Captain Marvel (2019)

Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Stars: Brie Larson, Gemma Chan, Ben Mendelsohn
Runtime: 124 minutes

Synopsis: 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.

Performances: 6/10
Screenplay: 4/10
Special Effects: 8/10
Costumes/Makeup: 6/10
Editing: 6/10
Cinematography: 5/10
Score/Soundtrack: 5/10

Verdict: A longtime fan of the character of Carol Danvers, I was eagerly waiting for her big screen treatment. And while the film did pretty much follow the exact same formula most entries in the MCU did, it still managed to offer a few entertaining moments while showing the audience the extents of her powers.

Portrayed by Brie Larson who does a decent job as the titular character, "Captain Marvel" also sees Samuel L. Jackson and Clark Gregg return as younger versions of the universally beloved S.H.I.E.L.D agents Nick Fury and Phil Coulson. The de-aging technology used to achieve this was impressive for the first and mediocre for the second, who fortunately only appears in a very limited number of scenes. The action was generally satisfying, and so were the VFX shots.

The biggest issue with the film was really its lack of originality. It uses the same blueprint most MCU entries have been using since its inception, and never truly sets itself apart from them. The comedy was very hit and miss, the dialogue cheesy at times, the villain weak and uninteresting, the final act chaotic... Every complaint the franchise has been facing since 2008 is also present in "Captain Marvel", which is frustrating to see knowing that the brand created by Stan Lee (who gets a beautiful homage) can afford to take more risks.

As a Marvel fan, I was satisfied but not awed with Carol Danvers' introduction to a universe she will without a doubt have a huge role in. However, the movie fan in me was disappointed at the film's lack of originality and risk-taking.  

FINAL GRADE: 5/10