Captain Marvel
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Annette Benning, Jude Law
Directed by: Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
Rated: PG-13
It’s been a long time coming, but Marvel has finally released their first-ever female-led superhero movie. So who is Captain Marvel? And what is her connection to Nick Fury?
Captain Marvel is a Kree warrior called Veers. She’s on a mission to fight a shapeshifting alien species known as the Skrulls. She follows the Skrulls to Earth, where she meets Nick Fury, a SHIELD agent who decides to help her with the mission. As she attempts to fight the Skrulls, she also fights strange flashbacks that seem to be from her past. The only problem? She can’t remember those moments at all. What could the flashbacks mean?
Captain Marvel is a fun and engaging Marvel film. After the intensity of Infinity War, it’s nice to have an intriguing origin story. The film does a good job keeping the audience locked into the narrative. From the beginning, I wanted to know where the story was taking me and what was going to happen with the central mystery. The directors keep the film flowing naturally, so there aren’t any dull moments or jarring tonal shifts. There are even some unexpected twists thrown in that make for a more unpredictable viewing experience.
Brie Larson is an excellent addition to the Marvel Universe. There are major expectations when leading a superhero film, especially Marvel’s first female superhero film. I’m happy to say that Brie completely carries the lead role keeping the viewer on her side as we try to understand the twists and turns of her story. As the film begins, Captain Marvel seems to be strict, and by the book, relying on rules to guide her way, but she has a character transformation showcasing the importance of finding compassion for others. I look forward to seeing more of her character in the next Avengers film!
Samuel L. Jackson has a prominent role as SHIELD agent Nick Fury. He helps Captain Marvel investigate the Skrull invasion. Since he’s featured so much, this provides a lot of background for Nick Fury, a character we’ve seen in so many films before, but haven’t learned a ton about. Fury’s relationship with Captain Marvel is very endearing. The two develop a lovely friendship that is showcased quite well thanks to the chemistry of Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson.
My biggest problem with Captain Marvel is how desperately it attempts to be nostalgic. The film takes place in the 1990s, and you certainly get reminded every five seconds. Not only does Captain Marvel crash into a Blockbuster, but 10 seconds later, there’s a joke about Radio Shack. If those 90’s references aren’t enough for you, how about a musical cue of Waterfalls by TLC as the main characters are driving down the road? CAN YOU FEEL THE 90’s YET? Oh, you still don’t know what era you’re in? Don’t worry; there are at least two scenes of dial-up Internet taking forever. And one where the internet disconnects! The packed theater that I sat in LOVED these moments. They roared with laughter. “Hahahahaha a Blockbuster video! Remember that ancient relic of our past?! Hilarious that we used to go out in public to rent movies! Hahahaha slow dial-up internet? My side hurts from this comedy!” I felt the references to the ’90s were way too frequent and prominent. We know when the movie takes place. There’s no need to remind us every 2 minutes. There are subtle and creative ways to showcase the time period without being so overt.
Captain Marvel may not be Marvel’s most groundbreaking film, but I had a good time watching it. If you’re an action movie fan like me, you know that it’s just cool to see female superheroes. (It doesn’t happen too often) If anything, Marvel fans will get some critical information from Captain Marvel before seeing Avengers: Endgame in April.
Despite the over-the-top nostalgia, Captain Marvel is a fun and entertaining Marvel film with an empowering superhero leading the way.
My Rating: 7/10
*All images belong to Marvel Studios