Captain Marvel: Sparkles, Neon, Glitter, and Grunge (Spoiler-Free)

Mar 10, 2019 | Events, News, Reviews, Uncategorized

Dear Readers,

Let me set the stage by admitting that I spent my tween and teen years squarely in the 1990s from end to end. My early youth was spent admiring and/or acquiring Lisa Frank™ stickers and stationery. My teen years were filled with suburban angst and gritty grunge. All of these experiences were recalled as I immersed myself in the world of Captain Marvel.

As you have probably gleaned from the teasers and trailers, the movie has been set up to feel like a female empowerment movie. The official release date even coincided with International Women’s Day #BalanceBetter, whether purposefully or not is unknown to this writer. While the women in the movie do show strength, fortitude, and persistence, the movie itself is an origin story through and through. The hero questions herself, her powers, and her past as all of the heroes in the Marvel cinematic universe have. In the small moments, the movie does lead by example in celebrating diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. There is just enough teaching without being too didactic or in your face. Generally, though, the story follows a similar template to its predecessors.

The fight choreography is smooth and seamless like a martial arts-influenced dance or capoeira. The CGI is nearly flawless with very few trips through the Uncanny Valley. This includes the de-aging of our beloved, omnipresent Agents Coulson and Fury. With every show of power, the moviegoers are treated to a light show of sparkles and glitter reminiscent of Lisa Frank™. The costume designers clearly had fun with this movie because every detail is beautiful, era-appropriate, and/or an inside joke with the audience. This writer dreamed of dressing as a grunge goddess as a teen in jeans ripped at the knee, band t-shirts, flannel shirts, and leather jackets just like the Terran characters.

Through all of the flash and bang, the real scene stealer is Goose, the kitty Fury is enamored with in the trailer. This adorable orange tabby appears throughout the movie delighting the audience in every way a beloved kitty can. With every purr, lick, and leg nuzzle, moviegoers may feel compelled to search for clues or foreshadowing. Instead, what one does find are several nods to 1990s pop culture such as Blockbuster video and “Top Gun”.

The original motion picture soundtrack is filled with every single go-to karaoke song I have on my handcrafted list. Did the music department steal my karaoke list? Highly unlikely. From Elastica to Nirvana, No Doubt to TLC, every song was from a wide range of genres, handpicked to match the landscape, evoke a specific emotion, and pluck the nostalgic heartstrings of everyone who lived through the 1990s. The soundtrack is like an aural love letter to every Xennial who watches the movie.

A little fun game to play: How many times is “Captain Marvel” said during the movie?