WRITER'S CUT: The MCU "Infinity Saga," 2nd Edition

"WRITER'S CUT": A collection of previously-published posts that have been thoroughly re-examined and re-edited by yours truly. (The following was originally published on March 30, 2019. The last two short reviews were originally posted on my Instagram account @be.kerian in the fall of 2021.) 

***

The first three phases of the unprecedented and record-breaking Marvel Cinematic Universe (released between 2008 and 2019) include a rich, now-iconic history of character arcs and massive stories, not to mention various adversaries (Loki, Red Skull, Killmonger, Thanos), organizations (e.g., S.H.I.E.L.D., HYDRA), and elements (i.e., the Infinity Stones). That being said, it can be very hard to keep track of these numerous threads. 

Still, for those up to such the challenge, here's a suggested order to watch all twenty-three films, based in part on how their respective stories and/or post-credits scenes set up or lead into subsequent features, as well as an obvious recap on each--with one or two fun facts thrown in. 

WRITER'S NOTE: A FEW MINOR SPOILERS WILL BE MENTIONED! 

Before we get started, does anyone want to get out?

~Steve Rogers (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)

PHASE ONE

Iron Man (2008)

Going back to the latter Aughts, Marvel had already been involved with other big-name studios on various products (i.e., Spider-Man at Sony, X-Men at Fox). But Iron Man was the one that laid an impressive foundation for them in becoming a successful independent studio. Headed by CEO Kevin Feige and director Jon Favreau, the unlikely casting of Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role of Tony Stark--who goes from egotistical and spoiled billionaire playboy to redemptive figure--proved plausible (despite a few unnecessary sexual-related elements) and subsequently synonymous with Downey's career, which has grown more respectable since then. And the fact that Samuel L. Jackson shows up (for the first time) as S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury set a traditional excuse for audiences to stay for a special post-credits scene. Best moment in the whole movie for me: the cave escape, which shows just how clever and smart Tony is.

Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Not the first title that audiences and critics think of when it comes to the MCU. However, when compared with Ang Lee's middling film version from 2003 (a daring attempt, to be sure), this action-packed adaptation, starring Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, is grittier and more engaging, thanks to its central on-the-run plot. Still, this CGI-rendition of the big green guy (while more realistic) seems a bit off-putting, and the overall tone does feel more like a made-for-TV SyFy movie. It is nice to see original Hulk Lou Ferrigno in a fun cameo. William Hurt would later reprise his role as General Ross in Civil War, considering Tony Stark shows up to tell him he's "putting a team together."

Iron Man 2 (2010)

This follow-up to the surprise 2008 smash didn't quite live up to expectations or offer anything as surprising. Even so, Iron Man 2 is an entertaining offer with its own merits. For one, it was the first time audiences got to see Don Cheadle as Rhodes (and don the War Machine garb). In home movie-style footage, John Slattery showed up as Howard Stark (a role he briefly reprised later in Ant-Man and Civil War). But it was Scarlett Johannson who made a scene-stealing debut here as S.H.I.E.L.D. spy Natasha Romanoff a.k.a. Black Widow, complete with an impressive hallway fight against some villainous henchmen. The idea of a shared universe (with a glimpse of Thor's hammer) slowly started to come to fruition here.

Thor (2011)

Director Sam Raimi and Marvel legend/co-creator Stan Lee envisioned an adaptation of "The Mighty Thor" in the early 1990s. But it was director Kenneth Branagh (known for adapting Shakespeare plays for the big screen) who helped bring the "god of thunder" to cinematic life in a loud, thundering, and engaging feature. Proving they could handle Norse mythology and not just heroes in iron suits or big green bodies, Marvel also developed a roster of A-list talent here from the likes of Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. And just as Downey had become synonymous with Tony Stark, so also have Chris Hemsworth (despite his strange and distracting gold-dyed eyebrows) and Tom Hiddleston with the arrogant-turned-heroic Thor and his mischievous brother Loki, respectfully. Clark Gregg steals the show as Agent Colson (who, besides Nick Fury, had been the glue to assembling the Avengers), while Jeremy Renner made his debut here as archer Clint Barton a.k.a. Hawkeye. 

