Mid Tier Marvel...so pretty good

Rating: 9/10 (9 March 2019)

At this point in the MCU it is rather hard to find surprises. Likewise, origin stories are often very rote and formulaic. That is somewhat true in this film but the decision to set the film in the 90's rather helps. Likewise, the decision to the make the film sort of a origin story for Fury was a good idea. The 90's nostalgia coupled with seeing how the pieces of the MCU fit into this film really liven up this story. I was fond of how the various reveals subverted the expectations. With an antagonist that can be anyone it was great to see how many characters weren't what they initially seemed. Overall, the story is a solid origin tale that fits in with Iron Man, Dr. Strange, the 1st Captain America etc. and hold its own. There are few choice barbs at sexism that are great and adds to the female empowerment of the film in a tasteful way.
The acting is quite good. Mendelson plays Talos with relish. He channels the pathos of the character quite well; he was a great choice to play a character that has the audience guessing. Law plays the pseudo-love interest and mentor quite well. His final scene hits the correct note of vindictive and pathetic. It is about time Law was in the MCU. I hope his character remains. Larson plays Captain Marvel with a tom boyish charm but also as a woman who won't suffer fools. I think Larson handles the character's earnestness about as well as one could. Her performance is committed and sincere.
However, Captain Marvel, the character, suffers from a Superman problem. The character is as overpowered as Superman and worse as earnest. This characterization is somewhat bland and dramatically flat. But it is refreshing to have such sincerity in a character. I am not sure how future stories can handle this to make the story engaging. The conflict in this film is just enough to up end this problem while watching but I am not sure if the character works beyond wish fulfillment.
It is really the detail that make this film very good. That the theme of things aren't what the seem being forwarded by Goose's running gag is a good example. Or how staples of the 90's-grunge, blockbuster, fresh prince etc.-are referenced in a natural way really sell the film.
This film fits comfortably within Marvel's average output. It is not the highs of Black Panther, Winter Soldier. But it isn't the lows of the Incredible Hulk, Age of Ultron.