For twenty years, superhero movies abound and it is not Disney who will say otherwise. Since its acquisition of Marvel Entertainment for $ 4 billion (a trifle compared to the acquisition of 20th century Fox …), the company with big ears has made these films real pop-culture phenomena.
But here's the thing: since 2008 and the release of Iron Man (which laid the groundwork for the Marvel Cinematic Universe), heroes in tights have multiplied in the cinema and it is sometimes difficult not to get lost. So what are all these works and what have they brought individually to this monumental edifice of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Focus!
Phase 1: 2008 – 2012
The beginnings of Phase 1 were chaotic to say the least. Indeed, the production and distribution rights of Marvel films passed at the time from hand to hand, preventing the creation of a cinematic universe in a serene way. The acquisition by Disney in 2009 put everyone in agreement and allowed this Phase 1 to develop in a more peaceful way. This laid the foundation for one of the largest cinematographic buildings ever built…
Iron Man (2008)
Release date: April 30, 2008
Realization: Jon Favreau
Casting: Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard
Genre(s): Action, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: Tony Stark is the most famous and sulphurous arms dealer on the planet. Inventor and genius, billionaire and notorious playboy, his cynicism is matched only by his immorality. But while traveling in Afghanistan to present new advanced weapons, he is taken hostage by a terrorist organization. He is then forced to invent a super-sophisticated armor to escape from this hell. When he returns home he is no longer the same man. Having been confronted with the reality on the ground and the destructive potential of his weapons, he decides to stop selling them and rid the world of these monstrosities. For this he has a plan: to recreate an armor even more advanced than the one that helped him escape Afghanistan. He then becomes Iron Man.
Contribution to the MCU: It all started in 2008. Jon Favreau, not really well known as a filmmaker at the time, embarks on the Iron Man project, the first step of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Robert Downey Jr in the cast. This actor who comes out of prison is not unanimous, because he is more famous for his civic excesses than for his roles in the cinema (despite some landmark films like Chaplin, Born Killers and US Marshall). However, Robert Downey Jr totally appropriates the character of Tony Stark, remaining very faithful to the comics. Tony Stark is always arrogant, vicious, but also heroic. Iron Man is the first irreverent superhero movie, long before Kick-Ass and Deadpool. In the manner of Gore Verbinski with Pirates of the Caribbean, Jon Favreau dusts off the superhero film by infusing it with a new energy, more comic, more pop and more rhythmic. This first stone of the edifice of the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains one of the best films of the firm. A future classic for its status as the first film of the MCU, but also for its quality and for the style it has been able to infuse into all productions for a decade.
Author: Aubin
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Release date: July 23, 2008
Realization: Louis Leterrier
Casting: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, Tim Roth
Genre(s): Action
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: After an unfortunate accident involving gamma rays, scientist Bruce Banner hid in the heart of Brazil's favelas in an attempt to find a cure for his loss of control (turning him into the Hulk, an ultra-violent green monster). However, he is quickly spotted by the U.S. military, who wish to use his blood to create a new race of super-soldiers. With his back to the wall, Bruce returns to the USA to find someone he hopes can cure him of this destructive evil.
Contribution to the MCU: In 2008, this superhero accompanied Iron Man in the premises of the MCU. Hulk, rebooted after the disappointing version of Ang Lee, this time takes the features of Edward Norton. Not exceptional, this Hulk remains a very honorable entertainment that relies on a quality cast: Edward Norton as Bruce Banner, Tim Roth as Abomination, Liv Tyler (since totally forgotten) and William Hurt in the role of General Ross, always in pursuit of the green giant. But this Hulk is special. He is a bit like the ugly duckling of the MCU, finally not having the codes. Less focused on humor, colors and pop, this dramatic film is a faithful adaptation of Hulk, but struggles to fit into the ultra-tight-knit universe of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Apart from the post-credits scene with Iron Man and General Ross reused in hindsight, The Incredible Hulk has nothing of the MCU, even Edward Norton has since been replaced by Mark Ruffalo. But ultimately it is not worse and this is what makes its charm, since the main criticism that is made to the MCU is its lack of renewal and diversity between its different productions. For once, The Incredible Hulk stands out from all the other films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Author: Aubin
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Release date: April 28, 2010
Realization: Jon Favreau
Casting: Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle
Genre(s): Action, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: Tony Stark has publicly admitted to being Iron Man and this is not without consequences. The government wants him to share his revolutionary technology with them, which he categorically refuses, lest his inventions end up in the wrong hands again. But very quickly, a new major problem imposes itself on him: the appearance of Ivan Vanko / Whiplash, an enemy who seems to master to perfection the same technology as him.
