Robert Stewart
After reviewing the first two phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you almost get the feeling someone behind the scenes messed up when it came to the MCU Phase Three.
Phase One and Phase Two, as you may recall from my recent reviews of them, were each six movies long. So when we dive into the MCU Phase Three, we find out that it is… almost twice as big?! Did someone forget to cut this phase off halfway through or something?
It’s true, though; Phase Three clocks in at a mammoth ELEVEN entries as the MCU built on what was established earlier and fully finished off what would come to be known as “The Infinity Saga”.
With eleven movies to cover, no one wants to hear a long preamble from me, so let’s get into them!
11. Dr. Strange
Doctor Strange Official Trailer 1 (2016) – Benedict Cumberbatch Movie
Get Tickets – http://www.fandango.com/doctorstrange_186645/movieoverview?cmp=MCYT_YouTube_Desc READ BELOW FOR EASTER EGGS & HIDDEN REFERENCES Starring: Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, and Benedict Cumberbatch Doctor Strange Official Trailer 1 (2016) – Benedict Cumberbatch Movie After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant and conceited surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under her wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.
What’s most outstanding about the MCU Phase Three is not just its size, but the fact that there are no misses. I had to go over eleven movies to find a “worst” one, and this was all I could come up with: a movie I gave a 3.5 out of 5 on Letterboxd.
What a “phase” of movies, guys!
Scott Derrickson‘s Dr. Strange does not match up to some of the better MCU origin story movies, but it does everything it needs to do. It sets up Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange character and his tie to the Infinity Saga: he comes to possess one of the Infinity Stones. It also introduces other secondary characters that will be important to the franchise going forward, most notably in the form of Wong, Strange’s put-upon sidekick and assistant.
There are some impressive visuals in this one, as you can tell, Derrickson was influenced by Steve Ditko’s original work on the Sorcerer Supreme. And Tilda Swinton is one of those great actors that the MCU drafts in for a one-off (or, in this case, a two-off) role.
Yeah, I don’t have a lot of knocking to do on this one; I just think it wasn’t quite as much fun as the outings ahead of it.
10. Ant-Man & The Wasp
Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp – Official Trailer #1
Real heroes. Not actual size. Watch the brand-new trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp. In theaters July 6th. ► Subscribe to Marvel: http://bit.ly/WeO3YJ Follow Marvel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marvel Like Marvel on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Marvel For even more news, stay tuned to: Tumblr: http://marvelentertainment.tumblr.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvel Google+: https://plus.google.com/+marvel Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/marvelofficial
Speaking of fun!
Paul Rudd and his fabulous supporting cast are back, this time with Evangeline Lilly’s The Wasp getting added to the masthead. This is really more of the same if you liked the initial Ant-Man flick. It has a fun amount of charm and innocent joy. And in the wake of Avengers: Infinity War, the MCU used this movie as a breather before we got to the seriousness of Endgame.
That’s right; this is oddly one of two movies released in the period between Infinity War and Endgame. There was some frustration there, sure, as everyone was just anxious to see what happened after IW’s stunner of an ending, but it was hard to be mad at this offering.
With Ant-Man being absent from Infinity War but set for a big role in Endgame, it was this movie that was set up to explain where he was during the war against Thanos. So it certainly works as the bridge that it is.
For more in-depth analysis, click here.
9. Captain America: Civil War
Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War – Trailer 2
The conflict ignites in a brand-new trailer for Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War,” hitting theaters May 6! ► Subscribe to Marvel: http://bit.ly/WeO3YJ Follow Marvel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marvel Like Marvel on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Marvel For even more news, stay tuned to: Tumblr: http://marvelentertainment.tumblr.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/marvel Google+: https://plus.google.com/+marvel/ Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/marvelofficial/
What?
What?!
Captain America: Civil War is this far down my ranking? How can that be?
Let me explain before you get too angry in the comments. As noted above, all the entries in this phase are at least Very Good, and Civil War is no different. It introduced both Spider-Man and Black Panther, and it has arguably the best action sequence in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, with the airport fight scene between Tony’s forces and Steve’s. There’s undoubtedly a lot of glorious stuff to be found here.
I just also feel like this is a story that is really let down by its villain and its plot. Zemo’s entire plan doesn’t hold up to any real scrutiny, and it relies on a ton of plot contrivances and factors well out of Zemo’s control. Daniel Bruhl plays a great Zemo, but I feel like his story is propped up by several visible strings. And, frankly, after the airport fight, the movie loses a lot of steam. Cap knew Bucky killed Tony’s parents? How and when?! He was buried in ice that whole time!
