Movies & TV / News
First Reactions to Captain Marvel: ‘Weird,’ ‘A Lot of Fun,’ ‘Ambitious and Clever’
The reactions from the first critic screening of Captain Marvel have come in, and they are exceedingly positive. Marvel held its first screening on Tuesday (per Uproxx) and while the review embargo hasn’t lifted, critics are posting some very good things to social media.
Now, it must be said that it is pretty normal for first reactions — even from critics — to lean more positive off first screenings of blockbuster films. That said, critics tend to be a bit more measured than initial fan screenings and by their usual measure, this looks to be another critical success for Marvel. The worst criticisms leveled are that “It’s a little wobbly at times but only because it’s so ambitious” (Moviefone’s Drew Taylor) and “sometimes the song choices feel too obvious” (per /Film’s Peter Sciretta).
Otherwise, the consensus seems to be that the film is fun in a “weird” and “trippy” way, and that Brie Larson kills it as Carol Danvers. Nick Fury and the cat Goose are highlights as well, along with cast member Lashana Lynch who plays Maria Rambeau in the film.
You can see the full set of reactions below. The film opens on March 8th.
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
#CaptainMarvel: Well, Thanos is fucked.
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) February 20, 2019
My kingdom for a Nick Fury & Goose buddy comedy #CaptainMarvel
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) February 20, 2019
Fans of #CaptainMarvel comics are going to love the movie. Plain and simple.
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) 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
#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
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
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.
— Peter Sciretta (@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
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
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