With Avengers: Endgame about to premiere, it's time to go back and rank the MCU's 21 previous films so we can catch up for Endgame's much anticipated results. Happy comic book surfing!
21. The Incredible Hulk
21. The Incredible Hulk
Easily the least entertaining and captivating film of the
bunch, Edward Norton cemented his career as difficult to work with (and would later
be replaced by the superb Mark Ruffalo)- but the real disappointment was the
effects and limp story.
20. Thor: Dark World
The God of Thunder Thor’s second movie features more of his bland
Uncanny Valley world of Asgard, combined with the bleak and dismal world of Svartalfheim
(the title of which says it all). Featuring likely the worst (and under
utilized) villain in the MCU (Christoper Eccleston), Natalie Portman’s talents
would also be wasted here for the last time.
19. Thor
We’re introduced to Thor, prince of the bland afore
mentioned Uncanny Valley of Asgard. With the additional earth scenes not having
much more authenticity, Thor’s self seriousness is hard to take seriously,
especially with the listless Destroyer robot shooting laser beams out of its
(not) face. A decent introduction but ultimately disappointing showing for the
villain, Loki.
18. Captain Marvel
Marvel’s first female lead solo film, it also features a 90’s locale and the origins of the Avengers initiative in introducing Nick Fury and Agent Coulsen. What it doesn’t feature is an actual explanation of the potent super heroine’s motivations- never a good thing for an origin story.
Marvel’s first female lead solo film, it also features a 90’s locale and the origins of the Avengers initiative in introducing Nick Fury and Agent Coulsen. What it doesn’t feature is an actual explanation of the potent super heroine’s motivations- never a good thing for an origin story.
17. Iron Man 2
Coming out only 2 years after the original, part 2 featured
more Downey Jr, more mechanical suits, and robots fighting each other, but is also
a rushed product that feels more like a check list than an actual movie. A
waste of Mickey Rourke (and his poi spinning talents), but a rousing
introduction to the Black Widow.
16. Ant Man and the Wasp
Paul Rudd returns for more giggles and pint sized fun, and adds a partner in crime in Evangeline Lilly’s Wasp character. While the film goes deeper than the original, it doesn’t make as much of an impact- despite sidekick Michael Pena’s hilarious best efforts.
15. Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange’s origin story features jaw dropping effects-
and little else. With a couple of non descript villains, the story is a bit of
a fizz and neglects the finer points of Eastern mythologies. Plus, finding a
new Marvel love interest to squander (Rachel McAdams) is the real trick for
this cosmological sleight of hand.
Probably the toughest ranking, Ultron brings back the gang from the original smash hit, but
similar to Iron Man 2, feels oddly
hollow. More corporate tick box than complete movie, it features some memorable
scenes but would really benefit from more of the gang chopping wood at the farm
or trying to lift Thor’s hammer.
13. Iron Man 3
Another tough one, likely Marvel’s most interesting writer/director
Shane Black brings his trademark Christmas themed quips to a story involving
Tony learning how to cope with his PTSD from the New York attack in The Avengers. While some interesting character
growth is introduced, and its snarkiness at times amusing, it’s also uneven and
introduces interesting developments that are dropped for later films.
12. Thor: Ragnarok
The third time proves a charm as Thor has a (badly needed) sort of reboot, with him bringing more of a snappy attitude into an irreverent universe full of Jeff Goldblum. A fresh and funny take from director Taika Waititi with rocking music- but I liked it better when it was called Guardians of the Galaxy.
The third time proves a charm as Thor has a (badly needed) sort of reboot, with him bringing more of a snappy attitude into an irreverent universe full of Jeff Goldblum. A fresh and funny take from director Taika Waititi with rocking music- but I liked it better when it was called Guardians of the Galaxy.
The Guardians return for even more irreverence, classic
music, and space travel- but bigger is not necessarily better. The freshness
and underdog status, so prominent in the original, fades significantly.
Features my favourite scene in the entire MCU.
10. Ant Man
The origin story of the tiny sized Ant Man has the most
comic chops in the MCU, and has thrilling scenes of micro adversity. But its
tone varies wildly and the movie struggles the most when Ant Man is normal
sized and grappling with his domestic life.
The origin story (and 6th Spiderman film!) of
Spidey brings a fresh high school perspective to things and a sympathetic
villain, but its army of writers mean this is more like a patchwork of scenes
than a cohesive web of a story.
Captain America’s origin story gets off to a great start
with runty Steve Rogers getting a super serum to become WWII’s greatest hero.
The well cast Chris Evans shows off his athletic prowess and the film is
historical (while wildly diverging from actual history)- it’s a lot of fun with
a wonderfully campy villain.
MCU’s busiest and most combustible film, it’s the
culmination of 18 films that came before it- and an enormous hype machine. It’s
also a fast moving roller coaster of action and characters. With the sheer
amount of multitasking, it’s a bit of a miracle it works at all. It’s
exhilarating- and physically exhausting. Suffers from having too much to do and
needs to take a breath, similar to Ultron.
One of MCU’s most popular origin stories, Panther features an authentic home land
that the hero hails from, and the best villain in the MCU. Its effects can be
questionable, but its authenticity is one of a kind.
Essentially an Avengers sequel, the Russo brothers continue
their strengths of globe hopping and inspired hand to hand combat. While at
times overstuffed with characters, it’s an amusing and rousing end of a super partnership.
A team up that didn’t even bother with origin stories, Guardians came out of nowhere and won the
hearts of many with its oddball cast, rapid fire quips, kick ass soundtrack,
and swashbuckling adventure. A dangerously re-watchable treat that may have
almost been as influential as The
Avengers.
3. Iron Man
The first movie in the MCU is also one of its best. We are introduced to the most iconic
character in Marvel history- Tony Stark. Robert Downey Jr. is electrifying as
the arms industry titan that uses his magnetic personality to earn back his
soul while working out the kinks in his super suit. A pleasure, with underrated
work by Jeff Bridges as the villain.
A comic book movie that has more in common with Jason Bourne than Superman, the Russo brothers deliver a thrilling ride that features
almost as much paranoia as it does action. Thawed after being on ice for 70 years,
we join Cap, who has to negotiate a world that no longer resembles the one he
used to fight for. One of the best MCU movies, and proof of why the Captain America series is the most consistent in
the MCU.
1. The Avengers
The reason there is an MCU. Along with Dark Knight, one of the most influential
comic book movies ever made. It set an impossibly high standard that both
Marvel and DC have continually tried to ape ever since. Exquisitely paced, tightly
executed, fun, exciting, and full of funny moments, it also features a strong
villain at his best.
No comments:
Post a Comment