Top 12 Films of The Marvel Cinematic Universe

Well, now seemed a good a time as any to tackle this daunting task. This month marks the one-year anniversary of Avengers: Endgame, which closed out the first twenty-three film saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Black Widow, which is set to lead us into the next saga of the MCU, has had its release date postponed, along with several other films. So now seems like a good time to revisit some of my favorite entries of the MCU.

Braver men then me have solidified their preferential rankings of the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I am well aware of the position I'm about to put myself in. However, like every Top Films lists, I'll reiterate that all entertainment is subjective, and my Top 12 might not necessarily be the same as someone else's. Also, unlike my Top Films of the Year lists, I'm going with twelve slots instead of ten. I'm not just going through a year of films. I'm going through a tight, twenty-three film franchise. As Dave Chappelle once said, "Modern problems, require modern solutions."

Alright let's take an extra shot of Super-Solider Serum, power up the Arc Reactor, and (those that are worthy) summon Miljonir. These are my Top 12 MCU Films.

12. Thor
Released May 6, 2011
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddelston (and Anthony Hopkins as Odin)

I've really come to appreciate the first Thor film more and more over time. There's just so many memorable lines of dialogue that I can recite so well. It really started to shape the cinematic universe on a larger scale, establishing the connections between Earth and Asgard, and our introduction to Thor (Hemsworth) is possibly one of the best origin stories in the MCU. The cast is full of MCU powerhouses, not just Hemsworth, but Sir Anthony Hopkins as the almighty Odin, and Tom Hiddelston everybody's favorite villain Loki. Really what else can I say about Loki?

The fight scenes are superb, but not because there's a lot of sword fighting and explosions, but because they're on a smaller scale, personal, and more integral to the character arcs. It's a good drama. It's a good fantasy film. Thor stands out among the MCU's earliest entries.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #4 in My Top Films of 2011)


11. Black Panther
Released February 16, 2018
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Starring Chadwick Boseman, Luptia N'yongo, and Michael B. Jordan

Black Panther, save for a cliche' final battle, is a powerhouse film. Coogler is a master at world-building. He brings the country of Wakanda to life beautifully with every detail, from the set design and wardrobe, to the film's unforgettable score and soundtrack. It's a visually stunning production. The cast is amazing. Boseman is too cool as our lead. Danai Gurira as Okoye and Winston Duke as M'Baku are the definition of scene stealers. Michael B. Jordan gives us the best villain in an MCU since Loki, no question about that.

The script is so well-written, and is full of themes and messages that resonate with the world today. None of which are in your face, but are handedly in a strong but subtle way, that they can leave a significant impact on the viewer. Another great thing the film does is stand firm on its own ground, while connecting to the larger narrative of the MCU in a simple way. Black Panther is a compelling, ground-breaking film that is almost a masterclass in filmmaking on its own.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #7 in My Top Films of 2018)


10. Captain America: The Winter Solider
Released April 4, 2014
Directed by Joe & Anthony Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and Robert Redford

The second film in the Captain America trilogy took the Star Spangled Man with A Plan to brilliant places. After the end of The First Avenger brought him to the modern world, the Winter Solider puts Cap in a place where everything he knows is challenged. The lines between right and wrong are blurred, and when he is being forced to "get with the times", he stands his ground and tries to stay true to his beliefs. It's a thought-compelling film raising questions on morality, government oversight, and more.

This "political thriller" was the first real game changer in the MCU, with its intense and gripping plot regarding SHIELD and its role in the universe. Anthony Mackie makes a great debut as Sam Wilson/The Falcon. Samuel L. Jackson and Cobie Smulders get to play more as Nick Fury and Maria Hill. But the heart of the film is the relationship between Cap & Black Widow (Evans & Johansson). The two characters are almost complete opposites but have enough similarities to form a connection, and they play off each other incredibly well. That's in no small credit to the talents of Evans & Johansson, who's life-long friendship helps to build their on-screen chemistry and make a dynamic Marvel duo.

Edge-of-your-seat thrills with an emotional core, brought to life with wonderful performances, Captain America: The Winter Solider is one of the MCU's best sequels.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #2 in My Top Films of 2014)


9. Iron Man
Released May 2, 2008
Directed by Jon Favreau
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jeff Bridges

The one that started it all. The character arc of Tony Stark (Downey) is one of the strongest, if not the strongest across the franchise, but if you just look at Iron Man, it set the standard for superhero origins. The story of Iron Man is one of incredible self-redemption, and one we hadn't seen in a superhero film at the time. Tony is a man who sees an evil in the world he has fed, and makes it his life mission to right those wrongs, and make the world a better place. Across nine films he goes from completely selfish to selfless, but right out the gate we get a strong sense of who this guy is. Favreau's amazing direction, and Downey's iconic performance created the stuff of legends.

I also think Jeff Bridges is often overlooked when people rank MCU villains. While the final battle is slightly underwhelming, Obadiah Stane is incredibly well written as this dark reflection of Tony. But the rest of the action is superb, there's lot of humor and heartfelt character moments. I don't think the MCU would be what it is today if they didn't come swinging out of the gate so strongly with Iron Man.



