Captain Marvel is good…but not marvelous. Brie Larson plays a complicated role as a warrior trained by the alien civilization called the Kree who are led by an AI, “Supreme Intelligence.” On a space mission gone wrong, Brie Larson finds herself stranded in 1990s America, hunted by the shape-shifting Skrulls. Larson pairs up with a digitally youthful Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Together, Larson and Fury try to unravel the mysteries of the Skrulls and the Kree…and Larson’s past.
Part of the problem with Captain Marvel centers around all the backstory. And the lies both the Skrulls and the Kree tell Larson. It takes a lot of time to unsort the falsehoods and unpack the Truth. Once Larson finally uses her awesome powers, the movie kicks into overdrive. I liked Brie Larson’s performance, but wish she had a better (and funnier) script to work with. Samuel L. Jackson might be digitally “younger” but every time he has to run, he shows his true age. I liked Ben Mendelsohn’s ironic performance as Talos, leader of the Skrulls. You’ll enjoy the “cat” named Goose. All in all, a fun movie! GRADE: B+
HOLY MOLEY!
Dan, it takes some time for Captain Marvel to access her full powers, but when she does…Holy Moly, indeed!
At least it doesn’t suck, right? No hurry to see this one. I like Mendelsohn in things like ANIMAL KINGDOM and BLOODLINE. Larson I can take or leave.
Jeff, Brie Larson has to play a complex role and she’s up to the task in CAPTAIN MARVEL. I though Larson was great in ROOM.
I prefer Mendelsohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25.
Rick, but could Felix Mendelssohn shape-shift into Nick Fury’s boss?
God, I hope not.
I think you’re spot on, George. Bit of a pacing problem here and there and comic fans will cry at what they did to the story from the source material (like me), but I think you’ve nailed it, right down to Fury’s running. The de-aging of Clark Coulson had him looking like a store mannequin in half his shots, which was freaky, but Fury looked great.
Rick, I was surprised at the amount of screen-time Samuel L. Jackson gets in CAPTAIN MARVEL. They could have titled this movie CAPTAIN MARVEL & NICK FURY!
The consensus seems to be that they had too many tasks. I guess WONDER WOMAN will remain the top girl.
Patti, WONDER WOMAN didn’t get bogged down in backstory like CAPTAIN MARVEL does at times.