The Avengers, AoU, Infinity War, & Endgame films

[Fangu]

DOUBLE POST

Spoiler: spoiler screencap of the extra end credit scene

Spoiler

I laughed at the thought of them going for Shawarma, and I love that they actually did What I love most about that pic though is Hawkeye's leg on BW's chair :3

Re: Shawarma, by definition it's mixed meat. Here it's mostly sold in a pita with garnish, and this is what people here generally refer to as "kebab", though kebab is really just a term for any single served meat dish I believe.

 

[Unlucky]

Spoiler

Just saw this today and it exceeded my expectations.

There are many things I totally love about it-- like for example, their initial problem with teamwork. I love that they all had to go through it; it turned the storyline into something more believable than just being about a bunch of cool dudez fighting teh evil togetehr FUCK YEAH!!!1

And like many fans I was pissed that Norton is not playing Hulk, I really thought he has an inherent contrast with the character, having a small frame and little voice and all. But Mark Ruffalo delivered, in fact I just noticed that he does have an inherent difference with the Hulk as well, and that is being softspoken, delivering his lines in a gentle, almost lazy voice as he does in his other movies (yeah, I notice stuff like that).

And perhaps the greatest achievement of the film concerning me is that it made me love Tony Stark's character. Sure I appreciate his being snark and all, but I prefer my superheroes flawed and insecure, so I didn't care much about him. But somehow I grew to like him in this flick and I'm certainly watching Iron Man 3.

Lastly, I can't help but agree with you guys about Capt. America. It's not that he wasn't given enough screen time, it's just that his scenes lacked impact. The only scene of him that I found moving is when he assumed leadership and started giving orders to the team. I also think his inability to fly contributes to this, I mean, FFS, Iron Man and Thor can fly, Hulk can jump, BW managed to have mid-air screen time and Hawkeye was on top of a building. And where was Cap? Forever fighting on the ground.

And yeah, I know there's gonna be a scene mid/post credits but my bladder is going to burst so I had to go.

 

[Danseru-kun]

Spoiler

Lastly, I can't help but agree with you guys about Capt. America. It's not that he wasn't given enough screen time, it's just that his scenes lacked impact. The only scene of him that I found moving is when he assumed leadership and started giving orders to the team.

Spoiler

In the early interviews I believe that Joss had intended the movie to be told from Cap's perspective. But the final cut changed that and a lot of Cap scenes were deleted and these will be included instead in the DVD/BluRay. What disappoints me was the lack of impressive stunts from Cap, I feel that they didn't exploit his shield enough. As a mentioned posts ago, I think Cap should do acrobats like that of Blonsky in Hulk.

 

[Unlucky]

Spoiler

In the early interviews I believe that Joss had intended the movie to be told from Cap's perspective.

Spoiler

That's a good decision actually, I don't think the story can unfold that well if told from anybody's perspective.

Spoiler

But the final cut changed that and a lot of Cap scenes were deleted and these will be included instead in the DVD/BluRay. What disappoints me was the lack of impressive stunts from Cap, I feel that they didn't exploit his shield enough. As a mentioned posts ago, I think Cap should do acrobats like that of Blonsky in Hulk.

Spoiler

True. Although I prefer Cap with more finesse compared to the other characters (to preserve the gentlemanly, vintage vibe), he doesn't share much awesome kick-ass time and that made him look weaker than the others, imo. Which is such a shame because he's my fave for looking like the perfect pin-up guy

 

[Super Mario]

Man why are they holding back on Hulk's sequel? He has potential, take another crack! We still have Abomination and Leader for crying out loud! (and potentially Red Hulk?)

 

[Tetsujin]

Man why are they holding back on Hulk's sequel?

Because the Hulk movies were behind expectations.
From recent interviews it seems like their stance is basically like "yeah it's cool that people really like Hulk in The Avengers but that doesn't mean we'll rush another Hulk movie and risk messing it up again."

