Welcome back to the blog, readers. I decided that since Phase 5 of the MCU is about to begin with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, I thought it would be apropos to rank the films and series we have gotten in Phase 4. I won't do both in this post, I'll save the series and the "Special Presentations" for another one. So without further adieu, here is my SPOILER-FREE ranking of the films of Phase 4 of the MCU.
7. Black Widow
A film we were supposed to get in May 2020, Black Widow was one of the very first casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with No Time to Die and A Quiet Place Part II. It was also the 24th film in the MCU and the first since the release of July 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Directed by Cate Shortland and starring Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, William Hurt (in his final MCU appearance), and Ray Winstone, the film takes place shortly after the events of Captain America: Civil War as Natasha finds herself on the run and being confronted by demons from her past.
It's not like this film is bad, none of these films are bad. So there's your disclaimer. I just don't find this film as memorable as the others in Phase 4. While I do like the performances of the cast (especially Pugh and Harbour), the action is kind of uninspired and the effects are a bit unpolished in places, especially in the climax.
The one place where I was absolutely in awe was the score. Lorne Balfe has been in his bag as of late, scoring the Mission: Impossible films and contributing to the score of Top Gun: Maverick. Balfe's score is just as epic as ever, and it leaves you wanting more of his epicness.
So, to conclude my thoughts, Black Widow is a fun but forgettable entry into the MCU canon.
6. Thor: Love and Thunder
Thor: Ragnarok was a perfect blend of light-hearted humor and nonstop action that won many people over, and brought director Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, Jojo Rabbit) to the public eye in the best way possible. And just like that, a fourth Thor film was announced at Comic-Con 2019 (take that Iron Man and Captain America!).
Love and Thunder was released in July 2022 after being delayed from a November 2021 release. Again directed by Waititi, most of the cast of Ragnarok returns (Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, and Waititi himself), although Tom Hiddleston is replaced with a returning Natalie Portman, and adding Christian Bale (!!!!) as Gorr the God-Butcher, a god-killing entity whom Thor must stop alongside Valkyrie, Korg and Jane Foster, who is now the Mighty Thor.
I do like that there is again a blend of light-hearted humor and nonstop action, and I do appreciate that they could take this in a darker note than Ragnarok, drawing on themes of life and death. I did also enjoy the performances of Bale and Portman, and thought the latter's story was very well done.
A big issue I have with the film, however, is the execution of Gorr's story. It could have been done so well, but it comes off as weird and his ultimate fate feels unearned in the end. Like I said, the only reason Gorr winds up not being another wasted villain in the MCU is because of Bale's performance.
Another issue I have is with the characterization of Thor. After what he has been through thus far, they could have told a heartwarming story with Thor, but he feels like an afterthought in his own film. I feel like Waititi chose to not take him seriously by design, but it does not work, and with his transformation, I am shocked with what they wound up doing.
I do like Michael Giacchino's score, though. So that's another thing I like about the film. I guess what I've been trying to say is that Love and Thunder does not live up to the high expectations that were set by Ragnarok.
5. Eternals
I am all for telling new stories, as you may know by now. If you don't believe me, check out my list of the top 20 films of 2022 and you can see that The Banshees of Inisherin was my favorite film of the year. And Eternals is the epitome of a new story. Sure, it may build upon some familiar foundation, but it is original at its core.
Directed by Academy Award winning director Chloe Zhao (Nomadland), Eternals features an all-star cast that includes Gemma Chan (Captain Marvel, Don't Worry Darling), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones, Rocketman), Brian Tyree Henry (Joker, Causeway), Barry Keoghan (the aforementioned The Banshees of Inisherin, The Batman), Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick, Obi-Wan Kenobi), Salma Hayek (Desperado, Wild Wild West), and Angelina Jolie (Girl, Interrupted, Maleficent). In the film, the Eternals reunite after a tragedy to fend off the Deviants, their counterparts, to protect the Earth.
First off, I want to commend the direction of the film. It is beautifully shot and it visually looks breathtaking. A film like this absolutely needed the extra year it was given to be perfected, and that extra year absolutely paid off. I am so shocked with how it got no love at the Academy Awards. Nothing for the cinematography or the visual effects. No nominations al all! What the hell Academy?!
