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Captain Marvel poster

Captain Marvel

Movie 2019 124 min Action, Adventure, Science Fiction Reviewed by Dan S · Checked 15 Sep 2020
Official Rating M ClearAge 13+

Why our age differs

Official is M, which carries an M steer for many parents. We say 13 because the sci-fi action is bloodless and the sharpest content is a few swear words

What we flagged

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Violence
Moderate
Frightening
Mild
Language
Mild

Our take

This 1990s-set Marvel adventure follows Carol Danvers as she pieces together lost memories and gets pulled into a war between two alien races. There is steady sci-fi action, shootouts, and shapeshifting aliens, all shown cleanly with very little blood. A strong thread runs through it about a woman being told to calm down and prove herself, which gives the film some real bite. The language is moderate, with a few sharper words in the mix. A confident, empowering watch for most teens around 13

Uplifting themes

Getting back up after every fall, trusting yourself, and refusing to be defined by others are the beating heart of the film. Friendship and standing up for the vulnerable also come through strongly Carol is determined and resilient, and her friend Maria is a brave single mum and pilot. Together they model grit, loyalty, and quiet courage

Story (may spoil tone)

The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. Set in the 1990s, Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

What we flagged

View all categories

Violence
Moderate
Frightening
Mild
Language
Mild

Details

Violence Moderate Sci-fi combat is frequent, from a planet raid to a space dogfight and h…

Sci-fi combat is frequent, from a planet raid to a space dogfight and hand-to-hand fights, with guns and energy blasts throughout. It stays bloodless and comic-book styled despite all the talk of killing

Language Mild A moderate sprinkle of swearing, mostly the s-word, turns up in tense m…

A moderate sprinkle of swearing, mostly the s-word, turns up in tense moments alongside milder hell and damn. It is occasional across the runtime. You will hear it in the arguments. It never takes over the film

Frightening Mild Shapeshifting aliens who can copy anyone, a kidnapping, and a tense nig…

Shapeshifting aliens who can copy anyone, a kidnapping, and a tense nightmare sequence add some unease. The overall feel is adventurous and exciting, and most tweens take it in stride

Bullying / discrimination Mild A clear thread shows Carol repeatedly held back, talked down to, and to…

A clear thread shows Carol repeatedly held back, talked down to, and told she is too emotional, largely because she is a woman. The film treats this as something to push against, not accept

Gore / death / weapons Mild Guns and alien weapons fire often, and there are a few deaths plus some…

Guns and alien weapons fire often, and there are a few deaths plus some blue alien blood. Injuries are kept clean and quick. The threat is clear. The camera does not stay on the wounds

Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

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Talk after watching

  • People keep telling Carol to control her emotions and prove herself. How did you want her to respond?
  • The film asks who the real enemy is in a long war. When did you realise the story was shifting?

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