Keaton's MARVEL Blog
"I am Iron Man"
Lore
Introducing the pivotal character of tony stark, the film established superheroes and the existence of S.H.I.E.L.D. within the broader universe. It’s one of the more grounded films in the MCU but still firmly establishes itself as sci-fi with the creation of the arc reactor (a fictional source of infinite energy) and the mk’s i-iii (the very first power armors in the mcu).
Review
Not just the beating heart of the mcu, Iron Man is a great standalone movie. Obviously, Stark is the star of the show with his iconic quips and a hilarious naming convention. Stark goes from, “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” (Tony Stark, "Avengers") to a hero with a heart. Obadiah Stain serves as a good but not surprising or revolutionary villain; Ya' know the typical "I built this empire, I won't let you destory it with your morals." kinda guy. Overall, Iron Man is a fun movie that made history by starting the most successful franchise of all time. 10/10
Introducing the pivotal character of tony stark, the film established superheroes and the existence of S.H.I.E.L.D. within the broader universe. It’s one of the more grounded films in the MCU but still firmly establishes itself as sci-fi with the creation of the arc reactor (a fictional source of infinite energy) and the mk’s i-iii (the very first power armors in the mcu).
Review
Not just the beating heart of the mcu, Iron Man is a great standalone movie. Obviously, Stark is the star of the show with his iconic quips and a hilarious naming convention. Stark goes from, “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” (Tony Stark, "Avengers") to a hero with a heart. Obadiah Stain serves as a good but not surprising or revolutionary villain; Ya' know the typical "I built this empire, I won't let you destory it with your morals." kinda guy. Overall, Iron Man is a fun movie that made history by starting the most successful franchise of all time. 10/10
It’s H.A.M.M.E.R. time
Lore
Mostly continuing where Iron Man 1 left off, Iron man 2 sees Stark continue to superhero around the world and be threatened by the US government for owning his armor suits which should classify as weapons, a theme that we see the governments of the world continue to express in future entries. The films villains are both iconic with Hammer being a knock-off Tony Stark and Ivan Vanko being your typical mad Russian genius that was wronged by Stark’s father. The film ends with the introduction of characters War Machine and Black Widow as well as a tease of vibranium and Thor. It also established the protocol for in-universe characters reacting to when a different actor plays a character.
Review
Functionally, Iron Man 2 is almost as good as the first, with new characters and iconic villains. 9/10
Mostly continuing where Iron Man 1 left off, Iron man 2 sees Stark continue to superhero around the world and be threatened by the US government for owning his armor suits which should classify as weapons, a theme that we see the governments of the world continue to express in future entries. The films villains are both iconic with Hammer being a knock-off Tony Stark and Ivan Vanko being your typical mad Russian genius that was wronged by Stark’s father. The film ends with the introduction of characters War Machine and Black Widow as well as a tease of vibranium and Thor. It also established the protocol for in-universe characters reacting to when a different actor plays a character.
Review
Functionally, Iron Man 2 is almost as good as the first, with new characters and iconic villains. 9/10
"Hulk Smash!"
Lore
This film does more for the lore of the mcu than a lot of people think. Introducing the genius Bruce Banner, TIH brings gamma radiation and hulks into play. Other characters that would return in the future include the Abomination, Thunderbolt Ross, the Leader, and Betty Ross.
Review
This is one of the few I haven’t gotten to watching yet. When I first got introduced to the MCU, I was told to skip this one. Most would probably agree with that statement, some may not. -/10
Review
This film does more for the lore of the mcu than a lot of people think. Introducing the genius Bruce Banner, TIH brings gamma radiation and hulks into play. Other characters that would return in the future include the Abomination, Thunderbolt Ross, the Leader, and Betty Ross.
Review
This is one of the few I haven’t gotten to watching yet. When I first got introduced to the MCU, I was told to skip this one. Most would probably agree with that statement, some may not. -/10
Review
“I like this drink, ANOTHER!”
Review
This is one of my personal favorites. Besides doing a lot for phase 1, this movie is just genuinely good. A less iconic but perfect example of the hero’s journey, Thor is arguably one of the best origins in the MCU. 8/10
This is one of my personal favorites. Besides doing a lot for phase 1, this movie is just genuinely good. A less iconic but perfect example of the hero’s journey, Thor is arguably one of the best origins in the MCU. 8/10
“I could do this all day”
Review
Another one of my favorites. I rank this as the third-best cap movie (slice that either way if you count BNW as part of the series or not). This is easily one of the best origin stories in the MCU to date. Steve Rodgers is iconic and memorable in every movie he’s in, but especially this one. 8/10
Another one of my favorites. I rank this as the third-best cap movie (slice that either way if you count BNW as part of the series or not). This is easily one of the best origin stories in the MCU to date. Steve Rodgers is iconic and memorable in every movie he’s in, but especially this one. 8/10
“Assemble”
Review
This is what really set the MCU apart from other franchises at the time and what ultimately cemented the MCU as the number 1 franchise in history. Avengers is incredible and laid the groundwork for the MCU to handle this type of major team-up movie going forward. Everyone in this movie is truly incredible, and the dynamics between the heroes do not disappoint. Another personal favorite with few issues. 9.2/10
This is what really set the MCU apart from other franchises at the time and what ultimately cemented the MCU as the number 1 franchise in history. Avengers is incredible and laid the groundwork for the MCU to handle this type of major team-up movie going forward. Everyone in this movie is truly incredible, and the dynamics between the heroes do not disappoint. Another personal favorite with few issues. 9.2/10
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