Thrilling Captain Marvel Kicks The MCU Into Another Level
When it comes to amazing spectacles, no one puts on one like the folks at Marvel Studios. And in the midst of an arguably saturated market of superhero flicks, they christen their first female-led tour de force in the form of Captain Marvel.
Set in 1995, Captain Marvel follows Carol Danvers, a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, as she turns into one of the galaxy’s mightiest heroes and joins Starforce, an elite military team of the alien race the Kree, before returning home to Earth with questions about her past and identity when Earth is caught in the center of a galactic conflict between two alien worlds.
Right off the bat Captain Marvel lets you know what you’re in for — fun and fanservice for longtime Marvel Cinematic Universe fans. The first thing that sticks out in this movie is the humor. The jokes hit hard and fast but never wear out their welcome. There was a healthy blend of diverse jokes to appease the palette of the most refined comedic connoisseur.
The action was top notch from the excellently choreographed hand-to-hand fights, to the super-charged shootouts and fantastically animated CG space dogfights. They made for some huge pops from the crowd.
The soundtrack was cute, going for a mostly grunge-inspired “best of the” ’90s playlist, while the score was the usual ubiquitous MCU faire.
The cast was what made this movie as a whole, highlighting some amazing chemistry from this comglamerate of A-listers. Talents like Jude Law, Annette Bening, and Samuel L. Jackson don’t really need my endorsement for this film, but they did their jobs and did them well.
Ben Mendelsohn’s was enjoyable to say the least as the shape-shifting Skrull villain Talos, in a role that eventually breaks type — to say any more would be a huge spoiler, however.
Lee Pace and Djimon Hounsou reprise their roles from Guardians of the Galaxy, and they were fine. Lashana Lynch as Maria Rambeau was a strong, sensible and a great moral compass for Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers. Gemma Chan was a bad-ass as Minn-Erva and I found her thoroughly entertaining.
But Brie Larson, what can I say other than, she is Carol Danvers! She has worked so hard to become this character since she got the role and she just looks like she was having a ball every step of the way. She was able to showcase a courage and confidence that makes Captain Marvel one of Marvel Comics’ most important characters.
I didn’t just like this movie, I would dare to say that I loved it! It’s schlocky, campy, and panders to its fanbase, but if you aren’t burnt out on these movies you’ll be in for a fun ride. The little kids will love, as well the big kids, and it will give every little girl a new hero to look up to.
I give Captain Marvel (Marvel Studios, PG-13, 2hrs 4mins) a 4.5 out of 5.