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Chris Evans had played another Marvel superhero before (Johnny Storm in two less-than-stellar Fantastic Four movies), but it was his career-changing role as scrawny-turned-super-soldier Steve Rogers that proved, shall we say, fantastic. While some have argued that this film and Thor were mere setups for a bigger event the following year, Cap's first outing was indeed a brilliant homage to 1940s World War II films and good old-fashioned adventure. Fitting that Marvel hired Joe Johnson to direct, as he himself is no stranger to the latter. (His prior credits include 1991's The Rocketeer, as well as Oscar-winning visual effects work on 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark.) Hayley Atwell and Dominic Cooper debuted here as Agent Peggy Carter and a young Howard Stark, respectively, and would reprise their roles on the spinoff TV series Agent Carter. The Tesseract (the "Space Stone" briefly seen in Thor) sets the stage for the biggest event yet to come.

Avengers Assemble

The Avengers (2012)

One of the most satisfying cinema-going events in history, writer-director Joss Whedon assembled every major Marvel character introduced since Iron Man in an ambitious superhero team-up that had never been done to such an extent. Or, as film critic Peter Travers described, "six superheroes for the price of one ticket." Sure, the action and spectacle are exciting, but the most amazing aspect (as is the case with the best entries in this cinematic universe) is that the central story and character-driven dynamics don't get lost in said spectacle. Every character (Tony Stark, Thor, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Nick Fury, Loki, even newcomer agent Maria Hill) gets their moment to shine, lest we forget the mid-credit teaser image of Thanos. All main characters sitting around quietly eating shawarma ranks as arguably the best post-credits scene in any MCU movie. 

PHASE TWO

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

A less-than-stellar but still entertaining follow-up that proceeds the "Battle for New York" from The Avengers. This second chapter on the world of Asgard finds scientist Jane Foster (Portman) and Thor (who's hair is less-distracting this time around) encountering a dark entity known as the Reality Stone (or, the Aether) against an army of dark elves. This was also the first time the "Infinity Stones" were explicitly referenced, and would be explained more, bit by bit, in Guardians of the Galaxy and Age of Ultron. Hiddleston steals the show, once again, as Loki.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Those who thought Iron Man and The Avengers were riskys found a new benchmark in this largely-unknown motley crew of misfits in space, two of which include a talking raccoon and a humanoid tree whose speech solely consists of three words. Besides introducing the "Power Stone," Josh Brolin as Thanos, and establishing the complicated relationship between his adopted daughters, Gamora and Nebula (which would be explored more in 2017's Vol. 2), Guardians of the Galaxy marked several bold career moves for funnyman Chris Pratt (as Peter Quill/Star-Lord), sci-fi heroine Zoe Saldana (as Gamora), WWE star Dave Bautista (as Drax), acclaimed actor Bradley Cooper (as the voice of Rocket Raccoon), and action icon Vin Deisel (as the voice of Groot). The film's best moment involves all of them bantering and arguing about coming up with a plan. What director James Gunn (whose previously made the 2010 comic-book satire Super) did with the material resulted in a wild, roller-coaster ride of adventure, action, comedy, bizarre creatures, and unexpected pathos in a story of, perhaps, the most unexpected group of "heroes" (very imperfect characters, that is) who have been scarred by tragedy and choose not to stand by and let others be affected by such. A genius use of 1970s music (reflecting Peter Quill's life on earth) and the Sony Walkman, with Blue Sweed's "Hooked On a Feeling" now synonymous with this franchise. "We are Groot!" 

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Supposedly, this film's success came from much of the traction from The Avengers a year before. Downey reprised the role of Tony Stark for a third solo feature, which was a more distinct and intriguing (though darker and often polarizing) adventure, courtesy Lethal Weapon screenwriter Shane Black (who directed Downey in 2005's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). Iron Man 3 showcases Stark's PTSD from previous alien invasions and impending threats, including the mysterious and villainous Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) and an "Extremis" subplot. The film's style does evoke 1960s action flicks at times, particularly during the end credits. Plus, seeing Tony in a therapy session with a surprise cameo is a stroke of genius. 