So whether they'll eventually make another one or Hulk'll stay a special guest in Avengers movies remains to be seen.

And of course, there's still Guillermo del Toro's Hulk tv series in active development.

 

[Danseru-kun]

Here are the costs and the gross earnings of the 5 MCU movies so far. Hulk profited internationally but is a loss domestically. I also listed their rottentomatoes ratings.

Iron Man--------------------------$140 million-----------$585,174,222------94%
The Incredible Hulk -----------$150 million-----------$263,427,551------66%
Iron Man 2-----------------------$170–200 million-----$623,933,331------74%
Thor ------------------------------$150 million-----------$449.3 million------77%
Captain America: TFA-------- $140 million-----------$368,608,363------79%

I think Hulk is very difficult to market. Iron Man is a playboy in a hightech suit kids love, Thor is like a mythical hero with the power of thunder, Cap is a handsome hero when Hulk is a big, green, angry monster. I myself wasn't interested in Hulk when it was released. But now that the really shone in the Avengers he might have gotten the best marketing he can ever have.

 

[X-SOLDIER]

It's also not surprising why Edward Norton got so bent about the cut of The Incredible Hulk that was released, because there's a shitton of deleted footage that's pretty great (I still quite enjoyed that film though). I do think that Mark Ruffalo could do really well in a proper Hulk film that's not tied in with the Avengers. It'd also give some opportunity for expanding Hulk's character for the films.


X

 

[Unlucky]

Sometimes I have a problem with RT's ratings; they give too much credit on some films that are actually just 'ok' and underrate really good ones (Capt. America and Thor barely hitting 80%? Really?). Though maybe we can place the blame on their ratings system for that.

As for the Hulk, he's definitely not eye candy so there has to be extra effort to make him likable given that some of the viewers haven't read the comics to appreciate his character. Couple that with the idea that the actors that have portrayed Bruce Banner-- Bana, Norton, and even Ruffalo, are much likely to appeal more to older women (in my opinion, of course).

Speaking of casting, I think the most perfect one they got was Chris Hemsworth. The deep voice, the height, the accent, hair... *sigh*

 

[Danseru-kun]

I also think RT is not really the ultimate judge on whether a film is good or bad, but most of the time they agree with my personal ratings. I personally think that Iron Man is better than CATFA by only a small margin but their difference in RT is huge. I also think that TIH is much better executed than Iron Man II.

Though I'm really pleased with the Avenger Hulk I feel that Mark Ruffalo is more bland than Ed Norton, maybe it's the directing but I don't know. I felt that Mark Ruffalo is just being himself and the same as his other roles, when Norton gave me the scrawny scientist image that I see in B. Banner.

And I agree with Chris Hemsworth, he's just so Thor! And his biceps, just his biceps. As for others, Johansson didn't impress me in IMII but she was really good in Avengers. My favorite is Chris Evans and I love how he was able to get out of the Johnny Storm image. Robert Downey is awesome and all, but I think his character is not very spot on with the comic Iron Man, but I respect and admire his characterization of him. I don't have an opinion on Renner.

 

[Unlucky]

Though I'm really pleased with the Avenger Hulk I feel that Mark Ruffalo is more bland than Ed Norton, maybe it's the directing but I don't know. I felt that Mark Ruffalo is just being himself and the same as his other roles, when Norton gave me the scrawny scientist image that I see in B. Banner.

I see your point there, but to me the fact that Mark Ruffalo is 'being himself' (as the softspoken, lazy-voiced actor I described him before) is what made him deliver, just like how Norton is the lanky, puny-voiced actor that he is. I love how they naturally both possess characteristics opposite of the Hulk because it made the transformation more dramatic. Though if you'd ask me, I'd still choose Norton over Ruffalo, but that's just because I've been crushing on him since I was a kid when I saw him in Fight Club

And I agree with Chris Hemsworth, he's just so Thor! And his biceps, just his biceps. As for others, Johansson didn't impress me in IRII but she was really good in Avengers. My favorite is Chris Evans and I love how he was able to get out of the Johnny Storm image. Robert Downey is awesome and all, but I think his character is not very spot on with the comic Iron Man, but I respect and admire his characterization of him. I don't have an opinion on Renner.