8. Captain America: Civil War
Released May 6, 2016
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, and Sebastian Stan

There's probably nothing harder to watch than some of the most-beloved characters of all time kick the crap out of each other, but that's what makes Captain America: Civil War such an enticing and impactful film. The airport sequence? Groundbreaking. The final confrontation between Cap, Tony, and Bucky? Heart-wrenching. The emotional stakes have never been higher.

The Russo's do an incredible job of keeping Cap (Evans) the centerpiece of the story, while also servicing every player on the Avenger chessboard (many have nicknamed this film Avengers 2.5). The performances in this film are top-notch, showing just how well this ensemble has learned to play off one another. Every scene and every bit of dialogue builds off what came before it, as this acts as a culmination of Phase One & Two, and sets the stage for Phase Three. Captain America: Civil War, with its high emotional stakes and unmatched action, is easily one of the best films in the MCU.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #2 in My Top Films of 2016)

Things are starting to get tricky now...

7. Avengers: Endgame
Released April 26, 2019
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson, etc.

As close to perfect as a finale gets I think. It wraps up The Infinity Saga while also leaving a few breadcrumbs to what could come next. This film was an unforgettable experience in theaters, and the laughs, cheers, and tears still hit home. The final battle is nothing short of epic. The time-travel sequence is (for the most part, RIP Natasha) a ton of fun. Alan Silversti's score is beautiful. The performances from the original six Avengers are some of their very best, but the supporting players turn in some great work too. Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man provides a lot of bright moments. Karen Gillan as cold but not totally-heartless-now Nebula really plays well against The Avengers.

As most finales do, Endgame is full of nostalgia, using the theme of time-travel to revisit some beloved locations and characters from past films, but never in a way that feels gimmicky. The true majesty and gravitas of the MCU is on display here for three hours, showcasing everything viewers have come to love for the past decade. Avengers: Endgame capped off The Infinity Saga incredibly well, and deservingly became the most successful film of all time.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #1 in My Top Films of 2019)


6. The Avengers
Released May 4, 2012
Directed by Joss Whedon
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth

The first time The Avengers assembled on screen was an unforgettable moment in cinematic history. After seeing all their stellar work in their solo films, it was amazing to see the natural chemistry between these actors. Brining Tom Hiddelston back as Loki for the film's antagonist was a good move, and solidified him as a franchise MVP.

The film does start a little slow getting the team together, but that start is full of standard, enjoyable character moments. Whedon's script services them all well, and the dialogue is beyond witty and truly memorable. The action, particularly in the final battle in New York, is epic. Little film nerd moment here...the cinematography in The Avengers is pretty great, with some really nice camerawork. Alan Silversti, again, is a true maestro with the music. The Avengers was the true beginning of the end, and promised big, beautiful things in the future of the MCU.
(Ranked #3 in My Top Films of 2012)


5. Thor: Ragnarok
Released November 3, 2017
Directed by Taika Waititi
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Cate Blanchett

Thor: Ragnarok marked a real turning point for The God of Thunder (and my second favorite Avenger). I think it's pretty safe to say that Ragnarok is universally accepted as the funniest film of the MCU, and I stand by that statement. Visually the film is one of the MCU's most unique, as we go on this "cosmic road trip", from Asgard to New York to Sakarr. It's always nice to get a sense of how big the universe of these films is.

As much as Waitit reinvented the Thor films, it brings the trilogy to a proper conclusion for the character and brings a wonderful script to life. Hemsworth gives some of his best work as Thor, and gets to show off his comedic chops. Mark Ruffalo gets a bit more to do as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, and Cate Blanchett is deliciously evil as Hela. Thor: Ragnarok is one of the MCU's funnest and most unique entries.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #1 in My Top Films of 2017)


4. Doctor Strange
Released November 4, 2016
Directed by Scott Derrickson
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, and Chiwetel Ejiofor

Man I was pretty harsh in my original review of Doctor Strange. I mean some of it I still agree with but obviously I've changed my tune if it's now in my Top 5. The introduction to the magical side of the MCU is a true spectacle. I love the visuals in the film, and Michael Giacchino's grand and fantastical score only immerses you in them deeper. Stephen Strange is a true fan-favorite, brought to life on screen perfectly by Benedict Cumberbatch. His origin story follows some similar beats to Thor and Iron Man but has its own unique flavors.

The supporting cast is stacked, from the fierce Shakespearean nature of Ejiofor's Mordo, to Benedict Wong's hilarious and stoic Wong, and Swinton as the material but powerful Ancient One (I love her final scene with Cumberbatch. It's one of my favorite scenes in the MCU. I just love the overall tone and feel of the film. It was nothing like the MCU films that came before it. Doctor Strange was a true feast for the eyes, and a "magical" introduction to a new corner of the MCU.
(Original Review)


3. Avengers: Infinity War
Released April 27, 2018
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Josh Brolin, Chris Hemsworth (and the rest!)

