Marvel Phase 1

Iron Man <– Click Here for Review

The movie that started it all. The movie that brought the return of Robert Downey Jr. I know in Captain America The First Avenger I said I don't like origin stories, but this movie is the exception that proves the rule. The pacing is good, the acting is good, the action is good.

Between the CGI that set the stage for the next generation of movies, a compelling story, and outstanding character growth this is a fantastic movie. I want to give it a 10, I really do, but it just isn't there.

The Incredible Hulk <– Click Here for Review

The story works though. We get flashes to the origin story, and we get him working to hide and to work on himself and his control. I like that we get to see Ross as his true self early in the movie and he never waivers from it make him just as annoying as he shows up to be in the future movies.

Like I said, I am not sure how to feel about this movie. The story is pretty good, the action is fun, and the cast does a decent job. However, it just doesn't hold up. I think back when it came out I would have not been as picky, but I am still just as entertained by it.

Iron Man 2 <– Click Here for Review

The action in this is still so cool. Whiplash walking onto the track and whipping these cars in half and just the destruction. I also love the final battle with the drones. It is really well done.

I enjoy this movie. It is my least favorite of the 3 Iron Man movies, but it is right in line with Iron Man as far as pacing and storytelling. There are a lot of subtle events that happen and I really dig it. The final fight scene also has a familiar scene with the cars blowing up under the bridge like in The Dark Knight.

Thor <– Click Here for Review

What this movie does do really well is present the scale of the fights. From the Ice Giants, the Destroyer, or the fights with Loki and Thor, you get a really good feeling of the epicness of them. There is also some nice levity, while out of place it is still funny.

As much as this is an origin story and I don't like those, I like the comedy in this one more than Captain America The First Avenger. However, it is a pretty one dimensional story that is highly predictable. It is still entertaining, but it isn't great.

Captain America The First Avenger <– Click Here for Review

This was probably my least favorite movie in phase 1 and as I am watching 14 years later, it does a great job of holding up. The CGI looks good, the action is good, it isn't too cartoony, and the story is excellent. It still is a little slow.

This is an interesting movie in the fact that it very much feels like it got better. Maybe that is because we have had horrible Marvel movies recently with Captain America Brave New World being only halfway decent and Thunderbolts* being the movie pulling it out of the dumps. This was a 6 for me when I first watched it.

The Avengers <– Click here for review

We also get the first and maybe the best "Hulk... Smash." Speaking of the Hulk, the scene of him running towards Natasha has been in my brain since it showed up in the trailers. Also, him beating up Thor and Loki is solid as well.

Is this movie perfect? No. However, it is the perfect representation of a comic book movie that matches source material and built for the masses. It is the right blend of stress and weight with comedy and action. Now that we know where it ends, we can see the breadcrumbs they left behind and that makes this the beginning of the MCU.

My Rating

I have really enjoyed the MCU and this is where it started. Before I left for the Marines, I used to fall asleep to the special edition version of Iron Man and for me, it is still a feel good movie. I think RDJ coming back as Doom in the new Avengers movies will be a lot of fun, and I am interested how far back we will see the breadcrumbs. This is a worthwhile series at this point where you will enjoy it and not feel lost in the "Who is this?" Overall, Marvel Phase 1 is an 8. Part of that is due to the setup so it had to pay off.

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