Current Events > Biscuit watches, briefly reviews, and eventually ranks the MCU *spoilers*

(+) Yeah! (+)

masterpug53 posted...

The Cap postcredits bit was even funnier when you've watched it in a theater and can't skip through the credits ^^

What added to it was it was the first time almost everyone stayed this time. Utterly magical.
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the funniest bit with her was when she didnt wanna go in the washington monument because it was build by slaves, but the actual laugh wasnt from her line, it was the security dude giving martin starr the "ehhhhh..." look.
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Keep in mind they go to an advanced school, everyone is pretty smart. And nowadays popular kids are into a lot more nerdy stuff than they were in the 80s when these cliches were more fresh. I thought Flash was a good modern bully.
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kinda hard to take him seriously when joe mangianello played him so much better than the dude from grand budapest hotel
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Von_Miller posted...

the funniest bit with her was when she didnt wanna go in the washington monument because it was build by slaves, but the actual laugh wasnt from her line, it was the security dude giving martin starr the "ehhhhh..." look.

Accurate
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Mr_Biscuit posted...

she's "hot" (?)

Are...are you suggesting Marisa Tomei isn't hot?
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TendoDRM posted...

Mr_Biscuit posted...

she's "hot" (?)

Are...are you suggesting Marisa Tomei isn't hot?

I didnt think she was ugly, just found her attractiveness overstated. Of course I dont love giant glasses on girls.
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TC gets Ragnarok next
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Muffinz0rz posted...

TC gets Ragnarok next

If dude even hints at "too much comedy" I will riot.
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dave_is_slick posted...

Muffinz0rz posted...

TC gets Ragnarok next

If dude even hints at "too much comedy" I will riot.

If its funny, I wont
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Considering your very positive reception of the MCU thus far, I have a hard time believing that you won't like Ragnarok.
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masterpug53 posted...

Considering your very positive reception of the MCU thus far, I have a hard time believing that you won't like Ragnarok.

same
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Bump of Thunder
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Thor: Ragnarok

This movie was a weird one to digest for me, mostly because it was such a stark shift from the tone of the previous Thor movies. Jam-packed with both witty and slapstick humor, mostly to great effect, it was undeniably a fun and entertaining film, but admittedly felt simultaneously like the best Thor film and the worst Guardians film.

I can't help but wonder if this is the first MCU film to succumb to "overhype" for me, because while I really did enjoy it quite a lot, I don't think I could say it was one of their absolute best. I went in expecting a comedy, and I think embracing the sheer goofiness of Thor is absolutely the right way to take the character and solo franchise (he's always been more entertaining as comedic relief in the Avengers flicks than he's been in his own films), but as I've alluded to in previous reviews, just once or twice I'd like if Marvel would just let me feel something without undercutting it. I know it's hokey and over the top, but just let me feel Thor's sadness when Asgard is destroyed, for instance; the movie has been hilarious enough that the gravity of it all would've just been elevated by contrast. That is what both Guardians films by and large did so very well -- while they were both occasionally guilty of the same thing, both of them got me misty-eyed on numerous occasions and were two of the funniest MCU movies. You can do both without intentionally punking the audience for having emotions.

While I'm talking negatives, that's the big one but I did have to adjust to the use of Led Zeppelin in the soundtrack, as I think you could've left it to the big bombastic instrumentals without losing any comedy and it felt a little too Guardians-y, and I felt that separating Hela from Thor from Loki from Hopkins from Heimdall for large chunks of the movie left some of them feeling a little underused, especially when I was craving more of them playing off each other.

Okay, complaints end there. I'm being critical because the MCU has gotten so damn good overall by now. There is no denying the movie has tremendous action and is totally hilarious with about 95% of its jokes landing for me -- it's a strong contender for funniest Marvel movie and I wouldn't begrudge anyone for saying so. Safe passage through the anus, Thor's hammer pulling him off, Goldblum's character melting that guy, Thor trying to convince Banner that he had handily won their fight, "piss off, ghost!" (and the vast majority of Korg's dialogue), those are all just top of mind as great laugh lines. It's a truly funny movie.

