Brie Larson puts the “her” in “hero” in Marvel’s latest film, Captain Marvel, released March 8. The film was highly anticipated and the months leading up to it were filled with controversy since it is Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first female solo movie. The movie was released on International Women’s Day, going along with the themes of women empowerment.  

The movie opens with a tribute to creator, Stan Lee, who passed away in November of 2018.

Larson’s character, Vers or Carol Danvers, could just be the most powerful superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Danvers, like most other superheroes, was in an accident that gave her incredible power; with her human DNA fused with that of the Krees, an unemotional alien species, she must protect Earth in an intergalactic battle. The battle between the Kree and the Skrulls, shapeshifting aliens, is full of propaganda, epic fight scenes and easter eggs.

This movie is hilarious on so many levels, from its extreme 90s vibes to its use of Goose the alien cat and its connections to other Marvel films. However, the movie also has a serious side as well, talking about naive soldiers blindly following orders and sexism. Davers, her best friend, Maria (Lashana Lynch) and her niece, Monica (Akira Akbar), show what it means for women to support each other in who they are, career choices and life choices; they always stick together.

In this film, viewers got background on the MCU’s most mysterious character, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). It shows his softer side and eventually how he comes to lose his eye. The CGI team did a wonderful job, de-aging Jackson to look like a younger version of the character he has always played.

The soundtrack plays perfectly into the 90s theme of the film, very similar to both Guardians of the Galaxy films. The costume crew uses a spectacular combination of alien, warrior uniforms, Air Force uniforms and 90s grunge style.

Larson trained extremely hard in preparation for this film, both physically and intellectually. She used weight training, boxing and was eventually able to push a Jeep up a small incline. Larson then went on to meet with actual Air Force pilots to get in the necessary mindset.

Captain Marvel is a revolutionary movie, meant to inspire young girls to reach for their goals and not let anyone get in their way.