Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Are movie going audiences ready for theEternals?Marvel and Disney are banking on an enthusiastic “yes,” but the 26th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is likely to be the most divisive one yet. It’s unlike anything else we’ve seen in the long running franchise. I, for one, found that to be a breathe of fresh air. However, to those expecting a straight forward, linear plot with the beats and flow of a typical Marvel film, it may feel like a disappointment.
Putting Chloé Zhao in the director’s chair immediately raised expectations for the film. Zhao is fresh off the award winningNomadland,and is carrying a lot of clout as a filmmaker. Her directing style and keen eye for capturing genuine human emotions bring a layer of storytelling toEternalsthat’s been missing from Phase 4. Under her direction are an ensemble of incredibly talented actors and actresses, each delivering stellar performances.
The trailers have explained very little of the film’s plot, and I will do the same. It’s best to experienceEternalswith as little knowledge as possible. I will tell you that it follows an immortal race of beings called Eternals, each of them with varying powers and abilities. They have lived on earth for 7000 years and experienced a multitude of cultures. Their one mission on this planet is to protect mankind from a predatory race known as Deviants. What unfolds beyond that is an epic tale that spans centuries.
Eternalsruns for 2 hours and 37 minutes, making it longer thanInfinity Warand just a hair shorter thanEndgame.For the most part that runtime is earned. With a story that visits varying dynasties and spans centuries, anything under 2 hours would have felt rushed. Sure, there are parts that could have been trimmed. There are moments of unnecessary fluff. But, those moments aren’t overbearing and did little to detract from the experience.
This movie felt huge. Not only in runtime, but in scale. There’s an Avengers level threat. There’s a team of incredibly powerful beings. There’s love. There’s loss. There’s action. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Eternals fit in alongside the rest of the MCU’s roster. There is no denying that Phase 4 is leaning towards a line up of heroes far more powerful than the founding members of the Avengers.
Eternalssucceeds (for the most part) in what it sets out to accomplish. It is unlike anything else in the MCU. To those who complain about the “Marvel Formula” of generic storytelling,Eternalsis the answer. Where it falls flat is primarily in the design and use of the Deviants, the primary foes to the titular team. They’re a generic mash up of moving CGI components that fail to generate any real intimidation. They move the plot forward as they’re meant to and provide some solid moments of action, but the film misses its opportunity to create a truly unique beast. There are also moments that rely solely on exposition to explain important aspects of the story. It’s a cheap trick for moving a story along that I would not expect to be utilized in a story of this length and magnitude. Those gripes aside,Eternalsis a satisfying experience and a strong step forward in Marvel’s Phase 4. 8/10
Follow us for more entertainment coverage onFacebook,Twitter,Instagram, andLetterboxd.
Joshua Ryan
Lead Film & TV Critics Editor
Articles Published :322
Born and raised in Central Florida, Joshua Ryan has harbored a love for cinema since the earliest years of his childhood. Through endless hours of watching Turner Classic Movies, especially the works of Alfred Hitchcock, his passion for film and film criticism grew. As an adult, he channeled that passion into a career as the editor and lead critic of FandomWire’s film and television department.
More from Joshua Ryan
Americana Review – Heart, Humor, Bloodshed, and Grit
Peacemaker Season 2 Review – A Wild Ride of Violence and Vulnerability
Night Always Comes Review – A Thrilling Descent into Darkness
Recommended
The Conjuring: Last Rites Faces Its Toughest Box-Office Battle After Rare WB Record
Bridgerton’s BTS Moment Proves the Netflix Show Is Against James Cameron’s Ways
Fallout Season 2 Release Date Confirmed: 5 Post-Apocalyptic Shows to Watch While You Wait For Peak Cinema
Kevin Hart Is Trading Dwayne Johnson for Another WWE Star in New Netflix Film
Perfect Match Season 3: How Did Ollie Propose to AD?
Severance Season 3: Why Isn’t Ben Stiller Directing? Details Inside