Infinity War was a cinematic experience unlike any other. The impact of that ending can still be felt to this day. It's like a true comic-book event come to life, sprung right from the panels. The Russo's perform the balancing act they did in Civil War, and like, quadruple it. Some cast members don't shine as equally as others, but their time is better used in Endgame. Downey, as always, is *the* leading man as Tony Stark. Josh Brolin feels truly menacing as Thanos, the saga's Big Bad, while also playing him with real pathos. Chris Hemsworth, right after Ragnarok, turns in even more spectacular work as Thor. It's also nice to see Doctor Strange and the Guardians join in on the big team-up this time.

While Infinity War is a ride, it is a lot to digest. However in the context of its sequel, it's setting the stage for The Avengers to come back from their greatest failure. And really it isn't their film, it's Thanos's. The Russo's structure it so he's a main character, which is the right call since the franchise had been building to him for ten years. But back to Infinity War being a ride. This as dark and intense as the franchise gets, and the action is some of the most thrilling in a Marvel film. "Calm" is not the word to use to describe Infinity War. Also, one more time...The music of Alan Silversti.

Infinity War shook audiences to its core. It's as devastating as it is entertaining.
(Original Review)
(Ranked #2 in My Top Films of 2018)


2. Guardians of The Galaxy: Vol. 2
Released May 5, 2017
Directed by James Gunn
Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Kurt Russell 

I really enjoy both Guardians films, but given a choice I'd take Vol.2 over "Vol.1". The comedy is turned up to eleven, but Gunn really doubles-down on the drama, and shows how as a writer he can seamlessly interweave between them. I love the story of family, and how the family we choose isn't always the family we're born into. Gunn brings these characters to the logical next step in their journeys. The Guardians of The Galaxy might look odd on the surface, but their story is universally touching.

Chris Pratt again proves to be one of the best actors in the business right now. Kurt Russell as Ego is absolutely amazing. Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon is the unsung MVP of the ensemble. Karen Gillan and Michael Rooker get more to do as Nebula and Yondu, and what they do with the material *chef's kiss*.  The design of the film is incredible, like Disney meets Flash Gordon. It's beautiful to look at. The soundtrack is once again stellar, but in this film I find the songs are more connected to what's on screen (particularly Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain).

I expected to laugh and have a great time. I didn't expect an attack on the feels in Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2, but that's what we got. The film exceeded my expectations, and over time became one of my favorite MCU films.
(Original Review)


...Yeah...yeah we're here again...As them Thanos say, "I am, inevitable..."

1. Captain America: The First Avenger
Released July 22, 2011
Directed by Joe Johnson
Starring Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, and Sebastian Stan

I'm going to save some time and just copy-paste what I wrote when I made this film #1 in My Top 10 Films of 2011...

"Surprised? I knew you wouldn't be. This quickly became one of my favorite films of all time, as did Captain America become my favorite superhero of all time. Steve Rogers isn't motivated by say, revenge for a lost loved one, or some foretold prophecy. He's doing it because he knows what's right. He sees evil in the world, and as a person, feels compelled to do something about it. How can you not fall in love with a character like that, especially when he's played perfectly by my man Chris Evans? Honestly this is one of the best batch of supporting players in the MCU. Hayley Atwell is lovely and dynamic as Agent Peggy Carter. Sebastian Stan is too cool for school as Bucky. Hugo Weaving is deliciously evil as Red Skull, and by God can we please get more of Tommy Lee Jones as Colonel Phillips in the MCU?? The film is not so much a superhero film, but a WWII action-adventure in the vein of Indiana Jones, which I love. I could keep going but you already knew Captain America: The First Avenger is my favorite film..."

Captain America, to me, embodies the spirit of the MCU, and shows why these films have become so beloved. The Marvel heroes portrayed on screen, all start out as regular people, be it a scrawny kid from Brooklyn, a gifted neurosurgeon, or a genius-billionare-playboy-philanthropist. They are put in extraordinary situations, and rise to the occasion to become something more. They take the chance to make the world a better place, by volunteering for a risky super-soldier program, joining a talking raccoon and tree to fight an intergalactic terrorist, or leading their people out of the shadows and onto the world's stage (That one's Black Panther). By showing their humble beginnings, Marvel shows that in some way, anyone can be a superhero. They make these characters accessible to the audience. As Stan Lee once said, "That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed, without a doubt, a real superhero..."

So (as it stands right now) those are my Top 12 Films of the MCU. Now, I finally rest, and watch the sun rise (from a secure location) on a grateful universe...

Well that's probably enough controversial opinions for now...for my next post, my review of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker!

Film Review - "Avengers: Endgame"

*deep breath*…Ok, I'm ready.

Avengers: Endgame
Directed by Joe & Anthony Russo
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and the rest!

When I was younger, my love and interest of superheroes was fairly tame. I loved the idea of superheroes, drawing and writing stories of my own, but I never read the comics. I followed the likes of Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man on their respective animated series and films, who were at the time, the three popular and most well-known by the general public. The likes of Iron Man, Captain America, or even Ant-Man weren't on people's minds. But then, there was an idea…

Marvel began producing their own films, with the characters they still had rights to (a story for another day), and setting them all in this shared continuity. A cinematic universe. So when the time was right, they could do a big crossover film with these heroes known as The Avengers. As someone who loves and studies film, and works in video production, the storytelling concept of a cinematic universe really fascinated me. I didn't rush to the theaters to see the first Iron Man, in fact I watched it on-demand with my mom a quiet weekend months later. Things changed rather quickly.

