YEAH!!! In case you haven't realised it, I'm a huge Marvel Cinematic Universe fan... not a geek, but a huge fan! With Thor: Ragnarok release last week, it took me thinking about writing a post about MCU movies - then I realised there were 17 films from Phase One to the current state of Phase Three. But you know what? Nevermind! I'll rank them all!
So, if you're looking for a short Oscar break... Have fun with my list and always feel free to share your opinion.
I have to say I was really divided between Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) for the #10 spot.... but I had to chose one!
I have to say I was really divided between Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) for the #10 spot.... but I had to chose one!
Here we go:
#10 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
QUICK REVIEW: It remains faithful to the winning formula of its first installment, but the Vol. 2 of Guardians of the Galaxy didn't have the same noisy impact simply because it didn't have the "surprise" factor. No matter what, it is an extremely entertaining action flick! Kudos to Michael Rooker's performance who shines as Yondu Udonta (the script gives him more room to develop his character, for sure) and to Pom Klementieff for bringing some fresh air to the movie by playing Mantis. And, of course, there's Baby Groot.... ADORABLE!!! The makeup work is impressive, the soundtrack is on point and Pratt proves he's an effective leading star once again. In fact, it seems difficult to bring more fresh air to such a "naturally fresh franchise"!
#9 - Doctor Strange (2016)
QUICK REVIEW: Maybe the most beautiful (visually speaking) of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange is eye-popping but it doesn't sacrifice narrative and character background in favour of blockbuster appeal. Benedic Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton deliver a good show (whitewashing controversy here!!!) and some scenes might ressemble a bit of Christopher Nolan's Inception for its grand-scale spectacle. Its narrative fits the familiar formula for a origin's story, but Doctor Strange is as enjoyable as it is beautiful to watch.
#8 - Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
QUICK REVIEW: A different approach to the tale of the young hero of Queens. Peter Parker is now Tony Stark's pupil, aunt May is hot as hell and his first love interest isn't a pretty red-head named Mary Jane... and you know what? It works! I'm a fan of Sam Raimi take on Spider-Man adventures, but 2017's reboot is so good in a completely different way. This Peter Parker is not as nuanced and complex (dramatically speaking), but it works because he doesn't even try to be that Spider-Man from 2002's film. Homecoming is colorful, funny and young, with its lead (Tom Holland, terrific in a star-making performance) perfectly cast as Spidey. A good villain (Keaton as Vulture) and a tense "daddy-car-talk" elevate the movie's final act. Oh! [SPOILERS] In the end, you meet Mary Jane...!
#7 - Iron Man (2008)
QUICK REVIEW: The movie that changed and defined MCU! The anti-war messages and the tale of redemption of a billionaire playboy would make for an empty well-intentioned action movie, but Jon Favreau's light direction and simple ambition turn Iron Man into something more than just an action movie. The formula is elevated by the amazing central performance by Robert Downey Jr., who delivers the turn that revitalized his career and turned him into one of the major movie stars today. Good visual effects, light entertainment, a few jokes and one of the most charismatic leading performances in recent film history, the first installment of Iron Man is a jewel in MCU's museum.
#6 - Ant-Man (2015)
QUICK REVIEW: It's not a regular superhero movie - it is a heist movie! Thrilling, action-packed and full of good intentions and heart, Ant-Man might not be as visually spectacular as other Marvel Cinematic Universe installments, but it stands-out for making a difference. With some family melodrama and a redemption story inside, Ant-Man is more than a comedic action movie. The proof that even smaller-scaled movies can reach high-standards of quality - less is more in this one! A playful unexpected cinematic surprise.
#5 - Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
QUICK REVIEW: The galaxy's biggest (and most charismatic) criminals assembled in order to save the day. What's so refreshing about Guardians is its soundtrack - by using huge hits from the late 60's and from the 70's, the director brings a mix of nostalgia and energy, so rare in this genre. Oscar nominated works in the makeup and visual effects departments are clear highlights, but it's Chris Pratt commanding leading performance (fantastic line-delivery) that makes all the elements work! Popcorn delight and a feast for the ears.
#4 - Captain America: Civil War (2016)
QUICK REVIEW: The Avengers face the consequences of their heroic acts (see previous films) and their different ways to face their actions divide the superhero team. And then there's the Winter Soldier... Divided, the Avengers face each other in a movie about values and a conflit between heart and reason. The cast delivers a stellar ensemble performance, with a scene-stealing Black Panther and a refreshing cameo from Spider-Man. Civil War is a delight for Marvel diehards, but it is a good sci-fi action flick able to please the non-MCU followers. And that aeroplane fight scene - delicious!
#3 - Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
QUICK REVIEW: Don't want to give too many spoilers, since the movie stills in theaters, but Ragnarok is so much fun! Finally, they found the right tone for Thor franchise: a comedic one! In fact, the Thor you see in his own movies is a much more dramatic one when compared to The Avengers movies', but not anymore. Crazy visual effects, a killer soundtrack, an irresistible Cate Blanchett as the first female villain of MCU and Chris Hemsworth was given the ultimate (and best so far) vehicle for his amazing charisma - this turn of his as Thor is "divine"! A must-see!
#2 - Marvel's The Avengers (2012)
QUICK REVIEW: The movie that proved it was possible to assemble all our favorite superheros without sacrificing character development or narrative integrity. The Avengers is pure MCU extravaganza, pure entertainment and pure action-packed comedy. A standing ovation to Whedon who managed to write such a tricky script and direct this colossal-sized cinematic effort. Surprising character developments and a brand-new Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo, amazing!!). Great dialogue and simply awesome action scenes, with a visual effects miracle called Hulk!
#1 - Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
QUICK REVIEW: More than a superhero movie, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a sci-fi spy thriller. A movie about honour and a man trying to do what it is right while the past comes to haunt him, the second installment of the Captain America brand is much more than a visual effects based eye candy - it's a conspiracy tale! Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson deliver their best turns yet as Captain America and Black Widow, respectively, and Anthony Mackie is introduced to MCU in great fashion. Plus, well-edited fighting sequences and a chasing sequence with Nick Fury will make you hold your breathe! And the visual effects are amazing, of course!
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