First off, I have to say that the marketing for this film failed to sell it or get audiences excited. However, after seeing it, the film is thrilling and will leave you satisfied.
Set in 1995, we see Carol Danvers (played by Brie Larson), a soldier from the planet of the Kree species, who are fighting a war against the shapeshifting aliens known as the Skrulls. When one of her missions inadvertently land her on Earth, Carol forms an alliance with Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), pieces together her past and discovers the true extent of her powers, whilst trying to end the conflict between the Kree and the Skrulls.
With Avengers: Infinity War having teased Carol’s presence, Captain Marvel traces her origin and ultimately sets up her role in the upcoming Avengers: Endgame.
The screenplay for the film is the best part of the film, as it presents the origin story in a different manner, similar to films like Spider-Man, Batman Begins, The Incredible Hulk, Man of Steel and Deadpool. The unique way allows the film to juggle different subplots in a cohesive manner. The mixture of science fiction and spy thriller lend mystery and intrigue to the film, helping it with the plotting and pace. The storyline is also notable for being comic accurate, borrowing elements from “Kree-Skrull War“ comic plotline, published in 1971. Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck have written and presented the film in a creative and fresh way.
Brie Larson portrays Captain Marvel perfectly. Initially thought to be one dimensional from the trailers, Larson does display multiple emotions, but it is in her serious moments, that the character is done justice.
While being an origin story for Captain Marvel, it also showcases the origin for Nick Fury. Samuel L. Jackson portrays a different Fury than what we have been seeing over the years, displaying a younger, inexperienced but an excited agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. His relationship with Carol results in one of the best we have seen in the Marvel Universe. The digital age reduction, used only before in Ant-Man and Captain America: Civil War for a fraction of minutes is applied to Jackson for the entire film and is really amazing.
Jude Law and Ben Mendelsohn as Carol’s mentor, Yon-Rogg and Skrull leader, Talos, respectively are the most memorable of the supporting cast and are the ones with the most surprising moments.
The film contains numerous references to the 90s, through it’s soundtrack (composing of songs by artists like Nirvana and Gwen Stefani) and musical score (by Pinar Toprak), to the clothing culture of the era. However, the Top Gun references are the ones that stick with you the most, with a feline character being named after Tom Cruise’s character Maverick’s wingman, Goose.
The visual effects, as usual are top notch and helps portray the different planets, space battles and dogfights in an exhilarating way. However the aforementioned de-ageing of Jackson by 20 years is much more fascinating.
However, the film’s only flaw is the trademark humour Marvel is known for, which hampers the tone and pacing of the film.
The film is another addition to the ever expanding Marvel Universe, but is one that is sure to be memorable. It is another exciting space based adventure, joining the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy and it’s sequel, Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Infinity War.
Moreover, Captain Marvel is an exciting and unique origin film that brings in some new perspective to the superhero genre. And as always, stick around for the incredible mid-credits scene.
Texts of A Pop Culture Buff 