The acting in this film is incredible as well. The standout performances come from Gemma Chan, Brian Tyree Henry, and Angelina Jolie. Every time they are on the screen, I cannot help but fall in love with these characters. Other notable performances come from Richard Madden, Lauren Ridloff, and David Kaye as the voice of the Celestial Arishem.
To conclude my thoughts, Eternals is a well-acted beautiful film that runs a bit long, but actually has something to say.
4. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
When the MCU adapts new styles and genre types, I am all for it. Especially so when you get one of the better horror directors out there right now in Sam Raimi. The man most notably known for the Tobey Maguire-led Spider-Man trilogy, Darkman, and A Simple Plan absolutely brings the goods in this sequel to 2016's origin story for the former Sorcerer Supreme. Multiverse of Madness stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, and Rachel McAdams and sees Strange taking on the task of defending a teenage girl with the ability to traverse the multiverse from a former ally who threatens that multiverse.
I want to get this out of the way first: this film was way too short. It could have used an extra 10-15 minutes, but maybe I'm only complaining because I like longer superhero flicks. I just love the experience of spending 2:10-2:30 in a theater with compelling stories and characters (unless that experience is Morbius, in which case I don't want that shit). This film is very underrated in my opinion. I have seen the chatter online that this is one of the more divisive MCU films, but I argue that it is exactly what it sets out to be. A slick action thriller with the horror elements that Sam Raimi is known for make for what winds up also being a satisfying epilogue for the excellent WandaVision.
I said it when the film came out, I said it again for you all to see in my top 20 films of 2022 list, and I'll say it again. Elizabeth Olsen puts on an acting clinic in this film. Angela Bassett may be getting all the awards love, but Lizzie Olsen brings the character of Wanda Maximoff into a whole new light, doing something I never thought possible. WandaVision was a phenomenal show, and the themes of guilt and rage are very well put forth. What that rage can do is translated over fantastically in the film, and Wanda does some sick shit.
The visuals in this film are insane, especially when we get into the Illuminati. All of that, by the way, is riveting. Danny Elfman's score is wonderful, and the story is awesome. To conclude my thoughts, Multiverse of Madness is one of the more intriguing films of the MCU and delivers through amazing acting and insane visuals.
3. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
New characters can shake up the landscape of the MCU, especially when they are engaging and interesting. Shang-Chi is absolutely that. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Just Mercy, The Glass Castle), the film stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Awkwafina, Fala Chen, Michelle Yeoh, and Tony Leung. In the film, Shang-Chi must confront his past when his father summons him and his sister to assist in his search for a mystical village.
Shang-Chi is the absolute man, and Simu Liu was the PERFECT casting choice. I can't imagine anyone else playing him now. He brings a natural charisma to this character, and depth when he needs to. And when he has to pull into that depth, he knocks that shit out of the park. This kid is going to be a star, let me tell you.
The other performances are awesome as well. Awkwafina, who I had never even heard of before this film, plays Shang-Chi's best friend Katy, and she comes off as charming and very likable. Meng'er Zhang (in her first film role) plays Shang-Chi's sister Xialing with the right amount of ferocity and likability. But the true acting standout has to be legendary Chinese actor Tony Leung playing their father Xu Wenwu. He brings so much depth and emotion to the real Mandarin, to the point you can sympathize with him.
The action is stunning, and that is not an understatement. Some of the stunts and sequences are seriously breathtaking, and this has to be some of the best action the MCU has ever seen. Joel P. West's score is fun and energetic, and the soundtrack is wicked fun. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a beautiful introduction into one of the better new MCU characters.
2. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Wakanda Forever! The world was dealt a knife wound to the heart in August 2020 when Chadwick Boseman died from colon cancer. The world did not know how to react, since Chad kept his diagnosis secret from all of us. I still cannot believe that it will be 3 years since his passing this coming August. Because of that, I think everybody had their reservations on how this film would turn out.
Wakanda Forever continues the story of the African country of Wakanda as they attempt to grapple with the death of their king T'Challa, while facing threats to their nation from both old and new sources. Again directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba, Dominique Thorne, Martin Freeman, Tenoch Huerta, and Angela Bassett.
It may not be better than the first Black Panther film, but it is very, very magical. It is a very emotional tribute to Chadwick and his character and is driven by three stellar performances: from Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta, and especially Angela Bassett. Wright gives an all-time performance that adds more depth and nuance to her character Shuri. Huerta is a Bonafide star, and playing Namor just puts the icing on the cake for me.
