Film Review - "Deadpool & Wolverine"

Deadpool & Wolverine

Directed by Shawn Levy

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Emma Corrin

Deadpool has returned and he's come to save The MCU...not really though.

Deadpool & Wolverine is, quite unexpectedly, not a grand celebration of The Merc with a Mouth's entrance into the larger than life franchise, that arguably, could use a shot of Super-Solider Serum to get back on its feet. No, Deadpool & Wolverine actually is a surprisingly fun and touching buddy-adventure that earnestly pays tribute to a series of films, again, that arguably, deserve a lot more recognition than they get.

Wade Wilson (Reynolds) has fallen into a bit of a midlife crisis. He no longer suits up as Deadpool, and he desperately wishes to find meaning in his life again. On his birthday, he is whisked away to the headquarters of the Time Variance Authority, (The TVA, from Loki!) and meets Agent Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) who offers him a place on The Sacred Timeline (aka The MCU).

It's not all puppies and NSYNC dance parties for Wade however, when he discovers his universe and many others are in jeopardy. He recruits a very disgruntled and very reluctant variant of James "Logan" Howlett aka The Wolverine (Jackman) in his quest to save his world. Along the way, they run afoul of Cassandra Nova (Corrin), the twin sister of Charles Xavier.

Much like the last two Deadpool films, this one gets raunchy, rambunctious, and surprisingly heartfelt. Yes the goal of our heroes is to "save the universe" but their journey is very much a personal one. Themes of self-worth, how we see each other vs how others see us are quite cleverly interwoven throughout the narrative. Wolverine has always been such a rich character on screen, but Deadpool's journey in this film I think is truly special. Am I reading too much into a superhero comedy? Maybe, but stay tuned for the video essay.

As mentioned earlier, this is not a "Welcome To The MCU, Deadpool" Party. No doubt you all remember when Disney bought 20th Century Fox a few years ago. Through that purchase, Marvel got the theatrical rights back to many characters they had once sold off, such as X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Deadpool. For many years Fox made a lot of Marvel films on their own featuring these characters in a clunky, fluctuating in quality, universe. Avoiding all the spoilers, but Deadpool & Wolverine pays sincere tribute to this era of superhero films, and in a way, this film is its swan song. There are plenty of cameos and moments that will garner cheers and applause from longtime fans, but it never comes off like cheap fan-service, akin to 

dangling shiny keys in front of a baby. The film also gets delightfully meta in its commentary, but again, maybe I'm reading too much into it.

Both Reynolds and Jackman slip perfectly back into their roles. Reynolds was born to be Deadpool. What else is there to say? Jackman, who quite notably ended his tenure as Wolverine in 2017's Logan, gives it his all (Again this is a variant of Wolverine so Logan's ending is not undercut). There is so much passion in his performance here, he could've easily phoned it in considering he was well and truly done, but he delivers. The two of them also have amazing chemistry. It's so amazing to finally see them onscreen together (properly). The film would not work so well if not for these two.

Emma Corrin is delightfully wicked as Cassandra Nova. They give off huge Hela in Thor: Ragnarok vibes. However much like Hela, her character motivations are rather thin. Still, another enjoyable MCU villain. Matthew Macfadyen gives a fine performance as Paradox and he has some funny back and forth with Reynolds. Most of the supporting characters from the Deadpool films return but none of them get to shine quite like Rob Delaney's Peter. There are plenty of other performances I could talk about in this film but again, avoiding spoilers...

The action in the film is pretty good, but only one or two fight sequences really stick out after viewing the film. One between Deadpool and Wolverine mid-film is probably the best one, and the opening sequence is iconic. There's nothing really striking as far as visuals, but this isn't Eternals, and a majority of the film takes place in The Void (Where The TVA drops all the junk from discarded timelines) so what are you gonna do. The soundtrack is wild and eclectic as one would expect from previous Deadpool films, but did anyone else get Guardians vibes here?

