Review: Captain Marvel (2019)

Captain Marvel (2019)

Like all MCU films, Captain Marvel is, at the very least, a highly entertaining film. The film marks the highly anticipated introduction of Carol Danvers, one of the more powerful figures in Marvel lore. The film also marks the MCU's first female hero-starring film - a fact that has additionally (and deservedly) led to much excitement and, unfortunately, some backlash. I will be writing a separate article about this latter point as I personally have an opinion on this trend I have been seeing in reviews.

Overall, I thought that the film was enjoyable but that it did not meet the now-very high bar set by other Marvel films. Throughout its two-plus hour run-time, the film often has trouble finding its identity. Captain Marvel is an origin story but one that delves into the genres of buddy-cop film, intergalactic and terrestrial war film, a thriller mystery and a film about personal discovery and empowerment. Individually, none of these are a problem, however, it is when the film seems to gradually veer from one genre and tone into another that it fails to garner an identity of its own that the audience can latch onto. Ironically, this is much of Carol's personal plotline through the film - discovering her own identity.

As with all Marvel films, this one no doubt looks gorgeous. The Skrull shape-shifting effects, the space battles and Carol's own powers are all brought to life with smooth, realistic VFX. The cast also does an admirable job, though the missing tone of the film carries through at points in characters feeling a bit off. In the comics, Carol Danvers is a tough militaristic figure. The film tries to take this character and meld it into the more lighthearted, wise-cracking film universe it has created and the end result is sometimes awkward. Brie Larson trie

s to play to both of these qualities, and through no fault of her performance but perhaps that of the script's, the result does not always work. The film also takes a neat little swerve at around its half-way mark that changes the audience's expectations going in as well as the final direction of the film. It provides for an interesting commentary that will likely be discussed as an additional point in some of the social justice discussion about this film. The twist plays with what we know of these characters from the comics and, for better or worse, probably affects where they may or may not now be headed in future films.

By the end of the film Captain Marvel is witnessed at her full power-set and it is one that makes her perhaps the most powerful figure in the current MCU. We already know that she is going to be playing a large part in the upcoming Avengers: Endgame and I couldn't help but think about the ramifications of it. My worry is that her timely introduction is for her to act as the deus ex machina for the Avengers and for, well, the universe at its post-Infinity War status quo. As Endgame is likely going to be the sendoff for many of our heroes I would prefer it if they can conclude their story and plight without the great might of Captain Marvel. Additionally, the overall power of Captain Marvel makes me wonder where the next phase of the MCU will be headed as she greatly raises the bar for what kind of foes will pose a reasonable threat to Earth and our heroes (though it seems as though her sequel will also likely take place in the past). Alright, that's enough for my nerd chat!

Compared to the plethora of other films we receive, Captain Marvel fares quite admirably. However, compared to the high quality we expect at this point from MCU films, Captain Marvel falls just a little short. It is definitely worth seeing though if you like an inspiring story about self-discovery and empowerment.
7/10

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