90s throwback with a lot of heart

Rating: 8/10 (9 May 2019)

Similar to recent Marvel character introductions, Black Panther and Infinity War, this film's not about giving the lead a personally trait to change, but a misunderstanding to correct (fail to correct in the case of Thanos). It's also similar to Winter Soldier in that it isn't a superhero movie for a lot of its runtime. Three fourths of the film is a throwback to 90s aliens on earth sci-fi. A throwback that's not limited to a couple of jokes and some hit songs: lighting, camera angles, color schemes, a score that hits 90s action movie riffs during the earthbound sections. And even co-stars Samual L. Jackson, also de-aged back to the 90s. It's an interesting creative choice for a 2019 blockbuster. Whether you're into this choice, or not, might impact your enjoyment of the film.
Another thing that separates Captain Marvel from the early MCU introductions is the layers of themes the movie plays with. One being how identities shift with the hero's understanding. Characters either shift roles, play different characters, or are not what they seem to be. The movie highlights the need for the hero's perspective change with the location of the requisite boss fight. And the lyrics of the Nirvana song that accompany it are on point. Other themes are war and propaganda, memory and control, and yes, female equality.
A surprisingly funny, fast-paced film with a lot of heart.