Captain Marvel

"There’s a hell of a lot of pressure on Captain Marvel’s shoulders ahead of the release of Avengers: Endgame next month. Not only did co-directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck need to introduce the MCU’s most powerful and crucially important hero, but they had to do so in the shadow of a film that will pick up after the death of half the universe. In exploring Captain Marvel’s origins with a mysterious, slightly non-linear narrative; following a space war to mid-90s Earth (a "shithole" in an alien's timely description); and having a perfectly-cast Brie Larson as its self-possessed and cheeky hero known initially as Vers, the results excel in keeping us riveted—for better or worse—on the film at hand, at least until its closing moments."

"Captain Marvel begins briskly, omitting a villainous prologue and a genial introduction, in presenting the unsettled Vers (Brie Larson), a gifted rookie in the Starforce, an intergalactic military unit in the service of the Kree, an advanced alien race. A rebel without applause, Vers has fractured memories starting with trauma and no history, a situation that requires a sparring session and stern advice from her commanding officer and mentor, Yon-Rogg (Jude Law)."

"They have brought off something exciting, embracing the Marvel house style and, within that, crafting a tale with enough tricks and moods and sleight-of-hand layers to keep us honestly absorbed."

"A satisfying standalone launch for Marvel’s latest superhero combines sci-fi action with ’90s nostalgia. Overcoming minor stumbles, it ultimately soars."

"Brie Larson isn't given enough to do in a Marvel movie that marinates in '90s nostalgia but doesn't quite rise to the occasion of its own significance."

"This is the first in a while that I’ve found myself immediately hungry to revisit."

"An entertaining new part of the saga."

"With the inevitable bombast and posturing of Avengers: Endgame to come, this is a great way to remember just how much fun a comic-book movie could and should still be."

"Nicely balancing the Earth-bound elements with epic cosmic action, Captain Marvel is yet another winner from the house of M."

"As a Nick Fury buddy comedy, it’s fun. As a feminist fable it’s essential. This takes a while to really get going, but when Carol Danvers takes off she is unstoppable."