I was as invested as the rest of the public, going to the theaters on opening weekends to see Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger and so on. When I went to college, I met friends who knew all about these heroes from their days in comic books, and broadened my understanding of this Marvelous World and made me an even bigger fan. The Marvel Cinematic Universe became a major part of my life, their lives, and many others. We would have reunion weekends at least once a year to see the latest installment, and we would be in contact throughout the year discussing all the latest news, trailers, etc.

This is a long-way of saying, eleven years after this first saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe began with Iron Man, Avengers: Endgame was poised to bring it to a grandiose, epic, and emotional conclusion. Boy, did it ever…

The spoiler ban has lifted but out of respect for the few that haven't seen it yet, I'll keep the plot summary brief. After suffering a devastating loss at the hands of the Mad Titan Thanos (Josh Brolin), which resulted in half of the universe being snapped out of existence, the Avengers left behind must pick up the pieces. As a true team, they strive to find a way to reverse the damage and resurrect their dusted friends, family, and allies. That's the barebones.

Finales are hard to do. Just ask any show-runners of a television series that's concluded. Endgame is the series (or season depending your viewpoint) finale of a 22-episode, cinematic television series. Everyone has or had in their mind an idea of how The Infinity Saga of the MCU should have concluded. All entertainment is subjective, and while I personally had my own thoughts and expectations dismissed (As will all of you), this film is as close to perfect as perfect could be. It's what a finale should be. It's jam-packed with amazing character moments, epic scenes of drama and action, and plenty, PLENTY of moments that will have you clutching your handkerchief. I admit I cry at movies a fair amount, but damn, the bar's been raised…a lot.

Infinity War was an MCU film that was not for the uninitiated. You couldn't go into it cold turkey, or having only seen a small portions of the films that came before it. Endgame is no different, in fact it is even more so not for the uninitiated. The amount of MCU films you've seen prior will undoubtedly reflect your level of enjoyment viewing it. Back on Infinity War, while it and Endgame are a two-part installment, they are very different films. Specifically, while the former had a lot of balls in there and was very fast-paced, the latter has a much more mainstreamed storyline, and goes a bit slower. Not to say that's a bad thing. There are some slow parts in the first half, but conversely in that first act are a lot of wonderful, very entertaining character moments.

That's really why we've devoted ourselves to this cinematic universes, because of its compelling characters, which is my segway into talking about the cast. It's no secret that this film has been billed as the final outing for many of the franchise's longest standing cast members, and in Endgame they turn in some of their very best work. Robert Downey Jr. deserves some sort of Oscar for his work as Tony Stark/Iron Man. The amount of charisma and heart he has put into this role, it's nothing short of iconic. Chris Evans is Steve Rogers/Captain America. Cap is given some of the very best moments in the film, and Evans delivers them all with the same gravitas and emotion of a true leading man since he first picked up the shield in 2011. I don't think enough has been said about all the good work Chris Hemsworth has done as Thor. His ability to juggle the comedic and emotional sides of his character is remarkable. Not everyone's going to like what the Russos do with Thor in this film, but it does work. Thor has had one of the most-fleshed out character arcs throughout the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Scarlett Johansson does a lot of heavy-lifting as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. She's not just the emotional core of the original Avengers team, she's the emotional core of the film, and it was really nice to see her talent on full-display. Jeremy Renner, who has often been sidelined and overlooked as Clint Barton/Hawkeye, is a true highlight here. He's given a lot of material to work with in Endgame and he runs with all it. Karen Gillan continues to be a personal favorite as Nebula, and seeing her work with the Avengers, opposed to say the Guardians, is a lot of fun. I don't want to go down the list of the entire cast but lastly, I want to mention Josh Brolin as Thanos. Thanos has become one of the greatest villains of all time, largely in part to his performance. Avoiding spoilers best I can, but the Thanos in Endgame is a stark contrast to the one in Infinity War. While Thanos is a self-proclaimed messiah who takes no true pleasure in his mission, here he's far more evil, ruthless, and threatening. Brolin works wonders with this side of the character.

Much like Infinity War, Endgame's production design is truly a comic-book come to life with some remarkable shots, settings and set-pieces. I can't wait to see what artists do with some of this stuff at my local comic-cons (Sorry, wallet.). I know I said Composer Alan Silversti gave some of his best work in Infinity War, but I changed my mind. Here is where he gives his best work. Obviously he worked on both films back to back, and you can hear a lot of the same themes and pieces in the score, but he truly saved the best for last. This is some of the best music a film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has ever had, and if he isn't even nominated for an Academy Award I will set every copy of Bohemian Rhapsody on fire (I stole the framework of this joke).

