The Reel Review
Imagine if the Marvel Cinematic Universe were crossbred with the iconic TV sitcoms over the past several decades – shows such as I Love Lucy, Bewitched and The Brady Bunch. That is the gist of this trippy Disney+ series about two superheroes whose idyllic suburban lives we eventually learn aren’t exactly as they seem.
The wildly creative, unusual concept has Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany reprising their Marvel roles as Wanda the Fire Witch and Vision. The first several episodes trot through the decades of television programming, poking fun at itself with a laugh track, ridiculous overacting and chocked full of jokes – some clever and some intentionally corny. WandaVision even has corny period commercials.
After a few episodes, we start to realize that something is amiss in this fictional TV sitcom world and that Wanda has created this alternate reality as a coping mechanism. Olsen in particular is incredible. The ensemble cast is great as well – with Kathryn Hahn as the wisecracking neighbor and Teyonah Parris as a friend who we later learn is the key to solving this mystery. It’s a strange, trippy ride – one that hardcore Marvel fans will throughly enjoy.
REEL FACTS
• With a budget of $225 million dollars, WandaVision is the most expensive TV series in history, beating 2010’s The Pacific, which had a budget of 200 million dollars.
• In order to capture the classic sitcom vibe, legendary comic actor Dick Van Dyke was a consultant on the series, which was filmed in front of a live studio audience.
• WandaVision was filmed in Atlanta.
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