Contribution to the MCU: Two years after the first opus, Jon Favreau returns behind the camera to stage the continuation of the adventures of Tony Stark. Robert Downey Jr bursts the screen again, but this sequel does not reach the power of the first opus. More lazy, the film does not offer memorable sequences, but nevertheless allows the introduction of many characters: Colonel James Rhodes wears for the first time the armor of War Machine, Samuel L Jackson is never far in the skin of Nick Fury and above all, the film offers the first appearance of the Black Widow in the guise of Scarlett Johansson. Iron Man 2, despite its bad publicity, is therefore the first real reunion of the MCU. This is the first film to assume its preparation for an Avengers and its desire to create a true Marvel universe.
Author: Aubin
Thor (2011)
Release date: April 27, 2011
Realization: Kenneth Branagh
Casting: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins
Genre(s): Action, Fantasy
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: Thor, son of Odin and heir to the throne of Asgard, is a warrior as powerful as he is imbued with himself. After a forbidden punitive expedition to the Kingdom of the Ice Giants, his father banishes him and sends him to Earth (not without taking away his powers) in order to give him a lesson in humility. It is in this place that the God of Thunder will finally learn to behave like a true hero.
Contribution to the MCU: In 2011, Thor introduced two new members of the Avengers: the Asgardian God played by Chris Hemsworth and Hawkeye as Jeremy Renner.An interesting filmmaker's choice: after all, who better than the most Shakespearean filmmaker to stage a story of Gods? Kenneth Branagh applies the Marvel recipe: valves, action and iconic characters. However, this first Thor lacks scope and the costumes are a task in the earthly universe we were used to. The action is relatively ugly and the story quite succinct. However, this first Thor adds a whole narrative pan to the MCU, extends the Marvel universe thanks to the Asgardian community composed of anthology characters such as Odin, Heimdall and especially Loki thanks to Tom Hiddleston, still the best villain of the MCU at the moment.
Author: Aubin
Captain America – First Avenger (2011)
Release date: August 17, 2011
Realization: Joe Johnston
Casting: Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Dominic Cooper
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: Captain America – First Avenger tells the story of Steve Rogers, a young man wishing above all to enter the army to fight the 3rd Reich. Small downside: Steve is a gringalet in too poor health to join a military corps. However, his perseverance will lead him to be recruited by Dr. Erskine, who sees in him the perfect candidate to become a genetically modified super-soldier. Steve Roger thus becomes Captain America, symbol of the fight against Nazism and sworn enemy of Hydra, a small Nazi group aiming to dominate the world (of course) via the Tesseract…
Contribution to the MCU: Dare we say it, Captain America – The First Avenger is not the most interesting movie in this universe. Caricatured in its treatment and anemic concerning the psychology of the Captain, it is nevertheless necessary to the MCU building for several reasons. The first is the introduction of the famous Captain, who is (as the title subtly indicates) the very first Avenger. So we had to know where he comes from in order to understand his role to play in the superheroic slap that is Avengers. The second reason making this film important is obviously the Tesseract, the first infinity stone presented within the MCU. This powerful artifact acts as a portal between various places in the universe and can only be controlled by creatures of inordinate power. It was therefore very important to present this object, as it is one of the main problems of our heroes in the reunion of the Avengers. This first opus of Captain America is therefore doubly important in this timeline, despite the questionable quality of the film (which remains however entertaining and rhythmic, like many Marvel).
Author: Robin Uzan
Avengers (2012)
Release date: April 25, 2012
Realization: Joss Whedon
Casting: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: Loki, considered dead by his brother Thor, returns to Earth determined to enslave him. For this, the Tesseract will be very useful to him to open a space-time passage that will let an army of Chitauris (inconvenient alien race) invade us without the slightest mercy. The stakes are too high for a hero alone! Iron Man, Hulk and Captain America are called to the rescue. With the help of the Black Widow and Hawkeye, they will try everything to oppose Loki. Unexpectedly, Thor also arrives on Earth in order to stop his little brother before it's too late. All this band must then learn to live and work together for the salvation of the Earth, despite their disagreements.
