Marvel Third Batch

Here is are my reviews for the third group of Marvel films.  Note there are third act spoilers here:

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

The third Captain America solo film is anything but.  The Avengers team up films generally offer the greatest spectacle with smaller arcs for the main characters.  The solo films usually focus on one hero’s exploits and any other players are within that hero’s group.  Winter Solider directors Anthony and Joe Russo return to tell a compelling story about Steve Rogers that tests his values but in a way that impacts nearly the entire Avengers unit. 

Civil War retroactively makes Age of Ultron a better film by focusing on the aftermath of the damage of the third of that film.  Tony, already in an unhappy state due to a temporary separation from Pepper Potts (who has not been seen since Iron Man 3), perhaps in part due to the guilt from creating Ultron, is confronted by a mother of a young man who had been killed in Segovia in the climax of Age of Ultron.  This ultimately causes Tony to start to doubt his instincts their actions, which leads him to support the Segovia Accords.  The Segovia Accords would require the Avengers to receive authorization for their actions.  Steve, whose loyalty to S.H.I.E.L.D. was severely damaged after discovering how heavily infiltrated they had been by HYDRA, feels he can only trust his instincts and does not want to let red tape prevent him from helping people.  Steve’s perspective is accentuated with a message from the recently deceased Peggy Carter.  When Bucky resurfaces and is framed for an assassination Captain America stands by his old friend which sets the stage for the clash between both men with members of the Avengers each taking sides.

Zemo, played by Daniel Bruhl, a soldier who also lost his family in Segovia, pulls the strings to set the Avengers against each other, planning to destroy them from within.  Alfre Woodard’s grieving mother serves as a foreshadowing to Zemo’s ultimate revenge scheme.  Civil War also introduces Black Panther as a character determine to avenge his murdered father, and wrongly believes Bucky is responsible.  At the end of the film Black Panther and Zemo have an emotional confrontation at the end to counter Steve and Tony’s physical battle.

William Hurt returns as Thunderbolt Ross from the Incredible Hulk, who is now Secretary of State.  Bruce Banner’s absence from this film avoids any need to address old tensions between the two characters.  Ross is as unpleasant as last time and I found his determination to hold the Avengers to the terms of the Accords ironic as his greed had helped create a creature that had caused an enormous amount of damage in New York.    

Although all the characters are fighting for a purpose Steve’s dilemma is still the one who the film hinges on.  The fact that Ross represents the authorities and is so unlikable makes it easier for the audience to understand Steve’s point of view, even in light of the damage caused in the opening scene.  The real power comes in the final act which begins with one of the best Iron Man transformations.  We think Iron Man, Captain America and Bucky are about to face a dangerous threat controlled by Zemo but it is really just a situation in which Zemo manipulates Iron Man to fight the other two by revealing what we have long been curious about.  How did Tony’s parents die?

The film has an excess of memorable scenes.  In the opening scene we think the attack is about getting something from the car when it is really setting up issue with Tony’s parents, who are teased throughout the film.

Tony’s entrance into the film makes an innovative use of special effects and an extended single take, shows Tony trying to ease his own pain by helping the next generation of students with their projects.

Peggy’s funeral is both a touching goodbye to the character and an opportunity for her to send a message from beyond the grave to Steve which reaffirms his stance.

The scene at the airport is fantastic as the battle lines are drawn between each side although the sight of Avengers fighting each other is nothing new. Nearly every film has some skirmish between different Avengers though it is often based on a misunderstanding.  The scale and the completely developed positions of each of the players is the distinction here, though they are only trying to disable each other.  Spider Man’s enthusiastic presence keeps the tone from getting grim.  When Spider Man and Captain America introduce themselves by borough neither of them sounds like they grew up within 100 miles of New York. 

Tony’s attacks in anger on both Falcon and Bucky, show that Tony is really the one whose power needs to be kept in check.

Tony spends about half the film with a bruised face and has an arm in a sling after the airport battle.  I think this is a metaphor for his emotional state. 

The face off between Iron Man and Captain America is reminiscent to that between Captain America and Winter Soldier (Bucky) in the last film.  I think this one is more powerful for the audience who have a relationship with both but I see it as less painful for Captain America who has always had tension with Iron Man but sees Bucky as a brother.  Notably Steve was willing to let Bucky beat him to death whereas he nearly does the same to Tony to protect Bucky.  The film cleverly deceives us as it takes place after an extended battle between the two sides thus satisfying the Civil War title, and we think this is the coming together.  The battle is a two on one so we do not really see what would happen if Captain America took on Iron Man alone.  The Russo brothers keep the set and lighting dark.

The Accords, for all the attention they receive here, are never mentioned again despite plenty of opportunities where they could come into question in future films.   Based on the actions of these two heroes I would say Iron Man should follow the Accords, but Captain America may not need them.