I have come to love the Marvel films as much as I love the films of Disney and Pixar. They inform a lot of my opinions and taste in film and television, but they've also become a large part of my identity. These films have enforced lifelong friendships. I look around my apartment right now, and there is a Captain America magnet on my fridge, a throw pillow on my couch, a hand-crafted mini-surfboard with his shield hanging on my wall, and a Funko Pop of him fighting Thanos on my entertainment center. And it's some bizarre coincidence that three of this franchise's leading men are all named Chris, and the Chris that plays my favorite superhero is also from Massachusetts, but I digress.

The experience of Avengers: Endgame is unforgettable. Once in a lifetime. It's an epic, emotional conclusion to a story that began eleven years ago. Obviously, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will continue on, but it'll never be as it was. Nothing has ever or probably will ever touch this historic achievement of feature-film storytelling. Ten years from now, it's unclear if the superhero genre will still be as strong, or will have gone quietly to the sideline similar to the western. Rest assured, no one will soon forget the cultural impact of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how The Infinity Saga, its first chapter, came to a ground-breaking conclusion with Avengers: Endgame.

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Credit to my friend Derek for this, the best work in Photoshop anyone has ever done ever.

Film Review - "Captain America: Civil War"

Captain America: Civil War
Directed by Anthony & Joe Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Sebastian Stan, and Chadwick Boseman

Oh my emotions. Watching your favorite superheroes kick the crap out of each other, that takes it out of you. At the same time though, that's what helps make Captain America: Civil War not just one of the best Marvel films of all time, but one of the best superhero films of all time.

Following the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron and an encounter with Crossbones (Frank Grillo) that ends horribly with civilian casualties, the government is calling for The Avengers to be put under the control of a United Nations panel, with the signing of the Sokovia Accords. Naturally, one half of the team is against the Accords, while the other half is for it. The first half is led by Steve Rogers/Captain America (Evans), and the second by Tony Stark/Iron Man (Downey).

As this inner conflict unfolds, The Winter Soldier/Steve's old friend Bucky Barnes (Stan) remerges, supposedly the one behind a bombing of the United Nations. Steve and Sam Wilson/The Falcon (Anthony Mackie) take it upon themselves to investigate, now acting outside the law. As the hunt for Bucky unfolds, superheroes both new and familiar are drawn into the conflict, while a mysterious figure named Helmut Zemo (Daniel Bruhl) operates in the shadows. Things will never be the same as disagreement between teammates turns into an all out brawl.

The script here is fantastic, building upon every character's development and storyline threaded through the past dozen films. Everything in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has built to this, and it all comes to head in a glorious spectacle. Every piece of dialogue, every fight scene has emotional weight to it, and the audience really feels it.

The airport sequence is everything everyone has been ranting and raving about. It's an explosive set piece and one of the best action scenes put to film in the superhero genre. The final fight, which I won't spoil, packs one hell of a gut punch, and is a pure edge-of-your-seat thrills.

A film this packed, you think some characters would go underdeveloped, but everyone gets their moment to shine in the film. Paul Rudd brings some big laughs as Ant-Man. Sebastian Stan gets to bring Bucky to some amazing new places, and the comedic pairing of Bucky & Falcon is wonderful. Elizabeth Olsen gets much more to do as Scarlet Witch, and really works the material. Daniel Bruhl as Helmut Zemo is no question, the best villain in the MCU since Tom Hiddelston's Loki.

Then we have our two newest Avengers, Spider-Man and Black Panther, played by Tom Holland and Chadwick Boseman. Tom Holland is now the definitive Spider-Man. Young, hopeful, cocky and ready to play with the big boys, this is the young Peter Parker from the comics come to life. Chadwick Boseman is the coolest of cool as Prince T'Challa, the Black Panther. I can't wait for their standalone films.

Then there's our two leads, Chris Evans as Captain America and Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. While this film is packed with Avengers, this is still a Captain America story, as Steve Rogers continues to adjust to this modern world and fight for what he believes in. Chris Evans, his fifth outing as the titular hero, possibly gives his best performance of the MCU so far, handling both heavy-hitting set pieces and character moments. Robert Downey Jr., now having played Tony Stark for six films, brings the evolution of the character to dark, emotional new places. This is a different Tony Stark, and its incredibly compelling to watch Downey bring this character to life once more.

Honestly the whole cast is incredible, new and old faces of the franchise, but it'd be tedious to go down the entire roster. Henry Jackman's score is beautiful, featuring some truly moving pieces of music. The film is perfectly paced. It's hard to find any real flaw in the film, and that's not Marvel bias. Sure you could argue the introduction of Spider-Man into the MCU feels shoe-horned, or that Zemo wasn't need to create the conflict of Civil War, but everything is done so well its justified.

Another MCU film has come and gone, and here I am embodying the stereotype of the Marvel fanboy once again. Regardless, I think the voice of the critics and audiences can back me up here. Captain America: Civil War is an explosive, emotional film that is easily one of the best superhero films ever made. It's an easy recommendation. Even if you're not a diehard MCU fan, the film will still appeal to you on some level. I mean you're watching Captain America and Iron Man fight. That's like…watching Batman and Superman….okay maybe not like that….I'm sorry I couldn't resist one little jab…

If you haven't already, check out my take on how we got to Captain America: Civil War, both from Cap's and Tony's point of view.