The Guardians of the Galaxy

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Steve Rogers' difficulty adjusting to the modern world, not to mention trust issues with who he's working and/or fighting for, take center stage in this engrossing, grounded, and gritty genre-bending entry that's more political thriller than superhero adventure--and my personal favorite MCU film. Chris Evans has his finest hour here as Cap, who becomes a fugitive (as he does later in Civil War, but for different reasons) and discovers (with help from Black Widow and Falcon/Sam Wilson) a decades-long conspiracy and cover-up that's been hidden within S.H.I.E.L.D. Other themes and story threads include the haunting side of surveillance (that is, an attempt to "neutralize a lot of threats before they happen," recalling the New York alien invasion from 2012), and the discovery of the mysterious "Winter Soldier." Thanks, in part, to directors Joe & Anthony Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (who would all subsequently work on Civil War, Infinity War, and Endgame), Winter Soldier forever changed the course of the MCU. Perhaps an elderly Peggy Carter said it best: "The world has changed. We can't go back. All we can do is our best. And sometimes the best that we can do is to start over."

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Tony Stark's ever-growing anxiety and fear of impending threats from other worlds leads him to create a peace-keeping program (known as Ultron), which obviously backfires as a self-aware and highly-advanced villainous robot--and takes an added toll on Tony. Joss Whedon's second screenwriting and directorial effort with the Avengers doesn't reach the exciting heights as its predecessor did. It seems overwhelmed with setting up future installments and storylines. But this blockbuster hit does have its merits, including the introductions of Aaron Taylor Johnson's Quicksilver, Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlett Witch, and Paul Bettany's Vision. (The latter went from voicing Tony's computer system JARVIS to physically portraying a character, who holds the "Mind Stone" in his forehead). Age of Ultron also has some impressive set pieces and moments, like the gang attempting to lift Thor's hammer, Black Widow and Banner's relationship, Hawkeye's "safe house," Stark and Rogers' growing conflicts, and (the best action sequence of them all) the Hulkbuster fight. 

Ant-Man (2015)

Marvel's take on a heist comedy proved, for some, a sigh of relief from the bombast that occurred in Age of Ultron. The result was a smaller story with smaller action--and, perhaps, more heart--in comparison. Scott Lang's origin story in becoming the successor to original Ant-Man (and scientist) Hank Pym is dynamic and well-acted (with an unexpected Paul Rudd joining Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, and a scene-stealing Michael Pena). If the film has a flaw, it's that it doesn't give its characters a whole lot to do except banter much of the time. Still, it is an entertaining and touching offering, and features a standout brawl between Lang and the Falcon ("Wassup, Tic Tac"). 

PHASE THREE

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

More of an unofficial Avengers film than a third standalone Captain America adventure, Civil War is, in a way, everything that Age of Ultron wasn't. For one, it's so much more than a mere mash-up and pitting of several Marvel characters against each other (the most that have ever been assembled up to this point), due to a newly-established document (known as the Sokovia Accords) to put our heroes in check after recent events from Avengers, Winter Soldier, and Ultron. Tony Stark and Steve Rogers' conflicting ideals and worldviews are at the center of everything, with Stark fearing the worst to come while Rogers questions where his true allegiance lies: with his team, or with his old friend-turned-enemy Bucky Barnes. Meanwhile a vengeful and mysterious adversary (Daniel Bruhl) has his own personal agenda to destroy our heroes' loyalties to each other. (Baron Zemo is a fully-dimensional villain, whose plans, for once, have nothing to do with mere world-destroying.) Like Iron Man and Guardians, the action and spectacle never really get in the way of the story and characters. There's real motivation behind the now-iconic airport battle sequence, while MCU introductions of Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther and Tom Holland's Spider-Man hit home. Another cinematic game-changer that showcases themes that have never been seen in a comic book movie before, including a shocking and tragic revelation that, too, changes the course of the MCU radically.

Chadwick Boseman in Avengers: Infinity War

 

Everyone's got a gimmick now.

