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Reviews
Black Widow (2021)
Slow but Worthwhile
The thirty eighth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Widow starts slow, but ends on a high note. As per usual, casting is done perfectly. The villain however, Task Master, was disappointing. Her identity was clever, but nothing came of it and not talking until she was freed made no sense to me. The main villain however and the Red Room itself was done well however. The entire beginning of the movie was done perfectly, a heartbreaking separation that paid off in the finale. The message about family throughout the film was beautiful. The special effects were spectacular, specifically the sequence at the prison. All in all, though after the very beginning the film slows down and gets somewhat boring, it quickly picks back up and makes an incredible entry into the MCU.
Loki (2021)
Huge Implications for the MCU
The thirty seventh entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Loki is a groundbreaking show. The casting as per usual, is simply perfect. The special effects are spectacular. The story itself is completely unpredictable, and not at all what I imagined I'd be watching. I can not stress enough how much world building and character changing for the MCU occurs in this show. The implications for the MCU at large are huge, as well as setting up the next saga after the three previous phases. Loki and Sylvie are a very unique couple, and though it will come off as "icky" if you dwell on it too long, it definitely still works, and very much feels as someone Loki would be interested in. Also an interesting thing to note about the show is the fact that there is no real villain. All together, this show is one of my favorite entries into the MCU.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
Amazing Motives and an Amazing Captain America
The thirty sixth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, also known as Captain America and the Winter Soldier, or what it should be known as in my opinion, Captain America and the White Wolf, is an amazing entry to this universe, and greatly expands on two characters lives. Not much casting is present here, but the little bit here was done perfect, as always. The continuation of the storyline started by Avengers: Endgame had unexpected turns, and was done fantastically. Seeing Sam take up the role of Captain America while also exploring the complicated history of that role was done beautifully. Seeing Bucky slowly recovering from his years as a brainwashed assassin was done less so, but was still effective. How the United States government decided to choose their own "Captain America" who may have been the worst possible candidate is honestly one of the most realistic things in film. The return of Zemo was unexpected but greatly appreciated. The villains of the series had a realistic and believable motive, and ultimately weren't purely villains persay, but some of the pieces of storyline were just too cartoonish. Overall though, a great addition to the MCU, and has me excited for the future.
WandaVision (2021)
Intriguing
The thirty fifth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, WandaVision is an emotional and mysterious television series. The casting is good, though the director of S. W. O. R. D. Comes across as a simple, one-dimensional character. Expanding upon that, the entire premise of S. W. O. R. D. Raises many questions, none of which are answered or alluded to. The villain reveal is clever and unexpected, I wasn't able to see it coming till near the end of the show. The return of Monica's character from Captain Marvel, combined with the post-credits scene have me excited for the future of the MCU, without even mentioning the future of Wanda's character. This show was definitely one of the more emotional entries into the MCU.
Peter's To-Do List (2019)
Perfectly Fine
The thirty fourth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Peter's To-Do List is a perfectly fine short. It starts pretty slowly, but does shortly get to it's fast pace. The short simply shows Peter getting ready for his vacation, all relatable little things, like selling his old toys so he has money to buy MJ a gift. However, Peter using his suit to cheat his way out of like to get his passport, while funny and something 99% of people would do, doesn't feel "Peter Parker like." It simply feels as if it goes against his character. Besides that, it's fine. This would work better just being put in the film rather then as an independent short though.
Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
Good, But Disappointing After Spider-Man: Homecoming
The thirty third entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man: Far From Home is a good, if messy, film. The casting is once again exactly on the dot, with Jake Gyllenhaal being a perfect Mysterio. The villain is done well, with his motive being believable and even tying back into two earlier films featuring Iron Man. However, his reasoning behind wanting to kill Nick Fury doesn't entirely make sense, as it doesn't forward his main motive. The film is funny, however at times it does feel tired-some, and it does drag on at times. The twists in both the post credit scenes are very intriguing, and have me excited to see them explored in future MCU projects.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The Perfect Conclusion
The thirty second entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Endgame is a perfect conclusion to all the preceding films, aka the "Infinity Saga," (even though there is one more film in the Infinity Saga). The cast really shines in this film, showing just how well they embody their characters. The deaths are emotional and amazingly done. Even Captain America, who doesn't die, has a beautiful finale to his story. Iron Mans sacrifice is done beautiful, and his message he recorded for Pepper and Morgan is tear-jerking. The death of Natasha is also done perfect to the last detail. All in all, this is a beautiful and poetic ending to many characters, while also allowing the continuation of this ever growing universe.
Captain Marvel (2019)
Fun Origin Story
The thirty first entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel is a fun film. The casting as per usual is near perfect, though Brief Larsons acting can be a bit over the top in one or two scenes. However she and the rest of the cast still do an amazing job besides that tiny note. The special effects are once again mind-blowing, especially the deaging of Samuel L. Jacksons character. The villain reveal isn't anything special, but they still serve their purpose, and they do it well. Seeing Clark Gregg's character make a return, even for just a few tiny scenes, is a fun cameo. The only thing of note in this film I did not enjoy was the reasoning as to why Nicholas Fury lost his eye, as in a preview installment he mentioned he lost his eye the last time he trusted someone. However in actuality he lost his eye when a cat looking alien scratched his eye. Besides that, this film is a fun addition to the MCU.
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Such Much Better Than The First
The thirtiest entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man and the Wasp is an amazing continuation, and is a huge improvement upon the first Ant-Man film. The limited casting of only three or so characters is fine very nicely, and the special effects are spectacular. Both Ant-Man and the Wasp characters are greatly improved upon, and it seems the filmmakers has a better understanding of the script this time around. The humor works so much better then the first film, and is once again some of the best humor in the MCU. The "villain" is an interesting one, who isn't really a villain but someone put into very unfortunate circumstances. This film is one of the better character focused stories in the MCU instead of focused on world ending events.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Perfection
The twenty ninth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Infinity War is damn near perfect. The special effects are breathtaking, with several new planets seen, each one with a unique environment. The dialogue is some of the best seen in any film, not just from the MCU. The villain, featured as a side character in three previous installments, is one of the best offered by the MCU, with complex motives and a moving backstory, who also believes he is on the right side of history. Seeing all the Avengers reunite for their greatest threat yet, with the newer faces of the Guardians of the Galaxy, is spectacular. All in all, this is one the few examples of the perfect Marvel film, and just films in general.
Black Panther (2018)
Perfect in Every Way
The twenty eighth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther is a masterpiece. The casting once again is perfect, as well as the special effects being breathtakingly beautiful, save for a small portion of the final battle between the Black Panther and Killmonger. The film has a very heartfelt and inspiring message behind it, giving lessons about many things, for example that tradition should sometimes be broken for the better good. The cinematography is also absolutely gorgeous. The villains origin, his motives, and his death are done perfectly, and he is the best villain offered by the MCU to date.