Contribution to the MCU: In 2012, after 4 years of MCU, after the introduction of Thor, Iron Man, Captain America and Hulk, after 5 movies, the long-awaited big reunion finally takes place! Comic book fans are over the moon. A real revolution is underway. For the first time since the dawn of time, the greatest Marvel heroes are finally reunited in a movie. The Avengers evolve on screen, a real geek fascination. Avengers obviously has flaws. Far from being the perfect film, it nevertheless manages to evolve many characters with ease, without encroaching on the celebrity of each. Each character is in his place and the film takes shape like a real comic. Aided by a polished staging, top actors and tailor-made dialogue, the film is considered (rightly) one of the greatest successes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A kind of yardstick for the other films of this gigantic cinematographic enterprise (which are far from having all reached this level). The film will have a vital role for the rest of the MCU, as we discover for the first time the magnitude of the power of the Infinity Stones via the Tesseract. In addition, he lays the groundwork for Civil War with the destruction of New York (which will be used as an argument demonstrating the dangerousness of the Avengers) and the dissensions that can divide the Avengers. Finally, the film prepares the long-awaited Infinity War with the presentation of the big villain of the shadows: Thanos! A very nice balancing act that has put both comics fans and neophytes of the genre in agreement. This is the conclusion of Phase 1, but it is only the beginning of the adventure…
Author: Aubin
Phase 2: 2013 – 2015
Uneven in the quality of its films, this Phase 2 offers us several sequels but also the arrival of several new superheroes (Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man). If several things are falling into place in this second stage of the MCU, it is clear that we are especially in a transition phase. This implies a slower implementation of elements, even unnecessary events in the great history of this cinematic universe. And as with Phase 1, the second begins with the adventures of the Iron Man!
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Release date: April 24, 2013
Realization: Shane Black
Casting: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce, James Badge Dale, Rebecca Hall, Jon Favreau
Genre(s): Action, Science fiction
Nationality(ies): American, Chinese
Synopsis: Tony Stark aka Iron Man, is confronted this time with a most terrifying and unpredictable enemy: The Mandarin. But while his daily life is destroyed by the latter, he must also learn to live again following the traumatic events of Avengers. Then embarks on a double quest, forcing him to question himself while defeating his sworn enemy. His obstacle course will force him to ask himself a fundamental question: is it man who makes armor, or armor that makes man?
Contribution to the MCU: A first-class cast, between the whimsical Ben Kingsley and the excellent Guy Pearce who join the standard Robert Downey Jr. team, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jon Favreau. All wrapped in a fireworks display of action scenes more impressive than the others.Tony Stark, aka Iron Man is caught between four fires in this last opus of the trilogy. In full existential doubt while in the shadows hides his greatest enemy: The Mandarin. Stark, still played by Robert Downey Jr., continues to mature over the episodes to arrive at a 3rd part more serious than ever. A realization that occurs when he meets his last friend, a lonely child from Wyoming, passionate about heroes and mechanics (which is reminiscent of the tender childhood of the young Stark).
A more serious hero, for a darker film and more mature themes: terrorism and fear of responsibility. The film introduces the Marvel Cinematic Universe for good to a world of contemporary turmoil. We are no longer talking about supervillains, but terrorists. No more collateral damage from which the hero can detach, but Tony's friends, sent to the hospital. No more remote combat zone, but enemy rockets targeting the billionaire's home. We enter this more real world that is assimilated to ours, the same problems, the same enemies (terrorism). A renewed seriousness in the MCU that finds its place perfectly between the 1st and 3rd Avengers. Exploiting more and more the political aspect of the dilemmas of our superheroes (political aspects that we will find in particular in Civil War).
Author: Alexandre Chadha
Thor – The Dark World (2013)
Release date: October 30, 2013
Realization: Alan Taylor
Casting: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins
Genre(s): Action, Fantasy
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: After cleaning up the Earth in Avengers, Thor must take care of restoring order in the nine kingdoms. Indeed they fell into chaos following the destruction of the Bifrost in the first opus of Thor. But no sooner had peace been restored than an ancient enemy emerged from the shadows in the person of Malikith. He wants to get his hands on Ether, a powerful artifact that will prove to be a stone of infinity.
