Rating History
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Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
A good end to Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In short, I like 'Spider-Man: Far from Home'. I do think it's someway off its predecessor, but I still had a suitably fun time watching this. Tom Holland remains top notch in the main role, with Jake Gyllenhaal, Samuel L. Jackson and Zendaya supporting strongly. The story is a solid one, I like the concept of it; especially with Gyllenhaal's character. Some of the special effects do look a little questionable, but only in relation to how great the effects usually are in the MCU. Compared to an 'average' film, they still look good. By sheer process of the elimination, it probably is one of my least favourite films from this universe. That's not a negative though, as I very much like it and keenly await the currently unnamed sequel.
Ryan S false -
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
What a sensational end to this particular arc of the MCU. Quality film! 'Avengers: Endgame' is all of what I expected/wanted and more. I got goosebumps twice throughout the (masterfully paced) 181 minute run time, I can't say many films have inflicted that on me! Love the ending and the way the Infinity Saga story wraps up. The action is ultra thrilling, the score is fantastic and the effects remain great. I will say I don't think they nail the screen time for all involved outstandingly - that's not a negative, at all, it's just the fact that 'Captain America: Civil War' and 'Avengers: Infinity War' did it to an incredibly higher degree previously. The cast are marvellous, pardon the pun. Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans remain superb and are still the most standout, though you also have the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper and Mark Ruffalo - love the look of Hulk in this one, btw. I've only become properly aware of all of the MCU in the last two weeks or so, yet this still gave me a memorable experience seeing this main story crescendo like this - I imagine it would've been quite the journey 'live' from ten years or so prior to the release of this. Look forward to continuing with 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' and the end of Phase Three, and then - all things well - beyond.
Ryan S false -
Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018)
A fine watch, but the novelty and freshness that the first film had has dissipated. I enjoyed 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' just about enough. It's the MCU's weakest film, up until this point at least, so far. I rate the 2015 film quite a bit, it's entertaining and something different, but this sequel kinda felt flat to me for the majority. There's marginally enough there to like though. Paul Rudd is satisfactory as the lead, while Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas and Michael Peña remain as solid as before. Michelle Pfeiffer and Laurence Fishburne are cool additions, but I can't say their characters are all that memorable - still passable, mind you. The action is the film's biggest plus. The shrinking stuff always looks good, too. The humour is at a suitable level. Overall, it's an OK watch.
Ryan S false -
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
This is exactly the sorta thing I want from an Avengers film! Full blown, no punches pulled action. In that regard, it's an outstanding watch! Despite knowing practically little about the MCU up until a few weeks ago, I still knew this was a film that was going to see - so to speak - excrement hit the fan... and boy did it! It's a great ride. Like 'Captain America: Civil War' did, 'Avengers: Infinity War' does an incredible job at juggling the gargantuan number of characters. It's ridiculous, but totally awesome, how many faces we see appear again. I thought they got the screen time for all, more or less, down to a T. Not an easy job, that. Speaking of the cast, it's Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth and Josh Brolin who stand out most in my memory. Them three are excellent, especially the latter. Away from those lot, it's very cool to see all the other worlds - including from 'Doctor Strange' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy' - come together into one film. As for new additions, there aren't many - Peter Dinklage being the pick. There are many references that I had already become aware of just via the internet, so it was quite amusing seeing them all unfold here and there. The effects looked great to me, as they have basically all the way up until this point of the MCU. The comedy is good again, also. Needless to say, I can't wait to see 'Avengers: Endgame'!
Ryan S false