Since iron Man The Marvel Cinematic Universe, released back in 2008, has become a mainstay of the film industry, offering the masses a solid and entertaining blockbuster with multiple storylines and dozens of characters. Most, if not all, of the franchise’s films have been resounding financial successes, but some have earned widespread critical acclaim, while others have come to be seen as lesser and ultimately forgotten works from the MCU.
But here lies an interesting middle ground. A collection of Marvel films that have drawn both passionate praise and harsh criticism. Leading to countless arguments between diehard fans, casual moviegoers, and even film critics, these few films have divided audiences into debating whether they are disappointing installments in the franchise or underappreciated gems that have been misunderstood.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Thor: Ragnarok was one of the most important films in the MCU, as it brought a refreshing change of pace to fans and rekindled the interest of many moviegoers who were tired of the franchise. Thus, interest, for obvious reasons, was high. Taika Waititi return to direct Thor: Love and Thunder which promised to be even more fun than its predecessor.
For some it delivered just that. A wild, uncompromising, fun action-adventure that brings the Marvel Cinematic Universe back into shape with the perfect blend of excitement and fun, while still giving Waititi plenty of room to play with the genre. However, others did not view the film as favorably, feeling that the goofiness had been pushed to the point where a connection to the more dramatic side of the story was impossible.
“Black Widow” (2021)
The long-awaited movie from Marvel (and not only because of the pandemic), Black Widow it seemed to be an emotionally complex viewing experience due to the character’s death in Avengers: Endgame. Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) the solo story seemed to many like it could once be relevant, but has now been upgraded to a run-of-the-mill MCU release that offered too little too late.
However, he did a lot of the right things, especially bidding farewell to a fan favorite character while introducing Elena Belova (Florence Pugh) as an integral part of the future MCU. The reflective nature of the plot was one of the film’s more controversial components, but it did offer viewers a glimpse into Natasha’s backstory in a way that cleverly avoided being just another origin movie.
Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
While 2015 Ant-Man was able to exist as a silent side of the MCU main storyline, Ant-Man and the Wasp was always going to grab the attention of the masses since it was the first Marvel movie released after Avengers: Infinity War. The dramatic de-escalation in the wider story has left some fans wanting something more meaningful with a closer connection to the rest of the franchise.
However, there were many others who welcomed the change in tone as the film’s charming candor blossomed in the hands of the directors. Paul Ruddas well as Evangeline Lilly. The lightness and sophisticated stakes allowed viewers to take a step back and take a breath, and the film is a signature Marvel movie filled with fun and blissful escapism that was designed to be easy to enjoy.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2′ (2017)
Continued infectious fun guardians of the galaxy saw James Gunn redouble the focus on the outlandish, chaotic playfulness that made the first film such a hit. The entertainment value is undeniable, with a great soundtrack complementing the hilarious action sequences and of course the engaging motley crowd of intergalactic heroes.
While the visual spectacle - from the aesthetic splendor to the mind-boggling grandeur of the action scenes - was compelling, it felt like the show was once again on the old diminishing returns path, from amplifying found family dynamics to the all-important issue of Peter Quill.Chris Pratt) true heritage. Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 2was an energetic, fun-filled bonanza, but in the eyes of the critics it could have had more finesse.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
The second of the ensemble films, Avengers: Age of Ultron was considered the weakest of the four Avengers movies. While it opened with one of the best opening scenes in superhero film history, the rest of the film lulled in a manner that was entertaining but largely forgettable, and unable to capitalize on the story’s potential even with Ultron (James Spader), being one of the MCU’s most notable villains.
However, there are many people who appreciate the film for what it really excels at. Last but not least, it’s a joy to watch the Avengers spend the entire movie working together, and the dynamics between team members are explored more deeply and intimately than in any other MCU property.
“Iron Man 3” (2013)
Final part iron Man The trilogy is still one of the MCU’s most controversial films in the eyes of fans almost a decade later. Some Iron Man 3 introduced a long-awaited shift for the franchise with Robert Downey Jr. was able to show his acting skills in a story in which Tony Stark struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder, while he was attacked on all fronts by an interesting enemy known as the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley).
The Mandarin’s revelation as an actor oblivious to the violence committed in his persona (perhaps the MCU’s most controversial scene) struck some with a ridiculous plot twist that defied logic, while to others it was a moment of subversive brilliance. . Everyone’s individual reaction to this twist likely dictates how they feel about the film, viewing the rest of the film as either pure entertainment or unapproachable madness.
Captain Marvel (2019)
A landmark achievement as the first female MCU feature film. Captain Marvel offered an origin story from the past that had 90s nostalgia as well as a buddy cop dynamic between Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Although the film was the source of some external controversy, it did well at the box office, breaking the $1 billion mark with ease.
However, the film itself has been one of the most hotly debated in the MCU since its release, with some citing its bland aesthetic and lack of a cohesive, unified vision as pitfalls that exposed the franchise’s adherence to, and even addiction to, formulaic storytelling. Others, however, have embraced the film more, praising Marvel for its timely female empowerment story that fits seamlessly with the franchise’s fun blockbuster.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022)
Possibly the most intriguing entry in the MCU, especially when you look at how it was received by the audience. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness he wasn’t lacking in Marvel DNA, but he wasn’t afraid to venture into much darker places. With the legendary director Sam Raimi at the helm, it contained some of the most shocking imagery in the franchise and proved that Disney wasn’t afraid to follow Raimi’s penchant for horror.
Because critics and fans have very different readings of the film, it exists as the most controversial part of the MCU, as well as one of the darkest adventures. Some feel it strayed too far from the franchise’s roots and lacked the composure and conviction to pull it off, while others praised it as a movie, AvengersThe saga has been in desperate need for years.
Source: Collider
