MCU Phase 3
My thoughts on the films which make up the MCU Phase 3 line up. They are listed from my favorite to least favorite, though suffice to say they are all quality films, just some I enjoyed more than others.
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- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris HemsworthMark RuffaloThe Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.Infinity War is the least self-contained film in the MCU cannon with viewers needing a pedestrian knowledge of the 4 previous films and relying heavily on the next Avengers movie to tie up all the loose strands. With all of that in place, it shouldn't work, but somehow, it does. From the first frame to the last, you are on a sprint to the finish. With a film this crowded, we could have been left with no stand outs, but Infinity War has an embarrassing load of riches when it comes to performances. The 3 Avengers who, for me, stood out were Thor, Dr. Strange and Tony Stark. Each of these characters had the film’s best action moments and emotional beats. As far as the villains go, Thanos is by far the best realized, multilayered villain in the MCU to date. Josh Brolin does an excellent job with his vocal and motion capture performance. Beyond the self-contained critique, another point of criticism is the ending. They are way too obvious in showing their hand for the next Avengers movie. We have characters sacrificing half the people in the universe not once, but three times by giving Thanos Infinity stones just to save one person, 2 couples living out the exact same scenario rather than showing a counterbalance to the other and not explaining obvious changes (Black Widow’s hair color, Witch's accent gone, et.). Those criticisms aside, what could have been a major train wreck given how much it does lean on the other MCU films, the Russo brothers direction helps turn this from a potential disaster to a heck of a thrill ride that will have you laughing, cheering, gasping and begging for more. A better than it should be 8 out of 10 stars and garnering my #1 ranking of the Phase 3 films.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansMark RuffaloAfter the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe.While I said in my review of Infinity War, it was at the time, the least self-contained film in the MCU, stands to reason Endgame takes over that title. That is driven home with the constant barrage of scene winks to the audience for a lot of the MCU films of the last decade. There is fan-service and then there is Endgame, the literal "endgame" of fan-service films. While this is appreciated element, it does get in the way of telling a story that will stand up to repeat viewings. While I still find myself able to revisit Infinity War and it actually get better, Endgame repeat viewings reveal just how much bloat the film has and how much the time jumping plot starts to break apart. That said, it is still a very satisfying end to the Phase 3 and first decade of MCU films. I have a feeling though, this one may not fair as well on continued repeat viewings, we shall see. As it stands today, an 8 out of 10 stars and just behind Infinity War at #2 for Phase 3
- DirectorRyan CooglerStarsChadwick BosemanMichael B. JordanLupita Nyong'oT'Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country's past.Black Panther gets back to a more serious and gravitas style of story telling, something I had hoped would happen with Thor, but we all know which direction MCU took him. So I was extremely satisfied to see a story with stakes and weight along with the action and wit. Everything about Black Panther is top-notch from the acting, to the music and cinematography. I do have to say I feel Michael B. Jordan's turn as "Killmonger" doesn't reach the heights that the hype has made it out to be. Yes, he is good, but his character is very much one-note and there isn't much separating "Killmonger" from Jordan's other work. IMO, Letitia Wright's turn as "T'Challa's" sister "Shuri" is the surprise standout and is undeniably the strongest emotional beat in the film. In fact, the other female character played by Lupita Nyong'o, "Nakia" is the other standout. For me, their performances and characters are a lot stronger than Jordan's turn as "Killmonger". Boseman's take on "T'Challa", continues to be strong, though I can't help but feel he was better in Civil War in some respects. An "Wakanda Forever" 8 out of 10 stars and a #3 ranking in my Phase 3 list.
- DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattZoe SaldanaDave BautistaThe Guardians struggle to keep together as a team while dealing with their personal family issues, notably Star-Lord's encounter with his father, the ambitious celestial being Ego.We get more of the same with volume 2, with the addition of a wonderful god-turn by Kurt Russell. There is quite a bit to like here, even if the elements that made the first film a breakaway success don't quite hit with as much of an impact this time around. We get another mix of classic 70's/80's tunes, that is fun, though a bit more forced than as organic as the first film. Michael Rucker gets more to do this time around as Yondu and actually ends up being the emotional cornerstone of the film. We also get a nice story arc between Gamora and Nebula. Peter coming to terms with the father/son relationship between he and Ego is also a nice emotional beat. These heart and soul elements are what set this franchise apart from the other's in the genre. Looking forward to the next adventure and their inclusion in the Avengers films. An emotional roller coaster 8 out of 10 stars and sliding in at #4 on my Phase 3 list.
