I saw an article recently on watching Marvel films in chronological order that they take place in history. I thought it would be fun to rewatch the films and see if I would change my mind on any. I have to be honest that in Phase 1, there was one film that I hated and I hated it more the second time I viewed it. Overall, I felt some aged better than others. I am almost done watching Phase 2.
What are you thoughts? Which was your favourite and your least favourite?
Phase I
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) 8/10
Probably a little lower, but IMDB does not do 7.5 or anything other than exact numbers. I had originally given it a 7/10, but after re-watching it, I thought it was better than the first viewing. Chris Evans is Captain America. He gives us a good man with a heart for saving the world. He is a Christ-like figure who was willing to sacrifice his life for others. Evans is the Captain we desire.
Captain Marvel (2019) 2/10
As you can see, I did not enjoy Captain Marvel. I really tried. This is my second time seeing it and I hated it even more than the first time. Firstly, they changed too much from the original comic book. It became what some call an “agenda driven film”. I do not watch this type of film to be preached at about women. I watch for the action-packed fights and the snappy dialogue. It lacked all of it. Brie Larson was the biggest problem. She was surrounded by superior actors and actresses. She was bland. A controversial statement I am sure, but I feel I have to be honest about Samuel L. Jackson; he is a terrible actor. He is literally the same character in every film.
Iron Man (2008) 8/10
It was the first one. It hard to believe it was so long ago. I saw it in Budapest. It holds memories for me. It has aged well. I think it was a bit of a thinker comic book film at the time. It was slow on the action. Almost all of it is after the second half. I like the redemption of Tony Stark storyline. Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark now.
Iron Man 2 (2010) 7.5/10
My feelings toward the second one is similar to the first one. There is a little action in the beginning and the ending is a huge fight scene. The disappointing part was that the actual villain and Iron Man’s fight scene is really short. Another disappointment was the replacement of Terrence Howard in the role of Lt. Col. James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes with Don Cheadle. I prefer Howard’s acting over Cheadle. He seems like an angry short man. I also think Gwyneth Paltrow was perfect for Pepper Potts.
The Incredible Hulk (2008) 6/10
I enjoyed The Incredible Hulk more than Captain Marvel, but not as much as Iron Man or Captain America. I definitely believe Edward Norton is better than Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo is Ruffalo in every film he acts in. He is like cotton candy; he is light and fluffy. The film had some ridiculous scenes that were hard to swallow, but in the end, it is a comic book come to life. It was okay and the good outweighed the bad.
Thor (2011) 8/10
Perfect casting is everything in a film. You can have a great script, beautiful cinemaphotography, and perfect directing, but if the actor is not perfect for the scene it can ruin the film. Almost all the cast is perfect in their roles, especially, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Tom Hiddleston as Loki. I would say the whole cast was excellent, except for one, Natalie Portman as Thor’s love interest and astrophysicist Jane Foster. I am usually a fan of her work, but she was not meant for a comic book film. Her scenes were played too much like a comic book character instead of a real person, so she came off as a bit phony. They film was all the things you want in an action film. Even though you know Thor will prevail over evil, you wonder how so you take the journey with him.
The Avengers (2012) 8.5/10
Finally, all of them come together to fight Loki. This is what a comic book film should look like when done properly. All the characters get time on screen to reveal pieces of their inner selves. We see how they deal with their personal demons. Once again, there are a few weaknesses, but only a few. Mark Ruffalo as David Banner/Hulk is a bit of a one note actor, but Samuel L. Jackson outshines him as the worst actor in the film. I do not believe him at all as Nick Fury. Scarlett Johansson does an excellent job as the only female superhero Black Widow. Steve Rogers awakens after 70 years and joins the present-day battle, which is exciting. It is a fun film to watch with plenty of action and humour.
an ocean roars 