Capsule Reviews

The Marvels
Putting aside its box office performance and the predictable toxic complaints from the incel crowd, The Marvels—the sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel starring Brie Larson in the title role—is a fun, action-packed romp that’s a fine addition to the Marvel Comics Universe (MCU) franchise. The movie brings together Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau and Ms. Marvel (introduced in the Disney+ streaming series of the same name) as they begin involuntarily switching places through teleportation during a Kree attack on different fronts. The Krees are led by a warlord named Dar-Benn, who is out to rebuild her dead home planet, Hala, and exact revenge against Captain Marvel who was responsible for the world’s near destruction (for reasons explained later in the film). Samuel Jackson also shows up as Nick Fury, lending important assistance and helping to ground the Marvels team as well as the film.

I must admit this was the first Marvel film that made me feel a little behind the curve having not watched the Ms. Marvel and Secret Invasion Disney+ series. But the story never lost me and provided enough information to bring me up to speed.

The movie features the usual artful blend of character development, slam bang action, heart and humor that have made the MCU films crowd pleasers. Of course, given the studio’s output at this point, not every film or series can be a winner—and there is always the risk of fatigue and overexposure—but The Marvels proves there is still plenty of magic left to be mined. It was great fun, particularly the performances and chemistry of the main leads.

Ms. Marvel (Disney+)
Watching The Marvels inspired me to watch the Ms. Marvel series on Disney+. When the series first aired, I initially couldn’t get past the show’s youthful exuberance and decided I wasn’t the target audience for the series. But after picking up where I left off, I ended up loving it. As the child of immigrant parents, I particularly found the family scenes and the relationship of lead character Kamal Khan (played with exuberance by Imam Vellani) very relatable. The show weaves some of the character’s mythology into Khan’s Pakistani culture and heritage, sometimes movingly. The final episode even has a bit of a Home Alone vibe, as Kamala and friends from high school—after defeating the show’s main other-dimension baddies— face off against rogue federal agents. The post-credits scene of the final episode also has a quick scene that tees up The Marvels movie, reviewed above.

Tetris (AppleTV)

Tetris is the somewhat true and fascinating story of the birth of the popular and iconic video game. Invented by a Russian computer programmer in the Soviet Union, an American software developer based in Japan (played by Taron Edgerton) soon finds himself in the middle of intrigue worthy of a twisty spy thriller as he tries to obtain and unwind the licensing rights to the game. Though he cuts a deal to get the rights for Nintendo, he must also face off against Sega and media baron and cutthroat businessman Robert Maxwell and his son—as well as corrupt Soviet apparatchiks who attempt to use the power of the state to line their own pockets, turning into a nifty thriller at the end. Though some of the story's details have been exaggerated and heightened for dramatic effect, it's a fascinating and fun tale.

It Ain't Over (Netflix)

This great documentary of Yankee icon Yogi Berra gives the star catcher his due as one of professional baseball’s finest players. Somewhat overshadowed by his penchant for pithy malapropisms and a cuddly tv cartoon persona, this documentary—made with the participation of his family and children, as well as many of his peers and baseball greats who followed him—paints a more fuller picture of the man, the ball player, and the loving husband and family man. 

He was a D-Day veteran who was on the right side of history when baseball integrated. He also was an individual with principles and pride, who did not step foot in Yankee Stadium for nearly 15 years, after team owner George Steinbrenner reneged on promises made to him. But above all, the documentary serves to restore Berra's place in history as one of baseball’s true greats. His record 10 World Series championship rings as a player—more than any other player in Major League Baseball history—is just a tip of the iceberg of Berra’s achievements. This tribute to Berra’s overlooked legacy is long overdue.