- DirectorScott DerricksonStarsBenedict CumberbatchChiwetel EjioforRachel McAdamsWhile on a journey of physical and spiritual healing, a brilliant neurosurgeon is drawn into the world of the mystic arts.Doctor Strange makes its way onto screens with some of the best SFX seen in the MCU to date. I found myself marveling more at those SFX than at the movie itself initially. Doctor Strange has a fractured feel about it and it works for the most part, but it definitely hints at a lot more going on than what we get to see, hopefully future films can further flesh out all the elements. I am not a fan of Cumberbach's American accent, but with time it has grown on me more, especially after Infinity War. I absolutely loved the way they brought to life the Cloak of Levitation, like many elements it just kind of appears and does its thing, so look forward to more exploration of it in further chapters. Upon further viewings, this has risen in my overall rating of it within the Phase 3 films, overtaking Thor: Ragnarok. With Cumberbach'se standout appearance in Infinity War, I appreciate the setup here a lot more and find myself giving it more repeat viewings than I thought I would. It is gone from a passing 7 to an above average 8 out of 10 stars, today, it stands at #5 on the Phase 3 list.
- DirectorTaika WaititiStarsChris HemsworthTom HiddlestonCate BlanchettImprisoned on the planet Sakaar, Thor must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his world, at the hands of the powerful and ruthless villain Hela.Ragnarok is all kinds of wink and smile action that is a 180 degree change from how Thor has been presented as a character to date. This course correction can be overwhelming at times as the jokes are rapid fire and plentiful. The playfulness of the proceedings makes for a very entertaining film, but it comes at the expense of any real emotional depth. As rapid fire are the jokes, so too is the overall story structure which feels shot out of a gun without much thought to a target, but rather to quickly get to the next joke. This all works in the end however as all of the players are fully committed to the frivolity, led by Chris Hemsworth who is carving out a nice second career as a comedian. With this course corrected "lighter" approach to the character, we will probably see more of him in the future and possibly a 4th solo film, a first for any MCU character. A "not taking itself too serious" 7 out of 10 stars. Had this been more serious, may have ranked higher, as is, it places #6 on my Phase 3 list.
- DirectorPeyton ReedStarsPaul RuddEvangeline LillyMichael PeñaAs Scott Lang balances being both a superhero and a father, Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.After 3 straight films of world/universe scale action, Ant-Man and the Wasp brings a smaller scale to the MCU. The more immediate plot is helped along by the ever delightful Paul Rudd who continues to showcase a charm that RDJ once exclusively cornered in the MCU. At the core of the film is the father/daughter relationship which "family" is the ultimate core of the story here. Michael Douglas has an even larger role this time that counter balances Rudd's lighter approach. Evangeline Lilly once again is a fantastic partner in crime, so to speak, with Paul Rudd. Seeing Michelle Pfeiffer back in action was a delight, the additions of Lawrence Fishburne and Randall Park further cements the excellent supporting cast. Another enjoyable entry to the MCU stable, big on fun 8 out of 10 stars and 7th on the list of Phase 3 films.
- DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandMichael KeatonRobert Downey Jr.Peter Parker balances his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens with his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man, and finds himself on the trail of a new menace prowling the skies of New York City.This is a tale of two halves. The first act and a half of the film is hard to get through. There doesn't seem to be any kind of firm footing in the story. The thing that powers you through it is Holland's fantastic performance as Peter Parker/Spider-man. The second half of the film finds its footing story and pace wise and it ends very strong. There is a surprise character/story twist and one that is telegraphed a mile away. There is a hint of current political events that seem to be creeping into these latter MCU films which ultimately are throw-a-way but are a bit disconcerting as we see more of it. The framework is firmly placed by the strong ending, lets hope the next film is more of a complete effort. A shaky Spidey sense 7 out of 10 starts and number 78 on the Phase 3 list.
