Just like with origin story to Iron Man, Captain Marvel takes its time to get to the main character in her finished guise but unlike the Iron Man genesis story the journey in Captain Marvel is a less linear path. This narrative style decision makes the opening act a little bit confusing but the story and the way it builds is intriguing and interesting and I definitely found myself trying to work out how Danvers’ story would pan out in the end.
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s direction and writing is solid, if not flashy, but overall they have constructed a strong story and tell it well. The dialogue felt natural for the main part and the story holds up well after a slightly weaker beginning. The comedy and humour was really well delivered by all involved and whilst being good it felt a little forced at times, like there was one joke or jest too many. The action on the other hand was inventive and exciting when it was required to be and the
protagonists are a definite threat and indeed a handful.
Brie Larson is fantastic as Carole Danvers: likeable but still worthy of the superhero title and showing a good deal of autonomy and also a real human side to proceedings. Samuel L Jackson playing a young version of Nick Fury is great (and only once did I question the authenticity of his de-aged looks – a real boon for the effects department!). And speaking of effects, they all look and feel great throughout. The one reservation I had with regard to the look of the film was that the Skrulls make-up/design felt a bit basic and flimsy (especially in comparison to some of the creature effects and make-up that has gone before in the MCU), but this is a minor thing. And to be fair, Ben Mendehlson is great in whatever role he is given, without a doubt.
The Marvel Space Adventures (GotG 1&2 and now Captain Marvel) all have THE best soundtracks. Ok, I might be slightly biased as in Captain Marvel’s case it was MY era. All the tunes were spot on although some felt a little bit forced at times and weren’t quite as integrated as with the Guardians films. But each and every single one of them sent me flying back to my experience of the 90s, along with Danvers in her grungey outfit.
I know there has been a lot made of so-called fans of the Marvel/superhero franchise hating on this film, even before they’ve seen it, just because there is a female central character. I find this utterly absurd, whichever way you look at it. Such protectionism and mysogyny of a property that they (falsely) claim to be their own is incredibly childish. In terms of the film itself there was no point in this film that Brie Larson wasn’t captivating or capable of carrying off the superhero persona or action required. In fact she is sure to give the rest a good run for their money in the competition for being the “Strongest Avenger”.
There shouldn’t be any need to highlight the fact that this is a female led superhero film. Yes it is great that there is finally one (in the MCU) but shouldn’t everyone be looking at it as a superhero/comicbook film first and foremost? I can fully appreciate the effect of just having Brie Larson on screen in such a role but to compliment it with being a powerful, competant, down-to-earth, iconic hero will have had a more profound effect on many people but, in a perfect world, there wouldn’t be such a one-gendered roster of superhero films in the first place when there are so many other options out there. This part of the problem is surely on the shoulders of the producers and studios for giving the superhero genre such a one-sided outlook in the first place and completely ignoring a huge part of the market (as the success of this film, and Wonder Woman has already shown). So, while it is absolutely fantastic to see Larson rocking it as Captain Marvel, I feel that it should never have taken this long to get to this point.
Bringing a 90s setting and a different feel to a superhero origin story, Captain Marvel builds well and is a perfect introduction to this character. Top tunes, some superb action sequences and a distinct style of humour give it a flavour all of its own in this crowded space.
Film N Stuff 