Captain Marvel Cast Review

As a result of unintended consequences, Carol Danvers AKA Captain Marvel finds herself one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when she’s thrust into the middle of a war between two alien races. The movie is structured along familiar lines, with a laid-back and joking protagonist acquiring her powers through escalating action until she’s ready to save the world — but this time around, she’s joined by the shapeshifting Skrull (beautifully played by Ben Mendelsohn) and Jersey City super-fan Kamala Khan AKA Ms. Marvel. Not to mention the frisky, telepathic cat Goose and a snarky, ’90s-inflected soundtrack that weaponizes No Doubt’s ‘Just a Girl’ for one especially elaborate fight scene.

Brie Larson delivers a compelling, nuanced performance as the pugnacious, charming, steely superhero and demonstrates her ability to play more than just a punching bag for the Marvel Universe. She’s supported by Samuel L. Jackson as a young, two-eyed S.H.I.E.L.D agent and Jude Law as a suave, confident mentor. There’s also Annette Bening, Clark Gregg and Djimon Hounsou, with Lee Pace returning in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role as Ronan the Accuser (but looking so different I couldn’t even be convinced it was him).

The movie marinates in ’90s nostalgia — and its reliance on a formulaic structure can lead to Marvel fatigue if you don’t temper your expectations. But it’s still an entertaining story of a fascinating character, with Larson making the most of what she has to work with, even if I wish she had more opportunities to use her wit and style.