Filled with 90’s nostalgia, impressive action shots and a woman ready to fight her way through anything, “Captain Marvel” blasts into theaters with a $455 million global box-office opening weekend record for 2019. 

Before the film begins, the iconic Marvel opening sequence has been updated yet again with a tribute to the late Stan Lee, whose career with Marvel comics spanned 60 years. 

The film’s timeline is set back in 1995, a little over 20 years before “Avenger’s: Infinity War”, which takes place in 2018. 

In Marvel’s newest film, Kree warrior Vers (Brie Larson) finds herself in the middle of a war between two alien races with the help of S.H.E.I.L.D. director Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and guidance from Yon-Rogg (Jude Law). 

Vers possesses superhuman strength, extreme endurance, enhanced durability and a newfound seventh sense. The audience gets to see Vers discover who she truly is and grow mentally over the course of the two-hour film. 

As the film goes on, Vers’ powers become stronger with every obstacle she faces. It comes to a point where her entire body glows like a lightning strike captivating the viewers. 

The special effects in the film were outstanding and enough to make the audience feel it was real. There’s no way to shoot energy out of someone’s hand, but it seems possible after the film. The CGI has vastly improved over the course of the Marvel franchise beginning with “Iron Man.” 

Larson’s acting suits her strong-willed character very well. Larson has previously won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2016 for her work in “Room.” 

Jackson’s character is rejuvenated through CGI and displays a young Fury. He is still portrayed as the cunning, brave strategist he always has been. It is in this Marvel film were the audience is finally privy to the origin story of Fury’s iconic eye patch. 

The best lines in the script are delivered in Jackson’s characteristic sarcastic style. Not only has Jackson has been a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the start, but has also seen in Hollywood blockbusters, such as “Pulp Fiction” and “Jackie Brown”. 

Jackson’s character was not the only one being revamped. Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), who first appeared in “Iron Man” (2008) is introduced to S.H.E.I.L.D as an intern, keeping an eye out for Fury as he will continue throughout his future career. 

Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck are both the directors and screenwriters of the film. Boden and Fleck have worked together in the past including the films “Mississippi Grind” and “Half Nelson.” 

The screenwriters put together the usual script of witty Marvel humor, while maintaining the audience’s attention to action-packed storyline. The movie does take some time until the film truly comes together. However, there were some areas where the dialogue seemed rather weak and slow.  “Heroes. Noble Warrior heroes.” is a rather childish mantra uttered by Vers. 

One thing about the film that seems to stick with most Marvel films is the pacing. The movie seemed rushed by bouncing back and forth between introducing Vers and getting into the overall plot. With Marvel it feels like two hours is never enough. 

Much like Marvel studio’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”, the soundtrack of the film fulfills the upbeat retro theme with hits such as “Just a Girl” by No Doubt, “Come as You Are” by Nirvana and “Waterfalls” by TLC, which provides older audiences with a bit of nostalgia. 

The film presents a visually pleasing landscape ranging from the greens of the earth to the wide variety of intergalactic planets and their inhabitants. On earth, the 90’s scenery is peppered with pagers and payphones. 

Besides the typical stars of the film, there was one furry friend who stole the show. Goose is a cat that sticks with Fury and Vers throughout the film, with moments destined to make the audience erupt in laughter. 

 The PG-13 film rating is suitable for the family, with mild violence and language, which is nothing out of the normal for a Marvel film. 

“Captain Marvel” hosts two post-credit scenes, which collectively are worth the stay. 

Overall, “Captain Marvel” is yet another great addition to the Marvel cinematic universe. Though there are some rough patches, there is plenty of pleasing cinematography and superb acting, making the film worth the watch. 

Rating: 4/5 Cats