‘Moon Knight’ a Terrific Entry Into the Marvel Universe

Chris Raymer, Staff Reporter

“I can’t tell the difference between real life and my dreams….” This ominous quote sets a mysterious tone for the story of Steven Grant (Oscar Isaac), who shares a body with the mercenary Marc Spector.

Following the success of the Marvel series “Wanda Vision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” and “Loki,” the new original series “Moon Knight” had many expectations to meet, and it surpassed just about all of them.

Packed with plenty of action sequences, special effects, and riveting dialogue, “Moon Knight” is a show that Marvel fanatics and everyday Disney+ subscribers can enjoy. The story is a new chapter in the Marvel universe, opening doors for new characters, heroes, and villains.

The episodes continue building, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats ready to hit the “play next” button and keep watching. With superb casting, amazing performances, and a story line to get your adrenaline pumping, “Moon Knight” is a series that will be remembered and loved.

Acting as one character proves to be a difficult enough job, yet Oscar Isaac played the dual roles of Marc Spector and Steven Grant exceptionally. The two characters have very different personalities, yet Isaac embodies both with perfection. 

It offers an entry way into the Marvel Universe for those who aren’t familiar with it, along with those who are.

Of course, a cast wouldn’t be complete without its supporting roles, and “Moon Knight” is no exception. Ethan Hawke does a tremendous job of playing the character Arthur Harrow, a cult leader whose main goal is to resurrect Ammit, the Egyptian figure of the time of judgement. The theme is also shown with ticking clocks and scales.

The production quality of the series is great — on par with most of the projects that Marvel releases. This is demonstrated particularly through the transitions between Spector and Grant. A primary example from the early episodes occurs when Grant walks past a window in the museum where he works.

As he travels along, his reflection stays in one place, watching him. This element of mystery keeps an audience captivated by the strange occurrences in Grant’s life.

Of course, no production of any kind is complete without a good soundtrack. With the use of songs from well-known artists, such as “Every Grain of Sand” by Bob Dylan, “Moon Knight” allows for a fully immersive experience. Themes are strengthened by the songs, for example “Every Grain of Sand” with the theme of time.

No Marvel project is complete without the use of special effects, and “Moon Knight” is no exception. A show that rapidly switches between real life and dreams, different dimensions of characters, and intense battle scenes frequently requires special effects. Matt Akey, the executive visual effects director, displayed his skills swimmingly through smaller examples like Spector’s costume to large scenes such as the final battle between Khonshu and Ammit (both Egyptian mythology figures).

All shows have their strengths and weaknesses, yet “Moon Knight” has very few of the latter. The show’s most impressive feat is the impeccable performances by all the actors, regardless of their roles. Even those meandering in the background of the museum or being a miniscule part of one of Grant’s dreams brought something to the table.

The appeal for most, however, is that you do not need any prior Marvel knowledge to watch the show and understand its storyline. With many of Marvel’s TV shows or movies, there is a long list of prerequisite films that need to have been watched for the project to make sense, yet “Moon Knight” is different. It offers an entry way into the Marvel Universe for those who aren’t familiar with it, along with those who are.

One weakness of the show may be that the storyline is rather complex, which makes it difficult to follow for some viewers, especially as they get into later episodes. But, if you’re looking for an exciting watch with a thick plot to dive into, “Moon Knight” is for you.