A possible Sequel
With the recent talk about the Captain Marvel sequel, it seems like a good time to discuss the first film. Amongst all the MCU films that make up the Infinity Saga, no other film except maybe Thor The Dark World gets such mixed responses. Why is that? Sometimes a simple statement is all it takes.
A Simple Statement
That is what happened with Brie Larson in advance of Captain Marvel. She stated in an interview with Marie Claire that many of her interviews for the press were male dominated. She stated this after she had it evaluated and it was true. So she declared that would she would make a conscious effort to try to give interviews to a more diverse press.
Again, it seemed like a simple statement. But some took it wrong. So much so that it made some people start to criticize Captain Marvel before they even saw the film. Fair or not. Comments like, “She doesn’t want my kind to talk to her, so I won’t go to her film either.” While the actual early reactions were quite good, a stain had been left.
In fact, some fans have started a petition to remove Brie Larson as Carol Danvers. While this will not happen, it is symptomatic of the way some people perceive Captain Marvel. That is not to say the film didn’t have issues. Almost all films do. But for some reason, when the best of the MCU is discussed, Captain Marvel is left off that list. So let’s discuss why.
In Defense of Captain Marvel.
For starters, let’s get past the whole woman led Marvel film thing. It was one of the main talking points when the idea was originally discussed. However, DC’s Wonder Woman proved it could be done in a film. And now Captain Marvel also has proved it. It’s a done deal now. Slap a big check mark in that square.
Fair Complaints
As for the film itself, I have heard people say that it was a slow starter. That is a fair criticism. Part of that is the time that needs to be taken to introduce the character. Especially for those unfamiliar with Carol Danvers or Captain Marvel. It is almost a necessary evil. In truth, in my opinion, the film really doesn’t finds it footing until Vers lands through the Blockbuster roof.
What Happened to the Skrulls
Another fair argument is that the films supposed villains, the Skrulls, were not depicted as the comics had laid their story out. Again, true. The Skrulls were always shapeshifters but their motives were hardly altruistic as portrayed in the comics. In truth they were more like the Kree description given. Bent on subverting and taking over other races. The fact that they changed their story and made them sympathetic was probably disappointing for those who expected the more diabolical versions. However, it was hardly the thing to ruin a film. In fact, Ben Mendelsohn as Talos shines in his Skrull role.
Acting Questions
I have also read many personal reviews that complained about poor acting, especially from the lead, Brie Larson. Last time I checked, this is the same Brie Larson that received an Academy Award for her acting skills. So unless she has suddenly forgotten how to do her craft, I find that criticism somewhat hard to believe. I thought she was fine in the role and had great chemistry with Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) and Lashana Lynch (Maria Rambeau). Now how much of this perception was framed by Miss Larsen’s prior comments is not known. However, as always, people are welcome to their own opinion. In truth, we at GeekVibesNation promote that very thing. That being said, it can be a sad thing when a misconception possibly effects our judgement.
On the other hand, perhaps you just didn’t like the film. It happens sometimes and that’s okay. As long as you can discuss your issues with the film and listen respectfully to opposing points of view, it’s all good. We love a thoughtful debate.
My Opinion
As for myself, I liked Captain Marvel. I liked the dynamic between Carol and Nick Fury. I had no problem with the direction they took the Skrulls. Just remember that this being a comic based tale, they could easily reverse course and bring back those sinister Skrulls people have come to expect in future stories.
All Powerful Women
Of course, I have no issue with an all powerful, kickass female lead. I loved Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and Brie Larsen as Carol Danvers follows in that mode. I thought she handled a complex role well. Especially since she was playing a character who really was in the dark as to who she is. She does so with hints of humor and more than a little snark. It’s probably why she got along so well with Nick Fury.
A Young Nick Fury
As for Fury, Jackson played the pre-eyepatch Nick as a much looser character. He benefited with Marvel’s de-aging software but while he looked younger, his fight scene with the disguised Talos looked like the much older Fury. You would have thought the younger version would have moved more gracefully. Instead he looked slow, i.e. OLD! A minor issue. Speaking of minor complaints, I would have liked a little more from Clark Gregg as Phil Coulson. However, I am an admitted Marvel’s Agents of Shield junkie so there is no such thing as too much Coulson.
Talos Rules
As aforementioned, I liked Ben Mendelsohn’s performance as Talos. He switched from a more sinister Skrull version to a more sympathetic character with comic overtones with subtle ease. It’s not surprising that they brought him back for a cameo on Spider-Man Far from Home. Add that to Jude Law and Annette Bening and it’s not like the film suffered from lack of star power.
Goose the “Cat”
Last but not least, there is Goose, the scene stealing Fluker disguised as a cat. It was Goose that became the answer to Fury’s comment in an earlier film. He had explained to someone about the how the last time he trusted someone, he lost an eye. Come to find out it was an alien cat that looks (effect wise) like it was borrowed from Men in Black.
Conclusion
So was Captain Marvel the best of the MCU? No. Not in the category of Captain America Winter Soldier, Civil War or Infinity War was or End Game. However, it was not as bad as some people made it out to be. It certainly did well enough box office wise to warrant the discussion of a sequel. Perhaps the proposed new film will improve upon whatever drawbacks were found on the first film. Time will tell.
So did you have an issue with Captain Marvel? Beyond the whole MarieClaire comments drama? Share your views with us at GeekVibesNation.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
