From ‘Black Widow’ to ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’: Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from worst to best

Even if it improves slightly in its last chapter, something that differentiates it from the rest of the companions of this special, “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” It could very well be the most boring proposition ever released by the MCU since ‘Iron Man 2’. Condemned for an initial stretch in which the little that happens never generates real interest, the series created by Malcolm Spellman finds on its side only the presence and talent of a Sebastian Stan dedicated to the cause, Wyatt Russell in scene-stealing mode and a playful Daniel Brühl. Apart from this? Yawn.

If ‘Ms. Marvel’ would have ended up in its third installment, no doubt, here would be the best series of MCU’s fourth phase along with ‘Scarlet Witch and Vision’. Unfortunately, all the freshness, originality and entertainment that it offered in its initial stages faded chapter after chapter until it became a much more mundane and lazy proposition than expected (and promised). We still have, at least, that initial section and the discovery of Iman Vellani.

If you know how it gets done, why keep inviting Taika Waititi? After the brutal success of the (failed) ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, the director found himself with carte blanche to throw in a new portion of almost constant goofs, the permanent joke, the visual confetti and the insufferable supporting roles. Except for its good start, a few dark moments, a more or less handled villain, despite an over-the-top performance by a Christian Bale who is clearly in another film, and the ever-appreciative presence of Natalie Portman, ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ it doesn’t go much further than a silly, meaningless joke.

Thor: Love and Thunder on eCartelera

Precisely because of the tremendous interpretation, or interpretations, of Oscar Isaac, ‘Knight of the Moon’ It has one more point than the rest of the television offerings that the MCU has brought us in recent years. However, the actor’s sheer deployment was not enough to lift the series above its predecessors, with the exception of the soporific ‘Falcon and the Winter Soldier’, since, beyond his work, there are not even many Good news. Occasional flashes of genius, a few well-executed action scenes and surprises whose risk can only be greeted with applause are the three fundamental pillars on which the best of an uneven series as a whole is enjoyed in its best moments.

Standing on the iron shoulders of the talent of Tom Hiddleston, Sophia Di Martino and the best possible version of Owen Wilson, ‘Loki’ has been able to combine its importance within the narrative framework of the entire fourth phase of the MCU with its condition of pure science fiction series starring one of the most beloved secondary characters of this universe. Never embracing excellence, but always treading the ground of the remarkable, Michael Waldron’s series provided an hour of clever entertainment each week with the occasional big surprise. Looking forward to seeing the second season.

Except for the silly party of Thor and company, there is no chapter in “What if…?” that comes down from notable. With beautiful animation and an undeniable ability to surprise, the series created by AC Bradley is a real feast for MCU lovers where each episode is a roller coaster of emotions, shocking images, unexpected twists and characters as charismatic as they are unforgettable. Magnificent proposition.

The misunderstood jewel of the series released as part of the fourth phase of the MCU. Sure, the weakest part of “Hawkeye” may be its protagonist himself, but the action is so spectacular, the humor works so well, the chemistry between its characters is so successful, and best of all, it has two such interpretations. by Hailee Steinfeld and Florence Pugh, hopefully a series just for them, that one can only fall at their feet. And what’s more, it’s Christmas. All right, hey.

Sure, it was late, yes, but not as bad as many people have relentlessly pointed out since the day it was released. From the prologue and end credits, ‘Black Widow’ He was firmly committed to a fairly classic spy movie model, a field in which he played his best cards. first, to the surprise of a total of zero people, ending with a final climax of Marvel’s trademark fireworks. His villain was a mess, his humor didn’t quite work, and his surprises never made much of an impact, but only for that great first half and the chance to enjoy Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Weisz, and Florence Pugh stealing the show. , “Black Widow” reached notable with ease.

Black Widow on eCartelera

‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ has become one of the biggest commercial successes of recent years thanks to the Marvel label, of course, but also to the feeling of being in front of something new, different and surprising. Presentation film of the character who could fall into all known tics, Destin Daniel Cretton’s proposal manages to offer a remarkable show in which, beyond its noisy final fireworks, a first half stands out with some of the best scenes of action seen so far in the MCU. Another gorgeous show for Kevin Feige’s huge castle.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings on eCartelera

Misunderstood from day one, ‘Eternals’ has ended up occupying the coveted place reserved for cult works that can only bet on the time slot at achieve their (deserved) claim. Directed by the wonderful Chloé Zhao, who had just won the Oscar for her splendid work in the exceptional “Nomadland”, we are faced with one of the most risky, sober, courageous and complex proposals in the history of the Marvel cinematic universe. Her coldness might not have meshed well with her occasional moments of action, but We’re talking about a tape unlike almost everything else and with a good handful of scenes to remember. Few of us are on your side, but we do it with passion.

Eternals on eCartelera

The challenge was huge. And not just because of the sad death of Chadwick Boseman, but because of the very high bar his acclaimed predecessor had set. However, Ryan Coogler, who once again signs an outstanding direction, and a cast committed and dedicated to the cause, with a special mention for an extraordinary Letitia Wright, have done the miracle with ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, a sequel to the height. which, despite its small narrative leaps, ends up being a fantastic journey. Remarkable final point for a fourth phase which finds here one of its most exciting and intense proposals.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on Movie’n’co

Welcome and welcome to the show Sam Rami. If there were any doubts about the possible lack of freedom that the magnificent director should have displayed his characteristic talent in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, sequel to the more than extraordinary “Doctor Strange (Doctor Strange)”, all have been dispelled by the first minute.

Here we have a director having a great time with the toy that has fallen to him in the inexhaustible bag of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, signing what is, at a great distance from almost all the others, the most interesting, enjoyable, original and daring directorial work of this fourth phase. And of the three above. A first-rate visual festival that finds its absolute pinnacle in one of those final climaxes that you wish would never end. A true joy of cinema.

Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madness on eCartelera

To the (wonderful) confusion caused by its first episodes was added another good set of varied and satisfying sensations such as surprise, laughter, tears and enthusiastic applause for the epic achievement. We were taken aback by the magnitude of “Scarlet Witch and the Vision”, made us fluctuate between theories and hypotheses, kept us glued to the sofa and made us enjoy it to the fullest as in the most extraordinary episodes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. An authentic television jewel that also served to do justice to two characters who gave their best on the small screen. A genius.

Capable of destroying the box office mercilessly in these strange times when we seem to be restless, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ is an absolute gift for Marvel movie lovers in general and the legion of Spider-Man fans. A fast-paced proposition that is, in addition to Tom Holland’s best film by far from its (great) predecessors, a wonderful love letter to the character in substance and form.

A first-rate show that works and is perfectly balanced: humor, nostalgia, cast, action and, above all, a powerful drama that is emotional to tears. And in terms of the MCU? One of the best solo avengers movies to date. An almost perfect blockbuster.

Spider-Man: No Way Home su eCartelera