But come on… I still love this one. It’s great.
For more in-depth analysis, click here.
8. Captain Marvel
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Higher. Further. Faster. Watch the trailer for Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel, in theaters March 8, 2019.
One of the complaints I’ve seen frequently lobbed against Captain Marvel–and one that I’ve personally never bit into–is that Brie Larson’s performance is “wooden” or somehow weak.
I think the Academy Award winner is perfect in her role as Carol Danvers. For a while, she is playing the suppressed Kree warrior Vers, where you could argue she is wooden, sure, but in an intentional manner. But after she starts finding her memories and is dealing with Nick Fury and the Rambeaus, she is entirely adorable and engaging.
Does Captain Marvel have weaknesses? Sure. That’s why it’s #8 here. But I’m just saying Brie isn’t one of them. You’ve got a downright terrible antagonist in Jude Law’s… hold on, he’s forgettable so I have to look this up… Yon-Rogg. He just vanishes for a large chunk of the movie, then returns and is easily thwarted by Carol. No wonder Law feels like he would rather be anywhere on Earth than acting in this movie.
But overall, like Dr. Strange and the next two entries on this list, I thought this was another great introductory movie for an MCU character as they built to the Big Two Avengers movies.
For more in-depth analysis, click here.
7. Black Panther
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther – Official Trailer
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Black Panther is a movie that is as culturally relevant as it is highly entertaining. And the cast? Stacked to the point that one of my favorite modern actors–Sterling K. Brown–has a nothing role but still delivers a strong performance.
This one has entered the cultural zeitgeist–especially in black communities–in such a way that most pieces of pop culture can only dream of. Wakanda is more than a fictional locale; it’s an ideal. A motivational construct. It might as well BE real nowadays. The idea of it is that important.
Hey, the flick is good, too! While the Marvel Cinematic Universe was certainly having trouble with building quality antagonists aside from Loki, Black Panther gave us Michael B. Jordan commanding the screen and making good character arguments as Killmonger. He is easily a top-five MCU villain still to this day. And even the What If…? show knew enough to bring him back for more.
For more in-depth analysis, click here.
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
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It’s time to suit up. #SpiderManHomecoming In Theaters July 7. Get Tickets: http://www.spidermanhomecoming.com/ Subscribe to Sony Pictures for exclusive video updates: http://bit.ly/SonyPicsSubscribe Follow Spider-Man on Social: https://www.facebook.com/SpiderManMovie/ https://www.twitter.com/SpiderManMovie/ https://www.instagram.com/SpiderManMovie/ A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
I’m a huge Spider-Man fan, and it feels like all I have ever wanted has been a top-to-bottom fantastic Spider-Man movie.
And I’d end up getting it in the form of Into The Spider-Verse!
In the meantime, however, the MCU was offering us the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies. Now, there is a fairly common thought line on the live-action Spider-Men that I can’t say I disagree with: Tobey Maguire was a great Peter Parker, but not a good Spider-Man. Andrew Garfield was a great Spider-Man, but not a good Peter Parker, and Tom Holland is the middle point of both.
I think Holland is closer to being great at both than he is to being not very good at either. Peter is nerdy and unconfident. His Spider-Man is quick-witted and motor-mouthy. I really like Holland in the role of my second-favorite fictional character ever.
Along with him, you’ve got Michael Keaton playing a positively menacing Adrian Toomes (The Vulture). Stupendous job from him here!
For more in-depth analysis, click here.
5. Spider-Man: Far From Home
SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME – Official Trailer
⚠️ [SPOILERS AHEAD] ⚠️ It’s time to step up. Watch the new #SpiderManFarFromHome trailer now and get your tickets today: https://bit.ly/FarFromHomeTix https://www.spidermanfarfromhome.movie Follow Us on Social: https://www.facebook.com/SpiderManMovie https://twitter.com/SpiderManMovie https://www.instagram.com/SpiderManMovie Subscribe to Sony Pictures for exclusive content: http://bit.ly/SonyPicsSubscribe Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.
You’re thinking I have fallen and bumped my head and swapped this movie with Civil War accidentally, but I did not!
I really like this one.
