CAPTAIN MARVEL: More Than Just A Girl

In the last week, you’ve inevitably read something about Captain Marvel. It has been a constant topic of conversation across social media as the film takes heat from audiences, and the integrity of critics have been questioned. This is the first MCU female centered film, and that’s a big deal, as it should be. But it’s overshadowing the basic appeal of any comic book tale: perseverance, hope, and strength despite hardships.

A Character Worth Rooting For, And Oh- She’s a Woman

Yes, Ant-Man and the Wasp featured Evangeline Lilly’s character in the title and had a big role for her to fill, but this is the first foray of its kind. Why is it such a topic of controversy? Are we afraid to just accept this idea, the celebration of a female superhero? And she is a superhero. Captain Marvel, when she’s fully embraced her powers, is fierce.

We want and need movies to be knocking down walls and confronting new perspectives, but it shouldn’t be everything. Underneath the important sign of WOMAN and HERO is a worthy, visually appeasing and well-acted addition to the comic book genre. That would be said even if it wasn’t boundary breaking.

Yes, I’m a woman, I’m a huge Marvel fan, and I love movies. Regardless of these elements that some might perceive as being “shoe ins” for my positive reception of this film, I still had no preconceived notions of satisfaction. In fact, I was unsure of how I felt about the movie for the first fifteen minutes. There’s usually a bit of a settle-in period with every film (though there are a few of the best that grab you instantly), and Captain Marvel was no exception. Our first introduction to Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) known at first as Vers, is a bit jarring.

Right from the opening scene, we are thrust into her story as she trains as a soldier in the Kree military. She doesn’t remember who she is, but she works with her commander Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) and is faithful to the Supreme Intelligence, an entity that governs the Kree race. The Krees and the Skrulls are mortal enemies, and Vers is part of the force designed to protect the Kree.

At first there is a sense of uncertainty with Larson. How are you able to grow and fully adopt your destiny and your future if you don’t know your past? There are lingering traits – she’s partial to sarcasm and told she’s too emotional (a side effect of being human). Still, this leaves Larson to embody the character with a sense of discomfort in her own skin. Even as she is making quips and showing off her strength, there’s a very human edge fighting to reach the surface. This calculated performance, even if it’s coated in all variations of “fun” is just more proof of Brie Larson’s immense talent.

The movie starts in the middle of her journey, and after she escapes the clutches of the enemy she crash lands on Earth. As the movie continued, an awareness of self was found, and once the story transitioned, there was a palpable grounding to the film. She was home, and the movie became more comfortable as she did. That’s not to say that the visual space-oriented dance didn’t work – because it did. The effects were incredible, the fight choreography (especially in one scene as she breaks out of custody, but can’t fully use her powers), and the make-up/costume designs were all sharp and effective.

The script, written by directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, as well as Geneva Robertson–Dworet, has some trouble as it counters the usual MCU formula; the prerequisites of becoming a hero and accepting your place. This isn’t a make or break element, as there’s some relief to be had in the continuity. It makes the movie feel at home in this universe, and yet, there is some original storytelling and fresh characters that make this detail a flourish and not a burden.

The filmmaking duo in Boden and Fleck was an interesting choice to helm this massive undertaking, and while this was a big shift from their previous films, they hold their own. Some of my favorite aspects of the movie were the new connections that Carol Danvers makes and to those that resurface. Their delivery of her past traumas, and a balance of realism and space endeavors makes for an intricate combination.

Is it perfect? Hardly. I think it falls somewhere in the middle of the MCU chain, but it’s an integral link either way. This is a richly characterized contribution.

A lot Of Invaluable Support

Ben Mendelsohn is given an opportunity to shine here as a Skrull villain, Talos. Like many of the roles in this franchise, there is humor and compassion woven into his alien-shape shifting DNA that makes his scenes a joy. Samuel L. Jackson finally has a Nick Fury role that delivers more screen time. As a younger less aware Fury, his introduction to Danvers is the first of this kind, which is far from the more up-to-date Fury, who is well versed in superhero mythology and the potential galactic threats.

By having the film take place early on, some things slide into succession, including how he lost his eye. His wonderment of her powers is contagious, as the two become an unlikely team. They share a very comfortable rapport, making their buddy cop potential a real delight.

A lot of the supporting roles make this movie a treat, and allow Larson‘s front and center position to transition organically. Clark Gregg also gets an opportunity to return as agent Coulson. We mustn’t forget about the always incredible Annette Bening, who holds significance in Danver’s story.

As the charismatic yet steely Maria Rambeau, Lashana Lynch is another stand out. She is her co-pilot and best friend, and she’s imperative to the softening of Danvers character. Their friendship injects spirit into the plot, making their shared history crucial.

Towards the end of the film, their strange little group of heroes invokes a similar thrill as The Guardians of the Galaxy. Hopefully the band can get back together again. As a lover of all things 90’s, I was quite elated by the soundtrack choices, as well as the other era-related easter eggs.

One scene, when Danvers really becomes Marvel, blasts the fitting No Doubt Classic “I’m Just a Girl” and it was almost as electric as Thor Ragnarok’s use of  “The Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin. Those in the audience cheered. While it might have been a bit on the nose, it was never the less exciting.

The Stan Lee tribute had my eyes misting, and by the time the credits came and the subsequent after-credit shots, I found myself even more excited for Endgame.

I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention another star to come out of this picture: the cat, Goose. Obviously, a feline counterpart is always going to be adorable and fetching, but this one is especially memorable. Move over Alien’s Jonesy, you have competition!

Conclusion: Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel is the hero that we need in the MCU, and her presence is one that should be uniting not dividing. If nothing else, look at the box office numbers. Some might have tried to tarnish this before it had a chance to shine, but Captain Marvel is clearly making an impression.

Brie Larson plays her as brave, endearing, playful and most importantly: resilient. This is a movie full of heart, and I can already see her inspiring youth. The prospect of a generation of young girls idolizing her reminds us even more why movies like this deserve to be seen.

There hasn’t been a marvel movie that I haven’t appreciated, though some have far exceeded others on their merit. It’s been a tapestry of cinematic ingenuity and popcorn driven fun that has spanned over ten years. With Avengers: Endgame on the horizon, and many of our favorite hero’s journeys coming to a close (can’t wait despite this sad fact), new entry’s, especially one with such a cultural significance, are welcome.

Love it or hate it, we are given an empowering ethos secured with a very talented cast that makes this movie-going experience on par with previous entries. Familiar- yes, but also, something new. Captain Marvel has arrived, entirely up to the task of changing hearts and minds and kicking ass. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

What did you think? Do you think it brought something new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe? How does it rank? Tell us in the comments below!

Captain Marvel was released March 8th in the US and UK.