Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel

Starring Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, BenMendelsohn, Jude Law

Directed by Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck

The Story:
Vers (Brie Larson) is a seasoned fighter for the Kree race, as she and a team of heroes led by her mentor Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) travel the galaxy in hopes of destroying the Skrulls - a race of alien beings who can shapeshift into anyone.  When a mission goes array, she finds herself alone on a distant planet called Earth, where she begins having memories of a life she once had there, but not that she seems to remember.

Meanwhile, young SHIELD agent Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is tasked with finding Vers and learning about her origin, as the two go on a search for an energy core that could advance light travel, as the Skrulls - led by their leader Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) - also seek out the coveted core.

The Synopsis:
There's been a lot said about the peripherals of "Captain Marvel," mostly due to Brie Larson's statements that there needs to be more than just white men reviewing movies, that led to a massive boycott by white men who were hurt by what she said, unleashing a troll campaign that tried to torpedo the movie even before it was released.  Obviously, since the film earned a massive $455 million dollars globally in its opening weekend (the highest for a female-led superhero film, and second only to "Infinity War"), those boycotts weren't really effective.  While it might have deterred some from seeing this newest installment of the MCU, it didn't take away the fact that the film was one of the most exciting, thrilling adventures with a stable, capable cast and a solid script.

The MCU has taken liberties in the past in going against its comic book source, and "Captain Marvel" is no different.  There's a plethora of differences here than in the comics that some diehard fans won't appreciate, but since I already know a film will never be the same as the original source material, I was pleasantly surprised by many of the twists and turns the film takes to maintain an air of secrecy.

The film centers around Carol Danvers - known as Vers to her Kree brethren - as she faces the echoes of her past to come to terms with the true hero she really is, and learns to harness the true intense power that she wields.  To do this, she enlists the help of young SHIELD agent Nick Fury to re-trace her past and learn what her memories mean, much like a jigsaw puzzle being put together without the image on the box.  The result is a thrilling adventure that traverses time and space, blends humor and heart, and gives rise to the new anchor of the MCU.

Brie Larson is a critically acclaimed actress who's already earned an Oscar, and while there was a lot people said about her emotionless performance of Captain Marvel, it's all a part of the story - she was trained on the Kree homeworld that she's not supposed to be emotional, but think with her brain - which is interesting considering she's a female, and that's typically how females are stereotyped.  In fact, the entire film is an anthem for female empowerment, showing that they have the strength inside to succeed even against a world that tries to hold them down.  While Larson does seem emotionless at times, she still exudes the essence of the original comic book Danvers with her quick wit, sarcasm, and overall likability.

While the film showcases some intense action, there's also the relationship between Danvers and Nick Fury that's the heart of the film.  Larson and Samuel L. Jackson have an amazing rapport with one another, especially due to them starring in other films together, and it shows in their effortless banter.  Jackson - who's 70 years old - was de-aged with state-of-the-art CGI effects that somehow manage to make him look decades younger - since the film takes place in 1995, and he shows a more lighthearted side to our favorite gruff agent.  It's really enjoyable to see the two together on screen, which only adds to the emotional depth that will occur in "Avengers: Endgame" when Danvers returns to find her longtime friend dusted.

The cast around them also do great work.  Jude Law plays Marvel's tutor with a cold determination that's classic Law, and Ben Mendelsohn once again plays the villain (such as he's done recently in "Rogue One," "Robin Hood," and many others) with a much deeper depth than he's done before - and also adds a unique form of comedy as well.  Annette Bening shines as Carol's mentor, while newcomer Lashana Lynch shows a fierce determination as Carol's old Air Force friend Maria Rambeau.

Yet the scene stealer is obviously Goose the cat, who just might be my new all-time favorite feline in film.  Much more than just a mere housecat, Goose (and especially Fury's love for it) offers a lot more to the film than just meowing and looking totally adorable.

The film really uses its 90s setting to its advantage, thrusting us into the world of Blockbusters and Radio Shacks, of Game Boys and dial-up Internet (one particularly humorous scene is when they're all crowded around a computer waiting for it to load).  The soundtrack also boasts a great 90s vibe with songs by TLC and No Doubt that's reminiscent of the rocking 80s soundtrack of the "Guardians of the Galaxy."

While the film isn't without its flaws - mostly some of the action scenes take place in such dark places it's hard to see what's happening - the film is definitely not the flop many people were thinking - or wanting - it to be, and it sets up the new face of the MCU in a way that's endearing and lasting.  While Danvers may be OP (she's basically Marvel's version of Superman), she really shows her true power in fully exciting ways that'll definitely leave viewers hungry for how she'll go toe-to-toe against Thanos in "Avengers: Endgame."

The Summary:
Sticking to the things that make the MCU great, "Captain Marvel" is more than just another origin story, but a film filled with mystery, action, humor, and heart, led by the amazing Brie Larson that will give hope for young girls to be heroes in their own right.

The Score: A+