So so superhero flick

Rating: 6/10 (6 June 2019)

Considering the importance of the Captain Marvel character and her story to the Marvel cinematic universe, her first foray onto film is average and no more. Sadly this movie, in which Earth finds itself in the middle of an intergalactic war between the Kree and the Skrull, lacks excitement and tension. Rather than being invested in the action and the outcome, I found myself being pretty blase about it all. I know it's just a movie, but shouldn't the audience care about what is happening? Perhaps part of the reason is that so much action is spent on other planets, rather than here on good old Mother Earth. Still, Guardians of the Galaxy didn't spend a lot of time on Earth and it was a very exciting movie. Another part of the reason may be that the characters are just not engaging. I don't recall seeing any of Brie Larsson's other work, but I do know after this that she makes a pretty bland superhero. Compare this portrayal with Gal Gadot in the role of DC's Wonder Woman. Now there is a woman who is charismatic, inspiring and who looks like she could really kick some ass. Brie Larsson's Captain Marvel looks like she could host a ladies' coffee morning. When she turns up in the end sequence, ready to take part in Avengers - Endgame, instead of feeling a frisson of excitement and anticipation I felt let down. (What!? You again!!??) It was a teaser that didn't tease. Some of the other characters are puzzling too. Samuel Jackson is good but Jude Law is as uninteresting in his role as the title character is. Annette Benning is silly as the 'Supreme Intelligence' (or whatever she's called). Ben Mendelsohn, an actor I like, plays his role with a peculiar London type accent that seems really out of place on an alien from another galaxy. It's quite off putting and makes it hard to take his character seriously.
Yes, there's a lot wrong with this film, especially disappointing for such a pivotal movie. I wasn't bored by it, and I didn't hate it but I wasn't excited either. It might be a while before I watch it again.