This review is pretty barebones, because honestly much of the joy of Deadpool & Wolverine comes from witnessing it for yourself. Do yourself a favor and go see it in a big, crowded theater. It's a really fun film with plenty of moments to make you laugh and smile. Probably the most fun a superhero film has been since...maybe Deadpool 2? It's great to have Reynolds as Deadpool back on the big screen, and it's great to see Jackman as Wolverine again. But Disney don't listen to them. Don't make them do this until they're 90.

(See how I didn't scream THE MCU IS BACK? Let's keep our expectations calibrated going forward, people.)

Film Review - "The Marvels"

The Marvels

Directed by Nia DaCosta

Starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani

I'm tired. I'm tired of the discourse surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and where it stands today. I don't want to listen to the haters, deflectors, and trolls anymore, calling for the end of the franchise, while at the same time I've grown weary defending it. Don't get me wrong, I loved 90% of Phase Four, but Phase Five...beyond Guardians Vol. 3 (Which I will eventually talk about) and the second season of Loki, I can't deny these are tough times. I mean I never even finished Secret Invasion.

Nevertheless, here we are with The Marvels. The thirty-third film of The MCU that (surprise) has left audiences split right down the middle. It is not the train wreck many are claiming it to be, but at the same time it's far from the best film of the franchise. It's fun, but it is flawed. (Do I want to write this?...I've come this far.)

The film is both a sequel to the original Captain Marvel film, and a follow-up to the events of the WandaVision and Ms. Marvel series. Carol Danvers (Larson) is out in space being a lone gunslinger, Monica Rambeau (Parris) now works with Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) on the S.A.B.E.R. space station, and Kamala Kahn (Vellani) is enjoying life as a teenager and the hero of Jersey City. A bizarre phenomenon in the cosmos intertwines the powers of the three women, causing them to switch places whenever they use them at the same time. 

This leads them to join forces and figure out a way to control their "switch-powers" while also confronting the source of their troubles, which is a Kree Revolutionary named Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) who has a personal beef with Danvers, and is seeking to restore her now-dying homeworld, while destroying other planets in the process.

Right off the bat, our three leads are incredibly likable and they have immaculate chemistry. Larson gets a far better chance to shine here as Captain Marvel than she has so far in the MCU. She's tough but soft-hearted, comedic, charming, and easy to love, despite what the trolls say. Teyonah Parris also gets a chance to expand on her portrayal as Monica. Here we see a much more comedic side to her than we did in WandaVision, and she also gets to do a lot more heavy lifting in both the drama and action department. Iman Vellani charmed the world as she carried the Ms. Marvel series, and she's a real standout in The Marvels. You can tell she's having a lot of fun playing this character. I really want to see more of these three.

The supporting cast is also great. Honestly, Kamala's family got the biggest laughs out of me in the film, and Samuel L. Jackson continues to be the best as Nick Fury. Alas, Zawe Ashton's Dar-Ben falls into the category of Bad Marvel Villains. She does the best with the material she's given, but the character is incredibly underdeveloped, and comes off as a discount Ronan The Accuser from Guardians of The Galaxy.

While avoiding spoilers, Dar-Benn's whole arc (or lack thereof) in The Marvels make it feel like follow-up to a Captain Marvel 2 that we never got. There are exposition-filled moments that do their best to "fill in the gaps" but by the time we have all the pieces, the emotional disconnection between film and audience is too great. I found myself zoning out for a good portion of the film, which is something I don't think has ever happened between me and an MCU entry.

But what the film lacks in...plot, it makes up for in character work. Again, the three leads are incredible, and there are so many great scenes between them. A few moments between Larson and Parris stand out, that deal with the characters' history and fractured relationship. The action scenes in the film are a lot of fun, especially when the heroes are working together and switching powers. 

There are some...interesting set pieces in the film. There's a side-quest to a planet where the inhabitants can only communicate by singing, and then there's a bit involving Goose and his Cat-like species, set to the song "Memory" from the musical Cats (Cardinal sin. Don't remind me that exists.) To each their own but these didn't do anything for me.

The Marvels is flawed yes, but there's enough to enjoy here, and it's not devoid of heart. The characters in the film are endearing, and the performances carry this MCU entry to the finish line. If you like these characters, I imagine you will have a good time with this film. 

