Ant-Man – The Road to Endgame

Ant-Man largely succeeds as a Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 2 installment because of the ever-delightful Paul Rudd. By opening the film in 1989 with Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) resigning from SHIELD in protest, Ant-Man declares its position within the MCU.  Outraged by SHIELD’s attempt to replicate the Pym Particle, Pym declares they will never get his formula as long as he lives.  The scene features an on-screen union between Howard Stark (John Slattery) and Peggy Carter…

"Ant-Man – The Road to Endgame"

Avengers: Age of Ultron – The Road to Endgame

Avengers: Age of Ultron is the penultimate film of Marvel’s Phase 2 and paves the landscape for phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film is every bit as epic of an installment as the initial team-up in 2012.  Since the collapse of S.H.I.E.LD., the Avengers have been busy at work in defeating H.Y.D.R.A.  This time, they’re taking out Baron Wolfgang von Strucker’s (Thomas Kretschmann) base in Sokovia.  It just so happens that this…

"Avengers: Age of Ultron – The Road to Endgame"

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – The Road to Endgame

The Guardians of the Galaxy have returned in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, a sequel that provides just as much action and fun as the first movie. The soundtrack for the sequel is provided by Awesome Mixtape #2.  This is the last gift that Meredith Quill (Laura Haddock) gave to her son, Peter (Chris Pratt), prior to dying in the first movie. For Peter Quill, he has never known who his father is.  Lo…

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – The Road to Endgame"

Guardians of the Galaxy – The Road to Endgame

Make no mistake that Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the funniest movies that has ever been based on a Marvel comic book series. This film is so full of comedy, thrills, heart, and awesome visual effects.  What’s so surprising is that a film nobody ever thought would happen provides a whole lot of fun.  Credit this to Marvel finding properties that have potential to be hits.  This is exactly what this film is–a hit! If…

"Guardians of the Galaxy – The Road to Endgame"

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – The Road to Endgame

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the most political film by far for Marvel as Chris Evans makes his return to the role on the big screen. It’s been some two years following the Battle of New York and Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is living in Washington, D.C.  It is a quiet life for the man out of time.  He also continues to adjust to this new reality.  He’s become friends with military veteran Sam Wilson…

"Captain America: The Winter Soldier – The Road to Endgame"

Thor: The Dark World – The Road to Endgame

Thor: The Dark World is far from the best film in the franchise as the Avenger battles against Malekith’s attempt to destroy the universe. The sequel incorporates a prologue like its predecessor.  This a great way of setting not just the tone but introduce us to new characters.  It turns out that once upon a time, Asgard was at battle against the Dark Elves.  But this battle is one that is far from over.  It’s…

"Thor: The Dark World – The Road to Endgame"

Iron Man 3 – The Road to Endgame

Iron Man 3 gets us back to Tony Stark’s story by largely drawing upon the “Extremis” arc so as to lend the film more of a thriller element. The film flashes back to New Year’s Eve 1999.  This is when Tony Stark first encounters Maya Hansen (Rebecca Hall).  She comes up with technology that allows for the regeneration following injuries.  It’s no surprise to see that Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) is interested in the technology…

"Iron Man 3 – The Road to Endgame"

The Avengers – The Road to Endgame

Marvel’s The Avengers is the team-up movie that we’ve been waiting for and it’s absolutely everything we wanted it to be. Loki wants to rule Earth.  There’s really no other way to put it.  After promising to turn over the Tesseract to the Chitauri, they will provide him with an army.  Oh Loki, don’t go making promises you can’t keep.  It probably will not end well. Back on Earth, Dr. Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård) is continuing his…

"The Avengers – The Road to Endgame"

Thor – The Road to Endgame

Thor introduces an entirely new realm of mythology to the Marvel Cinematic Universe by way of the wondrous beauty that is Asgard. The film’s prologue introduces us to the nine realms, Asgardians, and Frost Giants.  We already had somewhat of an introduction during Captain America with the search for the Tesseract.  It goes without saying that one expands upon the mythology.  The main artifact that drives the plot is the Casket of Ancient Winters.  It’s…

"Thor – The Road to Endgame"

The Incredible Hulk – The Road to Endgame

The Incredible Hulk may offer a solid amount of our green friend but the narrative is a bit on the thin side when all is said and done. After being on the run for five years as a fugitive, Bruce Banner (Ed Norton) has found solitude in Brazil.  He’s doing what he can to avoid another incident where Mr. Green–as he calls himself in internet correspondence with Mr. Blue–comes out to fight.  A freak accident…

"The Incredible Hulk – The Road to Endgame"