Contribution to the MCU: Two years later, Alan Taylor took over to direct the continuation of the adventures of the God of Thunder. The filmmaker (who now suffers from a bad reputation because of Terminator: Genisys) offers more sequences to Asgard and leaves the earthly gloom for a while. Still, the film never takes off completely, because of a bland villain and a boring final action sequence. We will finally remember only Loki, once again the most charismatic villain of the saga, and the appearance of Ether, one of the infinity stones that will be so important for Avengers – Infinity War. In addition to this infinity stone that was important to present, the film introduces in its post-credits scene the character of the Collector, since it is to him that the Ether will be entrusted (the Asgardians refusing to keep it at home because they already have the Tesseract).
Author: Aubin
Captain America – The Winter Soldier (2014)
Release date: March 26, 2014
Realization: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Casting: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCam
Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: After waking up from his cryogenic sleep and stopping the alien invasion that hit New York, the Captain now lives in Washington DC, struggling to adapt to a world that has evolved without him. Always a boy scout at heart, he performs many missions for SHIELD under the command of Nick Fury, himself led by Alexander Pierce. However, a mysterious enemy will resurface, putting Steve Rogers in an uncomfortable ethical position. To this is added a funny stalker making him look like a traitor to the Nation and hunted by his former colleagues in SHIELD …
Contribution to the MCU: After a half-hearted first episode, Captain America – The Winter Soldier raises the level while laying the foundations for Phase 3 of the MCU. Dealing with very interesting themes on freedom and security, this sequel lays the groundwork for a very important phase for Marvel: Civil War ! Indeed, we learn in this new opus that SHIELD has been plagued by Hydra, which almost took control of the world in an insidious and effective way. The fact that humans are willing to sacrifice their freedom for more security is an exciting theme (and particularly welcome at Marvel), which would make more than one viewer think.
The foundations of Civil War are laid in several ways. First, by the total destruction of SHIELD, making the Avengers the only force the world can count on in case of danger. In addition, the return of Bucky Barnes (aka the Winter Soldier) seriously complicates the Captain's task and will be very important for the future. Finally, the fact of giving up one's freedom in the name of security is an embryonic step in the subject of Civil War, since it will be for superheroes to give up their freedom to act, in the name of the security of the world. In short, Captain America – The Winter Soldier is a very nice transitional episode, as entertaining as it is important in the foundations it lays …
Author: Robin Uzan
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Release date: August 13, 2014
Realization: James Gunn
Casting: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista
Genre(s): Action, Comedy, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American, British
1988 , Peter Quill is abducted from planet Earth by an alien ship the day his mother dies of cancer. 26 years later, he is an outlaw working with a band of mercenaries. He steals a mysterious globe that turns out to be so powerful that it could jeopardize the entire galaxy if it falls into the wrong hands (it is coveted by Ronan). All the bounty hunters are then on the hunt for Peter Quill (who would like to be called Star-Lord, a name that is difficult to adopt). Star-Lord will team up with four aliens to protect the galaxy: Rocket, a genetically modified raccoon, his sidekick Groot, a humanoid who looks like a tree, Gamora, an assassin and Drax the Destroyer.
Contribution to the MCU: Prepared by the post-credits scenes of Avengers (with the villain Thanos) and Thor 2 (the Collector sequence), Guardians of the Galaxy is the first film in the Marvel Universe that is not centered on a member of the Avengers . It is therefore a superhero film that can be watched independently, in a universe still unexplored. Guardians of the Galaxy brought a breath of fresh air to its world, humor and unique characters. Even if the overall structure of the blockbuster is there, the originality is felt in the charisma of the characters and the comic dialogues. It is a comic that does not take itself seriously, its fun spirit is very assumed and it is this lightness that makes us feel good. We can thank Gunn who is known for his funny pen to have managed this space opera whose heroes are not superheroes by definition. Le Fossoyeur de Films even talks about a "feel-good blockbuster" of the 80s and we could not agree more. The whole is crowned with a spectacular and colorful photograph as well as a soundtrack straight out of a walkman with hits from the 70s and 80s. One could even assume that Guardians of the Galaxy is part of the beginning of the nostalgic wave of movies and series celebrating these years. In short, a fresh, carefree and uninhibited film that makes us forget the Avengers franchise. And remember that "no raccoons or tree creatures were harmed during the making of this film". But in addition to its fun and uninhibited atmosphere, Guardians of the Galaxy has a certain importance in the mythology of the MCU. Beyond Thanos, who is shown here as a real character (and not just an appearance as in Avengers), the stolen globe will prove to be one of the Infinity Stones. It is also in this film that the Stones are presented and explained by the Collector, another important character despite his minimal presence in the films. What to continue to quietly prepare Avengers – Infinity War.
