The Marvellous Universe of Marvel
The age-old question: Marvel or DC? Fortunately, I love both as they have given us some of our most beloved characters like Batman and Spider-man. In this list I will wear my favourite astronaut suit, ride my best space ship and put on a brave face to try to explore the vast universe of Marvel films out there which does not just include films in the M.C.U. (Marvel Cinematic Universe starting with 2008's 'Iron Man') but all films featuring Marvel Characters or based on Marvel comics.
Conditions:
1) The films will be listed according to my preference. If it is Number 1 it means it is my favourite and if it's in the last place then it means it is my least favourite. So if you are viewing this on IMDB's app please make sure that you sort my list according to my list order before viewing or otherwise the placement would not make sense.
Please note that as a fan of superhero films in general it will not be easy for me to place all of these films according to my personal preference but I will try to be as objective as possible.
2) A short description and review will be given to complement the inclusion of all of my choices. It's a personal list so please accept that this is based on my own personal opinion.
3) I must have watched the films. I will not include films I haven't watched in their entirety
Conditions:
1) The films will be listed according to my preference. If it is Number 1 it means it is my favourite and if it's in the last place then it means it is my least favourite. So if you are viewing this on IMDB's app please make sure that you sort my list according to my list order before viewing or otherwise the placement would not make sense.
Please note that as a fan of superhero films in general it will not be easy for me to place all of these films according to my personal preference but I will try to be as objective as possible.
2) A short description and review will be given to complement the inclusion of all of my choices. It's a personal list so please accept that this is based on my own personal opinion.
3) I must have watched the films. I will not include films I haven't watched in their entirety
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- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris HemsworthMark RuffaloThe Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.This is hands down one of my favourite Marvel films and that is saying something. Everything from the introduction of Thanos to the humour had been created with the love, energy, and creativity which befits the Marvel cinematic universe.
- DirectorMatthew VaughnStarsJames McAvoyMichael FassbenderJennifer LawrenceIn the 1960s, superpowered humans Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr work together to find others like them, but Erik's vengeful pursuit of an ambitious mutant who ruined his life causes a schism to divide them.I remember that before I had even watched this film I was very skeptical of all its popularity and critical success. I asked myself "how could this be better than Singer's masterpiece in 2000?" Well, Matthew Vaughn put my question to rest pretty soon in 'X-Men: First Class'. While Singer's vision in 'X-Men' was the one that started it all and still deserves all the praise for it, this film is a better one with a great new cast of actors that brilliantly complement the previous ones and a great story exploring the origins of most of the characters. This film feels like an upgrade and that is why it is truly first class.
- DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansScarlett JohanssonEarth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.There are many reasons why one of the most ambitious superhero films ever made, if not films in general, is also one of the most successful and critically-appraised. So many, in fact, it is hard to write even a portion of them down in this short review but Josh Whedon's superb direction deserves a special mention.
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsRobert Downey Jr.Gwyneth PaltrowTerrence HowardAfter being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.It is not an exaggeration to say that f it wasn't for this film, I do not think we would have the M.C.U. we have today. The direction of Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark bring this comic book superhero to life in all his goateed glory and it is no wonder that it is still one of the highest rated Marvel films to this very day.
- DirectorBryan SingerStarsPatrick StewartHugh JackmanIan McKellenIn a world where mutants (evolved super-powered humans) exist and are discriminated against, two groups form for an inevitable clash: the supremacist Brotherhood, and the pacifist X-Men.Few other films characterize the millennium as well as Bryan Singer's 'X-Men', his magnum opus, does. We were so used to the portrayal of the X-Men in the 1990s animated TV series (1992-97) that Singer's bold adaptation was nothing short of a revelation of where the franchise could go. And today few other franchises compare to 'X-Men' thanks to Singer's vision in this film.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsTobey MaguireKirsten DunstWillem DafoeAfter being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, a shy teenager gains spider-like abilities that he uses to fight injustice as a masked superhero and face a vengeful enemy.For me, Tobey Maguire is the face of Spider-Man and I still have a little difficulty adapting to Tom Holland's portrayal (although he does a great job as well). Besides the portrayal of Spider-Man, this film has it all from exceptional performances from all the cast (Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane certainly brings all the rest to shame), great special effects at the time and a good and memorable story. An amazing film worth to bear the name of Spider-Man.
- DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsChris EvansHugo WeavingSamuel L. JacksonSteve Rogers, a rejected military soldier, transforms into Captain America after taking a dose of a "Super-Soldier serum". But being Captain America comes at a price as he attempts to take down a warmonger and a terrorist organization.I do not know why this film is not rated any higher by Marvel fans as when it came out it was certainly the best film in the M.C.U. and I still rate it very highly to this day. There are so many amazing actors in this film it is really hard to name just one but a special mention has to go to Hugo Weaving who is excellent as the Red Scull.
- DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandSamuel L. JacksonJake GyllenhaalFollowing the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.*Watched at the cinema
As much as I love this film and all of the beautiful locations it features (Venice and Prague are two of my favourite cities in Europe), I do not think that it is as memorable as some of Marvel's greatest films. However, I really like Jake Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Mysterio and this film's heart. - DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansMark RuffaloWhen Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program called Ultron, things go horribly wrong and it's up to Earth's mightiest heroes to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plan.While not as good as the first 'Avengers' film (2012) and certainly not as good as its sequel subtitled 'Infinity War' (2018), 'Age of Ultron' is still an enjoyable watch and a great film in its own right.
- DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsChris HemsworthAnthony HopkinsNatalie PortmanThe powerful but arrogant god Thor is cast out of Asgard to live amongst humans in Midgard (Earth), where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.There is a lot that one can appreciate about Kenneth Branagh's directorial vision of Thor. I personally loved this film and had really enjoyed watching it with my family.
- DirectorPeyton ReedStarsPaul RuddMichael DouglasCorey StollArmed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, pull off a plan that will save the world.I remember how impressed I was when I had first watched this film which had a unique style and blend of humour and action. I was previously unacquainted with Ant-Man and this film served as a perfect introduction to me, especially with Paul Rudd's and Michael Pen's wonderful performances. After watching it again some time ago I was not as impressed but this is still a great film.
- DirectorRuben FleischerStarsTom HardyMichelle WilliamsRiz AhmedA failed reporter is bonded to an alien entity, one of many symbiotes who have invaded Earth. But the being takes a liking to Earth and decides to protect it.*Watched at the cinema
I always loved Venom from the comic books to the video-games that I used to play when I was younger (Venom featured in 'Ultimate Spider-Man' for example). This film does a great job of bringing Venom to life especially with Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock and fantastic direction and cinematography. Maybe the writing could have been better especially when compared to most of the other films featuring Marvel characters so that is why it is not placed higher on this list. - DirectorLouis LeterrierStarsEdward NortonLiv TylerTim RothBruce Banner, a scientist on the run from the U.S. Government, must find a cure for the monster he turns into whenever he loses his temper.I really like this film not only for its own merits (and there are plenty) but for the massive improvement Louis Leterrier's direction had over 2003's 'Hulk'. It was Leterrier who originally wanted the role of Bruce Banner to be given to Mark Ruffalo who is nowadays the face of Banner (but Marvel insisted on Edward Norton for this film) and it is, to this day (Jan 2022), the only standalone Hulk film in the MCU. Leterrier's vision in this film is underappreciated to this day but future Marvel films owe a lot to this.
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsRobert Downey Jr.Mickey RourkeGwyneth PaltrowWith the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father's legacy.In my opinion, this sequel is not a patch on the first 'Iron Man' film released in 2008. It is hard to pinpoint the actual issues with it, it is certainly enjoyable even if it lacks a lot of great action scenes. I think the main issues arise when one compares it its predecessor as it does not have as much substance for example, otherwise there is plenty of fun to be had here.
- DirectorPeyton ReedStarsPaul RuddEvangeline LillyMichael PeñaAs Scott Lang balances being both a superhero and a father, Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.*Watched at the cinema
While certainly not as memorable as the first 'Ant-Man' (2015) film, 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' still retains much of the charm and humour which made the original so special. It is one of those films which is more fun than it is witty, more entertaining than it is subtle and for some that is also a good thing. - DirectorAndy SerkisStarsTom HardyWoody HarrelsonMichelle WilliamsEddie Brock attempts to reignite his career by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasady, who becomes the host of the symbiote Carnage and escapes prison after a failed execution.*Watched at the cinema
For a sequel to 2018's 'Venom' subtitled 'Let There Be Carnage', there is really not a whole lot of carnage in this film. I think Andy Serkis or the producers missed a golden opportunity here to go all out with the action which is not really justifiable in other superhero films. However, that is no to say that his is not a good film as it is really entertaining and the experience is only marred by the occasional average writing (refer to the review of the first 'Venom' film). - DirectorAng LeeStarsEric BanaJennifer ConnellySam ElliottBruce Banner, a genetics researcher with a tragic past, suffers an accident that causes him to transform into a raging green monster when he gets angry.I never really liked this adaptation of 'Hulk' as it is flawed on so many levels. Many parts are tedious or nonsensical and Ang Lee's direction leaves a lot to be desired. There was a big improvement in my opinion in 2008's 'The Incredible Hulk'.
- DirectorDaniel EspinosaStarsJared LetoMatt SmithAdria ArjonaBiochemist Michael Morbius tries to cure himself of a rare blood disease, but he inadvertently infects himself with a form of vampirism instead.*Watched at the cinema
I do not think I was ever as disappointed watching a film at the cinema as I was after watching 'Morbius' on its release date. After all the hype that was built surrounding this film with numerous trailers being released years in advance, what we got was a monotonous mess of a film with nothing really substantial to offer. Do not expect anything of substance before watching this film and you might enjoy it.