Had potential for so much more

Rating: 7/10 (8 March 2019)

My initial impression is that this is one of Marvel's worst films to date...and admittedly I am usually easy to please when it comes to the MCU. However, I, like many, had pretty high expectations for this considered all of the build up that's happened. The last time the MCU was in this situation they delivered with Black Panther.
With Captain Marvel, I was very underwhelmed and a little disappointed.
That said, it is still not bad or "garbage" as some have referred to it. It follows Marvel's classic formula that has kept us hooked for over a decade, which at its absolute worst is still an entertaining experience.
There are certain things that I really enjoyed about the movie. Namely, Ben Mendelsohn's performance as Talos. I don't think the main twist to the story would have been as successful if it weren't for how he played that character. Speaking of, I was definitely not expecting a turn like that and was unsure of how I felt about it at first. Ultimately, I think it works well but at the same time is inconsequential in the grand scheme of the MCU's story (at least for now).
Brie Larson's performance seems to be polarizing for most. Her action scenes as Captain Marvel are badass and will make you excited to see more of her. Outside of that, she was just so-so to me. One of Marvel's primary strengths in my eyes has been their ability to create an emotional connection with these characters. I honestly didn't get that at all from Carol. The effort is made by introducing us to bits of her past along the way, but there simply isn't enough development to establish anything of substance.
For instance, when she visits her best friend for the first time in Louisiana, it is supposed to be an emotionally heavy moment for both parties involved: one who knows this is an important person to her but is still confused and trying to figure out who she is, and the other who believes her best friend had died and been gone for six years. The movie tried so hard to establish an important connection between them, but it just doesn't work right away. We're expected to fill in the blanks on a lot of character development that likely would have been beneficial to spend more time on. Because of this, there are a couple of character arcs with interesting potential that feel like a waste of time.
There are a couple of elements to the film that I simply couldn't stand. First and foremost, Lee Pace is AWFUL as Ronan the Accuser. I was extremely disappointed because up until now, he has been one of my favorite MCU villains from his appearance in GOTG. First of all, he gets maybe 5 whole minutes of screen time (probably less), and we learn nothing about him during that time. I'd imagine a casual Marvel fan who has seen Guardians may have trouble recognizing him at all. His role in this film is insignificant. Also, the one bit of extended dialogue he has when deploying ballistic missiles towards earth (C-53) sounds like a B-level actor reading for a cartoon villain. On top of all that, the "Accusers" are mentioned a few times and yet the film doesn't bother to explain who they are or what they do. I give them the benefit of the doubt because there is a lot of stuff going on and respect them for not wanting to just add useless information. But by the end, we really know nothing about the Kree or their chain of command. Even their mission as explained is sort of shallow. Is this race of beings just a bunch of arrogant assholes? Basically, that is the only justification we can infer from their actions.
Perhaps what I despise most, and is likely my most unpopular opinion, is the damn cat. The theater I was in was eating that thing up and likely would've voted it as the star of the show. I'll admit, I did laugh at a few scenes (both on the aircraft, the first time the tentacles appeared). But besides a couple of laughs, there is zero reason for this cat to be featured so prominently here. It is simply a throw-in for Marvel to entertain the younger crowd and those who are easy to please. I'm not saying this is a bad thing and would even say the ability to do that well is something that sets Marvel apart. But the execution of this is frankly one of the dumbest Marvel has put out.
And FOR THE LOVE OF GOD....Fury lost his eye because a cat scratched it!? I said out loud in the theater to my friend next to me my genuine reaction of "You have got to be kidding me." I had a hunch about halfway through the movie when the cat sits on his lap the first time, and was praying that it wouldn't happen. But alas here we are. After all the build up and speculation (especially since the first CM trailer), the most iconic feature of this character exists because of a CAT. I may never be able to look at Fury the same way again.
Despite my beefs (perhaps nitpicks) with this movie, I still think it is enjoyable. As I alluded to earlier, it would take A LOT for Marvel to ruin what they've got going so far. Gratefully, this movie doesn't come close to that. This is a stepping stone for both the end of the current saga with Endgame and future features from Captain Marvel...which I am excited about and truly believe will be awesome.
My hope is that Marvel directed most of their energy towards Endgame and is setting us up for another mind blowing adventure. With just under 50 days to go until then, this movie will satisfactorily hold us over.