The Marvels – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Marvels

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023

65%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Three Marvel heroes swap places every time they use their powers—chaos ensues, universe needs saving, you know the drill.

5.5/10

63%

6.0

→

The Marvels

movie

PG-13, 2023

65%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Three Marvel heroes swap places every time they use their powers—chaos ensues, universe needs saving, you know the drill.

5.5

63%

6.0

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5.5/10

63%

6.0

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Screenwise Verdict

The Marvels is perfectly fine Marvel content—not great, not terrible, just... fine. The power-swapping mechanic is legitimately clever and creates some entertaining action sequences, and having three female leads with different perspectives is refreshing for the superhero genre.

But here's the thing: this is MCU film #33, and the franchise fatigue is real. The movie assumes you've done your homework (Captain Marvel, the Ms. Marvel show, WandaVision), which is a lot to ask. That TMDB score of 6/10 tells the story—audiences found it middling.

For families already deep in the Marvel rabbit hole, it's a serviceable entry that won't offend and delivers the expected spectacle. The themes of teamwork and reconciliation are positive, and Kamala's enthusiasm is genuinely endearing. But if you're trying to introduce kids to superhero movies, start elsewhere. This one's for the already-converted who need their Marvel fix, not for building new fans.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-15 who are already invested in the MCU. Younger kids might find it confusing without the backstory; older teens will likely find it formulaic and underwhelming compared to better Marvel entries.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Features positive themes of teamwork, family reconciliation, and mentorship between three female heroes. The trio must learn to cooperate despite initial conflicts, modeling problem-solving and communication. Tone is generally upbeat with Marvel's signature humor. Some interpersonal conflict (Carol and Monica's estrangement) provides emotional depth but is resolved constructively. Pacing is brisk at 105 minutes, keeping it engaging without being overly chaotic.

Imaginative

The power-swapping mechanic (heroes switching places when using abilities) is a creative twist on standard superhero fare. Cosmic settings and interdimensional travel offer visual variety. However, as the 33rd MCU film, it relies heavily on established franchise formulas and doesn't break significant new ground narratively. The Kree revolutionary villain and wormhole anomalies provide sci-fi intrigue but within familiar Marvel parameters. More spectacle than genuine innovation.

Safe

Standard Marvel action violence—energy blasts, space battles, hand-to-hand combat—but no graphic gore, blood, or disturbing imagery. No sexual content or nudity. Language is clean (typical PG-13 Marvel fare). The action is fantastical rather than realistic or brutal. Some peril and destruction that might startle younger viewers, but nothing shocking or traumatizing for the target demographic. Predictable Marvel safety profile with no surprise inappropriate content.

Enriching

Offers representation with three female leads of different generations and backgrounds working together. Touches on themes of responsibility, legacy, and repairing broken relationships. Kamala Khan's fangirl-to-hero journey provides some relatability about meeting your heroes. However, the film is primarily spectacle-driven entertainment without deep philosophical exploration. Character development is somewhat surface-level given the runtime and three protagonists. Entertaining but not particularly thought-provoking or skill-building beyond general superhero inspiration.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Features three female leads with different backgrounds and generations working together—solid representation
The power-swapping gimmick creates some genuinely fun and creative action sequences
Kamala Khan's enthusiastic fangirl energy is relatable and brings heart to the cosmic chaos
At 105 minutes, it's one of the shorter MCU entries and doesn't overstay its welcome
Themes of mentorship and family reconciliation provide emotional grounding

⚠

What to Watch For

Standard superhero violence—energy blasts, space battles, property destruction (nothing graphic but plenty of peril)
Really benefits from having seen Captain Marvel, the Ms. Marvel Disney+ series, and WandaVision—otherwise you'll be lost on who these people are
The TMDB score of 6/10 suggests this isn't peak MCU—it's fine, not great
Some younger kids might find the cosmic scale and rapid power-swapping confusing

Conversation Starters

"If you could swap places with someone every time you used a special skill, who would it be and why?"
"Kamala is obsessed with Captain Marvel—do you have any heroes you'd freak out meeting?"
"Carol and Monica haven't talked in years because of hurt feelings—have you ever had a friendship that needed repair?"
"The three heroes have to learn to work together even though their powers make things chaotic—when have you had to cooperate with someone when things weren't going smoothly?"

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