She has nothing to prove to anyone! Captain Marvel, the 21st instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is here, and it certainly delivers!

As always, I’ll try to avoid spoilers, but as always, it’s certainly possible, so read with caution!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still here?

 

 

 

 

 

 

You sure?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay then, let’s get to it!

As you are probably already aware, Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) is the origin story for the character of the same name. She has no memory of who she really is, and goes by the name of Veers, the name the Kree gave to her. As the story progresses, she unlocks (albeit accidentally) her true identity, Carol Danvers, USAF pilot and a woman who has spent much of her life being told she can’t do things, only to defy her doubters at every turn. I can readily imagine how much the angry misogynist keyboard warriors would have howled with rage at certain moments, even though those moments accurate encapsulate the on-going experiences of women everywhere, every single day.

Make no mistake though, this film features subtle, and truthful references to how women can be held back, but it’s not a message that’s hounded and pushed – it rather takes the discrete and knowing approach, that would likely have most women nodding and agreeing quietly. It tells women and girls they can succeed, even in the face of adversity. Indeed, the wider message from the movie is that anyone can succeed, you just need to be prepared to defy the doubters and naysayers.

Beyond that, Captain Marvel is a slow-burner, taking a little while to get into the meat of the action, such is an origin story, but as with Marvel films, the special effects are top notch and the action sequences are beautifully crafted. It provides some intriguing backstory for Nick Fury, gives us some tender moments too, and features a moving and emotional tribute to Stan Lee, which I won’t spoil but it was wonderful. The moments of humour had me laughing out loud at various points too!

This is not the all-out SJW assault that the sexist and misogynist idiots out there would have you believe. It’s a film that stands on merit and also without servicing as a vehicle for Endgame. Naturally, the intrigue and anticipation for Endgame will go up a notch, which makes the end of April feel like it’s a very loooooooooong way away!