9:40PM Screening at Imagine Cinemas
Theatre Service: 10/10
Projection: 10/10
Captain Marvel 2 hrs 5 mins
The audience watches form Captain Marvel’s perspective from the very start, waking up with her from an explosion. Information is only revealed as she comes to discover it throughout the course of the film. Unlike past Marvel films where the viewer goes in with a clear understanding of the character or where a backstory is immediately explained; such as Thor, Iron Man, ect. If you are unfamiliar with the lore of Captain Marvel, it will be a bit into the movie before everything begins to make sense. Overall the story does do a great job of introducing challenges, characters, and the discovery of her powers. Complemented by a sub-plot of the origin of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) full of comedic moments, this film tried to cram a lot of backstory in 2 hours. There is also an interesting sub-plot involving the ensuing war between “the Kree” and “the Skrulls” while inserting the politics and citizens of Earth. This sub-plot, clearly subverts the comics and hits home harder if you have previous knowledge of the Captain Marvel lore.
Solid performances from all cast members, with an exceptional job from Annette Benning who really sold the duality of her character as genuine. Jude’s Law’s character would have benefited from more screen time to thoroughly build his relationship with Captain Marvel. His betrayal to her quite literally feels like it comes out of left field and would have greatly increased impact if his character’s past and their previous relationship were more fully developed.
Masterfully edited, fantastic visual effects made for a seamless theatre experience. The flashback and dream sequences are thoughtfully incorporated and scenes showcasing Captain Marvel’s super powers are both fast paced and action-centric as well as slow-paced and demonstrative when needed.
The beauty of this particular Marvel film compared to the rest is that it is one of the first that did not spoon-feed the audience information through dialogue but displayed and described plot primarily through visuals.
Set in 1995, this film clings to 90s themed female lead bands featuring No Doubt, TLC, and others. At times these songs felt out of place and distracted from the film instead of complementing it. The soundtrack at times seemed almost like a discount Guardians of the Galaxy playlist. There also wasn’t a heap of other 90s culture references other than this music and her pager.
The film had a slow start; it is only about halfway or a third of the way through the film that Captain Marvel even discovers her powers and her origins are slightly revealed. The last two thirds of the film are much more tense, action-packed, and compelling. This film is a slow burn with a big payoff – reminiscent of Batman V. Superman, there is an epic final chapter that leaves you wanting more, awaiting the sequel.
Stunning, flashy cinematography with an expert use of natural light both indoors and outdoors with great attention to detail. Shot on the Arri Alexa similar to the rest of the Marvel comic universe, from the beginning it has that polished Marvel movie wind-blown, big-budget look. This film also has that full-frame, extra-sharp and piercing picture quality which created the perfect base layer for the multitude of special effects executed. The colours throughout the film are not only within the Marvel tone but create a unique look for Captain Marvel in this world and intergalactically when imagining her in Avengers: Endgame and other sequels.
This film must be re-watched if you are new to Captain Marvel lore. For a veteran Captain Marvel fan this will be a nice visual treat supplementing the original comics from the 80s and their plotlines and characters. The film is entertaining, funny, and explorative, but was missing that heartwarming thread that truly connected the viewer to the main characters. This film overall was a visual success and an original addition to the Marvel Comic Universe, not to mention the tribute to Stan Lee in the opening Marvel logo (now that was heart-wrenching).
Final thoughts: She should have gone with that neon suit.
>> 7.5/10 <<
Pacing: 6.5/10
Editing: 9/10
Plot: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Cinematography: 8.5/10
Re-watch-ability: 5/10
Soundtrack: 4/10