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David McK (3204 KP) rated Spider-Man 2 (2004) in Movies
Oct 10, 2021
2004.
Were still in pre-MCU era, and still have Toby Maguire in the dual role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
Loosely adapting the classic 'Spider-Man no more' comic run, this is also the movie with Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus, and with the whole 'stopping the train' sequence, that still stands as one of the best superhero sequels to date!
Were still in pre-MCU era, and still have Toby Maguire in the dual role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man.
Loosely adapting the classic 'Spider-Man no more' comic run, this is also the movie with Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus, and with the whole 'stopping the train' sequence, that still stands as one of the best superhero sequels to date!
Barundar (12 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Apr 27, 2019
Story (2 more)
Ending
Effects
Endgame No Spoiler Review!
The Epic ending to last year's Infinity War was all you could hope it to be. Not only did this film have to wrap up the devastating cliffhanger we were left hanging on after the 'snap', it also had to tie up all the character arcs the MCU has built so far for the original Avengers. Somehow this film delivers it all!
The three hour run time may seem daunting to some, but to those who have invested in the last 21 films it's just right. Each character has their moments and the film is filled with the usual MCU humor and action.
The first two hours move at a steady pace, fleshing out the characters and story while building up to the third hour and final act. The ending, as expected, was beyond epic and highly satisfying in every way. The story doesn't drag during the three hours, nor is it straight action. In between we get plenty of 'fan moments' that are just perfect and well earned after all these films.
There is a lot to take in with three hours of story. You may need to see it again as you are sure to be blown away by something you may miss something else. Some moments need to be seen again and at some point you may need a critical bathroom break too.
The film does not have any after credit scenes only a 'sound' at the very end. It's enjoyable for the casual MCU fan to the die-hard fan, having seen Infinity War being a prerequisite in my opinion.
Avengers: Endgame is PG-13, so as far as little ones seeing it, if they could handle Infinity War they can handle this.
This is a must see for any MCU fan and an A+ from me.
The three hour run time may seem daunting to some, but to those who have invested in the last 21 films it's just right. Each character has their moments and the film is filled with the usual MCU humor and action.
The first two hours move at a steady pace, fleshing out the characters and story while building up to the third hour and final act. The ending, as expected, was beyond epic and highly satisfying in every way. The story doesn't drag during the three hours, nor is it straight action. In between we get plenty of 'fan moments' that are just perfect and well earned after all these films.
There is a lot to take in with three hours of story. You may need to see it again as you are sure to be blown away by something you may miss something else. Some moments need to be seen again and at some point you may need a critical bathroom break too.
The film does not have any after credit scenes only a 'sound' at the very end. It's enjoyable for the casual MCU fan to the die-hard fan, having seen Infinity War being a prerequisite in my opinion.
Avengers: Endgame is PG-13, so as far as little ones seeing it, if they could handle Infinity War they can handle this.
This is a must see for any MCU fan and an A+ from me.
David McK (3204 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Apr 9, 2019 (Updated Dec 23, 2020)
Spider-Man: The High School Spiderman
This is the web-slingers first full foray into the MCU, following his introduction in Captain America: Civil War (or, basically, Avengers 2.5).
And in this, thankfully, were spared yet another rendition of how he got his powers/Uncle Bens death, arriving already fully formed and with only a brief mention of getting bit by a spider and with no mention whatsoever of 'with great power comes great responsibilty'.
To the best of my knowledge, this is also the Vultures first big-screen appearance, although his own powers here come from scavenged alien tech rather than anything more 'comic-book'y. This also takes the unusual(?) approach of having Spider-Man being teenaged and still at school, rather than all the previous (non-MCU) movies in which he is leaving or has already left university.
And in this, thankfully, were spared yet another rendition of how he got his powers/Uncle Bens death, arriving already fully formed and with only a brief mention of getting bit by a spider and with no mention whatsoever of 'with great power comes great responsibilty'.
To the best of my knowledge, this is also the Vultures first big-screen appearance, although his own powers here come from scavenged alien tech rather than anything more 'comic-book'y. This also takes the unusual(?) approach of having Spider-Man being teenaged and still at school, rather than all the previous (non-MCU) movies in which he is leaving or has already left university.
Carma (21 KP) rated The Avengers (2012) in Movies
Jun 17, 2019
Great first collaboration movie
The Avengers first go at the group ensemble is a win in my books. Who knew all those years ago what the MCU would become. This movie combined all the heroes, and their beginning backstories, together well. The heroes must come together to go against Loki and his intergalactic strike team. The team comes together after a brief hiccup of inner fighting, to save New York from the Chitauri and more importantly, Thanos. We get our first glimpse at the purple faced titan and what is to come from him and his army. Loki and the Tesseract play center stage in this first Avengers movie, but I don't think it will be the last time Loki plays center stage.
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) in Movies
Aug 18, 2020
This movie is criminally underrated and bashed as such. Of course it's not the best superhero movie ever. It's not even the best Zack Snyder film. But it does tell a good story with good acting and great action.
Regardless of the beating in the media, Ben Affleck did just fine as Batman. Jesse Eisenberg also did a fine job as Lex Luthor, although you couldn't tell it by reading "professional" reviews. I feel like he brought an accurate neurotic element to the character.
I find it interesting that the MCU is often praised for taking a bit of a darker approach to its films while the DCEU is almost exclusively criticized for a similar approach. Yes, I do understand they are very different. I'm not saying I don't enjoy the MCU, but hypocrisy runs rampant.