The Road To "Captain America: Civil War" Part 2

Well this is late...anyway I'll just preface this with there will be no spoilers for Captain America: Civil War in this piece, and my review of the film will come soon enough.

Now that we've examined the Star Spangled Man with A Plan (If you haven't read part one yet, please do so), let's take a look at the cinematic journey of genius-billionaire-playboy-philanthropist, Tony Stark aka Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.)

When Tony is still in captivity of the Ten Rings in the first Iron Man, Yensin (Shaun Toub) asks him if he has a family, to which Tony says no. Yensin replies, "So you are a man who has everything and nothing." How true is that. The Tony that we're looking at right now lives an empty life of drinking, partying, and sleeping around. He gets no real fulfillment from any of this. There's something seriously missing from his life.

Later on in the film, after Tony escapes (and Yensin tells him not to waste his life), he's speaking to Pepper (Gwyneth Palytrow) about his current path. She disapproves, but Tony tells her, "I just finally know what I have to do…and I know in my heart, that it's right." Tony knows that Yensin was right. He has wasted his life. The weapons manufacturing has done its good work, but its also done its damage, and now he's seen that first hand. It's time for Tony to add something positive to the world.
Now we have a humble Tony, with a better understanding of his purpose, and what he can do with his life.

While he may be humbler, it's still very much all about him. Old habits die hard. Even at the end of the film, he goes for an extra bit of glory declaring to the press, "I am Iron Man." In the post credits scene, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) tells Tony "You've become a part of a bigger universe, you just don't know it yet." He would soon learn how right Fury was, the hard way...more on that later.

Iron Man 2 opens with Tony facing death once more. The core of the arc reactor in his chest is slowly poisoning him. In times of near death, the question of one's legacy arises, and Tony begins to deal with his own.

At this point in his life, his legacy is Iron Man. The weapons manufacturing, that's a thing of the past. Now, the government is fighting him to turn over the Iron Man technology, which is both his legacy and identity. Unfortunately, the government does get their hands on the suit, which leaves Tony down in the dumps…or rather, up in a giant donut nursing a hangover.

The film also turns a spotlight on Tony's relationship with his father, Howard Stark (John Slattery/Dominic Cooper). The legacy of a parent often transcends the legacy of a child (In a literal sense, Tony did take over his father's company at the young age of twenty-one). Then when we learn Tony and Howard's relationship was cold and distant, you start to wonder, did Tony ever want the life of Stark Industries? Was weapons manufacturing ever really what he wanted to do? It would make sense if this life felt empty too him, and it never felt what he was meant to do.

As Fury tells him though, Howard had bigger plans for Tony. Plans that extended beyond taking over the company, but finishing his life's work. Howard had a grander design for the arc reactor technology, but his plans were far ahead of the science of his time. Therefore, as we learn in a recorded message from long ago, Howard would leave the rest of his plans to his son.

Howard trusted that his only son could be the one to accomplish this. He had all the faith in Tony, as he tells him "My greatest creation, will always be you." Armed with this newfound knowledge and affection from his father, Tony is able to create a new element to power the arc reactor, and therefore save his own life again. The part of his legacy he inherited from his father, has directly reinvigorated the part of his legacy from Iron Man. That brings a greater emotional weight to what Tony does with the Iron Man technology. This is his work, and no politician can take that away from him.

Now if you recall, Tony's father Howard got a little close with a certain super soldier back in the day. Of course I'm talking about Steve Rogers, Captain America (Chris Evans). In The Avengers, Tony finally gets to meet the man his father spoke so highly of in his youth. Naturally, they don't get along too well. Steve is a team-player and plays by the book, Tony does what he wants and breaks the rules if he has to. Polar opposites in a way.

One could look at Tony's relationship with Steve as like a jealous, sibling rivalry type deal. Steve being the older brother Howard always idolized, while Tony never meeting his father's expectations in his youth. Now he finally meets this "symbolic big-brother" and is like "What the hell this guy's a square. I'm better than this."

Steve strikes a chord with Tony later on in the film. He calls Tony out, tells him he's no more than the suit of armor he parades around in (Now that suit's become pretty important to him at this point in the films. I'm sure that hurts.) and that "the only thing you really fight for is yourself. You're not the guy to make the sacrifice play…" Tony after all is a bit self-absorbed, and does have a narcissist streak. Hey the SHIELD files said so. Tony knows he doesn't play well with others. But when you think about it, when he hears Captain America himself saying this stuff, might that not hit a little harder? Isn't it easier to admit your own flaws to yourself than to someone else, much less this American icon your father always regarded so highly?

Anyway in the climatic battle of The Avengers Tony defies expectations and makes the ultimate sacrifice, when he carries the nuclear missile through the wormhole and out of the galaxy, nearly losing his life. Here is where Tony contradicts Steve's views of him. He risks his own life, and becomes a part of something bigger. He finally sees that he's part of that universe Nick Fury was talking about…and that scares him.

