Captain Marvel
FILM REVIEW
A few weeks ago I grabbed a bag of popcorn and a bottle of water and was ready to settle down to enjoy another film in the Avengers franchise! Yes, you’ve guessed - Captain Marvel! This film is similar to most Avengers films in that it’s aimed primarily for late teens to young adults. With plenty of action-packed scenes, witty jokes and a star-studded cast, what’s not to love!
The story follows a woman (only the second superhero film with a woman at its fore, sadly) called Carol Danvers as she fights a team of ‘Skrulls’ (a race of shapeshifters) in order to complete her mission to free a Kree spy who is on planet earth. Throughout, she struggles with a identity crisis, relationships with people on earth, the Skrulls themselves and members of the Kree.
This film is shot from a view of the 1990s and from what I’m told it’s quite an accurate depiction of what life was like nearly 30 years ago. We also have on this film the last real cameo of the late Stan Lee the creator and artist behind Marvel Comics which is always an enjoyable part in every Marvel movie. I thought with a woman lead it might turn into a man bashing/hating sort of film but, thankfully, it didn’t.
This film, however, is like all the others in that the language is not great at times and there are some crude and unnecessary jokes made which never adds to a film’s reputation!
But there is a cat which adds some humour throughout. I didn’t find it very amusing but my fellow cinema attendee found it hilarious!
The film does have some lessons for us in that Captain Marvel’s decision at the end of the movie, to do something away from Earth, is a sacrifice and the acceptance of responsibility, despite what the individual wants. It makes you think about what are we willing to sacrifice for a greater cause! Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is a great example to us in this. He, one of the first Christian deacons in the early church, was known for his speaking ability, enraging the Sanhedrin and his Jewish audience. Quickly losing patience with his constant defence of his faith the Sanhedrin sentenced him to be sent out of the city to be stoned. During this courageous stand for Christ Stephen prayed for his attackers. ‘And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.’ Acts 7:59-60.
Are we ready to go and speak to our non-Christian friends? Are we ready to stand up and disagree with those proclaiming false gospels? Are we ready AND willing to be martyrs for Christ despite what we want at the time? ‘But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,’ 1 Peter 3:14.’Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you’ Matthew 5:12.
All in all, it’s a good film. However, in my humble opinion it’s 20 minutes too long. I did fall asleep during a long drawn out bit of dialogue; so that’s a downfall! But I would give it 3 1/2 … worth a watch, not the best Marvel, certainly not the worst!
