Captain Marvel is a mediocre entry into the MCU, but nonetheless a fun film.
Captain Marvel was directed by husband and wife team Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck and stars Brie Larson as the powerful Captain Marvel, also known as Carol Danvers. This is the 21st film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (holy s***!) and they’re still going semi-strong. Despite the repetitive nature of these films, they still manage to make me happy at the end of the day.
I’m not sure what it is, but even though all these movies are made for “normies” who like “big” blockbuster movies, I always manage to watch these movies and get the impression that they feel personal to me in some way. This is most likely because of the absolutely incredible character building as well as strong world building. In my opinion, Guardians of the Galaxy 1 and 2, Doctor Strange, Thor: Ragnarok, and the first Avengers movie are the best in the series/universe. What these movies did to make themselves so well done was either introduce the formula that has been sustaining them for so long, or take that formula we are used to and did something new and exciting with it.
Caveat: I wouldn’t say that Black Panther is the best film in the MCU, at least when compared to Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse or Avengers: Infinity War, but I will say that one does feel more unique in some aspects of its style and presentation. Looking back I am happy it did get nominated and even receive some Academy Awards.
Captain Marvel takes place before most Marvel movies at around 1995!
The film tells the story of Vers and the clan of Kree as they defend their territory against their enemies, the Skrulls. After she escapes a Skurll ship where they attempt to extract her memories, she’s shot out of her escape pod and finds herself atop a Blockbuster Video location in Los Angeles. After making a successful land on the ground and informing Nick Fury, an agent for S.H.I.E.L.D., of the war that is brewing between the two races, they must team up to fight an enemy threatening their territory, who may not be the same group they expected.
Even if Captain Marvel is a fun movie to watch, there is nothing in it that makes it exciting, special, or unique.
Captain Marvel was okay. I think the movie is good, but certainly one of the weaker ones in the franchise. It’s the same as all the other Marvel movies. If you are fine with the formula they have set for their movies, and don’t feel that you need a change of pace in this formula, then you’ll likely enjoy this one. I just wish there was some style to this movie, but there unfortunately isn’t. There isn’t even much color in movie, there’s no memorable music, nor does it even really have a very interesting script or commentary.
The movie is mostly just very generic. It tells a simple story, sets up a few conflicts, there’s a quick resolution, and the movie is suddenly over. There’s not even much tension to this movie really. The best way I can describe it is just pure escapism. You’ll be entertained for two and a half hours, but you’ll probably forget about it until you find it on a streaming service of some sort (probably Disney+ by the time that’s ready). This doesn’t make it necessarily bad, it’s competently made, but there’s nothing unique or special about this movie. It’s so generic and by the numbers, I wish there was more to it. When ranking films with a female heroine, I think Wonder Woman and Alita: Battle Angel, both of which came out this year, are superior films. They additionally have much better action sequences as well.
Time to address the elephant in the room when it comes to this movie…
Now I understand there’s some “drama” with this movie and people’s reception to this movie on the internet, and I really didn’t want to get into it that much but I’ll just quickly say that everyone looks stupid fighting over this movie. If you’re claiming that this movie was going to be bad because there is a woman in it, you’re dumb. On the other hand, if you’re going to bully people who think this movie is only okay and call them “man babies” or “sexist” you’re also dumb.
I would advise anyone out there not review bomb a movie to serve any agenda you may have, whether it be “positive” or “negative,” because that will make you and your cause look bad. My thought going in was that I wanted it to just be a good movie. I also acknowledge Brie Larson said some things that got people really angry, and I really don’t want to get into that either. Just know that you commenting on her comments is only giving more publicity to the movie which will encourage people to go watch it. So whether that is your goal or not, acknowledge that you are doing this.
As a side note: I am planning on discussing how to properly engage in discourse with others on the internet because this is a subject I am passionate about and I really just want people just treat others with kindness no matter the opinions they have. What I would say to you for now regarding the internet drama of this movie is this, respect all people and they opinions they have. More importantly, don’t let what others on the internet have to say persuade you into shaping a belief about this movie, whether it’d be positive or negative. See the movie for yourself, and make up your own mind!
So the movie is fine but lacks style, should you still watch it?
With that being said, I don’t feel there is really anything else I can say about this movie. Although entertaining, I just wish the film-making on display was more interesting. I also wish there was more tension in this movie, because that too would have made this much stronger. Even the lack of color within the film bogged this down because this is one dark looking movie. It’s not as bad as Suicide Squad or Solo: a Star Wars Story, but there’s one scene near the end that borders on that quality of lighting and color correction.
For now, though, this is a completely harmless Marvel movie. I believe people will probably love it or hate it more than I did, so I would recommend watching this movie and just making up your own mind. I am very excited for Avengers: Endgame, and will probably continue to watch these movies for years to come. They would have to take a major dive in quality, or just get so tiring and boring to the point of complete exhaustion for me to stop watching these, and thankfully neither has happened yet.
If these movies aren’t for you, that’s fine. But if you find this to be the best Marvel movie though, good for you! I’m glad you could get more enjoyment than I did out of this. I understand I’m late to this party, and the majority of the population has already seen this movie, but I still wanted to give my general thoughts. If you haven’t seen it though and you want to, check it out! It definitely won’t be an infuriating movie to watch, it’ll just be bland. If you don’t care about this being a masterfully made film, you’ll like it fine. Finally, I will admit this: Captain Marvel has the best opening sequence for any Marvel movie! If you’ve seen it, you know what I’m talking about.