Author: PatrycjaT
Avengers – Age of Ultron (2015)
Release date: April 22, 2015
Realization: Joss Whedon
Casting: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo
Genre(s): Action, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: After the alien invasion in New York (Avengers), but especially after the destruction of SHIELD (Captain America: Winter Soldier), the Avengers team must meet once again to put an end to Hydra's activities and recover Loki's Scepter, whose source they wish to study. While their mission is a success, Tony Stark sees in this cosmic artifact a new defense technology, Ultron. But this artificial intelligence will soon wake up and turn against the human race. The Avengers will have to unite against their biggest threat, but also against their own fears.
Ant-Man (2015)
Release date: July 14, 2015
Realization: Peyton Reed
Casting: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lily, Michael Douglas, Michael Pena
Genre(s): Action, Science Fiction, Comedy
Nationality(ies): American, British
Synopsis: Scott Lang, a high-flying burglar, will have to learn to behave like a hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret of his spectacular Ant-Man costume, in order to face a terrible threat…
Contribution to the MCU: Although today the third part dedicated to the god of thunder (Thor Ragnarok) has happily seized the title, in 2015, Ant-Man was the comedy of the MCU (yes we know that there is also The Guardians of the Galaxy). It must be said that when a certain Edgar Wright, author of the famous Cornetto trilogy, was involved in the project, we were entitled to laugh and even better, to expect colorful characters. That's good because here, there is no question of having a hero but a convicted criminal (Paul Rudd) who will precisely embrace the superheroic vein for the love of his daughter and possibly save the world. A clear originality that the film knows how to support via much more down-to-earth issues, oscillating between responsibilities, family and even the quest for a job. Suffice to say that we have the introduction within the MCU of a certain familiarity and simplicity that totally detonates with the Shakespearean torments of Thor or the impetuous genius of Tony Stark. An added value that also has the merit of sublimating its cast shared between a Michael Douglas dressed as an aging mentor, the refreshing Evangeline Lilly and the hilarious Paul Rudd. Note that the film sketches the idea (very interesting) of parallel universes with the mirror dimension, which will find its climax with Doctor Strange.
Author: Antoine de Lassus
Phase 3: 2016 – 2019
With Phase 3, we are partly entering uncharted territory. Indeed, the most observant of you will have noticed that this phase will not end until next year (unless changed). So we move forward without knowing exactly where we are going, even if many answers will arrive this year, especially with the release of Avengers – Infinity War. This Phase 3 begins with one of the most important events in the entire MCU and that we have already told you a lot: Civil War !
Captain America – Cival War (2016)
Release date: April 27, 2016
Realization: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Casting: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Elizabeth Olsen, Daniel Brühl
Genre(s): Action
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: Captain America never rests and continues to hunt down Rumlow, a former member of Hydra who survived the destruction of SHIELD. Unfortunately, the mission degenerates and several innocents are killed by the small group of Avengers yet come to do good. Intergovernmental action is then undertaken, with the aim of regulating the actions of the group of superheroes. They will now be subject to state control and will no longer be able to go on missions arbitrarily. If some accept the conditions without flinching, including Tony Stark, others are fiercely opposed, Captain America the first. A rift is created between the Avengers, leading them to wage war against each other rather than unite against the real enemy. And they will not emerge unscathed from this conflict…
Contribution to the MCU: Like the previous opus, this episode of Captain America puts on the carpet a very strong political and social theme! But then why did we talk so much about this event before this paragraph? Simply because everything leads to this pivotal period in the lives of our favorite superheroes. Indeed, they are provided with very different characters and modes of action. In addition, they have not all been marked in the same way by the events of Avengers 1 & 2. They were therefore fiercely opposed on numerous occasions during their superheroic meetings. Their dissensions are also a weakness very easy to exploit for the super-villains they regularly face. And Civil War is no exception to this rule, since their conflict will prove to be fanned by a man determined to make them sink.