Team Darryl (2018)
Not as Funny as the Team Thor Shorts
The twenty seventh entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Team Darryl is just a simple funny little short. It's nice seeing Darryl back once again, though I am slightly confused as to how Jeff Goldbergs character gets to Earth following the events of Thor: Ragnarok. The dialogue is funny, and the humor is peak, though it doesn't get as funny as Team Thor: Part One or Two. It is, more or less, just the same thing for a third time. The same type of humor, dialogue, and camera pans and cuts, just not as funny or well done as the previous entries. It just goes to show that too much of a good thing hurts the product.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Complicated Opinion
The twenty sixth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Ragnarok is a mixed bag. While the casting, as always, is perfect in every way, much of the beginning of the film drags along. The pacing for the first hour or so of this movie is awfully slow, and it's hard to care about what's happening off Asgard as compared to what's happening on Asgard. The death of both Odin and Mjolnir is handled poorly, with one being treated as more of a joke then anything and the other just brushed through like it was nothing. While yes Odin's death has been built up to in both the previous Thor installments, it still should have been handled slower and not so briskly. The humor is 50/50, it's either trying entirely too hard, or it's amazing. Loki's redemption in this film is fantastic, and improves an already great character.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Beautiful
The twenty fifth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man: Homecoming is a perfect reboot of a reboot of the character Spider-Man. The casting is once again at its best, as expected from the MCU. The humor in this film is some of the best the MCU has offered to date, even without the bonus of Robert Downey Jrs. Brief scenes. The special effects are breathtaking once again, with the plane scene near the end especially standing out. The character of Spider-Man is captured perfectly, with his awkward and wholesome self, and the humor, as stated previously, perfect. All in all, this film is a perfect Spider-Man film, and an amazing addition to the MCU. In just two appearances of Tom Holland as Peter Parker, he has established himself as the best Spider-Man to date.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Better Then The First
The twenty fourth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is even better then the first. There's really only two new characters who are cast in this film, most of who are perfect. The special effects as per normal are outstanding. The comedy in this film is one of the more well-done films in the MCU. The villain is good, with clear motives and a good performance, switching from a father figure to an angry God. However, the reason for killing his former lover is never established, which is important to note because it's an extremely important plot point. Overall, this film is absolutely hilarious and is a great entry in the MCU.
Team Thor: Part 2 (2017)
Funny Enough
The twenty third entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Team Thor: Part Two is a funny little setup towards Thor: Ragnarok, a future installment of the MCU. No additional casting was in this film, but the two characters do good with their characters, as per normal. The plot and dialogue was fun with Chris Hemsworths character being told to pay rent or get a job, and Darryl having to "work" with him. Thor, as expected, just gives him trinkets and Asgardian gold, oblivious. All in all, while not as good as Team Thor: Part One, this film is still a funny enough short that serves it's purpose just fine.
Doctor Strange (2016)
One of the Best
The twenty second entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange is one of, if not the best entry this far. The casting, as always, is perfect, it feels silly to even mention it in regards to the MCU. Benedict Cumberbatchs character has an amazing journey, from being an arrogant asshole to an arrogant likeable asshole, something not many films can properly portray. The romance between Doctor Strange and Christine is incredible, and is the best the MCU has done with romance to this point. The visual effects are breathtakingly gorgeous, and are the best the MCU has offered to this point. Though the villains motives are rather weak, his energy and performance more then make up for it. The second post-credits scene doesn't entirely work, due to the setup being rushed, but that is more then excusable.
Team Thor (2016)
Hilarious
The twenty first entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Team Thor: Part One is a hilarious setup towards Thor: Ragnarok, a future installment of the MCU. Only one person was additionally cast, Daley Pearson as Darryl, and of course he was perfect. The plot and dialogue was hilarious, with Chris Hemsworths character being so inept and confused to the workings of humanity. Mark Ruffalos character even appears at the end, further setting up Thor: Ragnarok. The film also helps explains Thor's absence in the previous entry, Captain America: Civil War, showing Robert Downey Jrs. Character had no way to get in contact. All in all, this film is perfectly cut short before the joke gets old, and is just hilarious, point blank.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Avengers 2.5
The twentieth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: Civil War is an amazing film. Though not quite as good as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, this film retains many of the things that made that film so great. The casting, as expected, is perfect. The villain is one of the best the MCU has offered to date, with clear motives that make sense, and that coincide with the plot of the movie beautifully. The story of the movie, the signing of the Sokovia Accords, is an amazing story device, and is something that most superhero films tend to ignore, but realistically some version of this would take place. Definitely one of the best films in the MCU.
