The next Marvel comic book film for Disney, “Captain Marvel” is set to open next Weekend. There has been all type of speculation surrounding this release.
Initial projections had the film doing some monstrous business, with estimates stating it could make $150-$180 its opening weekend. But then the lead actress, Brie Larson began making some activist-type of comments, and an undercurrent of negativity has seen the predicted opening forecast dropping down below $100 million.
Some of that negativity is due to Larson talking in feminist terms to describe the film, but then she took things further. She mentioned how there were so many white males at the press junkets, and she had to try clarifying what she meant.
In my own words #unity pic.twitter.com/8gle4ZSk1a
— Brie Larson (@brielarson) January 30, 2017
While she may have wanted to include more at “the table” what she failed to grasp was this is a PR tour — steering clear of ANYthing controversial is the rule.
One reaction to her comments has been a growing number of fans going to RottenTomatoes and indicating they are not interested in seeing the film.
That 53% figure is very low, for a Marvel hero motion picture. This has been a bit of a backlash, but many in the press trying to defend the film are calling this “sabotage” by petulant male fan-boys.
Captain Marvel: why sexist attempts at sabotage will fail https://t.co/dMfsTEXu37
— The Guardian (@guardian) February 21, 2019
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Read my Feb 21 'Comics' Newsletter featuring “Captain Marvel: why sexist attempts at sabotage will fail” https://t.co/AVIBEdutJK
— Patrick Holt (@PatNHolt) February 21, 2019
For the record, these overreactions are missing a point: fans are not posting negative reviews to intentionally skew the rating. The film is not released, and therefore reviews are embargoed. What they are indicating is their desire to see, or not see the film, which is a feature on the RT site.
In a seeming reaction to this activity, news has been coming out about the presales of tickets being strong, as well as Twitter citing in its “Moments” tab that advanced reviews for the film have been “glowing”, which is being echoed by fans.
Higher.
Further.
Faster.
Early reviews for Captain Marvel are glowing, please go see it if you can!— ︽✵︽ Megan ︽✵︽ (@hihigh_heejin) February 20, 2019
But in scanning through these early raves, see if you notice a pattern:
Some initial #CaptainMarvel reactions:
1. Cat people will love this movie.
2. Several truly magnificent music moments for this 90s kid.
3. Carol's hero moment was very cathartic/true to the female experience, imho.
4. The MCU feels more complete now that Carol is in it. ♥️— Kayti Burt (@kaytiburt) February 20, 2019
I FUCKING LOVED #CAPTAINMARVEL
Its very different than most of the MCU films and so very 90s. It's funny and fun and super empowering. It made me feel proud to be a woman.
Also, as a 90s teen, the soundtrack….oh, the soundtrack ❤
— Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel is a hit. As a lot of us have been trying to tell a small crowd of folks, please do not hesitate if you are thinking of seeing the film. It’s going to leave you very happy & hoping for more much like Guardians.
— ︽✵︽ Thanos ︽✵︽ (@FightOnTwist) February 20, 2019
Facts: @brielarson is an unstoppable force as #CaptainMarvel. A supreme embodiment of the late 80’s to 90’s heroines that we looked up to, fully formed with agency and whose main relationship is with her best friend. So many girls are gonna see themselves, their struggle & fight!
— Sabina Graves (@SabinaHasNoR) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel was my ultimate 90s nerd girl fever dream + a cat. ?? ? ✈️ Ben Mendelssohn gives Samuel L Jackson a run for his scene-stealer $$$. But it’s ultimately cool AF to see @brielarson harness the power of being “just a girl” ? pic.twitter.com/bFHUwa3Gb8
— Angelique Jackson (@angelique814) February 20, 2019
There’s an earnestness to #CaptainMarvel that feels different than other MCU films. I got chills watching Carol Danvers get back up over & over & over again.
— Anna Klassen (@AnnaJKlassen) February 20, 2019
#CaptainMarvel is pure joy. I cannot wait for the generation of little girls who will grow up with Carol Danvers as a hero.
— Devan Coggan (@devancoggan) February 20, 2019
Just seems curious with the female-power messaging, and after Brie Larson calls for fewer male press members, that most of those “glowing” reviews Twitter is showing comes from female, studio-friendly voices.
It may actually be reflective of the overall impressions, but when you have press misidentifying male reactions it looks a touch coordinated to see this wave of female reviews.
Then there is another component that is…curious: There is a cat in the film. The cat is an important part of the film. There is a noted amount of enthusiasm for the cat, in this film.
.@BrieLarson and @SamuelLJackson describe the purrfect partnership before the release of Marvel Studios' @CaptainMarvel: https://t.co/ctH8fN2tRl
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) February 21, 2019
It's pretty dang unanimous — everyone and their mother (and their mother's cat) loves the latest entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, @captainmarvel. #AvengersEndGame https://t.co/6lRvEYvTaa
— 92.1 The Beat (@921thebeat) February 21, 2019
Captain Marvel reviews or reactions are out! And they're talking about the cat. That just means the movie is beyond great, right?
— INFINITY BARS ? (@MrBabars) February 20, 2019
Despite a rough start (perhaps more accurately, a purposely confusing one that does tie back into its original story), it settles into propulsive action, snappy cast chemistry, an inspirational hero tale that never hits its audience over the head, and truly superior cat acting.
— Kate Erbland (@katerbland) February 20, 2019
10 Captain Marvel posters salute heroes, villains, and one stellar cat https://t.co/Bm2avu5dcF
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) January 16, 2019
Had a good time with @captainmarvel! Enjoyed the cast and appreciate the heart of it all. Although I think the cat may be my favorite thing! Full review coming to @joblocom when embargo ends. pic.twitter.com/Il0mAxdC8y
— Jïmm¥†ð†hêð (@JimmytotheO) February 21, 2019
"Early reviews say CAPTAIN MARVEL has:
1. Fab 90s music . . ." Good, good . . .
"2. A fantastic three dimensional female lead character . . ." Excellent!
"3. A great cat." TAKE MY MONEY!— Adrienne Kress (@AdrienneKress) February 20, 2019
Captain Marvel stars gush with love for Goose the cat https://t.co/EpbFES5fqm via @CNET
— Ashley Eckstein (@HerUniverse) February 21, 2019
Goose the cat has even been granted a live-stream on YouTube. Because…sure…
Watch live as Captain Marvel's Goose actor does cat things on YouTube https://t.co/XURlBoxFvv pic.twitter.com/rTy5iPWhBb
— io9 (@io9) February 22, 2019
The cat is apparently so integral to the plot that it warrants its own tie-in marketing products.
Pop! Captain Marvel Goose The Cat (Exclusive) Review! https://t.co/1llck3jM8j pic.twitter.com/Sor5r2ldNU
— Planet Nestor (@PlanetNestor) February 20, 2019
So — there’s a cat in the film, you say? Huh. Okay then.
That’s an…interesting selling point. Well, good to know.
Reading Captain Marvel reviews and I keep noticing the media mentions the cat constantly…. this is kinda weird and makes me think that this movie may be terrible!
— Mad Skillz (@PiltyBones) February 20, 2019
Sounds like something a typical triggered male would say!!!
(Agreement, nonetheless)
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