Civil War is an important arc in many ways. Of course, the political control of our heroes is a most serious topic in an entertainment blockbuster. The film forces the heroes but also the spectators to question their past heroic actions, which were carried out without control and thus resulted in many deaths. Added to this is a huge problem: the heroes are now disunited and in turmoil, which makes them infinitely weaker if a major threat arrives on Earth (and we already know that Thanos will bring back his trogne very soon). Their separation may therefore be a big handicap to defend the Earth from the next threats. Finally, it should be noted that the film introduces two new heroes: Black Panther, whom we will find two years later in his solo film, as well as Spiderman, introduced wobbly following his return to the MCU.This work is therefore a turning point in the history of the Avengers, both for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and in the development of the characters. It remains to be seen how Civil War will affect the Infinity War event.
Author: Robin Uzan
Doctor Stange (2016)
Release date: October 26, 2016
Realization: Scott Derrickson
Casting: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen
Genre(s): Fantastic
Nationality(ies): American
Doctor Strange follows the story of Dr. Stephen Strange , a talented neurosurgeon who, after a tragic car accident, must put his ego aside and learn the secrets of a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions. Based in New York's Greenwich Village neighborhood, Doctor Strange must act as an intermediary between the real world and beyond, using a vast array of metaphysical abilities and artifacts to protect the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Release date: April 27, 2017
Realization: James Gunn
Casting: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Kurt Russell, Vin Diesel, Sylvester Stallone, Dave Bautista
Genre(s): Comedy, Action, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: In this second installment of the adventures of our shock team, Star-lord, a former intergalactic bounty hunter, finds his biological father while he is being pursued by his adoptive father. Friends, family, homework… So many difficult choices that will be imposed on our hero. Between retro music and stunning special effects (to the point of being awarded at the Oscars), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 keeps this recipe that mixes nostalgia and modernism to perfection.
Contribution to the MCU: A renewed sentimentalism compared to the first film. A kind of obligation of the studios to deepen the relationships between the 5 main characters: Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Drax and of course Star-Lord. The film is spiced up by the presence of Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell, guest stars whose presence is justified by the same nostalgia from which the music comes. This nostalgia is counterbalanced by the last permanent member of the team, from a generation of actors a little more modern: Karen Gillian, who plays Nebula, Gamora's sister. A second opus introduced by one of the most spectacular and fun scenes at the same time, of the MCU. On the track "Mr Blue Sky", representatives of electric rock of the 70s Electric Light Orchestra, Groot waddles in the middle of an epic fight between our heroes and a sprawling monster, all on an unforgettable sequence shot. This scene is the power of the Guardians. Representative of the judicious recipe of the saga: state-of-the-art special effects mixed with a fully retro soundtrack (from the famous Awesome Mix). In short, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.1&2 are probably the two MCU films most representative of the transition of superheroes from our parents' comic book universe to the cinematic universe of Millennials. However, in the great epic that is that of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it must be admitted that the film does not bring much, unlike the first which revealed an Infinity Stone (automatically becoming an essential film of the franchise).
Author: Alexandre Chadha
Spider-man Homecoming (2017)
Release date: July 12, 2017
Realization: Jon Watts
Casting: Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr., Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Zendaya
Genre(s): Action
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: Returning home after helping Tony Stark during Civil War, Peter Parker must resume a normal life, which does not suit him at all. He only dreams of proving to Tony and himself that he can be part of the Avengers. Then begins a journey that will impose a questioning and to discover humility.
Contribution to the MCU: After two sagas, one carried by Sam Raimi, become cult and the other directed by Mark Webb, underrated, Spider-Man is back in a new reboot. Loaned by Sony to Marvel Studio, the character, introduced in Captain America – Civil War, is rejuvenated compared to his last incarnations. Peter Parker, in the guise of Tom Holland, is back in high school and recovering his teenage hauntings. Aided by Iron Man, the young Spider-Man must not save the world, must not face a cosmic threat, but just the Vulture, a family man who is simply looking to make money. With this film directed by Jon Watts, Marvel seeks to return to a more human scale, more street and close to the problems of the viewer. He is still a little anemic regarding the psychological development of his character, as well as in his usefulness in the MCU as a whole. It was mostly a way for Marvel Studio to signify the return of the character within their stable (as the title suggests). Still, Peter Parker will be back in Infinity War and he should delight us with aerobatic scenes of all kinds, coupled with a new state-of-the-art costume.