Johansson is a good actress, but imo she's too soft to be BW. I think she did just an 'ok' performance in Avengers.

And that was exactly my beef with Evans being cast as Rogers -- just why the hell would anybody allow a single actor to portray two different superheroes? Besides he looked too much of a jock to me. But like you said he did step out of his Human Torch image. Capt. is also my fave BTW, because anything vintage turns me on

I don't have anything to say about Downey Jr. because I don't remember much about the previous Iron Man movies-- but Renner, well, Renner is a good actor but he's typecasted to soldier/agent roles (The Hurt Locker, Ghost Protocol, the upcoming Bourne Legacy). Performance-wise he's ok...? You didn't like him didn't you?

 

[Danseru-kun]

I don't like him nor dislike him movie wise, the Avengers is actually the first film I saw him in. The role isn't very much diffficult or memorable acting-wise. I love the fact though that he met up with our president wearing our national costume in... cargo pants. I don't know if it's his style or poor research but it was funny. As a person I kinda like him because the way he talks about us.

Yeah the people I know also think that Johansson was too soft for BW. The top choice was Emily Blunt I think but she refused the role. Other choices were Keira Knightly and Natalie Portman I think. The choreography in IM2 was also sloppy IMO it looks like her opponents were just falling down. It was pretty but not convincing. Avengers fixed that though.

But I do ship Johansson and Evans together so yeah

 

[Danseru-kun]

DOUBLE POST:

For the non NA people out here, I found a freshly leaked video of the post post Avengers scene! It's pretty short and cute.

Spoiler

 

[Max Caulfield]

I don't care what any of y'all think, Avengers was the best thing ever.

 

[Unlucky]

I don't like him nor dislike him movie wise, the Avengers is actually the first film I saw him in. The role isn't very much diffficult or memorable acting-wise. I love the fact though that he met up with our president wearing our national costume in... cargo pants. I don't know if it's his style or poor research but it was funny. As a person I kinda like him because the way he talks about us.

I saw this in the news but I didn't notice that he was wearing cargo pants! I think that's just him being himself, I mean, somebody must've told him that he's not supposed to pair those two

"But the beauty is that the people living in poverty have the biggest smiles on their faces."

Now that's just touching, Jeremy

That post credit scene is awesome. Why WHY didn't I just hold it in

 

[Danseru-kun]

We don't have that post credit scene, it's a treat for the NA audience who have to wait longer.

Spoiler

Why does Cap seem problematic and not eating? Probably it went on like this:

Cap: We should report to the HQ now...
Tony: Oh c'mon, we need a break. It's my treat.
Thor: *Munch* *munch* *munch*

 

[Ghost X]

Bit late in seeing this movie (The Avengers ), but I was most pleased. Very well written, I thought. Glad the trailers weren't too spoilery. I don't think the projector at the cinema I went to was completely in focus though. Did anyone else find the movie blurry?

 

[Tetsujin]

 

[Max Payne]

Coulson is the worst thing to happen to the marvel films.

Such a shit character.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

I actually liked him.
He was pretty decent as random agency characters go and was pretty funny in his scenes in the Avengers.

 

[Super Mario]

He finally grew on me in the film. For once I dont see him as a filler character like in generic anime, but a man bound by his duty and dedication to the safety of the Marvel universe and even going up against the greatest threat when all was nearly lost.

Spoiler

RIP son of coul

 

[X-SOLDIER]

He finally grew on me in the film. For once I dont see him as a filler character like in generic anime, but a man bound by his duty and dedication to the safety of the Marvel universe and even going up against the greatest threat when all was nearly lost.