Regardless of the beating in the media, Ben Affleck did just fine as Batman. Jesse Eisenberg also did a fine job as Lex Luthor, although you couldn't tell it by reading "professional" reviews. I feel like he brought an accurate neurotic element to the character.
I find it interesting that the MCU is often praised for taking a bit of a darker approach to its films while the DCEU is almost exclusively criticized for a similar approach. Yes, I do understand they are very different. I'm not saying I don't enjoy the MCU, but hypocrisy runs rampant.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Black Widow (2021) in Movies
Jul 19, 2021
A Winning Return for the MCU
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is back!
With the much delayed premiere of BLACK WIDOW, the MCU returns with a fun romp that is part family drama, part action adventure - and all MCU.
Starring Scarlett Johansson, of course, as the titular character, BLACK WIDOW takes place after CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR and before AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, teams up with her “other” family to stop a team of enemy assasins.
But, it’s not the plot that we care about in these types of movies, it’s the characters and the action. And this film brings both in abundance.
Let’s start with the characters - the 4 main “family” members - Johansson (Black Widow), Florence Pugh (Yelena), David Harbour (Alexei) and Rachel Weisz (Melina) are wonderful to spend time with. These are characters that I want to see on the screen and their interactions - though sometimes confrontational - is filled with friendship, respect and love. This is something that other “universes” don’t quite get as well as the MCU and it shows.
Johannson, of course, is terrific as Black Widow. She has this character down and if this is her last go around as this character, she’ll got out with her head held high. David Harbour (STRANGER THINGS) is the comic relief of this film as his (somewhat) overweight superhero RED GUARDIAN, tries to fit into his old costume (reminiscent of MR. INCREDIBLE) while Rachel Weisz (Oscar winner for THE CONSTANT GARDNER) is the grounding/realistic character.
But all 3 of these take a back seat to the terrific Florence Pugh (Oscar nominated for LITTLE WOMEN a few year’s back) as the “little sister” of Black Widow. She and Johannson have terrific chemistry together and the writers/directors give Pugh most of the good lines that will lead the audience to be won over by her character.
The only blemish I have in the performances of this film is Ray Winstone’s rather “average” performance as the main bad guy in this film. I don’t fault Winstone’s performance, I think that it is because the part is underwritten or, worst yet, an afterthought of the writers.
Director Cate Shortland (LORE) does a good job keeping the film moving while interspersing the family drama with the action and the humor at a brisk enough clip to keep your interest for the full 134 minutes of this film. It’s a good return to the MCU and one that will keep you coming back for more.
Which is EXACTLY what the MCU wishes you to do.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
With the much delayed premiere of BLACK WIDOW, the MCU returns with a fun romp that is part family drama, part action adventure - and all MCU.
Starring Scarlett Johansson, of course, as the titular character, BLACK WIDOW takes place after CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR and before AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, teams up with her “other” family to stop a team of enemy assasins.
But, it’s not the plot that we care about in these types of movies, it’s the characters and the action. And this film brings both in abundance.
Let’s start with the characters - the 4 main “family” members - Johansson (Black Widow), Florence Pugh (Yelena), David Harbour (Alexei) and Rachel Weisz (Melina) are wonderful to spend time with. These are characters that I want to see on the screen and their interactions - though sometimes confrontational - is filled with friendship, respect and love. This is something that other “universes” don’t quite get as well as the MCU and it shows.
Johannson, of course, is terrific as Black Widow. She has this character down and if this is her last go around as this character, she’ll got out with her head held high. David Harbour (STRANGER THINGS) is the comic relief of this film as his (somewhat) overweight superhero RED GUARDIAN, tries to fit into his old costume (reminiscent of MR. INCREDIBLE) while Rachel Weisz (Oscar winner for THE CONSTANT GARDNER) is the grounding/realistic character.
But all 3 of these take a back seat to the terrific Florence Pugh (Oscar nominated for LITTLE WOMEN a few year’s back) as the “little sister” of Black Widow. She and Johannson have terrific chemistry together and the writers/directors give Pugh most of the good lines that will lead the audience to be won over by her character.
The only blemish I have in the performances of this film is Ray Winstone’s rather “average” performance as the main bad guy in this film. I don’t fault Winstone’s performance, I think that it is because the part is underwritten or, worst yet, an afterthought of the writers.
Director Cate Shortland (LORE) does a good job keeping the film moving while interspersing the family drama with the action and the humor at a brisk enough clip to keep your interest for the full 134 minutes of this film. It’s a good return to the MCU and one that will keep you coming back for more.
Which is EXACTLY what the MCU wishes you to do.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Iron Man (2008) in Movies
Jan 2, 2018
MCU
The first installment of Iron Man one of the greatest comic book heroes of all time. Played by Robert Downy Jr (no one else could have played Ironman) give a comical yet serious look at the trillionaire playboy weapons maker who changes his point on view from weapons to defense. It's a fun ride that helps leads to the Avengers movie.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
8.3
Rate It
Movie Watch
Peter Quill unravels the mystery of his father's identity with help from Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Baby...
Marvel Cinematic Universe MCU Star-Lord
Andrew Koltuniuk (750 KP) rated The Avengers (2012) in Movies
May 5, 2020
It was very interesting watching this movie again after seeing the conclusion to the MCU. Compared to the concluding films of the franchise, Avengers feels like it is cobbled together. A lot of the dialogue felt stilted this time around and very unnatural. I still really love this movie and it brought back a lot of nostalgia, but it isn't as good as I remember it being.
