Captain Marvel Review

God is real in the Marvel Universe and she is a Woman

Brie Larson in “Captain Marvel” | Marvel Studios

Captain Marvel | Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck | Action/Adventure | PG-13 | 2 H 4 MIN

By Anton Charpentier
 
Captain Marvel walks the line between predictable action/adventure and a subversion of classic Hollywood tropes. It’s because of this duality that I find myself continuing to struggle with whether I think the film is good or great. What I can say is that this movie is definitely worth your time, and if you’re a Marvel fan, you’re definitely going to love this movie. If you’re not a Marvel fan, well, you’re probably really “fun” at parties. Regardless, Captain Marvel definitely has something to say to North American audiences; which is that we are in a new age of Girl power and let me tell you, it’s freaking badass. Which brings me to the most important point and that’s the social relevance of the film and the profound impact it will have on young girls in the audience who will see a positive example of defying the patriarchy.
 
None of this would be possible if not for Brie Larson absolute dedication to her role as Carol Danvers. Larson brings humour, passion and a stone cold superhero aura that makes Captain Marvel another hero we can all adore. Samuel L. Jackson, who is always a fantastic team player, brings his A game here as Nick Fury; especially when he's paired with Brie Larson. As for the rest of the cast, well, they're passible enough and don't hinder the narrative. Additionally, I have to bring up Goose the cat, who will definitely steal your heart, and is almost as great of an addition to the Marvel universe as Captain Marvel.

Finally, I have to bring up the issues the film unfortunately has; which are moments of mediocrity surrounded by really great scenes. By this, I refer to the films somewhat disappointing narrative beats and supporting cast. While sometimes the film uses "boring" superhero movie tropes to make a comment on the masculine perspective that superhero films indulge in more often than not, yet there are times where the film just shoe horns in weird exposition that frankly kind of bores me. That's not to say that it's bad, but it's not very creative either. However, there are these moments, like the aforementioned subversion of patriarchal superhero tropes that I find really brilliant.

So that's where I find myself when writing this review. I'd love to say this movie is great, but it just falls short. I do however recommend that you go out and see this film because it is really fun. Also support strong female leads in blockbusters! If you're a parent with daughters, I'd argue that this is a required movie to show them. For the Marvel fans, you'll absolutely adore the lore the film sets up and how it sets up the upcoming Avengers: Endgame. Also, you now have a film that you can argue is much better than Wonder Woman. DC fans don't @ me.

P.S. Stan Lee fans will feel the feels.

Watch the Official Trailer Below