Toys, Comics, Movies
05.02.2008
Way back in 2008, you kind of have to wonder just how much was really planned for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU. It seems like there was at least a general idea for Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and Hulk to get movies, then team up for The Avengers. How much farther did it go? Did they have plans for Ant-Man or Guardians of the Galaxy or Jessica Jones? Did they know they would want Paul Bettany to become an onscreen character eventually in Vision when they cast him as Jarvis?
Regardless of the ultimate plan, Iron Man marks the official start of what would eventually become known as the MCU, as well as a new start to how Super Hero movies would be conducted. Super hero movies aren’t anything new, but they tended to embrace their comic book origin whole hog and go for the super fantastical designs and effects. The MCU, especially at the begging started off with at least some level of explanation behind everything, even if it was just a made up explanation, it would be one that worked in universe as explained.
There was also so much that just worked with Iron Man as well. Robert Downey Junior very much fits the style and look for genius playboy Tony Stark. The special effects are exceptionally well done, with care taken to lighting and little extra bits like shrapnel and general background visuals. Even right out of the gate we get some hint at what’s to come and how these movies will be #ItsAllConnected with SHIELD showing up briefly trying to recruit Tony. Iron Man is also one of the highlights of the MCU, and it holds up well with time. It’s a basic origin story of course but it doesn’t linger and drag with the origin part which is a trap many comic movies fall into. The best part is that the Origin itself ties in with the over arching plot across this movie and even across the entire Iron Man trilogy to some extent.
Anyway, going forward is the Spoiler filled synopsis section, so if you’re behind on your viewing, feel free to stop here.
Marvel’s latest blockbuster is Doctor Strange, the story of a brilliant surgeon turned mystical world bending sorcerer. Unlike a lot of Marvel’s recent outings, I had almost no idea who Doctor strange was or exactly what he did before seeing this movie. My knowledge essentially amounted to something something magic, something something founded the Defenders, he seems to have a regular bad guy who is a flaming head demon guy. Also, why is he called Doctor Strange?
Turns out that wasn’t super off, he’s a Doctor because he is literally a Medical Doctor, and his big villain is the flaming skull guy, though the villain doesn’t really take that form in this outing. Short spoiler free verdict, it’s a crazy special effects fest to be sure, even better, the story is nice and straight forward, no complicated conspiracies or convoluted twists, it’s just what it is. Benedict Cumberbatch is much better as Strange than I expected coming into this, I’m not really a fan of his, though that seems to be opposite of the norm.
Basically, Marvel has another nice hit on their hands and a fine entry in the MCU.
Now on to the spoilers and detailed thoughts!
