Take that, trolls. Though people who haven’t seen “Captain Marvel” may be giving it negative reviews, those who have *actually* watched it are almost entirely positive on the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is the first female-led Marvel movie, so there’s a lot riding on it–for both Marvel and fans–but if these early reactions are any indication, all can breathe a sigh of relief (except those cheering for its failure).
READ MORE: Trolls Try To Take Down ‘Captain Marvel’ on Rotten Tomatoes
The ’90s vibe and tone get special mention from Erik Davis and Yolanda Machado, which is great news for those concerned about directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who haven’t tackled a movie of this size before. Davis says, “It’s retro & trippy, mysterious & dorky. It’s funny in surprising places & badass in all the right places. It remains entertaining because it’s always changing. It’s got the right stuff.”
While Brie Larson is praised for playing the lead role, Ben Mendelsohn as villain Talos also gets singled out by a number who saw it. Mike Ryan says, “This movie doesn’t work without him.” Also getting special attention is Goose, aka Captain Marvel’s cat who already attracted attention in the trailer. Perri Nemiroff calls him “a scene stealer.”
The thrill of seeing a woman superhero get her own movie also isn’t lost in these early reactions. Machado also wrote, “It’s funny and fun and super empowering. It made me feel proud to be a woman.” Devin Coggan felt similarly, tweeting, ” I cannot wait for the generation of little girls who will grow up with Carol Danvers as a hero.”
READ MORE: Brie Larson Says Views The Upcoming ‘Captain Marvel’ As “My Form Of Activism”
Two of the mixed mini-reviews come from Playlisters. Our own Drew Taylor raves, but concedes, “It’s a little wobbly at times but only because it’s so ambitious…” Meanwhile Gregory Ellwood is the most negative of the bunch, saying, “Captain Marvel is a mixed bag. First half is slow and uninspired. Second half much better. Feels like directors could not escape Marvel formula.”
If there’s any doubt on what Captain Marvel will bring to the fight with Thanos, Angie Han sums it up: “Well, Thanos is fucked.”
“Captain Marvel” opens in theaters March 7.
#CaptainMarvel has a great ‘90s sci-fi vibe w/ a tone unlike any other Marvel movie, really. It’s retro & trippy, mysterious & dorky. It’s funny in surprising places & badass in all the right places. It remains entertaining because it’s always changing. It’s got the right stuff pic.twitter.com/o7AvqYY63x
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) February 20, 2019
The future of the MCU gets even brighter adding #CaptainMarvel to the mix. Really fell for @brielarson’s sass, strength & energy in the role. Same with @LashanaLynch too! Ben Mendelsohn is A+ casting as Talos. And yes, Goose is a scene stealer. 2nd viewing can’t come soon enough.
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) February 20, 2019
I can’t get over how great Ben Mendelsohn is. I was worried he was just going to be one of those Marvel villains with alien makeup, but that’s not the case at all. This movie doesn’t work without him.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel is a great origin story. Brie’s buddy cop chemistry with @SamuelLJackson is so much fun and her relationship with Lashana Lynch is the real heart of it. Ben Mendelsohn and the cat both steal the show.
— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel doesn't break the MCU mold, but it's a different and weirder spin on the origin story narrative, and that's a good thing. Part buddy comedy, part cosmic adventure, part "oh, yes, Ben Mendelsohn IS good in everything" reminder, it's also full of actual surprises.
— Kate Erbland (@katerbland) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel is a welcome addition to the #MCU. The movie is really well done with some great moments. #benmendelsohn steals almost every scene he's in. @brielarson literally shines in the role. So ready for #AvengersEndGame pic.twitter.com/GET0socRjl
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) February 20, 2019
I FUCKING LOVED #CAPTAINMARVEL
Its very different than most of the MCU films and so very 90s. It's funny and fun and super empowering. It made me feel proud to be a woman.
Also, as a 90s teen, the soundtrack….oh, the soundtrack ❤
— Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel is pure joy. I cannot wait for the generation of little girls who will grow up with Carol Danvers as a hero.
— Devan Coggan (@devancoggan) February 20, 2019
Lots of fun Easter eggs in #CaptainMarvel that link it to the history and other films in the MCU. Watch closely.
— Anna Klassen (@AnnaJKlassen) February 20, 2019
Really loved #CaptainMarvel. It’s a little wobbly at times but only because it’s so ambitious. It’s beautifully constructed, hilarious and offers tons of surprises. @brielarson obviously rules but Ben Mendelsohn is the surprise MVP. pic.twitter.com/yQLQGl2Yt0
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) February 20, 2019
Captain Marvel is a mixed bag. First half is slow and uninspired. Second half much better. Feels like directors could not escape Marvel formula. Mendelson steals the move. VfX of full Marvel powers much better than trailers.
— Gregory Ellwood – Playlist ???? (@TheGregoryE) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel: Well, Thanos is fucked.
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) February 20, 2019