~Sam Wilson (Captain America: Civil War)

WRITER'S NOTE: Around the time of Civil War's release (and while Warner Bros was attempting to create their own DC team franchise), some people started to tire of this shared universe concept. A few filmmakers who helped break that mold--if only for a moment--including Tim Miller (2016's Deadpool), James Mangold (2017's Logan), Patty Jenkins (2017's Wonder Woman), and Ryan Coogler (2018's Black Panther)

Black Panther (2018)

It should be argued that this film belongs in a category of its own, when compared with the rest of the MCU. Black Panther doesn't even feel like a superhero movie, really, even though it was the first of its kind to receive a Best Picture Oscar nomination (and rightfully so). Yes, it is based on a superhero character and features many fantastical elements. But the story of T'Challa and his ruling of the fictitious African nation of Wakanda (as directed by Ryan Coogler, who heads a cast and crew with true creative freedom) is epic in its scope, genuine in its storytelling, and rich in its representation of cultures, generations, and genders. (Nakia, Okoye, and Shuri are forces to be reckoned with!) All the filmmaking elements really work here. And even though Black Panther does feature characters introduced in previous Marvel films (i.e., Klaue from Age of Ultron, Everett Ross from Civil War), you don't really need to see any of those movies to understand why these characters are here. Even if you have zero interest in any of the other movies on this list, I highly recommend this as the one MCU film to see.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Peter Parker (who was brilliantly introduced in Civil War, courtesy Tom Holland) gets his own MCU outing that brings him into the world that the Avengers inhabit. Homecoming is a smart and fresh (though at times crass) take, ditching the common origin tropes (i.e., spider-bite, dead uncle Ben) in favor of a colorful coming-of-age story that includes Tony Stark as an unlikely mentor and surrogate father figure for Peter. The filmmakers also made a smart choice by casting Michael Keaton as main adversary Adrian Toomes a.k.a. Vulture, who's character (like Zemo) is driven by personal matters and not mere world-destroying. The only downside, otherwise, is that Homecoming works more as a franchise film than as a solo adventure.

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 (2017)

Despite being set after the events of the first film (which was technically a "Phase Two" movie), this second "volume" of Guardians is technically a "Phase Three" flick, taking our unlikely heroes to worlds they've never been before (including a living planet named Ego). They also develop in unexpected ways, from Gamora and Nebula's complicated relationship to Peter Quill's search for his father and "home," Drax's vulnerability and friendship with new character Mantis, and especially Yondu's character arc. On the other hand, like Age of Ultron, this sequel feels overwhelmed with spectacle, as well as a certain level of crassness (as was the case with Homecoming, Ragnarok, and even Infinity War), not to mention several post-credits scenes and more 1970s music hits. In the end, though, the story is character-centered and does get its heart in the right place.

Doctor Strange (2016)

Known in the comics as "the Sorcerer Supreme," Stephen Strange's origin story opens up the MCU to other dimensions via the mystic arts, as well as the "Eye of Agamotto" (or, the "Time Stone"). His big-screen debut (from horror film director Scott Derrickson) isn't as strong as other entries due to some lack of character development. Its themes on the use or misuse of power are quite thought-provoking, and Benedict Cumberbatch certainly shows charisma as the title character. Huge credit goes to the team behind the psychedelic visual effects, the real stars of the movie.

Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Infinity War

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Wonder why Thor and Hulk were absent in Civil War? They fought in a gladiator match on the planet of Sakaar, even while Thor tried to save his home of Asgard from the villainous "goddess of death" Hela (Cate Blanchett). Many viewers were turned off by director Taika Waititi's emphasis on offbeat and broad humor in the god of thunder's third solo outing, while others found it a good change of pace to what they (and even star Chris Hemsworth) considered a bore in the MCU. Fan-favorite characters include the Grandmaster (1990s film icon Jeff Goldblum), rock monster Korg (voiced by Waititi), and warrior Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), while the film's style is very retro-1980s. The use of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" is a stroke of genius. 

