“There’s a Native American proverb that says: Inside every person there are two bears, forever locked in combat for your soul. One bear is all things good: compassion, love, trust. The other is all things evil: fear, shame and self-destruction.”

- Dani Moonstarm,

“The New Mutants”

Which bear will you feed?

That’s the musical question in “The New Mutants,” a superhero origin film from the annals of Marvel Comics.

“The New Mutants” is part of the X-Men film series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It’s the 13th in the series and said to be the final. The film is based on Marvel Comics characters.

“The New Mutants” has a cast of personable young actors. Fans of the actors will want to see the film for their performances.

The young actors include:

Anya Taylor-Joy (“Glass,” 2019; “Split,” 2016: “The Witch: A New-England Folktale,” 2015) as Illyana Rasputin, a Russian mutant who manifests the Soulsword;

Charlie Heaton (TV’s “Stranger Things,” 2016-21) as Sam Guthrie, an American mutant who propels himself through the air at fantastic speeds;

Henry Zaga (“The Stand,” 2020-21) as Bobby da Costa, a Brazilian mutant who uses solar energy;

Maisie Williams (HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” 2011-19) as Rahne Sinclair, a Scottish mutant who transitions into a wolf; and

Blu Hunt (TV’s “Another Life,” 2019-20) as Dani Moonstar, a Native American mutant who creates illusions based on the fears of others.

Fans of Marvel Comics should enjoy what has the potential to become another breakout franchise for the MCU.

Josh Boone (director, “The Fault in Our Stars,” 2014; TV’s “The Stand”) directs from a screenplay he wrote with Knate Lee (writer-director, “Cardboard Boxer,” 2016).

The screenplay is mostly a one-note plot about five teens held against their will in an institution for reprogamming mutants.

Alice Braga (“I Am Legend,” 2007) plays Dr. Cecilia Reyes, who counsels and observes the teens, and whose superpower generates protective shields, including a shield that prevents the teens from departing the facility.

The screenplay could have had more character arc development, comedic quips that movie-goers are accustomed to in superhero and action films, and a more interesting set design.

Moreover, the film never really makes clear what’s “new” about “The New Mutants.” They kind of seem like any old mutants.

Scenes are filmed in low light with a palette of gray, blue and brown. The several special effects scenes look awkward and cheesy. No spoilers here but suffice to say the effects involve The Smile Men, who resemble Amazon delivery persons out for a night at the disco, and Demon Bear, who provides, ahem, no “Teddy Bears’ Picnic.”

“The New Mutants” could have been a much better, more powerful and fun film. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this film shines dimly.

That said, the five protagonists and the actors who play them, are instriguing enough that, one hopes, they will mutate into a sequel.

Credit Readers Anoymous:

Rock star Marilyn Manson provides the voices of The Smile Men in “The New Mutants.” The movie was filmed in the Boston area, including Medfield State Hospital.

Back At the Movies:

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic postponed the March 12 opening of “The New Mutants” until Aug. 28.

“The New Mutants” was seen at the AMC Center Valley 16, The Promenade Shops at Center Valley, which was again a good movie-going experience, having previously seen “Unhinged” there.

The experience was also good at the screening for “The Personal History of David Copperfield” at AMC Classic Allentown 16, Catasauqua Road.

“The New Mutants,”

MPAA rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned: Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13) for violent content, some disturbing-bloody images, some strong language, thematic elements and suggestive material; Genre: Action, Horror, Science Fiction; Run Time: 1 hr., 39 min. Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Movie Box Office,

Sept. 18-20: “Tenet” continued at No. 1 three weeks in a row, $4.7 million, $36.1 million, 2,930 screens; three weeks. 2. “The New Mutants” stayed in place, $1.6 million, $17.7 million, 2,518 screens, four weeks. 3. “Infidel,” $1.5 million, 1,724 screens, opening. 4. “Unhinged” dropped one place, $1.3 million, $15.7 million, 2,324 screens, six weeks. 5. “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” moved up two places, $210,000, $4.2 million, 261 screens, six weeks. 6. “The Personal History Of David Copperfield,” $150,000, $1.6 million, 1,007 screens, four weeks. 7. “Words on Bathroom Walls” dropped one place, $149,425, $2.1 million, 797 screens, five weeks. 8. “The Secrets We Keep,” $89,955, 471 screens, opening. 9. “My Brothers’ Crossing,” $6,445, $50,156, 55 screens, three weeks.

Unreel,

Sept. 25:

“Ava,”

R: Tate Taylor directs Jessica Chastain, John Malkovich, Colin Farrell, Common, Joan Chen and Geena Davis in the action crime drama. A deadly assassin finds she’s the target.

“Kajillionaire,”

R: Miranda July directs Evan Rachel Wood, Gina Rodriguez, Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins in the crime drama. A woman’s criminal parents plan a major heist.

“The Last Shift,”

R: Andrew Cohn directs Richard Jenkins, Shane Paul McGhie and Ed O”Neill in the comedy. A fast food restaurant employee’s shift takes an unexpected turn.