It should come as no surprise that Tony is portrayed as a victim of PTSD. Not just from his experience of being captured by terrorists, but by flying through a wormhole to another galaxy, facing possible death for the near-hundredth time. This is the Tony we see in Iron Man 3. When we ended The Avengers, he was on Mock 7 of the Iron Man suit. Now only a year or so later, he's on Mock 42. Wow. That's a lot of suit building.

All these different suits have different features for multiple scenarios…or multiple threats. This is a coping mechanism. He explains to Pepper, "Gods, aliens, other dimensions…I'm just a man in a can." and that he can't sleep, because he's in constant fear of danger. "Just a man in a can…" isn't that sort of a callback to Steve's "big man in a suit of armor" remark? Hmm...

He tells Pepper his suits are a part of him, she argues they're just distractions. The only way Tony has survived so far is because of the technology he's created with Iron Man. So in a dark sort of way, he's building all these machines so he can in fact protect himself and the people he cares about from the likes of Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Chiutari, etc.

The part of Tony's legacy, where he is Iron Man, has become convoluted in his mind. He believes without the suit or armor, he is nothing. The suit is what makes the man, but by the end of Iron Man 3, he realizes that man makes the suit. For most of Iron Man 3, Tony is fighting the bad guys and saving the day with only small bits of his tech. He only really suits up once or twice in the film. In the closing moments, Tony has the arc reactor removed from his chest, and all his suits are destroyed.

He narrates that his armor "was never a distraction, or a hobby, it was a cocoon. Now, I'm a changed man. You can take away my house, all my tricks and toys. One thing you can't take away…I am Iron Man." He has come to a better understanding of his own legacy. Like he has said many times before, he is Iron Man. Not because of the suit, but what he does with it.

Regardless, Tony still suffers from PTSD, and that is not something that is easily cured. Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) brings his fears and anxieties back to the surface in the opening moments of Avengers: Age of Ultron. She shows him a vision of the world under siege of the Chiutari once more, and his fellow Avengers have fallen. In this vision, Steve tells Tony with his final breath, "You could have saved us…why didn't you do more?" The threats that plagued Tony in Iron Man 3 still plague him now, and he feels he has not done enough to protect the world. So…he takes Loki's scepter, and he creates Ultron (James Spader).

We all know that ends spectacularly, right? Even the best intentions can go astray, and Tony does in fact have the best intentions. He fights with Steve at the Barton Farmhouse, that everything he did in creating Ultron was to stop the world's need for The Avengers, "Isn't that the why we fight? So we can end the fight, and go home?" Tony wants it to stop. He wants the world to be safe, and he's slowly come to the realization that this act as Iron Man can't do it. That's why he built Ultron, the Iron Legion, and all those suits. He knows he is not enough, and continuing to fight like he is enough has taken its toll on his mind and body.

So what is enough, you ask? Well, perhaps a system of accords that keeps super powered people in check, that prevents them from causing anymore damage than they need to get the job done? Enter Captain America: Civil War, where Tony is once again trying to make the world a safer place. He's trying to do good, after his work as Iron Man, his work with Ultron, has proved to only cause as much bad as good.

Now I'd love to further this analysis through Captain America: Civil War, but that's another piece for another day, and I'd like to write my review on it first. To conclude, we now see where both Captain America and Iron Man have come from. Two sides of the same coin, in some ways. One fighting his whole life to find a sense of belonging, purpose. The other desperate to right the wrongs of the past, and leave a worthy mark on the world. Good men, trying to be better…just in different ways. United they stand. Divided they fall...

The Road To "Captain America: Civil War" Part 1

In just a few days, Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will begin with Captain America: Civil War. The third Captain America film, the thirteenth film in the entire MCU, and the culmination of all that's come before (I'm sure that's been said about quite a few films in this franchise). Specifically though, it brings us to a crucial point in the history of two of the franchise's most beloved characters: Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans), and Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.).

Both have come a long way, and after over a dozen films have reached a crossroads. How did we get here?

First, let's look at The Star Spangled Man with The Plan, and go to the very beginning, with Captain America: The First Avenger. When we first meet Steve Rogers, he's scrawny, insignificant, and desperate to join the war effort. When Dr. Abraham Erksine (Stanley Tucci) asks him why he's so set on becoming a solider, he tells him, "I don't like bullies. I don't care where they're from." He tells his best friend Bucky (Sebastian Stan), "There are men laying down their lives. I got no right to do any less than them."

Steve Rogers, right from the get-go, is presented to us as selfless, virtuous man. He is good because it's the right thing to do. Now, Captain America is my favorite superhero, but if I may, let's scratch beneath the surface here.

He's not just looking to do what's right for his country...he's looking for a sense of belonging, of purpose. There are subtle hints throughout the MCU, that Steve is a bit of a tragic character. As Loki calls him in The Avengers, "A man out of time." A deleted scene showcases Steve struggling adjust to modern times. However, Steve's lack of belonging begins long before the events of The Avengers.

In The First Avenger, Steve tells Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) that not many women are lining up to dance with a guy like him. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, he tells Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) that "even when I had nothing I had Bucky." This is a lonely guy, with, no romantic prospects, and only one real friend. Both his parents are dead, as we learn in flashbacks in Winter Soldier, so he has no family either. Holy cow, someone give this guy a hug.