Ultimately, I think this is one of the best Marvel films.  ****

Doctor Strange (2016)

I had my doubts about this film in advance, as I am not usually engrossed with sorcery tales (the Harry Potter films, though well made, kind of wash right over me).  However, the strong cast grabbed my attention.  Benedict Cumberbatch plays the arrogant Doctor Stephen Strange whose hands are damaged after a bad car accident and goes to Kamar-Taj, in the Himalayas in search of a cure.  Strange is trained to become a sorcerer by the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) and defends the Earth from a sorcerer gone bad named Kaecilius (Mads Mikelson) and Dark Dimension leader Dormammu (also partially performed by Cumberbatch).

My doubts were proved wrong as Doctor Strange is an entertaining film that does not rely on other Avengers connections to establish itself.  Cumberbatch plays Strange as the medical equivalent of Tony Stark, a highly respected if not beloved member of his field who finds his best self after a major personal setback.  The first act of the film which sets up all the players is the most intriguing to me, perhaps because it is where Rachel McAdams as Christine, one of Strange’s fellow doctors and former love interests is featured. McAdams’ always brings an authenticity to her characters and she brings a kindheartedness to what might otherwise be a colorless role.  The scene in which the Astral plane Strange guides Christine through surgery on himself while fighting someone else in the Astral plane is memorable.  Tilda Swinton brings her unique stillness to the strong willed Ancient One and Mads Mikkelson  is a determined Kaecilius, who has an old grudge against the Ancient One.  Also present is Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo, reunited with Cumberbatch after 12 Years a Slave.

The visual touches are a little reminiscent of the Inception with cities turning in several directions and the fight scenes are distinct from the excesses of some other Marvel movies.   Director Scott Derrickson keeps the story moving and involving.  ***

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol: 2 (2017)

The second go round of the Guardians nicely builds on the dynamics of the first film.  Returning writer-director James Gunn brings back the unique interactions from this group of misfits now firmly established as an odd family unit.  Gunn finds plenty of additional late 70s and early 80s pop hits and adds Kurt Russell as Emo, a planet who is also Peter Quill’s villainous father. 

The opening fight in which young Groot dances to Mr. Blue Sky in an extended tracking shot while the Guardians fight with a giant space slug in the background sets the tone and brings a new side to this character who has become a teenager by the end credits.  Bautista has some typically hilarious moments as Drax with the new character Mantis. Sylvester Stallone makes a rare appearance in this type of film but is never onscreen with his Tango and Cash costar, Russell, (though he does play a scene with his Cliffhanger costar Michael Rooker). 

Kurt Russell overall is a good choice to play Peter Quill’s dad.  Russell and Chris Pratt have a similar lackadaisical charm.  Russell is less convincing when his Emo is giving malevolent speeches.  Russell played a scary killer in Death Proof but here seems incapable of being so ruthless.  Gunn self-consciously has the characters guess that Emo might be the big bad early on seemingly to prevent the audience from getting ahead of a predictable twist. 

The third act is little overloaded with special effects but Gunn does delivers some nice surprises here.  The Guardians have a funny argument during the climactic battle over tape.  Quill and Emo battle to the fantastic Fleetwood Mac song “The Chain”.  Yondo has a strong redemptive moment and the best line of the film “He may have been your father boy but he wasn’t your daddy.”.  The film ends poignantly and fittingly with the Cat Stevens song Father and Son. 

Guardians is entertaining as they all are.  It’s not one of my favorites but I enjoy it more than the first film.  ***

Spider Man: Homecoming (2017)

Marvel had their work cut out for them introducing the webslinger into the MCU.  Spider Man, after many years off the screen due to rights issues, had been featured in five successful films released by Sony Pictures between 2002 and 2014 (four of which I enjoyed).  When Marvel and Sony agreed to team up to use Spider Man they came up with a new approach for the character.

By introducing Spider Man into Civil War it sets up the first solo movie as something different.  We do not get a prolonged introductory tale.  Peter Parker already is Spider Man and Uncle Ben has been dead for a few months.  Instead this new superhero is briefly recruited into and allowed to feel a part of something bigger.  While the battle at the airport is painful for the Avengers it gives Spider Man a sense of purpose that slowly gets stripped away from him in Homecoming. 

