“Captain Marvel”: First female superhero movie in the MCU—empowering or disappointing?

Many people entered the theatre with high hopes — this is the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a female superhero in the lead, and a woman serving as a co-director and writer. Despite unprecedented, long overdue achievements, why did it feel like a disappointment?

Carol Danvers played by Brie Larson, an Oscar-winning actress, takes place in the 1990s, and follows her journey through space and Earth to find her real identity. The movie begins with Carol training to be a warrior on the Kree planet, and her persistent mentor Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) reminds her to not let her emotions to get the best of her—pointing towards the sexist notion that women are too emotional to handle tough jobs. These commentaries occur throughout the film; although it is a nice and appreciative move, the less-than-subtle ways and abundance of it were in the way of the actual plot and get annoying. While fighting with the shape-shifting Skrulls, Carol lands in Los Angeles, California to find a younger Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). The comedic and entertaining relationship between Carol and Nick Fury proved to be one of the best parts of this movie, filled with snappy banter and cats. She soon discovers her lost past as an Air Force pilot, and reunites with her best friend. Together with the help of outside forces they defeat the Skrulls that also arrive on Earth, and save the world.

The storyline and plot were nothing original; there were numerous predictable moments with over-used lines. Moreover, although Brie Larson did her best in the acting, the writing simply was not enough to engage the audience or bring any substance to the actual character, in which was a massive wave of disappointment to many anticipating lifelong fans of Captain Marvel. Her personality was a mix of of cocky one-liners and in viewing of this movie, I had a very difficult time trying find a reason why I should even care for Carol. I also noticed the attempt at a character development from a Kree soldier title to Captain Marvel, however it was just not impactful enough.

“Captain Marvel” was an inadequate introduction to the character in the events leading up to the fourth Avengers movie, arguably the most anticipated movie of 2019. Nonetheless, this movie was symbolic and served to be empowering to girls and women around the globe, but it just proves that there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.

Featured Image- Captain Marvel movie poster Photo Courtesy of Marvel Cinematic Universe