Marvel’s biggest movie of the year hasn’t particularly received the best reviews from critics, however, despite what they think this film should be one you are rushing to the cinema to see.
Eternals is by far one of Marvels biggest movies to date introducing 10 new heroes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The 10 Eternals are, Ajak (Salma Hayek), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Sersi (Gemma Chan), Thena (Angelina Jolie), Gilgamesh (Don Lee), Kingo (Kumail Nanjini), Druig (Barry Keoghan), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff) and Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry). Each Eternal has their own unique abilities making them different to one another.
Based on the comics created by Jack Kirby the Eternals are immortal beings created by the Celestial Arisham to fight the Deviants that inhabited Earth. After defeating the last of the Deviants on Earth the Eternals go their separate paths for thousands of years only to be brought back together by the return of the Deviants after the events of Avenegers: Endgame.
Eternals received a disappointing 48 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes from critics making it Marvel’s lowest rated movie on the site. Top critic Richard Brody from The New Yorker said:
“Regardless of Zhao’s (and Marvel’s) intentions, Eternals is a parade of faces without experiences, a movie that reaches back and forth through history and comes back empty-handed”.
Despite critics not being particularly fond of the new movie the current audience score is 84 per cent, which is higher than some of Marvel’s other movies, including Captain Marvel, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Iron Man 2.
With a runtime of two hours and 37 minutes, the film had plenty of time to introduce all of the new characters to the audience. Audiences were introduced to each character, while some characters had more screen time than others, they all had a fair amount on screen time for the audience to be able to get to know them. Druig, for example, was one of the Eternals who had less screen time than most of the other characters but is a fan favourite.
The Eternals is not only Marvel’s most diverse cast yet, but the film also includes the franchises first sex scene and LGBTQ kiss. These new territories that Marvel are venturing out into has made the film susceptible to controversy. Eternals has been banned in three countries as Marvel refused to cut scenes to cater to countries where homosexuality is illegal or does not follow their beliefs.
The visual aspect of the film are impressive. It is beautiful. We have seen Marvel’s wonderful use of CGI and special effects throughout all their past releases, however, its use in Eternals is spectacular. One character in particular who hugely benefits from this is Makkari, her speedster scenes are spectacular and far more fascinating to watch than those of Quicksilvers.
The film spans over a 7,000 year period focussing on certain points in time. While the film does jump back and forth a lot, it is clear to the audience whether they are watching the past or present due to Marvel’s use of dates and locations. Many may argue that it is a mess, but it truly is easy to follow.
There is a lot going on in this film and there are things that could have done with some more attention. Eternals is a very ambitious film and has done very well in almost all areas, but it is just the smallest of details that could have made this film feel complete. The Eternals could have benefited from being split into a two part film to let audiences connect with it more.
With such a large number of characters the only character that felt neglected was Kro which is impressive, but it also a major letdown considering they did so well with the other characters in the film.
Eternals has two post credit scenes that definitely shouldn’t be missed. The first one is a little lame, however the second one makes up for it.
Despite what critics think this is a film that deserves to be seen.
Marvel’s Eternals is in cinemas now.
Feature Image Credit: Disney UK
Lifestyle Editor / Third year journalism student
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