Director Jon Watts shows Spider Man learning not how to use his powers but how to develop his approach to fighting crime while (as in other Spider Man films) balancing it against his regular life, often with poor results.  Tom Holland feels like perfect casting, as a smart but awkward boy who yearns to belong but has more power than he knows what to do with.  The filmmakers also introduce interesting supporting characters like his best friend Ned, played by Jacob Batalon, a preppy bully named Flash played by Tony Revolori, the hilarious teacher Mr. Harrington played by Martin Starr, Marisa Tomei as a younger and more vibrant Aunt May than the senior citizen we usually see, and Laura Harrier at Liz, a girl Peter is interested in.  Zendaya also appears as Michelle who turns out to be the new MJ.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark shows up just enough to guide Peter and helps out in one rescue scene but crucially is nowhere near the climax which Peter has to resolve on his own.  Tony seems happier here than in Civil War and at the end of the film when we see he is reunited with Pepper we understand why.  Michael Keaton is menacing but also has a sense of honor as Adrian Toomes who becomes Vulture.  It is great to Keaton in high profile roles in mainstream films since Birdman, (even though I did not like that film) and he is one of the better Marvel villains.  Watts expertly stages and paces the scene in which Peter picks up Liz only to discover that her father is the man he has been fighting.

There are three other touches to the film that I like.  One, like the Ant Man films, both Spider Man films to date have a lighter tone.  Second, the film has a nice connection to the first Avengers films as Toomes becomes the Vulture using old Chitauri technology, and turns bad because his company lost a contract to clean New York after the first Avengers battles.  This also shows how actions taken at the top affect other members of society.  Thirdly, although Peter is a white male the supporting cast is filled with people of several races and body types which tells me these films are for everyone.  Both of Peter’s love interests to date have been biracial young women.  Especially during these troubling times in the world, I find that reassuring. ****

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Marvel took four years to release a third Thor film after the mixed response to Thor: The Dark World.  I enjoyed The Dark World but was in the minority.  Taika Waititi, a director from New Zealand with an offbeat sensibility, was hired to create an offbeat third entry that played more into Chris Hemsworth’s sense of humor.  Interestingly Waititi maintains a comic tone while taking an approach similar to a lot of third entries (Iron Man 3 and The Dark Knight Rises) in that it eradicates the hero of all his tools and forces him to rebuild himself.  Throughout the course of the film Thor loses his father, home, hammer, much of his hair, his right eye and his freedom as he becomes a gladiator.  Despite these setbacks, Thor’s focus is always on getting back to Asgard to help his people. 

I think the first and third acts are successful but Thor’s extended stay on Sakaar, which is probably where Wakiti’s influence is most applied, is a little bizarre for my taste.  Cate Blanchett has such a strong presence (and is clearly having a blast playing this witch-like character) as Hela that I just want to see Thor squash Jeff Goldblum’s Grandmaster, who seems more like an irritant than anything else and face off with Hela.  There are a lot of long scenes on Sakaar, such as when Thor is trying to get Hulk to help him, that do not seem to go anywhere.  Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie makes a good impression as an embittered slave trader who used to be a warrior but my attention drifts in that part of the film.  Hulk and especially Bruce Banner feel out of place in this setting.  Banner’s overly confused state when he reverts from his Hulk form gets tiresome quickly.

Thor’s relationship with his hammer is interesting.  In the opening scene Thor relies too much on it, to the degree that it gets its own closeup while he is fighting.  When Thor and Loki face off with Hela the first time it is destroyed which forces Thor to learn to be a hero without it. 

The moment I most enjoy is seeing the reenactment of Loki’s “death” from Thor: The Dark World.  It is a treat to watch Anthony Hopkins play Loki and see Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth’s brother Liam playing Thor reinterpreting it as a heroic death.  The choir recreating the score from the moment is the perfect cap to the play.  Of course it also serves as a recap from the events of The Dark World, a film from several years past which may not have been revisited as much as other Marvel films.

Odin’s death, following a cameo by Doctor Strange which serves to set up a connection between him and the Avengers, is played with the right amount of sentimentality.  Although Loki banished him when the two brothers find Odin he is pensive and is beyond having any anger to his adopted son. 

Prior to the climax there is a terrific scene in which Hela who was imprisoned prior to Thor’s birth, tells a dark backstory about Odin that may be exaggerated but also probably has a lot of truth, and different from the one his father likely told him.  In retrospect it is not hard to imagine the somewhat cold Odin as a conqueror and if this is true Frigga probably deserves a lot of the credit for turning him.

The final battle delivers the goods as Thor, Hulk, Valkire and even Loki (who typically has spent the film going to and from Thor’s side) try to fight Hela and free Asgard.  The battle is scored to “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin, which was also used in the trailer.  Hulk’s fight with a giant wolf Thor, who has always resisted being a leader to this point in the series, makes a brave decision to sacrifice his planet to save his people.  At the end of the film the Asgardians seem to have a future on Earth but the post credit scene sets up an even gloomier fate.

Ultimately due to the middle act I do not enjoy this film as much as some of the other Avengers films but I admire that Marvel opted to do try something different with this Thor film by not spending half of it on Earth as the others have.  It is a joy to see an actress as skilled as Blanchett in this type of film and for that I will give it ***.