Before we see how it all “ends” on April 26, Marvel Studios has taken us back to the 90’s to see how the Avengers began. Captain Marvel is the origin story of Vers/Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel and is one full of heart. A woman who spent her life being told that she couldn’t do it, to slow down and to keep her emotions in check, Danvers finally breaks free.

Brie Larson was a great choice in the casting of Danvers; her sarcastic attitude and dry humor fit the character to a tee and she seems to fit into the Marvel family just fine. The chemistry between Larson and Samuel Jackson (who plays Nick Fury) really made the film what it was. Before Fury was the man we know today, he was the unexpectedly pleasant partner of Carol Danvers. The two actors played really well off one another and their friendship seemed genuine In other Marvel films, we’re used to seeing Fury as a mysterious boss figure that occasionally appears to say something ominous or give orders. In Captain Marvel, Fury is a young, bright-faced S.H.I.E.L.D. agent that apparently has an affinity for cats. We got to see a softer side of him and see him work as a partner rather than a commander.

Something that stood out to me was the obvious time, effort and, most likely, money that was put towards the de-aging of Agent Coulson and Fury. We’ve seen Marvel digitally alter our superheroes before, but none of them stand up to how realistic Fury looked. Shout out to the CGI department because had I not known, I could’ve sworn Samuel Jackson hadn’t aged a day since 1995.

If there’s one thing that I refuse to hear a counter-argument on, it’s how great the soundtrack was. The film was riddled with 90’s classics from artists like TLC, Nirvana, Hole, Salt-N-Pepa and No Doubt; all of which helped in keeping the tone of nostalgia without being overbearing.

The most notable song played was No Doubt’s “Just a Girl”, played after Danvers’ final defiance of the Kree and acceptance of her human identity. In a moment where she is finally able to be herself and use her powers uninhibited for the first time, Gwen Stefani singing “I’m just a girl” and “I’ve had it up to here” could not have been more fitting.

While I loved the film for what it was, it didn’t come without its faults. The biggest issue I, and it seems many people, had with Captain Marvel was the disappointing story behind Fury’s famous eyepatch. I love Danvers’ feline companion, Goose but come on, Marvel.

Another issue I had was with the beginning of the film. It began on a questionable note with the introduction of Jude Law’s character, Yon-Rogg (and his obnoxiously yellow eyes), and Danvers’ immediate declaration to serve the Kree Starforce without getting a true reason behind her willingness to serve or her dedication to Yon-Rogg.

We are then thrown into a rescue mission set on the least elaborately dressed set I’ve ever seen in a Marvel movie. With a start like that, I was beginning to think the film would be underwhelming because Marvel wanted to put more effort towards their next two films, Avengers: End Game or Spider-Man: Far From Home. Glad to see that wasn’t true as the movie went on, I’ll chalk it up to poor set design on that scene.

Captain Marvel overall was a pleasant surprise. It had its dry moments but was ultimately a movie that showcased the determination of the human spirit. So do yourself a favor, put on your best leather jacket (try not to get ketchup on it) and go see this movie; it’s a solid 8/10.