So...where do we go from here? Well, thanks to the WGA & SAG-AFTRA Strikes (Pay your creatives fairly), The MCU won't be around for a lot of 2024, at least in the movie theaters. Deadpool 3 will be the only film released from the franchise next year, and you know what? That might be a blessing in disguise.

Between COVID messing up their schedule, commercial and critical discourse post-Endgame, the death of Chadwick Bosemen, the allegations against Jonathan Majors, Jeremy Runner getting attacked by a snowplow, and the Sony/Spider-Man deal hanging by a thread, the MCU could afford to take a chance to breathe, and as Joe Byron would say "Build Back Better"

But if you enjoyed The Marvels, I'm glad you did. Who's to say that's wrong? As I say on my podcast Movies That Matter (shameless), entertainment is subjective and that's not a bad thing.

I don't want to say not every MCU film needs to be amazing or groundbreaking (because I've said that twice now and it's starting to get to me) but if anyone can walk out of theater having enjoyed themselves, then maybe this franchise is worth sticking around.

Film Review - "Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania"

Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania

Directed by Peyton Reed

Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lily, and Jonathan Majors

I feel like I'm in the minority when I say I enjoyed Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The narrative that the franchise peaked with Avengers: Endgame and that "The MCU is in shambles" has been running rampant for the better part of the year now, despite the fact there have been some great entries in theaters and on Disney Plus.

Judging by the critical and commercial response to Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, the film to kick off Phase Five of the MCU, it looks as though that narrative won't be fading away anytime soon. Is this film as bad as the general public is making it out to be? No. Is it the next great film of the MCU? No. 

It's fine. It's just fine.

Scott Lang (Rudd) is enjoying his life as a famous Avenger. Life is perfect, except for the fact his daughter Cassie (Now played by Kathryn Newton) is following in his footsteps the wrong way i.e. being an activist and ending up on the wrong side of the law. She's also recently been working on a device to communicate with The Quantum Realm. The device works, and unfortunately sucks Cassie, Scott, and the entire "Ant-Family" into the Quantum Realm.

Separated from the others, Scott and Cassie work to find a way home, while Hope Van Dyne (Lily) and her parents Hank Pam (Micheal Douglas) and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) search for them. The group is unaware though that a sinister tyrant of the realm named Kang (Majors) has his own plans to escape, and he needs Ant-Man to do it.

The film definitely had a lot of promise but falls short of delivering on the game-changing story the marketing suggested. That's not a bad thing. Not every MCU film needs to shake up the status quo. But when you're kicking off a new phase, while also being the final film of a trilogy, and introducing the franchise's next big bad...you kind of expect more. Quantumania is a very safe, light-hearted film.

I would go as far as to say the focus is on family like in the previous Ant-Man films, but that's really not the case here. The main cast is separated very quickly in the film and the great character dynamics we loved in previous films are lost. The natural progression of Scott and Cassie's relationship as father and daughter was a nice direction to go in, though.

As I said the film introduces the MCU's next big bad (Or rather, introduces him if you didn't watch Loki, and even that's not totally true because multiverse, variants, etc.) and that is the film's greatest strength. Jonathan Majors brings such charm, menace, and gravitas to Kang. You really do get the sense that he is the next Avengers-level threat. Quantumania builds off what was established in Loki while also clueing in the uninitiated and making him a full-fledged character. Since we've got a few years before Kang Dynasty, I'm excited to see what the MCU does with Majors and this character. Hopefully we get more time with him. Or his variants.

Paul Rudd is still great as Scott Lang, but this time he gets some more dramatic material to work with. He has great chemistry with Majors and their scenes together really feel like classic "hero and villain" confrontations, if that makes any sense. Kathryn Newton slides nicely into the role of Cassie Lang. I miss Emma Furhman but Newton is talented enough that there's real promise for the future. Michelle Pfeiffer gets more to do as Janet Van Dyne, and really deserved more screen time considering the story they wanted to tell. Sadly, Evangeline Lily and Micheal Douglas are not given as much to do as they have in previous films, which is a shame.