When Steve is given his super-soldier makeover in The First Avenger, he's given an opportunity to find all these things. He finds romance with Peggy Carter. He gains friends, brother-in-arms, not just with Bucky, but with his Howling Commandos. More so, he has a purpose...and just like that, he loses it all. Steve makes the grand sacrifice, crash lands his plane into the sea, and wakes up 70 years later. Everything he desperately wanted in life is now gone.

It's lightly touched on The Avengers, and more so in The Winter Soldier, that Steve is trying to reclaim what he's lost when he went in the ice. As Peggy tells him though, the world has changed, "and the best that we can do, is to start over." So, he starts over. He joins with SHIELD, The Avengers, and jumps back onto the battlefield. But where Steve is a selfless soldier, conforming to a regime, there's someone else who's the complete opposite.

Yes that individual is Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man, who we'll talk about more in part 2, but for now I'll suggest that Steve sees Tony as a threat to everything he believes in as a soldier, and a person. Steve is humble and honest. Tony is selfish and self-absorbed. Steve calls him out on his behavior several times in The Avengers, and here is the start of their conflict which will boil over for many films to come.

There's one sequence in The Avengers I do want to touch on. Tony suspects Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is hiding something within SHIELD, and starts to dig through encrypted files. Steve tells him to stop being such a rebel and follow orders. After a brief confrontation, Steve decides to investigate for himself, which is when he discovers Phase Two (No not Iron Man 3 through Ant Man), SHIELD's plan to use the Tesseract to make weapons to combat threats from other worlds. Confirming his polar opposite's suspicions, this is where Steve's distrust of Fury & SHIELD begin, which will grow further in The Winter Soldier.

The battlefield is not what Steve remembers it, and I'm not just talking about the difference between Nazis and the Chiutari. Everything isn't in black and white anymore. The lines of good and bad are blurred, which he learns working with Black Widow and Nick Fury in SHIELD. He constantly disagrees with their actions, claiming they are not what make an army or a team. It doesn't take long for him to realize that the likes of Widow & Fury are the least of his troubles, when Hydra is revealed to have secretly infiltrated SHIELD, years after his disappearance.

So after that doozy of a revelation, Steve has a change of heart. He no longer wants to blindly report to faceless government regimes with hidden agendas, which is when The Avengers become an organization independent of SHIELD, as we see in Avengers: Age of Ultron, with both him and Tony as co-leaders (Yeah. That'll go over well.)

Well it doesn't take long for Steve to realize that Tony has hidden agendas all his own, when his secret plans with Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) to create Ultron (James Spader) backfire horribly, and come to the light of the rest of The Avengers. Steve's naturally not pleased at all by this, and claims Tony's actions would hurt the team. Tony counters that his actions would end the team, asking Steve, "isn't that the why we fight? So we can end the fight, and go home??"

Steve counters with, "Every time someone tries to win a war before it starts innocent people die. Every time." The line implies that Steve believes their fight is not yet finished, or on a personal level, that his fight is not yet finished.

Earlier in the film, in his illusion created by Scarlet Witch, Steve is back in the days of World War II. It's a celebration, supposedly after the Allies have won. Peggy appears to him, saying "The war is over Steve. We can go home." Suddenly, Steve is alone in the empty dance hall. He can't go home. Not the home he knows. It's gone, a remnant of a time period long ago.

Peggy's words echo in his mind. After Thor (Chris Hemsworth) leaves the Hawkeye Family Barn. He turns to go back inside, and you hear her "We can go home" replay...and Steve stands there, staring through the doorway. Almost as if he can't cross the threshold...as if he can't go home.

So it's no surprise that when Tony says "so we can go home?" Steve snaps both on the inside, and on the outside tearing a block of wood in half. Home for Tony is a nice house in Malibu with Pepper. Home for Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) is the farm with his wife and kids. What's home for Steve now? He has none of that. The fight can't end, because once the mission is accomplished, he'll have nothing.

By the end of Age of Ultron, that may not matter anymore. He tells Tony that the version of himself that wanted a stable family life may not exist anymore. He glances over the new Avengers Headquarters, with new recruits (or "soldiers" we'll call them for sense of parallels) running about, and tells Tony, "He's home." Steve has found home, by making his life as a solider, a hero, his home life. Steve's position as an Avenger suddenly carries a lot more personal weight.

In a deleted scene from Age of Ultron, Steve tells Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) that if Ultron was doing what he's supposed to, he'd hang up his shield. Hill questions his words, to which Steve has no response. He know he can't give up his position as an Avenger, because it's all he's got, and by the end of the film, he's going to make the most of it.

Which finally brings us to Civil War, where everything Steve has worked so hard to achieve is being threatened once more. Government agendas poise to overtake him once more, and take everything away from him, including literally the last bit of his old life, Bucky. Captain America once again must fight to preserve his purpose and his identity, which will bring him into direct conflict with Iron Man.

For a look at Tony Stark's side of the coin, stay tuned for part 2.