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

The ultimate culmination of characters, styles and genres in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe over the course of ten years comes to fruition here as all our main heroes take on the mad titan Thanos (played with menace, complexity and unpredictability by Josh Brolin), whose sole goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones and wipe out half the universe. Many satisfying cinematic moments, great character entrances, and hilarious and surprising scenes are in store here, including the way the characters mingle with each other. (Did we ever think we'd see Tony Stark interacting with Star-Lord, or Thor with Rocket Raccoon, or Bruce Banner with Shuri?) Perhaps the most interesting commonality among these intercut stories and arcs is that many of these characters believe they are doing what's best or don't/can't bring themselves to do what is right or best for the sake of others--with the possible except of a small few. But be warned: this is the biggest, most threatening, and ultimately polarizing battle for the Avengers yet. (Honestly, that ending was a real gut-punch.) Good thing this was only the first half of a two-part story. 

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Several audience members needed therapy after Infinity War, and they got it with this worthy follow-up to 2015's Ant-Man. Scott Lang (under house arrest, due to his involvement in Civil War) is called in by Hank Pym and Hope Van Pym to jump-start a machine that will take them to the Quantum Realm (briefly explored in the last movie) to rescue Pym's wife, Janet (the original Wasp). A rare sequel that really improves on the original in every way, Wasp gives its cast a lot more to work and play around with. Evangeline Lilly, for one, knocks it out of the park as Wasp, as does Hannah John-Kamen (as Ghost) and Rudd (who co-wrote the script). One of the most fun Marvel movies, and a great example that even the smallest stories can still have a big impact, no matter how unlikely.

Captain Marvel (2019)

Set in the mid-1990s (years before the events of 2008's Iron Man), the origin story of Air Force pilot Carol Danvers and how she became "the most powerful character in the Marvel Universe" finally comes to big-screen life. Indie filmmakers Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck brilliantly made another MCU film that stands on its own, while showcasing a character who questions who she is, where she's from, and the difference between control and freedom when it comes to fighting and persevering, and not just to the use of power. The de-aging visual effects (previously used for actors like Michael Douglas, Robert Downey Jr, and Michelle Pfeiffer) for Samuel L. Jackson and Clark Gregg (as a younger Nick Fury and Agent Coulson, respectively) work seamlessly and effectively. This entertaining and electrifying movie also pays great homage to Stan Lee (who sadly passed away three months before its release) in two ways: in a cameo that references his appearance in Kevin Smith's 1995 film Mallrats, and in the opening credits. "Thank you Stan." 

We're in the endgame now. 

~Stephen Strange (Avengers: Infinity War)

Avengers: Endgame (2019) 

Infinity War was arguably the most anticipated conclusion to a film franchise since The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King fifteen years earlier. It was also the most jaw-dropping, ensemble-packed, and gut-punching experience at the movies. (Again, that ending left us all depressed for months.) Good thing the story didn't end there. The only downside was we had to wait a whole year. (9/25/2021, @be.kerian) 

To paraphrase the Russo Brothers, if Infinity War broke our hearts, then Endgame--with an engrossing story of loss, loyalty, and second chances--blew our minds. For those of us who've seen it, that is.

For everyone else, I won't bother spoiling the plot points and twists of this epic and satisfying finale to what has now become known as the MCU's "Infinity Saga," except to say that the build-up and anticipation over the course of 22 films in ten years--not to mention an impressive marketing campaign--really paid off. This is one of the most crowd-pleasing, unprecedented, emotional, and roller-coaster experiences to ever grace the silver screen, and it gives each character (especially the original Avengers, in their final team-up together) their moment to shine.

Trivial fact: Endgame remains one of the two highest-grossing films worldwide (and one of the top 20 box-office hits, adjusted for inflation). And it may be a long time before we get another experience that is this impacting and theater-packed. (9/27/2021, @be.kerian) 

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Following the events of Infinity War and even before the release of Endgame, I (and I'm sure many others) wondered whether this 2019 Spidey follow-up (and the MCU's epilogue to their first three cinematic phases) would take place before or after the former blockbuster. Like Endgame, I won't bother spoiling any major details, except to say that the directions its globe-trotting story takes are quite surprising, mind-blowing, and genuine. (A few content issues, as with Homecoming, could've easily been avoided.) I will say, also, that Sony and Marvel have been taking full advantage of Peter Parker's rogues gallery so far (Jake Gyllenhaal's Mysterio is a knockout here). They've arguably made the some of the best teaser posters as well. The MCU will never be the same from here. "Be ready for anything." (9/28/2021, @be.kerian)