Spoiler

RIP son of coul

This. And:

Spoiler

I also liked how they used the fact that he was such a big fan of Captain America, and that he had a say in the design of Cap's new suit, making sure that it was kept as the same sort of old-fashioned stars & stripes design. (It also makes the Captain America shield scene in IronMan II a little bit sad, knowing that he'd probably have paid Stark a TON to have taken that prototype with him). XD

From a meta standpoint, I think that making him a big fan worked well to connect his character with the large portion of the audience (dacon notwithstanding), who are also fans and would put themselves in his place. I also liked having the Avengers join together around someone who believed in the idea of them.

Even with Nick Fury manipulating the sentiment by using his vintage trading cards to make Coulson's death into a tangible object was something that I feel was done very well, and gave Nick Fury the "fuck you, I'm doing what needs to be done even if it's crossing boundaries" attitude, while not at all cheapening the effect of Coulson's death. In fact, given that he died saying that he wanted his death to give them what they needed to fight together, I think ensured that Fury took additional steps to make sure that he didn't fail.

X

 

[Super Mario]

Fortunately

Spoiler

I hear that Coulson is signing up for Iron Man 3. One can only hope for the future of this unique but fascinating agent who stood tall against a god and never faltered all for the sake of trying to assemble a stubborn bunch of misfits. In essence, Coulson was surprisingly the key to not only make people of the marvel universe believe in heroes but us as well. We all have our boys (Iron man for me) rolling on this one, I just appreciate Coulson being there to get them together. But I didn't want it at the cost of his life, considering his development was well inputted here compared to just filler fodder from the other films. Here's hoping he does make it for Iron Man 3 at some capacity.

 

[Ghost X]

Spoiler

I watched it with some friends who aren't really into comics, I guess. Not even familiar with the comics, even. The scene after the end credits "Is that hellboy?" *face palm*.

 

[X-SOLDIER]

@Mumble:

Spoiler

Given that The Avengers takes place when Banner's been without incident for a year, I'm curious how they'll ensure that the audience is aware that IronMan III takes place before The Avengers, or otherwise deal with whatever continuity stuff. I really hope that IM3 gives him some more time to shine.

Also, I finally figured out what it is that I love so much about Mark Ruffalo's Banner:

Spoiler

Ed Norton's Banner/Hulk very clearly knows when and where Hulk's gonna show up and is very careful about not letting it happen. He's a very much on/off, with a dangerous trigger mechanism. It worked for the film, but Mark Ruffalo's "always angry" Banner is always living on that emotional knife-edge, and it shows and he's SO much better for it. When Tony & Cap are attempting to get his opinion on Nick Fury's shady dealings, you can see him trying not to get emotionally worked up about it, and try to just work on his science instead. His voice gets loud and hulk-like when yells at Natasha to "STOP LYING TO ME!" in the little shack, and afterwards when he apologizesm you can tell that he notices that he almost lost it. It's the idea that he situation is a LOT more unstable and so much more potentially dangerous that makes it better for me. He's only shy to the extent that he's attempting to keep his emotions in check all the time. It works even better in the context of the Avengers, because he WANTS to be an asset, but knows that he's a danger.

I think that's part of what makes the Hulk so hard to make a good film with, because it's tough to put him in a position like that and keep him as the main character. It's tough for him to be a proper good guy without people around to support him, or knock him into place when he's losing his shit. That being said, I TOTALLY want more Mark Ruffalo Banner/Hulk to happen.

I also wanted to bring up speculation about something that happened at the end of the film:

Spoiler

So when Stark nukes the ship, ALL of the giant creatures and Chitauri drop dead... but WHY? Part of me thinks that since the Chitauri are the Skrull, that during the main assault, there may have been others sent down that disguised themselves as humans. With all of the assault force dropping dead, there would be no reason to suspect that any of them were still alive and in hiding. While this is 100% baseless speculation, I still found it odd that they were all simultaneously wiped out.

X