Captain Marvel review by Bobby Blakey
After the events of Avengers: Infinity War fans were left devastated with how the Marvel Cinematic Universe was left. One of the most anticipated parts of the upcoming MCU was also teased with the after credit scene at the end of Infinity War with Fury contacting what hardcore fans knew was Captain Marvel. This latest chapter in the MCU stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg, Gemma Chan, Jude Law, Lashana Lynch, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou and Annette Bening, but can it live up to the power of the MCU or will it fail to marvel fans?
Captain Marvel follows Carol Danvers who becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. I have never been a big fan if the Captain Marvel character in any form, but the same can be said for others including Thor and Ant-Man. Going in I wasn’t sure how well it was going to deliver in a way that made me a fan like the previous films I mentioned. While I did have a great time there were still some issues here and there with the first being pacing. It’s never dull, but there is just something off in the first bit of it making it feel clunky before it finds its footing.
The story kicks right into gear with Danvers already having her powers and her back story told through a series of flashbacks throughout the story. This works to keep it from being just another generic origin tale, but also keeps it from every feeling that way either. I like this approach, but it kind of felt rushed more to the point of the invasion than anything that make no mistake is good, but I could have used a bit more getting to know Danvers and her past to have more of an impact. Part of this is clearly due to this serving as a smaller origin for Fury and Coulson as well getting to see the younger versions of them that are a
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bit more clueless than the versions we know now. Coulson doesn’t have as big a part here, but still plays an important part.
After the staggering steps of the beginning of the film it finds its place really when Larson and Jackson get together. This is the heart of the film seeing them bond and banter which is clearly important knowing what we know in infinity war. This creates a bond for us to understand in the bigger picture as opposed to just another hero called to action. The relationship between Danvers and her friend Rambeau played by Lynch, whose name will ring a bell with hardcore Marvel fans, is strong, but since we only get flashbacks and photos it never felt fully flushed out for me, but again we only have so much time in one movie to do that. The rest of the cast do a great job with Mendelsohn bringing way more humor to the role than I had expected and in turn made it all the more fun to watch. The real scene stealer believe it or not is Goose the cat how has so much personality to say the least and his interactions with Fury are great to watch.
The action here is nothing as great as some of the other Marvel films as most of it relies on CGI but looks awesome. Make no mistake there are some great pieces and I had a blast seeing them bring more cosmic action to the universe, but doesn’t hold a candle to things we have previously seen in films like Winter Soldier or Civil War that are in fairness a different breed. Despite its issues here and there this film offers up a great new hero and film for MCU that showcases not only a powerful female hero that everyone can look up to, but also makes some new connections to the rest of the MCU including Avengers, Captain America and Guardians of the Galaxy all while still being its own thing.
I had great fun with this one and look forward to seeing it again as I think any issues I may have had with it the first time will fade away knowing what I am walking into and I cannot wait to see more of the character and the direction they will be taking her. As usual there are two credit scenes, one mid credits and one at the very end and for those wondering easily the best Stan Lee cameo/tribute to date.
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In addition to the film this release offers up a ton of bonus content including commentary, deleted scenes, numerous featurettes taking you behind bringing the latest film in the MCU to life and more. Be there when Captain Marvel returns to Earth available now on Digital in HD, 4K Ultra HD™, Movies Anywhere, Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 4K Ultra HD™.
