Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel crashes into the big screen with a stream of explosions. The titular superheroine (Brie Larson) embodies the worst bruise imaginable as she punches, flies and shoots through the stratosphere without even glancing over her shoulder to look at the carnage. This endless action stops for a moment only for laughter and character development, like new friends.
Situated between two epic intergalactic films that connect the entire Marvel Universe, Captain Marvel features the first female lead in a Marvel film, focusing on the superheroine's origin story. It weaves together several different epic superhero stories, throwing them into a universal battle of good versus evil, ultimately deciding all of their fates, as well as all that have existed. The rates are astronomical.
The film requires a healthy amount of attention and focus. The element of being set in the 1990s may turn off the series' loyal fans. But in doing so, we discover that the endless war may be connected to Captain Marvel's alter ego on Earth, Carol Danvers.
Being drawn into this endless war is very important for one woman, no matter how heroic she may be. But Captain Marvel receives early advice from her mentor Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) to keep her potentially dangerous emotions under control. People think differently, assuming that these feelings make you a hero. She has a lot of room for emotional development, discovering that she may have spent a significant life on Earth before becoming a Kree (alien good guys) fighter pilot.
Captain Marvel features cutting-edge special effects that are so realistic that it is difficult to distinguish what is real from what has been altered. Of note is the younger appearance of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) with both eyes intact, as well as the bushy head of hair and the scene-stealing alien/best friend/co-pilot/CGI cat aptly named Goose.
Captain Marvel battles two very difficult cinematic challenges in addition to her many adversaries. Firstly, this film falls between the other two main Avengers Infinity War films. With so many new characters required, it takes the focus away from her origin story. Second, Marvel sometimes dives into "Superman territory" where the main character is so invincible that the audience isn't emotionally invested because the character has no way to die.
To spice up the mix, writing and directing partners Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Half Nelson, Sugar) bring their brand of indie films of mixing comedy and emotion to a genre traditionally devoid of both. While it broadens its appeal to a wider audience, the frantic action is non-stop. Adding a pop-grunge soundtrack, including: "Nirvana", "Garbage" and "Without a doubt" is a clever ploy that ties '90s cultural themes into Captain Marvel's coming-of-age story.
Ultimately, with so many thrills, laughs and brief action scenes, the lack of romance is a breath of fresh air. This brutal showdown of girl power could be the launch of a new Captain Marvel series in its own right, and it's an absolute must-have for Marvel fans.