So, Captain Marvel (2019) is definitely an interesting one. Carol Danvers has an excellent solo adventure as the first solo female lead in the MCU. It is particularly entertaining because she doesn't have her powers for the entirety of the film. The slow-build of discovering her true self and the plot-twist about the Skrulls are the highlights of the film.
Abilities take time to develop
The development of the special abilities of the characters in the MCU has always been a hallmark. This quality is, perhaps, best exemplified in the Captain America Trilogy or in Thor: Ragnorak. Captain Marvel, however, takes us through this journey of the development of abilities through self-realization. Carol literally remembers who she is and why she chose the life path that she did. Through this fight for the belief in her moral compass, Carol gains access to the full ability of her powers. The one worry this gives me is that they may "Superman" her. If they make her all-powerful and give her an unquestioning sense of her morality, the character becomes stale and boring. Nobody likes to watch perfect people because we can't see ourselves in them. We identify with the overcoming of human flaws and shortcomings. I'm sure Marvel will find a way to create a character or moral dilemma for Carol to struggle with.
Quick Hits
I like the ensemble of Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, and Jude Law.
Skrulls aren't villains? Or just this group of Skrulls aren't? Who is to say we won't see more in the future?
Hard to ignore the story of Carol refusing to let the world define her.
Few good song choices. I feel like so many comic book films have attempted to replicated the Guardians' soundtracks and have come up short. Captain Marvel has more effective use than say, Suicide Squad, but is less effective than Ironman 2.
Good ass-kicking finale.
Larson and Jackson have great chemistry.
Cat fans rejoice! Goose has arrived!
The truth is, I don't have a whole lot to say about this film. It came out right before Endgame and I chose to wait for it to come to DisneyPlus instead of buying it. Waiting that long to rewatch it made it feel like a first viewing. I really enjoyed it and hope that someday I can say something more poignant about it.