‘Captain Marvel’ Review: Brie Larson Takes a Trip to the ’90s

Marvel is scraping the bottom of their old heroes at this juncture.

Actually, the poet Marvell is pronounced MARvell, at least by himself and most scholars of his era. The marVELL pronunciation is a common error.

One can still find some interesting film works in today's corpus. First rule tho - ignore the movie if the lead character wears a cape or body armor. Second rule - ignore the movie if the lead character is carrying or wearing a firearm or other destructive device. Optional rule - no singing.

As a 76 year old man, I grew up with Superman and Capt Marvel. Back then Capt Marvel was a male who, when he shouted "Shazam!" turned into our super hero. So, what's with the sex change? Not that Brie Larson isn't far more of a feast for these eyes!

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie, but based early reviews I've been concerned that the filmmakers were so rapped up in making their female hero the "strongest Marvel character of all" that they forgot what makes any hero truly heroic. It's not about projecting self-confidence, moral certitude, and energy beams from your eyeballs. It's about finding your purpose; acknowledging your faults and overcoming them; not looking for fights, but not running from them either. It's about teamwork and humility; realizing that your powers aren't all about you. Captain Marvel can't really lay down her life for someone else if she's totally impervious to harm. She can't show real courage if she's never in any real danger. But if she has a true hero's story arc, one in which she learns to become a hero through growth and change, then the filmmakers will have gotten it right. Fingers crossed.

If marvel wanted to paint an accurate picture that would better serve as a metaphor for today they should’ve made She-Hulk.

When superheries will fight to save the oppressed and solve world famine instead of maintaining the current world order I might be slightly interested again.

Sigourney Weaver carried the "Alien" franchise for decades. Linda Hamilton was every bit the equal of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the "Terminator" movies. More recently, Gal Gadot has become a household name because of her star turn in "Wonder Woman". Evangeline Lilly. Scarlett Johansson. Angelina Jolie. Alicia Vikander. Daisy Ridley. All the stars in the previous paragraph were able to succeed in their respective films not just on the grounds that they were women, but because they were great actresses playing compelling characters in well crafted films. There is no shortage of great female action stars. And yet, this movie and Brie Larson do very little to earn any genuine excitement. Even this review seems to be holding back, as if reticent to say out loud what many of us are thinking - that "Captain Marvel" is just not as good as it ought to be. Oh well. There's always "Wonder Woman 1984" to look forward to.

I'm looking forward to Captain Marvel. I've enjoyed all the Marvel universe movies. Witty banter, slightly loopy problem solving, and evil defeated in time for cocktail hour. They remind me of the old Nick and Nora mysteries -- I never got tired of watching those, either. Rocket Racoon is way funnier than Astra ever was, which shows progress is possible in movies.

Could you please have Manohla Dargis write a review on this movie? Somehow I think she would have a lot to say. I’m interested. Thanks.

"within an overall structure of sameness." that's an understatement. The trailer makes it look like a fluffy nothing-new-to-see-here movie. Trailer does it no favors.

I'm excited. Once again Marvel Films turns a minor leaguer into a household name, similar to what happened with the Ant Man movie. We also forget that the character of Iron Man used to be slightly second tier in the comics. After Black Panther meant so much to African American audiences, it's time to find out if something similar can happen for one of the first female superhero feature films.

While in the cinema yesterday to see a decidedly un-Marvel-ous film, we were subjected to trailers for both Captain MarVELL and the upcoming Avengers sequel. All I can say is: could there possibly be an audience for this schlock? I realize I'm no longer between the ages of 10 and 25, but... dear god, Hollywood! We all need a little escapism these days, I know, but I'd love for that entertainment to involve something other than (ray) gun fights, car chases and interminable C.G.I. Is that asking too much?

"Captain Marvel" is meant to be a fun and entertaining film. Sometimes that's what an audience wants and needs - just to be entertained. I can't wait to see this movie because McKenna Grace plays the Carole character when she was 13. Ms. Grace was priceless in "Gifted" and I think her talents and career will continue to grow and impress. She is one heck of a talented and very good actress.

"You will stay through the very last credits in the hope of collecting every last Easter egg, and you’ll shuffle out of the theater feeling both satisfied and empty." I am sure that young women will feel empowered.

That was a well-written and entertaining review by A.O. Scott.

With very few changes, this review can cover almost all the Marvel movies, past and present. Don't get me wrong, I love to escape to a Marvel movie (more entertaining than the self-important DC movies (Wonder Woman excluded)), but the description of each one being both unique and the same seems quite accurate.

Wait a minute! Isn't there a law that says only Manohla Dargis gets to review female-centered action movies for the NY Times?? Do we really need another wishy washy critique from A.O. Scott on such a momentous work of cinematic art?