“Captain Marvel” is the anticipated origin story of Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), a extraterrestrial Kree warrior caught up in a galactic battle between her kind and the alien shapeshifters known as Skrulls. It’s the year 1995 on Earth, and it’s in the midst of this war when Danvers recollects memories of a life she thought she never had.
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, “Captain Marvel” is the first superhero movie with a female lead in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). When I first saw the trailers and noticed the mixed impressions, I wanted to save my judgement until the movie came out. I went in the theatre, watched the movie and walked out having a lot to say, both good and bad.
Say what you want, but Larson’s portrayal of Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, was great. Her character goes through so many changes; from a controlled, brainwashed soldier she turns into this strong, independent hero who learns that her flaws are what makes her human. Danvers is a beautifully crafted character and Larson does a good job acting as such.
Co-actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn deserve praise in their respective roles as Nick Fury and Skrull commander Talos. Fury didn’t feel like a side character in this movie, and the de-aging technology used on Jackson was impressive. Talos was also a likeable character, and he has his moments.
Additionally, the movie had a fresh origin story we haven’t seen in previous Marvel movies. It starts off rocky and confusing, but eventually we are able to see where Danvers came from and how she got her powers.
The action scenes are something to praise. While this movie is more character driven, it has its moments where the battles will get you gripping your seat. The visuals are something to commend as well, as the CGI has greatly improved from the trailers.
As it is a superhero movie with a 1990s setting, I expected that there would have been some epic music playing in the background and some 90s throwbacks every now and then. Unfortunately, we can’t always get what we want. The music did not catch my attention at all; the “epic” superhero music did not grab my attention and the 90s music was boring, in my opinion. Overall, the music was forgettable.
It’s also something to note that some of the dialogue felt forced, especially when it comes to a comedic moment people are expected to laugh at. Some of these tidbits were great, but in other scenes, I couldn’t help but cringe.
There were also some questions that are left unanswered when I left the theater. I was confused in a few of the scenes and certain scenes from the movie do not line up with the future events that happen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There is one scene that would make a perfect example, but you’ll have to watch the movie to find out.
In the end, the movie was entertaining and fun. “Captain Marvel” remains as an inspiring movie for today’s generation with an important message ― when you’re knocked down, you always get back up. It’s up to you, but I recommend you watch this film.
"Captain Marvel" soars
April 3, 2019
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