Captain Marvel

Should You See It?

Captain+Marvel

More than 10 years after the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), fans have finally gotten the female-led, superhero solo movie they asked for in the form of 2019’s “Captain Marvel”. Brie Larson stars in this above-average origin story alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, and Jude Law. This “buddy-cop” style film presents one of the most powerful characters to be introduced into the Marvel Universe, Carol Danvers, otherwise known as Captain Marvel.

The film follows Vers (Brie Larson) as she lands on Earth in the midst of the Kree-Skrull war, breaking away from an attack by the shape-shifting Skrulls. Her team, led by Yon-Rogg (Jude Law), rushes to rescue Vers and put a swift end to the Kree-Skrull war. With the knowledge of her past seemingly absent, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) helps Vers, not only to find the Skrulls, but to discover where she truly came from.

This oddly-paced, fun ride of a movie is a fine introduction to Carol Danvers. The 90s setting allows for some fun, nostalgic moments in the film, all while maintaining a steady plot. The immediate standouts have to be Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson, who primarily lead the film with great chemistry. Jude Law and Ben Mendelsohn give solid performances, but nothing as sharp as their works in other films. The film has some interesting ideas that are explored, but maintains an almost formulaic standard that the MCU has been known for.

The technical accomplishments in “Captain Marvel” range from phenomenal to extremely mediocre. Most of the praise must got to the deaging of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, there was not a single moment that I noticed any technical augmentation to his face. However, the third act felt devoid of the high quality visual enhancements, with a painfully noticeable CG double of Captain Marvel herself. It reinforces how unbelievable her powers can be at times. On a musical note, the soundtrack for “ Captain Marvel” was full of 90s songs, but the original score for the film falls slat, feeling annoyingly mediocre. Overall, I give “Captain Marvel” an 8/10, it’s worth your time if you are, as the late Stan Lee said, “a true believer”. Do you agree with my review? Comment below and let me know what you think of 2019’s “Captain Marvel”.