Marvel Studios’ first female-fronted superhero film, Captain Marvel, has been enduring sexist troll bombing from people who haven’t even seen the thing, but after critics screened the movie, the real picture is becoming clear. That is, this film is not only a game changer but signals that the MCU is only getting started as Phase Three prepares to wind down with Avengers: Endgame.
Indeed, critics unleashed their tweeted reactions after screening Captain Marvel on Tuesday, and everyone sounds thrilled with what directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck have done. Marvel and Disney have also done a marvelous job at not only concealing much of the movie’s charm and story but appear to have added the perfect dash of nostalgia. According to these tweets, a two-eyed Nick Fury and Goose the cat show plenty of heart together, the ’90s soundtrack is on point, and Carol Danvers herself — who the Russo Brothers feared would be too powerful — should strike fear into Thanos’ soul.
UPROXX’s own Mike Ryan reveals how the movie’s “a lot weirder than I expected” while revealing that Ben Mendelsohn’s a surprise MVP.
CAPTAIN MARVEL isn’t what I expected based on marketing. It’s pretty much an “all in” cosmic space movie. Also, it’s a lot weirder than I expected. Ben Mendelsohn is awesome as Talos.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) February 20, 2019
And not wacky weird like the GOTG movies. Think more “Rey snapping into endless mirrors” from The Last Jedi type scenes. Also, finally, the MCU and a Nirvana song come together (as Kurt Cobain wanted)
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) 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
Did someone say, “Thanos is f*cked”? That would be coming from Mashable Deputy Entertainment Editor Angie Han.
#CaptainMarvel: Well, Thanos is fucked.
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) February 20, 2019
“Fans of #CaptainMarvel comics are going to love the movie,” tweeted ComicBook.com’s Brandon Davis. “Plain and simple.”
Fans of #CaptainMarvel comics are going to love the movie. Plain and simple.
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) February 20, 2019
The chemistry between Nick Fury and Goose the cat truly seems to be off the hook with Goose singled out as a “scene stealer.”
My kingdom for a Nick Fury & Goose buddy comedy #CaptainMarvel
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) February 20, 2019
Some initial #CaptainMarvel reactions:
1. Cat people will love this movie.
2. Several truly magnificent music moments for this 90s kid.
3. Carol's hero moment was very cathartic/true to the female experience, imho.
4. The MCU feels more complete now that Carol is in it. ♥️— kayti burt (@kaytiburt) February 20, 2019
#captainmarvel had space battles, car chases, an amazing 90s soundtrack and an ADORABLE 🐱! A surprisingly fun script, laughed so much!!! Great to finally see this kick-butt heroine in action 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Res8K8wMA7
— Jacki Jing (@JackiJing) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel is the ‘90s action film I wish I had growing up. It’s both fun, ambitious & an especially clever MCU addition.@brielarson unapologetically kicks ass as Carol & definitely left me anxious for more from her.
Oh and Nick Fury & Goose will steal your heart. pic.twitter.com/XnTK8ZBUz9— sarah el-mahmoud (@sarah_elmahmoud) 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
From there, critics reveal a Winter Soldier cameo, several episodes of Friends (?!) housed within the movie, and a fittingly kickass superheroine who’s soared into the MCU in a well-executed prequel. Here’s what people are going to adore when Captain Marvel flies into theaters on March 8.
#CaptainMarvel is (takes deep 90s breath) TOTALLY AWESOME. Never related to a Marvel character quite like Carol. She’s the stubborn witty 90s kid I like to think I am. pic.twitter.com/H6Q9s90KHA
— Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) February 20, 2019
Here is my reaction: CAPTAIN MARVEL ABSOLUTELY SOARS! #HigherFurtherFaster pic.twitter.com/1YEhqIQII9
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel is RADICAL! An awesome 90s period piece & total recalibration of the MCU as we know it! From the brief Winter Soldier cameo to the six full episodes of Friends that play consecutively through a majority of the film’s runtime, this might be my favorite MCU flick yet
— Ben Mekler (@benmekler) February 20, 2019
Marvel does a prequel right, not overexplaining too much but giving us unexpected answers in interesting ways. MCU’s most multilayered villain story. A fun 90s soundtrack, but sometimes the song choices feel too obvious.
— /Film (@slashfilm) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel is very fun. And I am thrilled to announce Brie Larson wears my EXACT SAME NINE INCH NAILS tee for more than half the film. Seriously. I’ve never seen anyone else with this shirt.
— Anna Klassen (@AnnaJKlassen) February 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/SassyMamainLA/status/1098129123782811650
Despite explosive action, #CaptainMarvel is a character piece & Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers does not disappoint. She crushes it, despite having only 10 mins of screen time sandwiched between full episodes of America’s favorite sitcom, Friends. Can't wait to see her lead Phase 4!
— Ben Mekler (@benmekler) 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 blast! Has some cool surprises that I definitely didn't see coming, and the mystery/origin it weaves is engaging and fun. Brie Larson is awesome, and makes a fantastic first step into the MCU #CaptainMarvel pic.twitter.com/oqrRtgDQrp
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel was a lot of fun! Just enough ‘90s nostalgia without overdoing it. Brie Larson is great. Ditto Sam Jackson & Ben Mendelsohn. Goose the cat is purr-fect. Some nice surprises and clever decisions throughout. Cool sci-fi elements. And funny! Thumbs up! pic.twitter.com/PzzxXir8pZ
— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) February 20, 2019
Love the cat, love Sam Jackson, LOVE Ben Mendelsohn, but honestly I’m calling Lashana Lynch as MVP. She brings an emotional weight to the film that is needed and transforms the entire movie upon arrival. Definitely need to see more of her#CaptainMarvel pic.twitter.com/QeEzUBM8O1
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) February 20, 2019