‘Eternals’ Can They Save Us All

Ricihard Madden and Gemma Chan in Marvel Studios' ETERNALS.

For more than seven thousand years our planet has been nurtured, influenced and protected by the Eternals against the deviants that hunt and kill all humans. Created by the Celestials to safeguard all living creatures on Earth as well as other planets, these ten Eternals use their powers to help advance technology and watch over all inhabitants on this planet. When a greater power threatens everyone, will these heroes have the strength to save us all?

The Eternals are led by Ajak (Salma Hayek), their wise spiritual leader with the power of healing, who is the bridge between the Eternals and the Celestials. She is in charge of informing the team of their assignments and reporting back to Celestials on their progress involving the removal of all the deviants. The rest of the team consists of Sersi (Gemma Chan – Crazy Rich Asians), Ikaris (Richard Madden – Game of Thrones), Thena (Angelina Jolie),  Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani – Stuber), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff – Sound of Metal), Druig (Barry Keoghan – Dunkirk), and Gilgamesh (Ma Dong-seok or Don Lee).

After many years of attempting to rid the planet of all deviants, the time arrives where their mission begins to reach its end. The Eternals have separated from each other and now have taken on identities that blend within modern society.  Sersi, who has the power to manipulate inanimate matter, is now a museum curator who is dating Dane Whitman (Kit Harington) , a human.  She has kept in close contact with Ikaris, who can fly and project cosmic energy beams from his eyes, and Sprite, who has the power to create illusions also appears as a twelve year old child. Together they try to make sense of their ever changing role on this planet.

Sersi (Gemma Chan) in Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS. Photo by Sophie Mutevelian. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

The others in many locations all over the world continue to live their lives not knowing what the future holds. Makkari, who is the first deaf superhero in the Marvel comic universe and has the power of super speed; Kingo, now a Bollywood film star and close friend of Karun (Harish Patel), that has  the ability to project cosmic energy projectiles from his hands; Phastos, who is the first gay superhero in the MCU has the ability to create intelligent weapons; Druig, can manipulate the minds of others; Gilgamesh has super strength; and Thena has the ability to form any weapon out of cosmic energy. All are unaware of what dangers await them. 

Director and writer Chloe Zhao does an excellent job blending these characters into the current Marvel comic universe. After the fallout of the Avengers saving the world from Thanos, these special heroes still existed. but did not get involved in the global battle that occurred. Chloe finds a way to explain these occurrences and why these characters were so important. Zhao also puts together a spectacular action packed storyline that keeps you entertained throughout.  She additionally presents fantastic special effects that help build and guide the story to its meaningful ending.

 

(L-R): Karun (Harish Patel), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Thena (Angelina Jolie), Gilgamesh (Don Lee) in Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

The characters will help develop the future of the Marvel comic universe and lead up more wonderful films created by this amazing franchise. If you are a Marvel fan or just like watching action adventure films this one’s for you.

(L-R): Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Sersi (Gemma Chan) and Sprite (Lia McHugh) in Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS. Photo by Sophie Mutevelian. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

 

Final Comment: I based my grade on the remarkable storyline, incredible special effects, and the marvelous acting performance. Stars 4 out of 5

(L-R): Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Gilgamesh (Don Lee), Thena (Angelina Jolie), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Ajak (Salma Hayek), Sersi (Gemma Chan), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry) and Druig (Barry Keoghan) in Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Additional Film Information
Cast: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Ma Dong-seok, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie.
Directed and written by: Chloe Zhao
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG – 13 for fantasy violence and action, some language and brief sexuality.
Running Time:  2 hours and 37 minutes
Release Date:  November 5, 2021
Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Released In: Standard, IMAX, 3D, D-Cinema, Dolby Digital, 4K, and Super 16.