I think I have seen the first film of 2019 that doesn't completely suck or disappoint. Brie Larson (Kong: Skull Island, 2017) plays Carol Danvers, a pilot for the U.S. Air Force who survives a strange explosion that infuses her body with super-human strength, flight, and fists of blazing heat. I don't know how the Marvel Cinematic Universe keeps doing it, but this film manages to be funny, exciting, and memorable as Carol Danvers learns to control her powers and understand her place in the universe.
Captain Marvel also surprises by being the most political Marvel superhero movie as it explores topical issues of refugees, foreign enemies, and domination. (Black Panther is also a Marvel superhero movie with political themes, but those themes are not addressed as specifically, or as gracefully, as Captain Marvel's themes). Avoiding a totally linear story structure, this film is a nice mix of science-fiction action, 1990s nostalgia, and feminist confidence. The film also stands out by being co-directed by real-life partners Anna Bowden and Ryan Fleck (who were also both part of the writing team on this film). This collaboration might be part of the reason Captain Marvel doesn't relish too much in the fight scenes or spend too much time exploring the emotional repercussions of lost memories and betrayals. Its restrained balance is a big part of its success as a film.
Captain Marvel may not be what I call an "important" film or "historically groundbreaking" beyond its commercial success, but it's a fun time and sends a great message, to viewers of all ages, about heroism in any gender or any form.
