There’s a lot to be said about longevity. Over the last 10 years, Marvel Studios has released 21 films. Halfway through, many talked about superhero fatigue and yet, they’re still a $17 billion juggernaut that has fans coming out in numbers for the next wave.
As we draw closer to next month and the much anticipated Avengers: End Game, we first travel back in time to the 90’s for Marvel’s next origin film, Captain Marvel. After Infinity War, one of the biggest questions was, if Fury knew her beforehand, where was she? That question is definitely answered in this film (among others, like Fury’s lost eye). However, the film comes with some early (and unwarranted) controversy. We now live in a world where taking to the interwebs and bashing a film one has not seen because of ‘made up’ reasons is ok. That spilled over to the opening night where, despite a strong $20 million Thursday night opening, audience reviews on sites like Fandango trashed the film. To put that into perspective, there were more “reviews” for Captain Marvel in a few hours than Avengers: Infinity War had in its entire theatrical run. Needless to say, it’s obvious that this is “fake news”. In other words, stop relying on strangers telling you about a film and decide for yourself if you’re interested in the film.
Now, what about the movie itself?
First and foremost, thank you Marvel for that wonderful opening tribute. And THANK YOU STAN LEE!
As a film, Captain Marvel doesn’t land in the top 5 of Marvel films. It’s an above average origin film that has funny moments and some good action scenes. Some of the CGI could have been better, but overall it is definitely a good film to watch. There are some tender and heart-breaking moments as well. Like all other origin films, Captain Marvel contains a message where the hero must find themselves and choose which path to take. This one stands out in that story because her path to get there was different. The twist is both expected and surprising at the same time. Though not perfect in terms of film making, this is easily the second most influential film Marvel has released.
The film isn’t the “social justice warrior” hogwash that “those people” will have you believe. It is, however, a film that inspires and empowers women, and rightfully so. It’s no coincidence that Marvel/Disney decided to release it on International Women’s Day. As a male, I cannot begin to fathom this era in films. But as a father to an 8 year old young girl, I am thankful that, for her, there aren’t just princesses that need a prince or damsels in distress. My daughter now has princesses that are strong and courageous. She has leaders, Jedi, rebels and warriors in a galaxy far, far away. She has Wonder Woman. She was warriors and tech genius in Wakanda that look like her. And she now has a Captain. All these heroes have something in common and is what stands out in Captain Marvel. They have nothing to prove. They are strong and don’t need affirmation from men to prove it. They remind me of Queen Esther, as they are here ‘for such a time as this’. Forget the “rules” of the past. Kick open the door and present yourselves as worthy because your people, the next generation, needs you. This doesn’t mean that men are not wanted or that we are inferior. But as men we need to support and empower the women around us. The world is a better place with both strong men and women. When we value others by their own merits and not the standards that we place based on ours, we as a society can overcome.
Captain Marvel is a fun film that serves a deeper purpose than just film. Men, go see it and enjoy. Appreciate that it isn’t for us, and that’s ok.
Again, THANK YOU STAN LEE….this film embodied your spirit.
Leave a Reply