We need the MCU to go smaller(1). This feels like a story torn between two movies: one an emotional drama about losing a loved one and a leader that needs to deliver on a promise to provide solace and introspection to the audience, the other a blockbuster action flick that needs to deliver on a promise to provide spectacle to the audience. Ultimately it underdelivers in both camps. I feel as though Ryan Coogler wanted to make a more intimate Shuri-focused film, evidenced by several scenes that feel integral to her development as a character but maybe not relevant to the development of the primary storyline with Namor. There’s just too much going on that steals that focus away, with Ironheart and Julia-Louis Dreyfuss’s storylines in particular tugging away at the frayed edges. By the time the video-game-action-figure-green-screen-epic-battle rolls around, I knew it was time to finally take that pee break(2) because nothing would happen for the next ten minutes.

(1) Not like Quantumania.
(2) I do not recommend watching a movie about ocean people with liquid bombs and trickling, gurgling sfx when ya gotta go 😕

It’s still fall even if I’m listening to Christmas music. These things are not mutually exclusive.

Absolutely zany, but like the best Aardman films, the zaniness manages to be tasteful. Some of the funniest gags in a Christmas movie for sure. And honestly a pretty touching moment at the end. It's a bit of an information overload at times with hyper visuals and quick-firing dialogue (a similar feeling I had watching The Mitchells vs. The Machines... am I just getting old?) but overall very sweet, very funny, and very much going to be a Christmas staple from here on out.

I imagine this is what Cary Grant was like in normal life.

Could use about 80% less focus on the men. I’m only here for Barbara.

Hyper-reflexive film. Genuinely concerned for the script’s spine because of how often it arcs back on itself. Could’ve used a bit more development here and there but 🤷‍♂️ it’s a whodunnit. It’s fun, it’s cute, and Saoirse stares at the camera for most of it. What more could you want?

Takes a bit too long to get into it and those first two songs are 😰 rough. But the muppeteering is top notch (and sooo fuzzy) and that last song is pretty sweet. Love that froggy.