Director: Matt Shakman

Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kathryn Hahn, Teyonah Parris

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I didn’t think I was such a cinematic-Marvel Stan…but I guess I am (LOL). I was extremely stoked when I got word about this miniseries, and the overall concept looked so interesting. I mean, mixing classic television with the Marvel aesthetic? Who woulda thought!?

Outside of a few editing issues, I did find myself having a nostalgic joy (in more ways than one) while watching the first 2 episodes, and I am intrigued to know how the rest of the series unfolds.

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Below are my grades for key components in #WandaVision that I find to be key in any story/tv series—Plot, Pacing, and Character Arc/Development. **However, due to this miniseries not being complete until Mar. 5th (a new episode will air every Friday starting this week), I will not provide a character arc/development grade.

Additionally, I have added an entertainment factor scale to help you determine whether or not the film is something you’d be interested in taking time out of your weekend, evening, or day to watch. The scale range consists of: Worth the Watch, Interesting Enough (if looking for something new to start), & Don’t Rush.

I have also added a few non-spoiling thoughts, wonderings, and comments as I watched the film to help give some rationale for my grades and entertainment scale. 

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Plot: A-

Pacing: A-

Character Arc/Development: **Too soon to tell**

Entertainment Factor: Interesting Enough / Worth the Watch (for classic tv lovers)

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My Takeaways—(BOLD = Thumbs Up/Pluses, & Relaxed = Thumbs Down/Lacking):

1. I do enjoy seeing Elizabeth and Paul tap into this aspect of their acting chops vs their Marvel persona. It’s just fun to see, and unexpected.

2. A surprise standout and highlight of the series is Kathryn Hahn! The moment her character is introduced, the show is elevated.

3. Out of the 2, I think I enjoy Elizabeth’s character more in this context versus Paul. Don’t get me wrong, both deliver, but I am drawn to Wanda.

4. YES, TEYONAH! I was wondering if I was going to see any Black characters.

5. In a preview video, I mentioned that #WandaVision gave me Marvel-meets-Bewitched-meets-Pleasantville. However, I think I would also add to that mix Dick Van Dyke and The Twilight Zone.

6. Speaking of The Twilight Zone, I am not as sold on the moments that are meant to indicate that something is amiss in this suburban town. It just feels choppy and a little too free and experimental simply because of using a “classic tv” context.

7. Episode 2 is the savior of this series, and I am glad they released both at the same time…

8. However, that Twilight Zone “is this real” moment at the end of episode 2… … naw, I didn’t like that. I mean, it served the purpose of making it clear that things are even more far from normal than we already realized, but it also just felt odd and random.

9. To piggyback off of #3, Paul and Elizabeth do work so well together! To give more praise to episode 2, the moment on stage truly showcased their chemistry.

10. OOOOOO I wonder who “he” is? (I am not a Marvel comic reader, so I am sure others who are know who he is. LOL)

11. The commercials are SO clever!

12. Woooow, it’s the subtle jabs at patriarchy and sexism for me!

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Overall, #WandaVision is proving to be a promising first series for Disney+ in just 2 episodes. Pacing seems to be moving rather fast, which is good, and there’s just a fun and mysterious vibe to the story as a whole. For those of us who loved to stay up late watching Nick at Nite (I know this is Disney, but hey LOL), that’s the joy you get while watching.