More Like... Staff Sergeant Marvel?

Rating: 7/10 (15 March 2019)

There is no question that Brie Larson packs the gear to serve in the army of Marvel super-heroes. 'Captain Marvel' is the twenty-first movie released since Iron Man (2008) and the first with a female lead. That's a lot to hang on the shoulders of a young actress, even an academy award winning one. But hang it they do. In fact, if it wasn't for Larson's performance this movie has little to offer. A lack luster script, formulaic origin story and dull supporting cast, means that Larson is left with a lot of the heavy lifting (and, seemingly, without a hair stylist either). That's balls out for any actress! In the comic books, Captain Marvel is a secondary character, which means that , like Ant-Man and The Guardian movies, there was a lot of wiggle room to create a movie with a broader appeal unrestricted by the canon that comes with the more iconic heroes. Yet, there is nothing new here and Larson is largely left to win us over with her steely glances, barefoot fighting and playful kibitzing. Fanboys or grrls will not be disappointed but 'Captain Marvel' doesn't hold rank to attract a wider audience.