Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Captain Marvel’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

I think it is safe to say at this point, that geeks and nerds everywhere are finally starting to wonder, what is going to become of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Because whether we like it or not, this particular chapter in cinematic history is truly coming to a close, for in film and television, nothing lasts forever. Actors age. They desire time with their family, and they want to continue to create new and memorable characters in other stories because the human mind needs that kind of growth, meaning that soon, we will bid farewell to Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. and any other actor like that would like to move from the roles they helped to bring new life to.
 
Which means that new heroes and stories will take their place as these talented actors move onto the next phase of their life, which brings us back to my initial question, what comes next for the MCU? Well, it would seem that Marvel and Disney, and quite frankly, competitors such as DC have come to realize that the market is ripe for new heroes and new stories, the kind that inspire people from all walks of life and leave the audience thinking long after the screen has faded to black, and the marked success of both Black Panther and Wonder Woman helped to lay the foundation for the arrival of what is hands down one of the most refreshing superhero films in years, Captain Marvel. 
 
Now that’s a statement that I am certain will raise a few eyebrows because it’s no secret that there is a segment of the movie going nerd population that firmly believes that movies in this vein, you know, the kind that feature a female superhero, have no place in this market and have made their voices loud and clear that they believe this movie is simply no good, and I am here to tell you, that they are flat out wrong. Because Captain Marvel actually has a lot to offer for a superhero film, starting with the sheer fact that it is just outright fun. Every single moment here is just a blast to sit through, and the action, the comedy and the breathtaking visuals make the movie’s two hour run time simply fly by.  

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​But there’s more than mere chills and thrills to be found in this motion picture. Because I made mention of the fact that Marvel is attempting to be a touch more cerebral with its films and that definitely applies here. For the overall plot involving the battle between the Kree and the Skrull has familiar overtones, the kind that quite frankly serve as a parallel to our current world and America’s war on terror and how sometimes, an unjust war can lead to the creation of an insurgent enemy, one that is eager to fight back and expose the fact that the ‘good guys’ aren’t as noble as one might think. And while I understand that’s not perfect social commentary by any means, since it is broad and sweeping, for the MCU, a series that is just now getting into such matters, that’s a solid start and a step in the right direction.
 
However, the centerpiece of this story, is Captain Marvel, who by the way is played brilliantly by Brie Larson, and she stands out simply because, her character is given the upmost respect in this story. For her strength and her abilities are never brought into question, and she never needs a man to save her, nor is she sexualized or treated as a pretty object. She’s a hero, plain and simple, one that goes on a complete journey in this tale and one that saves the day in epic and satisfying fashion and really, this is something supremely overdue when it comes to female superheroes on screen and I hope this story serves as the blueprint going forward, because there really does need to be more inclusive films like this one, regardless of the hot air the naysayers are blowing.
 
If anything, it’s safe to call Captain Marvel a flawless superhero film, simply because you walk out of this one with your spirits soaring thanks to its breathtaking visuals and genuinely pure message that reminds us to simply be good to one another and well, I outright loved this film and it is one I highly recommend. Because you simply cannot go wrong with a movie that gets everything right when it comes to the superhero genre, and breaks new ground when it comes to inclusivity, and this entertaining ride is the kind of motion picture that leaves you pondering on it for days and if anything, this movie makes it clear that the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is going to be a bright one indeed.    

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