Captain Marvel Film Review: The Marvel Hero I’ve Been Waiting For

I love a good Marvel film. Or any superhero film for that matter, but I tend to lean towards Marvel over DC (sorry DC fans). I have many a fond memory attached to seeing a Marvel film, or sharing an Infinity War meme with friends. Like many others, I have been excitedly awaiting the newest installments in the franchise to arrive. While I will have to wait a bit longer to find out what happens after the Snap, I had Marvel’s first female-fronted superhero film to keep me occupied.

Last Saturday, on the heels of International Women’s Day (how appropriate), I made my way to the cinema to see what such a film would look like. I was full of hope and concern about how a leading female hero would be represented. Would she have a love interest? Would her costume be overly sexy? Would I finally have a hero I could relate to?

I needn’t have worried. Co-written and directed by a woman, Captain Marvel passed the Bechdel Test with flying colours. There was no time for romantic interests—Carol Danvers (aka Captain Marvel) is too busy discovering herself and saving the world. The only man Danvers has time for is Nick Fury, her partner in crime. Rather, we have a wonderful example of female friendship, born from defying the odds in a male-dominated field, who discover themselves through the film’s events. Maria Rambeau, Danvers’ oldest friend, is a role model in her own right, raising her daughter single-handedly while also working as a pilot in a time where women were not welcome, and it is she who helps Danvers discover her power.

We are also so lucky to have costuming that is not overly revealing or ‘sexy’. Captain Marvel’s suit is fitted, but functional, and definitely practical—I would totally replicate this for Halloween. Since the film is set in the 90s, we also get some classic looks from the decade, including a grunge look that is making me want a Nine Inch Nails shirt and some flannel ASAP. The soundtrack is also pure 90s, and had me singing along in my seat—don’t go chasing waterfalls!

Alone, Captain Marvel stands its ground as an exemplary film. As a Marvel film, it includes all the classic elements—a Stan Lee cameo (may he rest in peace), and two post credit scenes, including a sneak peek of Avengers: End Game, which releases next month. It mixed origin story with saving the world, and ticked all the boxes. It is certainly in my top three Marvel films, with no contest.

I left Captain Marvel feeling empowered, and grateful that there is now a female-led superhero film from such a major franchise that young women can look up to. While I may not look like Carol Danvers, I am also an emotional, capable woman who can hold my own, and relies on my friends in times of needs. I am willing to admit when I am wrong, and work to correct my mistakes. I am ‘only human’ and will continue to grow and evolve, and just might find my own way to save the world while I am doing it.