Captain Marvel reactions: Larson soars in Marvel's crazy, cosmic adventure

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Marvel’s latest superhero blockbuster – CAPTAIN MARVEL – is only two weeks away, and now it’s time for the first batch of critics and audiences to see the finished product and offer their thoughts. Not only is this Marvel’s first female-led solo movie, but other distinguishing qualities are it’s basically an MCU prequel, taking place years before the events of the first IRON MAN, while also shifting between alien worlds and our own. There’s also the first major appearance of the major Marvel comics race of villains, the Skrulls, who take the form of anyone they like, including little old women. How do all these elements stack up in this latest adventure? According to the first wave of critics and writers, incredibly well, making it for one of Marvel’s bolder, wackier adventures in the style of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY and THOR: RAGNAROK.

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Many critics and journalists are praising Marvel’s latest, particularly for the work from star Brie Larson, who they say is perfectly suited for the super suit and heroic, charming and funny. Another performance receiving praise is Ben Mendelsohn as the Skrull villain Talos, who critics are saying is much more than a throwaway villain caked in makeup. Along with great performances, the movie is said to have nailed the 90s tone, inciting a wave of nostalgia without relying too heavily on it, and including tons of music hits from the era. Cap it all off with a wacky, wild approach that makes the movie come off much weirder and more fun than some critics were expecting (and that may turn off some viewers), and this is shaping up to be considered one of Marvel’s most unique outings yet.

Of course, you should always remember these are just the earliest, immediate reactions, so be sure to check out more responses when the full review embargo drops on March 5.

#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

Lots of fun Easter eggs in #CaptainMarvel that link it to the history and other films in the MCU. Watch closely.

— Anna Klassen (@AnnaJKlassen) February 20, 2019

There’s an earnestness to #CaptainMarvel that feels different than other MCU films. I got chills watching Carol Danvers get back up over & over & over again.

— Anna Klassen (@AnnaJKlassen) February 20, 2019

Fans of #CaptainMarvel comics are going to love the movie. Plain and simple.

— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) February 20, 2019

I’m really hoping Skrulls will be the Infinity Stones of the MCU going forward. Ben Mendelsohn is awesome and so is the whole shapeshifting concept. #CaptainMarvel

— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) 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 has a great ‘90s sci-fi vibe w/ a tone unlike any other Marvel movie, really. It’s retro & trippy, mysterious & dorky. It’s funny in surprising places & badass in all the right places. It remains entertaining because it’s always changing. It’s got the right stuff pic.twitter.com/o7AvqYY63x

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) 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

My kingdom for a Nick Fury & Goose buddy comedy #CaptainMarvel

— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) 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

#CaptainMarvel is a welcome addition to the #MCU. The movie is really well done with some great moments. #benmendelsohn steals almost every scene he's in. @brielarson literally shines in the role. So ready for #AvengersEndGame pic.twitter.com/GET0socRjl

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) February 20, 2019

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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

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

Captain Marvel is everything that I hoped it would be. It feels completely unlike any other Marvel film. A unique and fresh take on an origin story that feels new. Brie Larson is fantastic as Carol Danvers. This is one of my favorite Marvel movies of all time. #CaptainMarvel pic.twitter.com/0ou7HU93MY

— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) 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 a great origin story. Brie’s buddy cop chemistry with @SamuelLJackson is so much fun and her relationship with Lashana Lynch is the real heart of it. Ben Mendelsohn and the cat both steal the show.

— Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) 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

And in news that is very true to my brand, I would die for Goose the cat. #CaptainMarvel

— Devan Coggan (@devancoggan) 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

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

#CaptainMarvel doesn't break the MCU mold, but it's a different and weirder spin on the origin story narrative, and that's a good thing. Part buddy comedy, part cosmic adventure, part "oh, yes, Ben Mendelsohn IS good in everything" reminder, it's also full of actual surprises.

— Kate Erbland (@katerbland) February 20, 2019

#CaptainMarvel was my ultimate 90s nerd girl fever dream + a cat. ???????? ???? ?? Ben Mendelssohn gives Samuel L Jackson a run for his scene-stealer $$$. But it’s ultimately cool AF to see @brielarson harness the power of being “just a girl” ???? pic.twitter.com/bFHUwa3Gb8

— Angelique Jackson (@angelique814) February 20, 2019

Oh, and is there an end-credits scene?