As the first female-led movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel was a highly anticipated film. In a thrilling tale about a hero who goes on a journey of self-discovery, Marvel Studios delivers yet another crowd-pleasing blockbuster.
The story, set in 1995, begins with lots of world building. The audience meets the Kree people, a population of “noble warrior heroes” living on the beautifully edited planet Hala. As it progresses, we begin to see familiar faces, such as those of Nick Fury and Agent Coulson. However, by the end of the movie, we meet many new characters, see the main characters grow, and learn more about the background of the MCU as we know it.
The film’s highlights include its humor, underlying themes and the relationships developed between the main characters. Unlike some other Marvel films, the comedy here is based on more than just one-liners and takes advantage of great chemistry, a “buddy-cop” dynamic between characters, and 90’s nostalgia.
On the other hand, the film can be confusing and choppy, as shots shift between the past and present often, especially at the beginning of the film, and the pacing can be uneven. Some transitions also take time to get used to, as they seem awkward at first, but eventually become a part of the movie’s galactic and inherently strange feel.
The movie also has its fair share of underdeveloped characters. The main heroes of the movie are all very well developed, and the actors play their roles exceptionally. However, more minor characters come off as flat and underdeveloped.
By the end, the ideas of friendship, trust, empowerment, humanity, and family all come full circle. With the humor, sarcasm, and ferocity aside, at its core, the story is about trusting yourself and the people around you, despite what others say. It’s a message that resonates with an audience, especially when told from a woman’s perspective. Against all odds, Carol Danvers is a fierce warrior, who, ironically, lets her emotions guide her to do the right things, and of course, save the world.
Overall, the film is worth a watch. Despite the flaws, it’s highly entertaining and contains Easter-eggs galore for committed fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It tells an empowering story and is unique to every other MCU origin story. It also has two post-credit scenes that are definitely worth the wait.