Author: Aubin
Thor – Ragnarök (2017)
Release date: October 25, 2017
Realization: Taika Waititi
Casting: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum
Genre(s): Action, Science Fiction, Comedy
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: Thor is confronted with the return of his hidden sister Hela, determined to take control of Asgard. Deprived of his hammer and therefore his powers, the God of Thunder will have to surpass himself to avoid Ragnarök, which would mark the end of his civilization. To do this, he will have to count on the help of the Hulk, but also on that of Loki, whom he must trust despite the latter's character.
Contribution to the MCU: New change of director with the arrival of Taika Waititi, who comes to renovate what was probably the worst saga of the MCU. In a comic approach, the filmmaker totally deconstructs the universe set up previously. Thor falls from his throne, loses his hair, his weapon, an eye and his city. The New Zealand filmmaker brings Thor to his knees, breaking him before Thanos arrives. Very funny, this Ragnarök also gives greater importance to the Hulk, who steals the show from our hero with a hammer. Ragnarök is unquestionably the best Thor and one of the best films in the MCU. It should be noted that the film allows the appearance of the Grand Master, the brother of the Collector, who has the last infinity stone in the comics. But Marvel prefers to keep it under wraps for now… A track for the stone that is missing from the saga? To see.
Author: Aubin
Black Panther (2018)
Release date: February 14, 2018
Realization: Ryan Coogler
Casting: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis
Genre(s): Action, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: T'Challa returns home to ascend the throne of Wakanda, following the events of Civil War. As he learns to rule his technologically superior African nation, a pretender to the throne comes to threaten not only his place, but also Wakanda and the rest of the world.
Contribution to the MCU: Ryan Coogler's film is considered the big revolution of this MCU. For its ten years, Marvel hits hard, with a work that takes on colossal political proportions. With its 100% African-American cast, Marvel wants to send a message and kick the anthill. Like Wonder Woman last year, Black Panther has become a reference for the innovative Hollywood film, which breaks the usual shackles, namely a film of white American men. Women are not left out with real independent and solid female characters, who stand out from previous female representations of Marvel movies: the hero's girlfriend. Despite its flaws, Black Panther may be a turning point in the Hollywood industry. The film is a hit, explodes all records and should be the biggest success of Marvel Studio in the long term, pending Avengers: Infinity War, in theaters at the end of April.
Author: Aubin
Avengers – Infinity War (2018):
Release date: April 25, 2018
Realization: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo
Casting: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Josh Brolin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Zoe Saldana, Chadwick Boseman…
Genre(s): Action, Science Fiction
Nationality(ies): American
Synopsis: Thanos takes action and is determined to bring together the six Infinity Stones, giving him absolute power over the entire universe. The Avengers must then come together despite their differences, in order to stop this threat greater than ever. But can they stop the "Mad Titan" before it's too late?
Contribution to the MCU: Finally! After six years of teasing, Thanos raises his butt from his throne to go face our heroes. Avengers – Infinity War represents the culmination of ten years of MCU (relative culmination as other films arrive). A galactic story, a charismatic villain, heroes overwhelmed by the threat… Everything transpires excess in this film that was expected by Marvel fans as the Holy Grail. Despite some flaws inherent in many "Marvel Studios" productions (a sometimes forced humor that defuses serious scenes, a slight lack of character development and stakes …), remains that this Avengers – Infinity War is a real slap. Pure great show that marked the MCU with a white stone.
Why? Simply for its end! Avengers – Infinity War ends badly, very badly. Thanos won. Half of our heroes are dead and the other half is in disarray. A first in the history of the MCU, which will not have failed to shock aficionados of the franchise.It now remains to be seen how our heroes will manage to reverse the trend in the sequel. Theories are already raining down and may not stop anytime soon. Let's just hope that the writers will assume the dead on screen. A resurrection would certainly please many of us, but would break the brutal impact of the end of the film. So let's pray to be surprised in the next installment!
Author: Robin Uzan
And that's it for this roundup of the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe! Of course, updates will be required regularly because the construction of this building is far from complete. Other films are coming and Disney's acquisition of Fox may bring new characters into the MCU.
Anyway, the next work we will have to deal with will be the highly anticipated Avengers – Infinity War, already announced as the most expensive film in the history of cinema.
Do you prefer the DC Comics universe to the Marvel universe? Never mind, here is the complete guide to the Arrow-Verse put together by our colleagues in the series category. Good reading!
