Overall, I absolutely loved Captain Marvel. However, I do definitely agree with the underlying thread that seems to connect most critiques: the film feels like a Phase 1 movie. For those who loved and continue to love Phase 1 for what it was, that can be a great thing. For those who prefer the more gripping, character-driven movies of later phases (particularly Phase 3) and want that trend to continue, or feel as if a Phase 1-style movie is out of place in Phase 3, I can definitely see why the movie doesn't quite deliver.
If we look back at Phase 1, the character introductions we get there are quite similar to what we get out of Captain Marvel. Main character comes onto the scene, is pretty badass for much of the movie, and doesn't exactly develop much outside of learning to acclimate to a new setting or new powers. (I love Tony to death, but if I recall correctly Tony develops a bit in the first Iron Man but kind of slides back into a sarcastic, arrogant Jerk with a Heart of Gold as the plot demands in future movies, so that one is arguable.) It's not until a sequel (or threequel, in the case of Thor) that we get a more character-driven story where the hero develops in a meaningful way. I feel that in Phase 1 I grew fonder of the basic values, morals, and heroism that each character represented and their spectacular abilities than their individual personalities. The down-to-earth human supporting cast and the lead's interactions with them were a huge boon for the Phase 1 movies, picking up the slack where the protagonists themselves left much to be desired. Yon Rogg, Fury, and the rest of the supporting cast played that role spectacularly in Captain Marvel. However, compared to other MCU protagonists that once leaned on the supporting cast but have since grown away from that and became compelling characters in their own right, I can see why Carol comes across as somewhat bland.
Don’t get me wrong, I adore Phase 3 as much as the next troper. However, Phase 1 still serves its role at providing entertaining blockbusters that I can watch over and over, and for me personally Captain Marvel was a refreshing return to the MCU’s roots, if not a masterpiece.
Phase 1 Throwback, For Better or Worse
Overall, I absolutely loved Captain Marvel. However, I do definitely agree with the underlying thread that seems to connect most critiques: the film feels like a Phase 1 movie. For those who loved and continue to love Phase 1 for what it was, that can be a great thing. For those who prefer the more gripping, character-driven movies of later phases (particularly Phase 3) and want that trend to continue, or feel as if a Phase 1-style movie is out of place in Phase 3, I can definitely see why the movie doesn't quite deliver.
If we look back at Phase 1, the character introductions we get there are quite similar to what we get out of Captain Marvel. Main character comes onto the scene, is pretty badass for much of the movie, and doesn't exactly develop much outside of learning to acclimate to a new setting or new powers. (I love Tony to death, but if I recall correctly Tony develops a bit in the first Iron Man but kind of slides back into a sarcastic, arrogant Jerk with a Heart of Gold as the plot demands in future movies, so that one is arguable.) It's not until a sequel (or threequel, in the case of Thor) that we get a more character-driven story where the hero develops in a meaningful way. I feel that in Phase 1 I grew fonder of the basic values, morals, and heroism that each character represented and their spectacular abilities than their individual personalities. The down-to-earth human supporting cast and the lead's interactions with them were a huge boon for the Phase 1 movies, picking up the slack where the protagonists themselves left much to be desired. Yon Rogg, Fury, and the rest of the supporting cast played that role spectacularly in Captain Marvel. However, compared to other MCU protagonists that once leaned on the supporting cast but have since grown away from that and became compelling characters in their own right, I can see why Carol comes across as somewhat bland.
Don’t get me wrong, I adore Phase 3 as much as the next troper. However, Phase 1 still serves its role at providing entertaining blockbusters that I can watch over and over, and for me personally Captain Marvel was a refreshing return to the MCU’s roots, if not a masterpiece.