Iron Man 2 (2010)
Even with the addition of Sam Rockwell and the introduction of Black Widow, Iron Man 2 feels less like a complete film and more of just a teaser that just happens to star Robert Downey, Jr.
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
I swear I saw this film and for the life of me cannot remember anything plot-wise about it. I do know Idris Elba gets more to do and Rene Russo gets ... well less. Another filler movie in the MCU.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Granted, without the First Avenger, Captain America’s arc from a bullied kid from Brooklyn to the figurehead of the most powerful country of the world and his sacrifice means nothing. But this was still an odd movie, both in scope, in cannon with the rest of the films, and in the wonky plot structure.
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Even though Edward Norton was recast for The Avengers, his Bruce Banner carried a low-lying intensity with a human touch that comes in handy when the Green Giant with purple shorts starts rampaging. Add in decent performances by Tim Roth and William Hurt, and this Hulk isn’t as worthless as it might be proposed.
Thor (2011)
Thor is a wonderful introduction to the beautiful world of Asgard and to the sibling-rivalry that will come to a head in Avengers. While the stakes aren’t too particularly high, it showcases a wonderful chemistry between Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman and a good does of Marvel-brand humor. Add in my beloved Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins and you can almost ignore director Kenneth Branaugh’s weird dutch-angle shots.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Iron Man 3 got a lot of crap when it premiered for many reasons: Tony is MIA for a good chunk of the movie, he spends his time with a scrappy young sidekick, the whole Mandarin debacle. But for writer/director Shane Black to step in to not only give us his Christmas motifs as well as taking a more psychological look at Tony after the events of The Avengers, it pays off nicely. For those pissed about Mandarin, so be it.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
While my full review is coming, I can both agree and disagree with all the salient criticisms of this film. While I did not feel it to be overly long, there are many plot points dropped although, too many cooks in the Avengers kitchen, and the over reliance on Stark’s arrogance to protect the world with little to no thought of the consequences. All in all, it is a fine film (admittedly not as good as the first for a plethora of reasons) but it does it’s job of showing superheros save the world effortlessly with much snark and banter between them.
Iron Man (2008)
Yes, this is the film that started it all. Prior to its release, I couldn’t tell you who Iron Man was or why he was so popular. But kudos to director Jon Favreau for creating a origin story that does not bore everyone to tears and single-handly set the tone for the rest of the MCU going forward, with the help no less from the excellently cast Downey, Jr.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
The Winter Soldier puts to rest the old argument that “comic book movies” are all the same as it merely features Captain America but also his disillusionment with S.H.I.E.L.D. and their way of doing business at whatever cost. It is less a superhero movie and more of a political conspiracy tale that just happens to star a 70 year-old man injected with super serum. Given that the Russo brothers, who directed this, have been tapped as the driving force between the MCU going forward, I feel in good hands.
The Avengers (2012)
I’ve already written plenty on The Avengers but needless to say, this is a blockbuster that (good or bad) has influence in just about everything else we have or will see coming up. For such a lengthy movie, all the right piece fit together to make it an excellent way to kill a couple of hours.
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