Bill Murray and William Jackson Harper join the MCU as new characters. They're great but each isn't much more than a glorified cameo. Just a few minutes shorter than The Illuminati in Multiverse of Madness. Corey Stoll returns as Darren Cross, but instead of Yellowjacket is now M.O.D.O.K and look, the character is a giant floating head. Of course they're going to play it as a joke. But his character in this film just feels like a weird afterthought. 

Last thing I want to mention is the visuals. Outside of one particular sequence, the Quantum Realm is very standard sci-fi. There's nothing incredibly distinct about it, but that's not detrimental to the film. However, the previous Ant-Man films definitely were more creative with their visuals, specifically how the Ant-Man and The Wasp's special skills made for unique fight scenes. You're not going to find a fight on a Thomas the Tank Engine train-set, or a giant Hello Kitty Pez dispenser being thrown at a biker gang.

Outside the context of the larger MCU, Quantumania is a harmless family adventure. Alas it's no grand conclusion to a trilogy like Civil War or Ragnarok. The best thing it does is clue us in to a greater threat that's coming, played masterfully by Jonathan Majors. The MCU is not in shambles as some would suggest, but the divisive response to this film is not going to quell the discourse. 

Arguably, the MCU is going through a bit of growing pains as it finds its footing in a post-Endgame world (Interestingly both within its story and production. More on that later). Personally I've grown up with this franchise, I'm still on board, and interested to see where we go from here. Not every MCU film can or will be perfect, but no film is. As Scott Lang himself says in this film, "If there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that there's always room to grow." 

Film Review - "Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness"

Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness

Directed by Sam Raimi

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Xochitl Gomez, and Elizabeth Olsen

It's been six years since Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange made his MCU debut in the film of the same name. He's become a constant ever since, from being a key player in the last two Avengers films, to having supporting roles in Thor: Ragnarok and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Needless to say, the character has been through a lot, and there's no way in The Multiverse of Madness he's going to catch a break anytime soon.

As Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) attends the wedding of his former flame Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), a young girl named America Chavez (Gomez) falls into New York City, being chased by a demon part-cyclops and part-octopus. After being rescued by Strange, and his mentor/friend/Sorcerer Supreme Wong (Benedict Wong), Chavez explains she is being hunted for her power to travel the multiverse. Strange's decision to help Chavez leads him to seek help from Wanda Maximoff aka The Scarlet Witch (Olsen). This brings Strange down a path to learn much more about the multiverse and himself.

The film is a wild ride, and one of the most unique chapters of the MCU. That is no small credit to Director Sam Raimi, whose history with horror films is clearly on display here. This is almost the first MCU horror film, complete with jump scares and ghoulish sights. The film also has a bit of gore, and quite an impressive body count...If you're not big on horror this might not be your cup of tea, and parents might want to have younger MCU fans hold off or skip this one. 

While the film has the thrills and chills turned up to eleven, it's also very restrained in its multiverse madness. Don't expect hundreds of cameos peppered throughout the film, although there are plenty of surprises. The story is much more concerned with servicing its two primary characters, Stephen Strange and Wanda Maximoff, which is a good thing because that's what the film needs to do.

Everything each character has been through has led to this, especially Wanda, who practically steals the whole film. She outshines our lead hero for a fair amount of time, but that isn't to say Doctor Strange gets the short end of the stick. He gets some much-needed character work in this film beyond being the guy who knows everything (or at least thinks he does), and it builds off not just what he went through in the first Doctor Strange film, but in Infinity War and Endgame as well. He becomes a much more sympathetic and vulnerable character.

Despite all the good work the film does for The Scarlet Witch and would-be Sorcerer Supreme, the screenplay does lack a little focus, and pacing does become an issue. The film comes out guns blazing, then hits some speed bumps as it transitions from act-to-act. Though like I said, the film is a wild ride, and incredibly entertaining. There are some really distinct visuals in and out of the multiverse, and the creative styling of the magic users' powers are a sight to see. A highlight is a battle that uses notes off of sheet music. Speaking of music, props to Danny Elfman as this is probably one of his more unique scores for a film, meaning I didn't even recognize his typical style throughout the film (maybe he saves that for Tim Burton...)