Ant-Man (2015)
Underwhelming
The eighteenth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man is an underwhelming movie, wounded by it's slow staggering beginning. This movie starts slow, and drags through over half the movie, before finally finding it's place by the beginning of the hiest. The casting for this movie is not not up to the MCUs standards. Ant-Man himself is okay, but not outstanding as 99% of the MCU has done. The father-daughter dynamic between two of the other main characters simply does not work, and their performances are not the best. The villain has a very, very simply motivation but it works, he's a fun "for the money" kind of villain for the most part. The visual effects for the most part are outstandingly good, though some shots, particularly with the ants feel off. Overall, this movie is a mess that is saved by the ending.
Ant-Man (2015)
Underwhelming
The eighteenth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Ant-Man is an underwhelming movie, wounded by it's slow staggering beginning. This movie starts slow, and drags through over half the movie, before finally finding it's place by the beginning of the hiest. The casting for this movie is not not up to the MCUs standards. Ant-Man himself is okay, but not outstanding as 99% of the MCU has done. The father-daughter dynamic between two of the other main characters simply does not work, and their performances are not the best. The villain has a very, very simply motivation but it works, he's a fun "for the money" kind of villain for the most part. The visual effects for the most part are outstandingly good, though some shots, particularly with the ants feel off. Overall, this movie is a mess that is saved by the ending.
WHIH News Front (2015)
Wish There Was More
The seventeenth and nineteenth entries into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Season 1 and Season 2), WHIH Newsfront is an amazing short series. With the return of an actress from the original Iron Man, the series adds greatly to the MCU by showing in-world news stories, complete with interviews with the President and CEO of a company seem in Ant-Man. In season 2, the news anchors debate the actions of the Avengers, as seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron. The debates primarily consist of whether the Avengers should continue to remain unsupervised or should a government/international government (Such as the United Nations) agency began to oversee and authorize their actions, setting up Captain America: Civil War. The first season teases the events of Ant-Man with talk of a hiest on Vista Corp. Overall, I wish this series had continued further into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I have high hopes of a potential return on Disney+.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Good but Disappointing
The sixteenth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Age of Ultron is a disjointed mess of a film. The casting, as per usual, is perfect. However, quite a lot here doesn't make sense of is just simply confusing. The romance between Hulk and Black Widow is sweet, however when Hulk tries to convince her there is no future with him because he is a monster, Black Widow states she is also a monster bc she was sterilized years ago during her Black Widow training, which is quite honestly insulting to women who are unable to have biological children. Thor has a scene where he goes into a spring to get back to his vision he had earlier in the mission, however not only is the nature of the spring never explained, the vision hardly comes into play afterward. The visual effects are good, but not as breathtaking as previous films, and Ultron's design is pretty bland. The mystery of the infinity stones is heavily teased though, though the post credits scene makes no sense as to how Thanos is aware of Ultron.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Impressive
The fifteenth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy is an expansive, world building film. The casting, as in every MCU film, is perfect. The visual effects are breathtaking, and as in the previous entry you can't tell what's real and what's not. The comedy in this film is quite unique, but it pulls it off incredibly well, and is the perfect mixture of kidding around and taking itself seriously, which many films struggle with quite alot. Everyone's character redemption is also done terrifically. Guardians of the Galaxy is also the first MCU film since pre The Avengers to be about completely new characters, which is refreshing itself.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Damn Near Perfect
The fourteenth entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a near perfect film that raises the MCUs standards then fold. The cinematography and visual effects are breathtaking, and you are completely unable to distinguish what's a physical set and what is CGI. The casting, once again, is perfect. The villains are the best the MCU has offered to this point, beating their competition easily. The fake-out with Samuel L. Jackson's character was done perfectly, as well as the reveal that Sebastian Stans character had been saved in Captain America: The First Avenger. This film is easily the best in the MCU to date. My only complaint would be to the fact that I find it strange that no one would have contacted Iron Man or anyone one else in the Avengers for assistance, especially with the stakes so high. Also Hawkeye is part of SHIELD last we were told, and is no where to be seen. Other then that, perfection.