there are plenty of scenes throughout the series of heart-to-heart conversations with her family that feel extremely genuine and pure. My heart melted whenever her father spoke, he had such a calming presence on the entire family. After the first two episodes is when the show started to go off the rails for me. The Karachi episodes are extremely disjointed. The connections and conversations Kamala makes with her mother and grandmother are incredible and a real turning point for the character. But the introduction of the Red Daggers was half baked and extremely corny. The villains introduced during this episode stretch were not all that compelling as there was a very limited lead up to the conflict. They essentially just get thrown in a third of the way into show and give a massive exposition dumb on why they are after Kamala. The audience never gets to form a connection with them or understand them deeper than surface level. This problem is only compounded in the finale when the villain changes at the last minute and left me scratching my head. The acting in the show was fairly adequate. Iman Velani is marvelous as Ms. Marvel; I found her excitement and connection with the character extremely authentic and any complaints I have of this show have nothing to do with her; she was great. Yasmeen Fletcher, Zenobia Shroff, and Mohan Kapur were amazing as well, they all gave really touching and emotional performances that really worked for me. The conversations they all shared with Kamala that helped guide her throughout her journey were gripping and at times made me tear up. Matt Lintz and all the villains were extremely average though. There were far too many lines that were delivered awkwardly, and even though some of that had to do with bad writing (as all actors had some lines that felt off), these characters felt that it happened multiple times per episode. The action is pretty average as well, there are a few scenes with Kamala that are very obviously CGI that look like they were straight out of a late 2000’s video game. I cannot help but wonder why they could not have done it in live action with green screen boxes that they could cut out in editing. However, there were a few scenes that had interesting angles with few cuts that I definitely appreciated. _Ms. Marvel_ is a really great introduction to Kamala Khan as a character and although the journey has major dip after episode two it still finishes somewhat strong, leaving me excited for what's to come in The Marvels. **Score:** _65%_ **Verdict:** _Decent_

Light and breezy Ms. Marvel brings a new relatable hero to the silver screen. Iman Vellani is such a joy to watch as Kamala Khan. Her performance is deep and emotional. The story is also about family and finding your place in the world. I’m hoping they keep a lot of the character in The Marvels but also evolve the character as well.

From the moment _Ms. Marvel_ kicks off, it’s clear we’re in for something special. The show practically explodes with youthful energy, bursting at the seams with creativity and color. It’s not just a superhero story—this is a coming-of-age tale wrapped in a cosmic, Marvel-branded package. And Iman Vellani, in her screen debut, absolutely _nails_ it as Kamala Khan. Right out of the gate, _Ms. Marvel_ hooks you with its lively, comic-book-inspired visuals. It’s like stepping into Kamala’s brain, where graffiti comes to life and the world feels as vivid and imaginative as a Captain Marvel fan’s dream. The visual creativity here is stunning, and it’s clear that directors Adil & Bilall went all out to bring Kamala’s wild imagination to the screen. Iman Vellani’s portrayal of Kamala is pure magic. She’s charming, funny, awkward, and endlessly relatable—everything you’d want from a teen superhero. Watching her grapple with her newfound powers while navigating the everyday struggles of high school is an absolute delight. And while the stakes might feel lower than your typical MCU fare, that’s part of the show’s charm. It’s not about saving the world (at least not yet); it’s about Kamala figuring out who she is, and that’s just as important. But let’s talk about the representation because _Ms. Marvel_ doesn’t shy away from celebrating Kamala’s Pakistani-American heritage. The show dives headfirst into her family’s culture, with references to everything from Zamzam soda to gossiping aunties, all while avoiding tired stereotypes. This isn’t just another superhero story—it’s a rich, layered exploration of identity, family, and heritage, and that’s what makes Ms. Marvel stand out in the crowded MCU landscape. One of the things I loved most about this show is its heart. From Kamala’s complex relationship with her mother to the intergenerational ties that connect her to her past, _Ms. Marvel_ is brimming with warmth and sincerity. And while there’s plenty of superhero action to be had, the show’s quieter moments—where Kamala just _exists_ as a teenager navigating life—are some of the most compelling. Sure, some of the villains might have missed the mark (the Clandestines were a bit of a letdown, to be honest), but that doesn’t detract from the overall fun of the series. The high school drama might not be for everyone, but _Ms. Marvel_ is a show with style, charm, and a fresh, youthful take on the MCU. It’s a joy to watch Kamala come into her own, and with the added tease of her mutant status, the future looks incredibly bright for this young hero. Bottom line? _Ms. Marvel_ is a fresh, lighthearted series that’ll resonate with both hardcore Marvel fans and new viewers. It’s a cosmic coming-of-age story filled with family, culture, and one of the most likable leads we’ve seen in a long time.