Generation Why

I remember when they said that Marvel Studios' new Spider-Man films were going to feel like a John Hughes coming-of-age film. While they certainly tried, they never overcame the fact that it lacked a lot of personality. The first trailer for "Ms. Marvel," however, looked like something that would be that, but with some personality. The first episode already presents the unique approach that they're taking with this show, making it feel like those teen films we're used to, but with some superhero powers too. I was so surprised by this premiere, which gave me all the vibes that I needed it to and more.

What is it that makes this show something new for Marvel? It's the fact that they take a step back and focus squarely on the classic "want" and "need" of Kamala Khan. She "wants" to go to this fan event dressed up as her favorite Avenger. She "needs" to understand the value of family. That's the basic setup of this episode and it works as well as anything could have. It's a memorable introduction to a superhero that not a lot of people know about, but surely will now. It displays a complete sense of fun and wonder in the little time it has to set everything up, and it doesn't apply a lot of action to it but focuses squarely on the development through the story. I like that, and it's a change of pace from "Moon Knight," which immediately threw you into the action. There's a real artistry on display in the form that it's shown, and I found myself enjoying every little effect they used to fully convey to the audience that this is a teen show. I might not always find those enjoyable, but this seems like it could be up my alley. There's not a lot of powers in this episode, but the way they change up her backstory makes it feel more personal to the culture of Kamala Khan, which seems fitting in a show about the value of family. Also, Iman Vellani is just an absolute blast. She has so much fun here and is just infectiously joyous.

With "Generation Why," Marvel has introduced their newest superhero, and she is someone that I'm interested to see the development of because her story is intriguing. Vellani disappears into the role and sells the joy of discovering her superpowers, as well as the frustration it can be being a teenager and being annoyed with everything.

I've seen this story so many times. Young female who wants to find out who she really is and let's go of cultural traditions to become that. I guess it's new with it being in marvel, but it's not really that interesting so far. The characters aren't unlikeable but Kamala is always kinda bored and lazy. The editing however was really fun and creative. There was clearly a lot of passion put into the visuals of this show and I do appreciate that. Although I don't think I'm really that interested to see a second episode. Eh. It's not bad... But not great.

I am a big marvel fan and have felt overwhelmed at times at how much content we get and staying up to date. Watching this however feels so new and great obviously meant for young teens but it is such a feel good so far definitely will be watching all the episodes. It just feels very fresh and new for marvel which I am v happy about!

The trailers honestly didn't look that great to me, and I was pretty much convinced that this would be one of the worst things to come out of the MCU. I was wrong. This was pretty damn good and was a solid start to a series that has so much potential! Iman was great and I can't wait for next week!

This is what I wanted from MCU shows in the first place. This feels authentic and like it's just going to be a realistic, believable, and grounded story with low stakes. As someone who really disliked how Moon Knight progressed, and has been disappointed with every MCU Disney+ show to date, this one seems to realize what the previous ones lacked: character development, focus on interactions over CGI, and building tension between characters. Iman Vellani was great it in this first episode and is very likeable, as opposed to her character's idol Captain Marvel. The editing is so awesome and unique, it's probably the strongest aspect of the show rivaled by the great cast of course. I also loved the world building of the overall MCU here with AvengersCon. It's not a 10/10 because it's still pretty basic and generic and doesn't have much rewatch value, but overall it's a great starting episode.

Not sure why a show with this little CGI couldn't have more episodes though.