Benedict Cumberbatch remains a perfect Doctor Strange, again getting to go more in-depth and personal with the character. Elizabeth Olsen, as always, is amazing as Wanda. Her performance is both a treat and terrifying, and just in case you're worried your lack of a Disney Plus subscription will leave you in the dark, this film gives you enough of a clue to what happened in WandaVision (but you should still watch it because it's great). Xochitl Gomez makes her MCU debut as America Chavez and holds her own well against the likes of Cumberbatch and Olsen, but isn't given that much to do. Hopefully we'll see her again soon. Rachel McAdams is given significantly more to do this time as Christine Palmer. She gets to play to her strengths of portraying a character that's equally sweet and snarky, and her chemistry with Cumberbatch is put to much better use. Benedict Wong as...Wong, once again proves he's one of the best supporting players in the MCU, perfectly weaving between the role of stoic moral compass and dry-witted comic relief. 

Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness has its shortcomings, but is still one of the most unique MCU films to date. It's highly entertaining, though viewers with a low threshold for horror films should err on the side of caution. It's full of unique visuals, wonderful performances, and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments. I definitely can't wait to see it again, and see where the MCU takes us next in this vast multiverse.

Film Review - "Spider-Man: No Way Home"

Spider-Man: No Way Home
Directed by Jon Watts
Starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, etc.

Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe took off, I think most of us grew up following three major superheroes: Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man. For a long time, I think arguably they were the most popular superheroes in the media. However time has a way of changing things, and heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, Wonder Woman and others have taken a fair share of the spotlight.

Personally for me, Spider-Man: No Way Home made me remember how much I loved the webhead. I think it's one of the best Spider-Man films to date.

It's hard to talk about this one without dipping into some spoilers, so here's your warning. But I think at this point everyone knows what's going on here.

Picking up after the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home, No Way Home finds Peter Parker (Holland) dealing with the fallout of Mysterio (Taylor Swift Muse Jake Gyllenhaal) revealing his identity. Amidst legal troubles and public prosecution, Peter, his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) are struggling to find out what they're going to do after high school graduation. It turns out being Spider-Man or his accomplices doesn't look good on college applications.

Out of options, Peter asks Doctor Stephen Strange (Cumberbatch) if he can cast a spell to make everyone forget he's Spider-Man. Unfortunately the spell backfires, cracking open the multiverse and bringing villains from other series-I mean, universes into their own. Villains that know "Peter Parker is Spider-Man" like Doctor Otto Octavius/Doc Ock (Alfred Molina), Max Dillion/Electro (Jamie Foxx), and Norman Osborn/Green Goblin (Willem DaFoe).

First of all, this film does have a lot of fan service, but it's not Spider-Man: No Substance At All. Quite the opposite. Everything done in this film is in service to Tom Holland's Peter Parker's character arc. I've enjoyed the first two MCU Spider-Man films but they've never been my favorites. I tend to agree with the notion that those films have felt less like Spider-Man films, and more like Avengers spinoffs. No Way Home squashes that notion in a grand coming-of-age story for Peter Parker. We can now see this trilogy has functioned on a whole as the origin for the MCU Spider-Man.

As one could expect from a Spider-Man origin story things can get a bit heavy. This is definitely the darkest film of the Home trilogy. There are some truly suspenseful sequences and plenty of emotional moments. You'll feel scared, and you'll cry. But it's not all gloom and doom. There is a lot here to enjoy as a Spider-Man fan and a Marvel fan. You'll cheer. You'll cry...This film's a bit of an emotional rollercoaster!

The action sequences are vibrant and a delight to watch. Each of them are distinct from one another and take full advantage of the film's colorful character roster. Of course everything is elevated by Michael Giacchino's epic score. Seriously when this dude composes he goes all out...also he's now written music for Doctor Strange, and another film co-starring Doctor Strange. That's a little fun fact for you.

I can't go through the whole cast but Tom Holland bring his A-Game to the film, embodying all the hope and the tragedy of Peter Parker. Peter is put through the ringer in No Way Home, and Holland handles it all so well, proving again and again that he is leading this film. Zendaya gives some of her best work as MJ, bringing plenty of heart and humor to the film. She's so much more than a comic relief this time, and her relationship with Peter comes to full fruition. That's probably no small part in due to the fact that Tom Holland and Zendaya are dating but hey, art imitates life. Benedict Cumberbatch continues to own the role of Doctor Strange. Marisa Tomei gives her best performance as Aunt May yet.

