As I approach the theater roughly thirty minutes early to ensure a good seat, I see the line backed up far past the door. It’s no doubt a Friday night, and a major studio has released one of their major blockbuster films. But this line is like no other. The one for tickets extends far into the parking lot, and those outside the theater block the vending machines and restrooms. For an avid film fan, it’s clear that these lines are the result of a Marvel film being released. These are the kinds of experiences I have had since becoming a follower of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since The Avengers’ release in May 2012. Seven years later and thirteen films deeper, and Marvel has put forth their first female-led solo film in Captain Marvel. In all, I had lots of fun with this movie and thoroughly enjoyed the performances and atmosphere.
This film tells the story of Carol Danvers, a former Air Force pilot who is unable to remember her past. She finds herself as a member of the Kree Star Force, an elite space team much akin to the Special Ops teams of the present. She soon finds herself stranded on Earth, where she runs into S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury, who helps to uncover her past and overcome the obstacles of her history.
For those just getting into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this film can certainly be enjoyed without much awareness of what has come before it. There are tons of Easter eggs (hints and clues only hardcore fans will recognize), but also tons of jokes and explanations to relate to the first-time Marvel viewer.
To begin with my thoughts, there’s certainly a lot to enjoy about this film. The above synopsis definitely sounds intimidating for those not familiar with the comics, but directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck do an excellent job of making this a film for both the average fan and the diehard Marvel Cinematic Universe fanatics. The major highlight of the film for me were the performances. Brie Larson brings such humanity and realism to the character of Danvers. She is completely believable as both a confident and snarky pilot, but also as a troubled woman who has lost touch with her past. Samuel L. Jackson does a great job reprising his role as Nick Fury, and his chemistry with Larson truly is off the charts. Ben Mendelsohn is also a major standout as Talos, leader of the shapeshifting alien race known as the Skrulls.
The film’s soundtrack and atmosphere are also a major plus. The film takes place around 1995, and Marvel does a great job depicting the time period. I truly was immersed in the nostalgia for this decade, from everything to Danvers crashing into a Blockbuster video store to an action set piece fought to the tune of No Doubt’s “Just a Girl.”
Lastly, one of this film’s biggest strengths is that it knows what it is. While some Marvel films, like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Infinity War have much higher stakes, this film serves extremely well as a fun sci-fi adventure where fans can relax and not have to sit on the edge of their seats.
While I did have lots of fun with this film, it would be a stretch to call it a perfect movie. As a whole, it is pretty forgettable. Marvel films like Thor Ragnarok and Captain America: Civil War have clearly established tones that firmly cement the films in a certain genre, but overall a piece of the same cinematic universe. While Captain Marvel has a fun, 90’s action vibe, it lacks the same significant stamp that most other Marvel movies have.
The movie also definitely leaves some characters on the sidelines. Some notable mentions include Jude Law, playing the role of Carol’s mentor, as well as the rest of the Starforce team. While Marvel isn’t known too well for their side characters, some of their films have proven to balance the whole ensemble quite well – just look to last year’s critical and financial darling Black Panther.
To finish with my thoughts, this film definitely lands around the middle within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some of my favorite films in the series include Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, and my absolute favorite Captain America: Civil War. All of these films are tons of fun and carry real, tangible stakes. I don’t know that I would say Captain Marvel lacked stakes, but it just didn’t carry the same weight that the other films had. On one hand, that’s totally fine. Not every film will be as important or as heavy as the last. But at the same time, in making a shared universe, it would be best if every film packed the same level of punch (in some way) as the last. Overall, directors Boden and Fleck crafted an enjoyable movie that works best as a fun, sci-fi action film. Some tonal and character issues aside, this is certainly a movie I would have no problem watching again. With all of that being said, these are only my opinions. All film is subjective, and plenty of other reviewers may have felt differently. �E�
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