Zoha Naqwi, Staff Writer

Over the past 11 years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has grown from the initially stand-alone military science-fiction film “Iron Man” to an entire multi-crossover superhero franchise that attracts all audiences. “The Avengers” (2012) propelled MCU into an all-captivating element of American popular culture. And just like the MCU has grown, so has the representation of women in the films.

It started with non-combatant Pepper Potts, Tony Stark’s love interest, who now has her own action scenes in the upcoming “Avengers: Endgame.” Then comes Natalia Romanova, the infamous Black Widow, whose own solo film is in the works.

The real story is the premier of Marvel’s first female-led solo science-fiction movie, “Captain Marvel,” released in March. “Captain Marvel” follows former Air Force fighter pilot Carol Danvers as she returns to Earth after being a part of the Kree Empire’s Starforce for six years with no memory of her previous life on Earth. With the aid of SHIELD agent Nick Fury, Carol’s best friend and fellow Airman Maria Rambau and Goose the Cat, Carol must uncover a crucial part of her lost past that may potentially end the Kree and Skrull war once and for all. This is not as easy as it sounds when you realize that some things are not what they seem and you may have accidentally gained phenomenal cosmic powers from an Infinity Stone. Nonetheless, Carol Danvers has been a powerhouse long before her life turned Binary and will stop at nothing to save the galaxy.

“Captain Marvel” is a movie long overdue and is perhaps one of the greatest films of the year so far. The movie started off with a sentimental Stan Lee tribute. Audiences get nostalgic with the 1990s setting and a stellar soundtrack that fits the science fiction elements in addition to popular songs from the 90s. We also got an amazing cast with Brie Larson adding humanity, strength and humor to Danvers, Jude Law as Yon-Rogg and Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury.

Larson’s portrayal of Captain Marvel illustrates the pros and cons of one’s humanity and reveals that being perfect is not very rewarding. Yon-Rogg tried to beat the humanity out of Danvers and make her more Kree. However, while her powers are extraordinary, it is Danvers’ humanity that makes her a true hero. She is someone who falls down but always gets back up and tries again.

“Captain Marvel” can be seen in theaters everywhere. “Avengers: Endgame” wraps up the decade-long storyline on April 27, and “Spiderman: Far From Home” premieres July 5.

This article was originally published in the April 26, 2019 issue.