[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”16939″ img_size=”900×500″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Higher. Further. Faster.
This is the tagline of Captain Marvel and having just stepped out of Brie Larson’s introduction into the MCU, all I have to say is, Thanos should be scared. This upcoming review is all thanks to generous people inviting me to see an early press screening and while I know there are some things that may be considered a “spoiler”, I will keep this review as vague as possible. That being said, if you want to walk into the movie with completely fresh eyes, then maybe save looking at this review until after you’ve seen the film.
Before we get into it, I will mention the two negatives I have about this movie. In no way did either take away from the film, just things that stood out to me. The first would be that there were times that I felt they could do better with the CGI. The special effects were terrific in Avengers: Infinity War and I’m wondering if Captain Marvel had a slightly lesser budget? The other critique would be, like most “origin” stories; the beginning is a little slow. Not slow necessarily, there is plenty of action. But as Carol is trying to piece together her past, you’re feeling like the pieces are all jumbling in front of you without fitting together yet.
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get into this. The two movies Captain Marvel can most remind you of are Thor 1 and Captain America: The First Avenger. There’s some Guardians of the Galaxy, but not too much.
Carol is flawed. She’s fun, she’s stubborn, she’s not always sure, and she’s eager to do more. Like Thor, her world at first is one thing, but we know it’s in reality, another. Carol really is transformed once she meets Nick Fury on Earth, who is a much-lighthearted version of Samuel L. Jackson’s character who we’ve become accustomed to. Their banter is great and at times, you can even feel a bit of a father/daughter relationship between them. Oh and Fury loves Goose the Cat. I can see why people say Goose steals the show.
For me personally, who somewhat steals the show is Ben Mendelsohn as the head Skrull – Talos. Despite being under costume makeup and special effects, Mendelsohn really gives a fantastic performance. I wanted so much of him and every time he came on screen I was delighted. They cast a great actor and really brought to life what could have been a very dull character.
Perhaps even more important than Carol and Fury’s relationship is the one Carol has with her best friend Monica. This film does not shy away from female strength and comradery. The spotlight is really on these two women as they work together in perfect harmony and the actress who plays the best friend is not pushed to the background, rather is given a platform alongside Captain Marvel. This movie does not shy away from what you’ve seen on the internet and I am sure trolls will have something to say. But that’s okay, Carol doesn’t wish to prove anything to you. You can tell her to smile and she’ll steal your motorcycle. And seeing Carol’s full-fledged battle while “Just a Girl” plays in the background was such a fan service.
Lee Pace returns as Ronan and though his role is not large, it’s still so damn good to see him back on screen. And the ending is really a warm embrace for fans who have been with this MCU from the beginning. Stay for the end credit scenes as well, as it offers a look into Avengers: Endgame.
The last two things I’ll say: the tribute in the beginning of the movie to Stan Lee is beautiful and his cameo just a small but touching nod. And the past thing? Thanos should be afraid. Very afraid.
Score: 8/10
As a woman it made me feel incredibly powerful. It did not shy away from the idea of “girl power”. It was very much a movie that showed that a girl can be many things. Cute, fun, flawed, fall down, but get back up. And she doesn’t need to prove herself to anyone. I felt happy to see Captain Marvel on my screen. [/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/0LHxvxdRnYc” el_width=”90″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
