Eternals (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
'Eternals' is an epic Marvel Cinematic Universe actioner directed by Oscar-winning Chloe Zhao. And it focuses on a team of ancient aliens who enter the fray after the events of Avengers: Endgame to battle the monstrous Deviants they thought they had vanquished long ago. 7,000 yrs. ago, an all-powerful Celestial being known as Arishem sent a group of immortal alien superheroes, the Eternals, to Earth to protect the human species from said Deviants. Led by mother-figure Ajak (Salma Hayek) who possesses healing powers, the group consists of 3 main guardians: Ikaris (Richard Madden), who can fly & shoot red lasers from his eyes; Sersi (Gemma Chan) who can control inanimate matter; & Thena (Angelina Jolie), a warrior with magical weapons.
There is also Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), who summons energy; Peter Pan-like Sprite (Lia McHugh), a trickster who can create duplicate appearances of anything; tech master, Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry); the deaf Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), who can give The Flash a literal run for his $$; Gilgamesh (Don Lee), who packs a powerful punch; and Druig (Barry Keoghan), who can control the minds of humans. Yet, like the rest, he has been ordered not to intervene in human affairs that don't involve the Deviants. With those grotesque monsters seemingly defeated 5,000+ yrs. ago, the Eternals have long-waited for orders back to their home planet, Olympia. With that not occurring, they split up & blend-in with the rest of humanity; such as Sersi who teaches in London along with her unsuspecting mortal boyfriend, Dane (Kit Harington). But then, out of nowhere, a Deviant attacks Sersi & Sprite, resulting in the now-estranged group reuniting to protect humanity from the monsters ... and to uncover a grave secret known only by Ajak.
Chloe Zhao (The Rider, Nomadland) helms this lengthy, overly expository Marvel entry that, despite impressive visuals & an appealingly diverse cast ... doesn't quite hit the mark. The MCU has always included films with BIG ensembles, but here, it is difficult to feel invested in all 10 of the Eternals' derivative character arcs. Before The Avengers, we were given the Iron Man movie, Thor, Captain America, etc. So by the time The Avengers came around, we KNEW who these characters {& supporting characters} were; we knew their back stories, flaws, strengths; we loved them -- no such luck with these Eternals. We're thrust into the complex story and simply not given enough time with each character to care very much -- they're crammed in.
Because the story is kinda 'what the heck is going on & what does it all mean in the world of the MCU?', the real tension within this film is in the relationship dynamics of these 10 Eternals. This film is also deadly serious & somber with exception of a few segments of levity; thanks mostly to Kumail Nanjiani's Kingo - who lends sarcasm & a fun Bollywood scene. Richard Madden & Gemma Chan are mighty fine-looking people; and their chemistry works. Angelina Jolie looks great, but kinda blends into the background. Kit Harington's Dane is entertaining, especially after he discovers the truth about his girlfriend's past. But alas, Harington is not in the film much. Audiences might also end up with unanswered questions about the nature of some of the characters' relationships. The only Eternal who has a fulfilling life in the 2021 segment is Phastos, Marvel's 1st openly gay hero. I like the inclusivity of the cast, it just doesn't translate to deep characterizations.
There are definitely some spectacular action sequences, here. The visual effects are top-notch. Potent themes of sacrifice & teamwork abound. And as mentioned, the cast is "impressive" as a monolith. But this is a movie that is primarily about relationships and, I just found it difficult to lock-in with them despite bits of amusing banter & all the heartfelt speeches they make to one another. I also feel like we might be entering into a MCU fatigue. Disney+ is flooded with MCU prequels, sequels & off-shoots. This cinematic year alone, Black Widow was fine, and Shang-Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings was solid, but broke no new territory. 'Eternals' is no disaster, but neither is it exhilarating enough to overcome pangs of MCU staleness.
There is also Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), who summons energy; Peter Pan-like Sprite (Lia McHugh), a trickster who can create duplicate appearances of anything; tech master, Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry); the deaf Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), who can give The Flash a literal run for his $$; Gilgamesh (Don Lee), who packs a powerful punch; and Druig (Barry Keoghan), who can control the minds of humans. Yet, like the rest, he has been ordered not to intervene in human affairs that don't involve the Deviants. With those grotesque monsters seemingly defeated 5,000+ yrs. ago, the Eternals have long-waited for orders back to their home planet, Olympia. With that not occurring, they split up & blend-in with the rest of humanity; such as Sersi who teaches in London along with her unsuspecting mortal boyfriend, Dane (Kit Harington). But then, out of nowhere, a Deviant attacks Sersi & Sprite, resulting in the now-estranged group reuniting to protect humanity from the monsters ... and to uncover a grave secret known only by Ajak.
Chloe Zhao (The Rider, Nomadland) helms this lengthy, overly expository Marvel entry that, despite impressive visuals & an appealingly diverse cast ... doesn't quite hit the mark. The MCU has always included films with BIG ensembles, but here, it is difficult to feel invested in all 10 of the Eternals' derivative character arcs. Before The Avengers, we were given the Iron Man movie, Thor, Captain America, etc. So by the time The Avengers came around, we KNEW who these characters {& supporting characters} were; we knew their back stories, flaws, strengths; we loved them -- no such luck with these Eternals. We're thrust into the complex story and simply not given enough time with each character to care very much -- they're crammed in.
Because the story is kinda 'what the heck is going on & what does it all mean in the world of the MCU?', the real tension within this film is in the relationship dynamics of these 10 Eternals. This film is also deadly serious & somber with exception of a few segments of levity; thanks mostly to Kumail Nanjiani's Kingo - who lends sarcasm & a fun Bollywood scene. Richard Madden & Gemma Chan are mighty fine-looking people; and their chemistry works. Angelina Jolie looks great, but kinda blends into the background. Kit Harington's Dane is entertaining, especially after he discovers the truth about his girlfriend's past. But alas, Harington is not in the film much. Audiences might also end up with unanswered questions about the nature of some of the characters' relationships. The only Eternal who has a fulfilling life in the 2021 segment is Phastos, Marvel's 1st openly gay hero. I like the inclusivity of the cast, it just doesn't translate to deep characterizations.
There are definitely some spectacular action sequences, here. The visual effects are top-notch. Potent themes of sacrifice & teamwork abound. And as mentioned, the cast is "impressive" as a monolith. But this is a movie that is primarily about relationships and, I just found it difficult to lock-in with them despite bits of amusing banter & all the heartfelt speeches they make to one another. I also feel like we might be entering into a MCU fatigue. Disney+ is flooded with MCU prequels, sequels & off-shoots. This cinematic year alone, Black Widow was fine, and Shang-Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings was solid, but broke no new territory. 'Eternals' is no disaster, but neither is it exhilarating enough to overcome pangs of MCU staleness.