The World According to Maya

3 April 2019

Now it is…Review Time!

Packed with stunning visuals, strong performances, and with an unexpected twist, Captain Marvel shines and soars with exhilaration and enjoyment.

Taking place before the events of “Iron Man” (2008), specifically in 1995, Kree warrior Vers aka Carol Danvers (Oscar winner Brie Larson) tries to prevent an intergalactic war between two alien races while simultaneously has flashbacks of her past, such as being a spirited Air Force pilot and how she acquired her superpowers, with help from a young Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).

Pros;

Cast:
To some, it might be surprising, especially the casting choices of Annette Bening and Jude Law. Larson, of course, glows as the titular strong-willed, sassy, and headstrong heroine.

Entertainment Value:
Some bits of dialogue, humor, and action sequences (and the motion picture as a whole) will amuse fans of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) and also likely non-superhero fans.

Excitement:
Once you have seen the first credits scene, you will see what I mean, as it concerns the plot of the upcoming and highly anticipated “Avengers: Endgame” coming in April 26th (or to put it thrillingly, 3 weeks from today) in the USA (which also happens to be the same date here in South Africa).

Nostalgia:
Since the film’s setting is 1995, viewers who were born or grew up in the 1990s might like aspects that the decade was well-known for, such as the days when you were playing a pinball machine or turning on the jukebox at a bar.

Performances:
Larson fits into the role of the eponymous character with ease, while the supporting roles also deserve some praise, especially Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Lashana Lynch, and the previously mentioned Bening and Law.

Visuals:
No surprise since this is Marvel, there is always special effects, whether it is overworked or put into exceptional usage, even the de-aging effects on Jackson is quite impressive, even though one can still see the wrinkles. Fun fact; Jackson was made to appear as a 40-something Fury in the movie while in real life is currently 70 years of age.

Cons;

Origin Narrative:
Don’t get me wrong I like it, but how Captain Marvel’s origin story is presented doesn’t feel like anything new to the MCU’s typical formula of introducing new characters via backstory, since when it is time for one of them to have their origin told, there usually is plot devices in a character’s narrative that audiences are aware of and familiar with, either the character was in the beginning their own bad person, or struggling with for example their own insecurities, whatever the case, it is satisfying to see them make a self-discovery, become more powerful in terms of mind and beliefs (positive ones of course), and vow to keep being the better versions of themselves for as long as they live (and protect people from any form of destruction if necessary), even during difficult circumstances and conflicts that could test the alliance that they have with their allies (take “Captain America: Civil War” (2016) for instance).

Predictability:
As usual, like every Marvel flick, there is a good vs bad aspect in the plot which is what probably exhausts spectators at times, but then again, with every superhero motion picture there is that mentioned element (I’m also bringing DC and other superhero stories in mind, such as the pulp fiction character The Shadow), whether it’s about fighting your inner demons, or reforming or redeeming yourself in any way, its some of the things that leads you to become a (super)hero or vigilante and bonus if possible, a better civilian and individual.

Overall, it is about time that the MCU did a female-lead flick (don’t know if, for those who are fellow feminist readers here, agree with me on that note), and the movie generally serves as a fun ride in the past before the Avengers would assemble in later years in terms of chronology as well as the confirmed and exciting fact that Marvel film fans now know who Nick Fury was trying to contact for help after the events of “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) (no spoilers here). Maybe not a revolutionary marvel as its own but it has enough dazzle and thrills to keep audiences focused and entertained anyway.

P.S I couldn’t get a full-scale picture of the poster when I watched the film in the cinema, so I found this one from IMP (Internet Movie Poster) Awards instead, with included details about its design and photography.