- DirectorAnna BodenRyan FleckStarsBrie LarsonSamuel L. JacksonBen MendelsohnCarol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.Entertaining mostly, it doesn't venture far from the tried and true. Where it struggles most is with the title character. Larson is trying to play three variations of one person (Vers/Danvers/Marvel) but settles for one consistently flat persona that you never feel much emotion for. I think this is due in large part with Larson getting George Lucas-style direction resulting in a performance on par with Hayden Christensen's in the Star Wars Prequels. Like Christensen, Larson's performance is not reserved as intended, but wooden and without personality. I hope in "End Game" and further solo adventures she can flesh it out better. Supporting actors get the highest marks; Jackson (Fury), Lynch (Rambeau), Mendelsohn (Talos/Keller), Law (Yon-Rogg) and Akbar (young Rambeau), they are what holds this film together ultimately. There are attempts to evoke 90's nostalgia through music. No doubt this is an attempt to copy the Guardian's formula yet they lack Gunn's deft ability to pick music that fits organically not feel forced or on-the-nose choices thrown in here. There are several retcon elements built in that fail because they are fan-service rather than story serving. The film mostly lacks any hardcore feminist agenda preaching, however does a major disservice to the story by using tired male chauvinist tropes as a means of providing the example of the emotional wall she must overcome. The first act, its best, deftly skips through the usual MCU story points, but really slows to a bore in the 2nd act before rebounding with a faster paced 3rd act that is ultimately frustrating as you can feel it building to an emotional crescendo but, like the title character, fails to evoke an emotional reaction. As was the case with other MCU films like Dr Strange, this one, on first viewing is not disappointing, but not one that I would say is a "must see". There is no need to see it before End Game other than being familiar with Marvel's power base and general story. As is, it is a passing 7 out of 10 stars and 9th place on the Phase 3 list.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsChris EvansRobert Downey Jr.Scarlett JohanssonPolitical involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man.10With all of the Avenger characters involved here and the addition of some new ones, this is more an Avengers movie than a stand-alone Captain America movie. What this film does best is serve as a showcase of how well the Russo brothers will be able to handle pulling off the Avenger Infinity War movies. Some nitpicks; the actual battle between our heroes is halfhearted at best, it really does not come off as the epic I had hoped for. Sure, we get all of our heroes in one frame and that makes for a great poster shot, but in the end, only a few of the participants have their heart into it. It doesn't help that the Team Stark stance behind this battle is weak, anchored by the all of a sudden flip flop of Tony Stark to wanting a Big Brother approach to what they do. We get a tacked on worthless sub-plot involving Winter Soldier and Tony's parents that exists solely to create the "real" Civil War battle between Cap and Tony, 2 too many non-hero side-characters and a Carter family reveal that could have been cool, but ends up being a bit creepy given the romantic angle it follows. We do get a wonderful intro for Black Panther and re-introduction of Spidey, plus, once again, Evans playing Cap brilliantly, help to overcome the aforementioned negatives. While still a worthy Captain America film, the overstuffed character, subplots and disappointing Civil War, make this a lessor Captain America film for me than the two previous. A flawed, yet still solid 7 out of 10 stars. I know this one ranks at the top of a lot of people's list of the MCU films let alone just the Phase 3. But for me, it remains the least re-watchable of all the Phase 3 films and gets the 10th place from me.
- DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandSamuel L. JacksonJake GyllenhaalFollowing the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.While there are some nice twists and turns, genuine laugh-out-loud moments and Holland continues to provide the best Peter Parker to date, this outing reflects a continued MCU fatigue. Like the first Spidey film under the MCU banner, the first act here is once again an effort to get through. What is different this time is we end up with a finale that is even more dull than the Captain Marvel finale. The middle act and the two post credit stingers are the best thing about this film. I really hope this is not a harbinger of things to come with the MCU as the last two entries NOT Avenger films, have done just enough to get a 7 out of 10 stars but nothing more. Speaking of, to date, one of the least convincing SFX spectacles in the MCU. Both this and Captain Marvel have a strange distorted hue around the SFX scenes that make them look cheap. Outside of the excellent work de-aging Samuel L. Jackson in Captain Marvel, both it and Far From Home showcase some of the least convincing SFX in the MCU. It pains me to say it, but the last film in Phase 3 to hit theaters is by far the least enjoyable and gets the 11th place out of 11 films.