But Angela Bassett. Holy. Shit. Angela Bassett gives the performance of her life playing the grieving Queen of Wakanda, Ramonda. Give her all the awards. I know she already won the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice, but give it to her again and give her the damn Oscar already. Her performance is from the heart and so powerful, especially when she scolds Okoye after something happens.
The visuals are incredible, especially when we get to the underwater nation of Talokan. I think they may have been inspired by the film Avatar: The Way of Water, which was released a month after this. The fights are a lot more polished and some of the most thrilling action is available to us. And Ludwig Goransson's score is just as epic as his score for the first film. Where the hell is his Oscar nomination for this, huh?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a beautiful and emotional tribute to Chadwick Boseman and bolsters some incredible performances, music, and visuals that you will not forget.
1. Spider-Man: No Way Home
By a mile, friends! The final installment in this Spider-Man trilogy is the best film of Phase 4 of the MCU and has a hell of a lot to say to a hell of a lot of people. Director Jon Watts delivers the ultimate nerdgasm with Spider-Man: No Way Home. Starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfred Molina, Willem Dafoe, Jamie Foxx, and Marisa Tomei, No Way Home sees Peter Parker attempting to navigate life now that his identity is exposed and he is framed for murder. When he seeks magical help, he opens up an unexpected door that sees visitors from other universes attempting to cause chaos.
What a hell of a ride this film is from start to finish. I believe that this is the best Spider-Man film we've ever gotten, and Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2 exists. The story of the film is incredible and everyone gives it their all in terms of performances. It is a visual spectacle and Michael Giacchino's score is sexy as hell.
Tom Holland gives in the performance of his life as Peter Parker. As a Spider-Man pushed to the edge, he channels in something I have never seen out of this kid, and I have seen him in The Devil All the Time. The emotion that he brings is absolutely insane. That kiddish foolishness can turn into guilt and sadness, and that can turn into rage, pure rage. I would go as far as to say that Tom Holland is the best Spider-Man after this performance.
Zendaya has been putting in some real acting work here, especially since she is coming off of Euphoria, where she has won Emmys for her role on that show. Jacob Batalon puts in some work, Marisa Tomei gives her best performance of this trilogy. Even Jon Favreau is a fun addition here. And Benedict Cumberbatch lends his efforts to a fun performance as Doctor Strange. And this is the Wong Cinematic Universe. We love Wong around here.
But the main draw here is the villains from Spider-Man films old. Alfred Molina slips back seamlessly into his role as Otto Octavius from Spider-Man 2 with added emotion. Jamie Foxx is just as electric (see what I did there?) as Electro as he was back in 2014's The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Rhys Ifans and Thomas Haden Church don't really show up to reprise their roles from The Amazing Spider-Man and Spider-Man 3 respectively, but they do lend their voices. But the real MVP of this film has to be Willem Dafoe. This man played Norman Osborn in 2002. He absolutely becomes the tormented CEO and the Green Goblin and does it better than he did then. Yes, I said it. Willem Dafoe played the Green Goblin better in No Way Home than in Spider-Man.
The action is non-stop and some of the best fight scenes in the Spider-Man films exists. The fight between Peter and Strange is visually wonderful and the use of the Mirror Dimension heightens the excitement. The final fight, involving everyone, is thrilling and personal. I personally very much enjoy the highway fight and the Electro fight.
Obviously I have not even spoken on the two biggest names that appear in the film: Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire. It's not really a spoiler because we all knew they were going to show up. If you say otherwise, then you're a liar. I loved how we were able to get slight continuations of each of their stories, possibly leaving the door open to more appearances. Please guys? Maybe in Avengers: Secret Wars? Both of them deliver heartbreaking performances.
The story of this film is incredible. Loss, guilt and regret are all human emotions and this film tells us that it can be okay to deal with these things. However, how we handle these emotions can be the difference. And using the other Spider-Men to help get that message across was awesome. Spider-Man: No Way Home is truly a spectacle for its time and tells a poignant and real human story through the lens of our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
This was my ranking of the films of Phase 4 of the MCU. Thank you a million for dealing with this long list, and I hope you will come around for the next one.
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