By Thomas Chung

Copy Editor

5/5 STARS

 “Captain Marvel,” released on March 8, International Women’s Day, is the first solo superhero movie with a lead actress produced by Marvel Studios. Brie Larson plays Carol Danvers, who finds herself caught in a galactic war between the Kree and the Skrulls, two alien races. Joined by a few allies, Danvers embarks on a journey to become one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Captain Marvel.

   As Marvel’s first solo superhero movie headed by a woman, it is clear that women and womanhood are placed at the forefront of “Captain Marvel.” Larson excellently portrays a determined, steadfast, and powerful female superhero who holds her own weight against challenges that are dealt to her by men. The scene where Captain Marvel literally blasts through enemy Yon-Rogg’s misogynistic rhetoric is particularly memorable.

  Lashana Lynch masterfully plays Danvers’ best friend Maria Rambeau, who uplifts Danver’s heroism while practicing some heroism herself. Also, Annette Bening’s character, Dr. Wendy Lawson, acts as an influential role model who positively develops Danvers.

   Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck should be commended for creating a movie that models women’s empowerment and calls for women’s liberation. Although these themes could have been integrated more subtly, audiences should appreciate the effort being made to convey an important message.

  Aside from setting itself apart as a woman-centered movie, “Captain Marvel” is a standard continuation of an 11-year-old cinematic legacy that begins with Marvel’s “Iron Man.” Like the solo origin stories of other superheroes in the MCU, it is a rather unsurprising journey of self-discovery characterized by an unknown past, a subsequent time period of hardship, followed by an unexpected realization of super abilities, and a final act of altruistic heroism that saves the day.

   In light of a predictable, mediocre plot line, the constant betrayal, deception, and action present in the movie keeps viewers engaged. The countless allusions to older Marvel symbols and to the 1990s are sure to make moviegoers of all ages feel nostalgic, including those born after the first Marvel superhero movie was released in 2008 and those born after the period in which the movie is set.

   In conclusion, the plot should be placed in the rearview when watching “Captain Marvel.” The focus on female empowerment and liberation breaks a glass ceiling in the MCU, and that should be the primary motivator for going to see the movie.

   Even though it is Captain Marvel’s first time on screen, it will not be her last. She will appear again in “Avengers: Endgame,” coming out on April 26. Fans should anticipate her appearance there and should savor her appearance in this solo movie.