Willem DaFoe is an absolute terror and treat to watch once again as Norman Osborn. He actually may even be more terrifying than he was in the original Spider-Man. DaFoe's Green Goblin would make Josh Brolin's Thanos scared. Alfred Molina is a delight to see as Doc Ock again, pouring so much heart and charisma into what is probably his most iconic role. Jamie Foxx gets his second chance to play Electro from The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and he doesn't waste it. This time Foxx is played to his strengths, and it's much better the second time around.

...Maybe skip the next two paragraphs if you haven't been paying attention to the internet the past year.

Alright here we go. One of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood history...to see Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield return as their Peter Parker(s)/Spider-Men is nothing short of awesome. And they're not just cameos. They're full-on supporting players in this film and again, are there to help progress Tom Holland's Peter's narrative. I thought they both came back into their roles seamlessly. Tobey was never my favorite Spider-Man but when he worked, he worked. He plays this perfect older brother/mentor to the other Spider-Men, and has the same heart and charm he did in 2002. Andrew Garfield, I always thought he was a great Spider-Man. I liked The Amazing Spider-Man, and I know the second one isn't perfect, but he was consistently great throughout the duology. It's nice to finally see his Peter Parker getting the recognition he deserves from audiences (About damn time...) and he absolutely stole the show. Seeing Maguire and Garfield back, and together with Holland is such an exhilarating, emotional thing. Like literally watching cinematic history in the making.

Side-note, could you imagine if Tobey and Andrew's appearances didn't leak? Imagine if we all went into this film having absolutely no idea...the collective storm of minds being blown...oh well.

Not since 2011's The Muppets has my love for a property been so reinvigorated. Spider-Man: No Way Home is peak Spider-Man. It's fun, it's heartbreaking, and it's Avengers: Endgame level-epic. It's nearly twenty years of film history culminating in something that's never been done before, while also paving the way for a bold and intriguing future for MCU Spidey. I cannot wait to watch it again (safely because you know, Big Rona) and buy my copy of the Blu-Ray. It should go down as one of the best superhero films of all time (Have I said that about an MCU film before? I don't care).

...And let's give Andrew Garfield his The Amazing Spider-Man 3...just not exactly the one they were planning in 2014 because whoa boy...

Film Review - “Black Widow”

Black Widow

Directed by Cate Shortland

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, and David Harbour

To say Scarlett Johansson’s first solo outing as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was long over-due feels like a bad joke now. Frankly, it was overdue long before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its release for over a year. Ever since the character first appeared in Iron Man 2 fans have wanted her to have her own solo film. When it was finally announced Black Widow was going to be made, it couldn’t help but feel a bit bittersweet.

Learning it was going to be a prequel, and then watching her death in Avengers: Endgame (Still say it should’ve been Hawkeye) made Black Widow feel somewhat like an afterthought, and a squandering of potential. Johansson has always been great as Natasha, and has had plenty of screen time across the MCU. But it feels like so much more could’ve been done with the character, and now we’re just left to wonder “What If?” Pun absolutely intended.

But finally last month Black Widow was released in theaters and on Disney Plus Premier Access (For better or worse). Despite external circumstances, I found it to be a very enjoyable entry in the MCU, however not without its flaws.

Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Natasha (Johansson) is on the run form Secretary Ross (William Hurt) and the US military after violating the Sokovia Accords. Life in hiding is peaceful for all of five minutes until her surrogate sister Yelena Bologna (Pugh) sends her a package that puts her in the crosshairs of Taskmaster, a mercenary of the Red Room trained to mimic the fighting styles of The Avengers. 

The package contains an antidote to the mind-controlling agent used on all female operatives in the Black Widow program. Natasha reunites with Yelena, who tells her that the Red Room is still active, and Dreykov (Ray Winstone) the man in charge, is still alive. Natasha and Yelena set out to find the Red Room and stop Dreykov once and for all, while reuniting with their surrogate parents Alexei Shostakov/The Red Guardian (Harbour) and Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz), who also went through the Red Room’s training.