It’s a great collection of scenes and moments. We finally–FINALLY–get a scene that displays just how badass a superpower the Spider-Sense is, when Peter uses it to thrash all of Mysterio’s illusions. Speaking of which, the illusion scene where Mysterio first whomps Spidey is equally incredible.
Gyllenhal is not on Keaton’s level of pure malice and ill intent, but he’s still clearly having a blast in this one. We get the start of Peter’s relationship with MJ, and their chemistry is superb.
There’s good stuff here, I promise!
For more in-depth analysis, click here.
4. Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 2
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It’s showtime. Watch the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 teaser trailer. Obviously. In theaters May 2017. ► Subscribe to Marvel: http://bit.ly/WeO3YJ Follow Marvel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marvel Like Marvel on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Marvel For even more news, stay tuned to: Tumblr: http://marvelentertainment.tumblr.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/marvel Google+: https://plus.google.com/+marvel/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/marvelofficial/
I really like Spider-Man: Far From Home, but for my money, THIS is the most slept-on movie in the whole MCU.
I remember not caring for this entry when I first saw it. I graded it out as a C movie. I thought it did what Guardians of the Galaxy part one did, but worse. But then a funny thing happened: I just kept re-watching it with people. And I learned that I REALLY like it. A LOT.
The Nebula/Gamora reunion is done well. Peter is dealing with Ego as his dad (played by KURT RUSSELL, come on!) has a lot of emotion to it. The needle drops remain bangers. Baby Groot is adorable.
I think this is low-key one of the most rewatchable films in the whole franchise…
3. Thor: Ragnarok
“Thor: Ragnarok” Official Trailer
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But if you want to talk about THE most rewatchable? Well, that might just be this one. It’s definitely the one I’ve turned on and enjoyed the most in my life.
Don’t let Thor: Love & Thunder color your feelings for Taika Waititi’s first outing helming a Thor flick, because Thor: Ragnarok is at least as good as you remember.
A slightly reined-in Waititi delivers some of the MCU’s peak humor in this one, and the action is high quality, too. The ever-amazing Cate Blanchett also stars as Hela, who really ought to come back someday. Hey, we never saw a body; it’s conceivable!
For more in-depth analysis, click here.
2. Avengers: Infinity War
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War Official Trailer
“There was an idea…” Avengers: Infinity War. In theaters April 27. ► Subscribe to Marvel: http://bit.ly/WeO3YJ Follow Marvel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marvel Like Marvel on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Marvel For even more news, stay tuned to: Tumblr: http://marvelentertainment.tumblr.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvel Google+: https://plus.google.com/+marvel Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/marvelofficial
And then there were two. THE two. And the ultimate decision was in which order to put them.
I’ll elaborate on that in a second, but for now, if you want more in-depth analysis on Infinity War, click here.
1. Avengers: Endgame
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame – Official Trailer
Whatever it takes. Watch the brand-new trailer for Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame. In theaters April 26. ► Learn more: https://marvel.com/movies/avengers-endgame ► Subscribe to Marvel: http://bit.ly/WeO3YJ Follow Marvel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marvel Like Marvel on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Marvel For even more news, stay tuned to: Tumblr: http://marvelentertainment.tumblr.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvel Google+: https://plus.google.com/+marvel Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/marvelofficial
So yeah, this list was always leading up to the epic two-parter. Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. One is the Empire Strikes Back of the MCU: it’s darker in tone, as evil ultimately wins the day. It creates the mythology that the other has to build off of. It first pairs up the ten years’ worth of characters and sees them play off of each other.
The other is the culmination. The landing. Everything depended on Endgame nailing the finish. If Endgame faltered, we would probably have a different view on Infinity War. One of wasted potential. But we don’t, because Endgame pulled it all together magnificently.
So which one gets the top? Well, obviously, for me, it’s Endgame. I was personally BLOWN AWAY by how well Endgame succeeded as an ending to the Infinity Saga. Time travel can always feel a bit cheap and gimmicky, but they use it excellently here. The final battle in Endgame is everything. Cap lifting Mjolnir. “On your left”. “Avengers assemble”. The epic scope of it all. It just slightly outdoes what Infinity War before it accomplished. In my opinion.
For more in-depth analysis, click here.
But that’s just it. It’s my opinion. What is YOURS? Let us know in the comments what your ranking of this phase is!
When we get back together to talk MCU phases, we will be delving into… uh-oh!… the post-Endgame landscape. But is it as bad as people say? We will see.
Until next time… take care!
