The Marvel machine is not slowing down any time soon. Another highly anticipated entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe puts women first for a change. Does squeezing in a new character’s origin story just in time for their next big blockbuster do this film justice? Are the negative reviews and reaction justified? Or could they have been fabricated to taint the film’s reputation? Philip and Andrew discuss that and more in this episode on Captain Marvel!
This movie checks all the marks for a superhero origin story. For some, that was not enough. But honestly, the point of this film is not just the story of Carol Danvers and how she gains super powers, it's a story about women, and how they are held back, and what they can do if they can reach their full potential. This aspect of the film is what makes it soar. This movie empowers, and it makes you feel good.
Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel is caught in the middle of a war between the Kree (a galactic empire that continues to spread throughout the galaxy) and the Skrulls (shape shifting aliens that can infiltrate, assassinate, and immitate any species). The biggest threat is the shapeshifting abilities of the Skrulls; they can imitate someone down to a molecular level and could be anyone. The Kree and the Skrulls have a reputation in the comics, and this movie bends those reputations and delivers something unexpected.
Marvel has gotten into the practice of using special effects to de-age some of their older actors, providing an opportunity to do flash backs that don’t rely on different actors trying to look like their more famous counterparts. In Captain Marvel however, the effect is seamless. In some of the earlier films like Ant-Man, the effect is used, and it works, but it is noticeable that a special effect is being used. In Captain Marvel, the CGI is not obvious, and therefore, you just get lost in the film and not in the special effects.
For some reason this film was attacked online by trolls and bots flooding the internet with fake reviews shining a negative light on the film. If you’re a fan of Marvel movies, there’s a good chance you will enjoy this film. However, the big takeaway from this film is the empowerment of women. The message that pours out between the frames is to get back up after you get knocked down. Stand up. Don’t let anyone lessen your power because of who you are.
This movie takes place in the 90's, giving it a grungy nostalgic feel. That also means it happens before most of the events in the entire MCU. This film also ties into Avengers: Endgame set to come out in late April. While the story of this film doesn't really fell like it directly feeds into any other MCU film, it will definitely give you back story to better understand Captain Marvel's inclusion in Endgame.
Until next time, we’ll see you at the movies.
And don’t forget to check your ticket stubs.
