Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.
Cast
Brie Larson – Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
Samuel L. Jackson – Nick Fury
Ben Mendelsohn – Talos / Keller
Annette Bening – Dr. Wendy Lawson / Supreme Intelligence
Djimon Hounsou – Korath
Lee Pace – Ronan the Accuser
Jude Law – Yon-Rogg
Lashana Lynch – Maria Rambeau
Clark Gregg – Phil Coulson
Captain Marvel was worth my post-gym Saturday afternoon cinema visit, however predictable it was. The cinema screen was rammed with people too, this seemed a popular choice. Despite its popularity though I was prepped for absolutely nothing I hadn’t seen before in a Marvel – or similar – film. Nothing but aggressive action made acceptable because it was carried out by a pretty female in a hot outfit. Enemies who come close to a sticky end but are saved by the hero – because it was the ‘right’ thing to do. One or two lines delivered by the lead character so slick that adults would find them hilarious, and kids wouldn’t have a clue. Realisation of a life once lived, jobs once carried out and what the character should now do as part of his / her destiny. The befriending of an unlikely aquaintance (usually the child of a close friend). The lead character taking a stand to end the terrible battle about to kick off, blah blah blah..
..seen it all before.
Saw it again right here. Although Larson makes a pretty heroine, even her cheeky chops can’t take you away from the fact that this movie is no different to any other Marvel movie you’ve seen in the past. I’m pretty sure what most of you will anticipate to happen actually happens, with nothing left to surprise. I think the element of surprise is what is missing from most of these movies nowadays. On a positive, the visual elements are splendid. You don’t need to see the movie to realise the titular character is bound by a brilliant shine. As though her internal systems are on fire, Larson’s body lights up like the Eiffel Tower when her character is in full fight mode. Her eyes seem to disappear as that firey glow bursts from the sockets, a mist trailing from her palms, and deliciously golden hair floating calmly behind her. I cannot fault this at all, it’s superb.
Parts of this movie aren’t really tedious, but they do run with not much essence. The backing story of Carol being an ex-U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and member of an elite military unit gives the viewer something feasible to grab hold of. But be ready for slo-mo shots of her swaggering towards her aircraft, helmet tucked under her arm and exclamations of things like, “that was the person I was. This is who I am now. I know what I have to do now..” blah blah. Overall it’s not very original, but things start to heat up when she starts spitting sparks so make sure you immerse yourself in the visuals.
Captain Marvel is watchable stuff for film fans, but diehard followers of Marvel will eat this up as heartily as Kim Kardashian with body bronzer. It provides solid entertainment and brilliant special effects for its duration so you won’t be left short of something to watch, even during slower moments.
But is Larson the right choice to lead such an iconic role?
She’s certainly consistent in her performance and makes it very convincing, but overall I’m not too sure. The woman’s impassive face would be perfect for a black comedy, she’s got that way in which she glances at other characters sideways nailed. You could see her in something so dark it’s hilarious. But I can think of other actors out there who would suit Captain Marvel better. Larson is captivating when on screen – especially when she lights up – but I think she was miscast. Imagine a casting decision betweeen Eva Green and Margot Robbie which saw Green sliding into a superhero outfit instead of Robbie; Captain Marvel had this kind of effect on me. There are better out there to fill the heroine’s boots and although she plays it with gusto, Larson is not the one. Too plain.
Ricky's Film Reviews 