It's not exactly a shock or a surprise to say that people are excited for the newest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whenever another movie comes out, it's an event. And with Captain Marvel being the last chapter before the long awaited Avengers: Endgame, you get bet a lot of eyes will be on this one. The good news for fans, is that the response to Captain Marvel has been positive, for the most part. CinemaBlend's own Eric Eiserberg gave the movie four out of five stars and says that, while it doesn't rank among Marvel's best, it's still a standout film, mostly, thanks to lead Brie Larson. According to Eric's review...
Between its modified structure, period storytelling, and spoiler-y Marvel Cinematic Universe connections, there is a lot going on in Captain Marvel, but its key mission is always advancing its titular hero, and it's particularly successful thanks to the awesome performance from Brie Larson.
Similarly, i09 gives Captain Marvel solid marks, though admits the film has some issues. The comic book origin story movie has been a big part of the subgenre to this point, and while there have been better and worse examples, getting that part of the story just right has been a tough nut to crack. Captain Marvel has some problems in this regard as well.
All that being said, Captain Marvel still doesn’t solve the origin story issue that has plagued every superhero film thus far, whether they be from the DCEU or Marvel. There are several lulls, especially in the first act.
The reason that origin story's can be complicated to handle is that there's frequently a lot of backstory that needs to be explained, which can be difficult within the limited confines of a feature film. IGN indicates that's part of the issue with Captain Marvel, but the problems aren't enough to detract from the overall success.
It can be a bit on-the-nose at times, and occasionally has to fast-track its exposition in ways that can feel slightly clunky, but what it lacks in grace it makes up for in charm.
Having said that, at least one review compliments the Captain Marvel origin story. Variety feels that the film does take the origin story in a fresh direction, one that separates Captain Marvel in a way that makes it superior to its other female-led superhero movie.
Captain Marvel is only the second major Hollywood movie to have a female superhero at its center, but it’s a savvier and more high-flying fantasy than Wonder Woman, because it’s the origin story as head game.
While the general consensus does seem to be strongly positive, that's not to say there are some that were less impressed by Carol Danvers. Indiewire feels that many of the choices the film makes ultimately do a disservice to the character of Captain Marvel and the story as a whole. While many have been looking forward to Marvel's first female hero, the feeling is the story tries too hard.
Neither a blast from the past, nor an inspiring glimpse into the future, at the end of the day it’s just another Marvel movie. And not a particularly good one, at that.
The film struck a similar note for THR, which felt that Captain Marvel just fails to do anything imaginative or interesting with the elements at its disposal.
The picture is not dull, exactly, just mundane, marked by unimaginative plotting, cut-rate villains, a bland visual style and a lack of elan in every department.
While there are some who don't feel Captain Marvel was quite everything it could have been, the general view is still looking pretty good. We'll have to wait and see just what audiences think when they vote with their money this Friday.