The film does a great job of providing us with the origins of Natasha without making it a straight origin story. The opening sequence, a flashback to the undercover life of “The Widow Family” in Ohio 1995, sets up the rest of the film perfectly. The overall tone and themes of this film make it one of the more intense and darker chapters in the MCU. Viewers can certainly resonate with what the film has to say about the treatment of women and how society values them. This is all fitting for a character with a history like Black Widow’s. Natasha has been a character constantly haunted by her past, and determined to “wipe the red out of her ledger” as she told Tom Hiddelston’s Loki in the original Avengers, and this story is built to service that arc.

Every MCU film feels in some way different than the others, and Black Widow feels like a real espionage adventure. The action scenes in this film are intense, exhilarating, and harken back to those from Captain America: The Winter Solider and Civil War. A few in the film’s third act are some of its best. But the film’s real strengths are the dynamics between its characters. The Widow Family work together really well, and you really believe they are a family. They poke fun at each other, they hate each other, and they love each other. It’s a perfectly written family dynamic, warts and all. This is in no small part due to the performances.

Scarlett Johansson has always been great as Natasha, and in this film we see why we fell in love with the character. The charm, the heart and the wit she has poured into the character for the past decade is all on display here. Unfortunately she sorts of falls into the same situation of the late Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther, where her supporting cast can outshine her. Florence Pugh establishes herself as a new MVP of the MCU. She brings a lot of heart and humor to the table as Yelena, and her chemistry with Johansson is incredible (Really sad it might be the only time we see them together). David Harbour is incredible as the Red Guardian. He was my favorite part of the film, playing this perfect goofy superhero dad with a misplaced ego. Rachel Weisz has a lot of good moments as Melina, but sadly I feel like the script didn’t give her enough opportunity to shine.

OT Fagbenle and William Hurt are fine as Rick Mason and Secretary Ross, but they’re just kind of there to help the plot along, and connect this to Phase Three’s narrative. Ray Winstone as Dreykov is…ok. He’s a talented actor but the script also does him no favors, and he turns out to be one of the weaker villains of the franchise. It’s is unfortunate because the film spends a lot of time building him up as this monster, but it’s a lot of tell and no show. Now is probably a good point to transition into what I thought didn’t work in the film.

I think the best way to sum up Black Widow’s shortcomings is it could’ve been so much more. I don’t necessarily mean “It could take place in present day post-Endgame with Natasha still alive” You can have this film set in the past and it’d still be effective. But the problem of “show, not tell” does not just pertain to Ray Winstone’s Dreykov. There are a lot of conversations between characters about things, really interesting, harrowing things we really should’ve seen as viewers. The pacing of the film sort of suffers as a result of this. I understand the whole film can’t be action sequences, but when this is the long overdue solo story of an OG Avenger, and possibly the last time we'll see her, you kinda want to give us all you got. We understand to a degree what Natasha has been through because we’ve had six films with her already, but that’s not a free pass to skimp on character work in this film.

It’s interesting how Dreykov is the film’s primary antagonist, when all the marketing had propped Taskmaster up in that position. Unfortunately, Taskmaster is probably as equally underdeveloped. Now avoiding spoilers here, but I don’t subscribe to the “#NotMyTaskmaster campaign” circling the internet right now. I enjoyed the portrayal of him in this film, even if it’s not what everyone expected given the character’s history. I thought he worked really well to service Natasha’s story, but we needed more time with the character to understand him better.

Black Widow may fall short of becoming one of the MCU’s greatest, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. It’s thrilling, emotional, and a good time at the movies, which is what we all need right now, and what we expect from Marvel. Pandemic aside, it is sadly a bit of a victim of circumstance, but within the parameters set for her, director Cate Shortland crafts a entertaining adventure for Natasha Romanoff that beautifully serves this beloved character.

I like many hope this is not the last we see of the Black Widow (although a certain lawsuit might be dwindling those chances as we speak), but I also hope this film stands as a touching tribute to original female Avenger and her importance to this powerhouse franchise…and it still should’ve been Hawkeye.

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!