The story was pretty compelling too, if a little jarring from scene to scene. I sorta felt like I was watching "Spartacus + Hunger Games + Lord of the Rings... In Space!" but I'm not complaining about it, as that made for a very unique movie. There were some very Helms Deep vibes going on towards the end, Heimdall took on a fun expanded role as Space-Viking Aragorn, and we even got Galadriel and Eomer to come hang out, but then we also had Goldblum hamming it up and great scenes from the Hulk (him and Thor making their way through the city was hilarious and entertaining as hell). It made for some cognitive dissonance but I praise the bold/brave choices.

Gotta say, though, one of my favorite scenes was when Hulk was chasing after Thor ("FRIEND, STAY!!!"), ripping the ship up, but then saw Natasha and not only was he sad, but Hulk actually fought it because he didn't want to feel that sadness. That was a great few minutes of film that really allowed you to laugh and feel without trying to pack them into the same moment.

Ultimately I keep coming back to what I said at the beginning -- this was easily the best Thor movie and it's still almost certainly an upper-half film once I get my final rankings up, but I feel like both Guardians films did what this movie does, just a little better.
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Probably putting Black Panther on tomorrow morning for a little bit of a recap, since I've seen it already but wouldn't mind a refresher course (besides, I oughtta give you guys a review for it, I suppose), but then likely seeing Infinity War tomorrow!
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Also this is unrelated to my opinion of Ragnarok, but I thought FOR SURE wed get some more Thanos/Infinity Stone setup. I feel like I know almost nothing about them and were going 0-60 in a fucking HURRY on this snap to wipe out half of existence thing

But in Marvel I trust at this point
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Well IW takes place right after Ragnarok so there didnt need to be any direct set up
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Gotcha. I mostly just meant that considering they started teasing Thanos after the sixth movie and Im now on #18 or whatever, I thought Id know significantly more about him and that threat going into IW
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Mr_Biscuit posted...

, just once or twice I'd like if Marvel would just let me feel something without undercutting it.

Funny you say this -- there was a video that came out around the time of Wonder Woman last year that compared WW's emotional sincerity to the tendency of MCU movies to undercut the emotional.

Here's the video (no spoilers for MCU, since it covers movies you've already seen, but some spoilers for a few other superhero movies, esp. Wonder Woman)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-QhdzQo66o" data-time="
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sellerdore posted...

Mr_Biscuit posted...

, just once or twice I'd like if Marvel would just let me feel something without undercutting it.

Funny you say this -- there was a video that came out around the time of Wonder Woman last year that compared WW's emotional sincerity to the tendency of MCU movies to undercut the emotional.

Here's the video (no spoilers for MCU, since it covers movies you've already seen, but some spoilers for a few other superhero movies, esp. Wonder Woman)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-QhdzQo66o" data-time="

I'm about halfway through this video and so far I mostly agree. I think he's a little harsh by going after Guardians for "bathos" when that's almost the point, though as I've said ITT it was a little egregious a few times even in those movies. Don't necessarily agree with the airport fight in Civil War, Tony wisecracks through the pain all the time so that felt in character.

That said, the general gist is definitely what I'm getting at -- I also hated the scene in Dr. Strange he pointed out and I think he has an interesting point about how it feels like the movie is afraid to ask you to take it seriously. To a degree that's a good thing, these are funny and self-aware and they need to be. But like I said about GotG 1 + 2, this effect is most often at its best when your laugh lines and your heartfelt moments are separate entities; there have only been a few "bathos moments" across the whole MCU that I thought were particularly funny, and they were mostly cathartic in nature (see: "puny god," etc).

I think you can be lighthearted and laugh at yourself for the silly fun we're having AND also have some moments that are meant to hit home. MCU is usually pretty successful at this but it does bug me when they're not.

EDIT: Yup, finished the video and same thoughts -- agreement in principle but think he's a little harsh. Overall I do think there's a line between "not taking ourselves too seriously" and "this whole movie feels like a parody" and it's an interesting territory to navigate.
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Yeah that's a fair assessment - I think the MCU is pretty successful at the drama/humor balance, on the whole -- it's just specific scenes or so that just kinda hamstring the emotional moment. You have to let certain moments "breathe" and allow the viewer to not only feel the emotion but also examine it.

Agreed about the Civil War scene being Tony Stark in-character; the way I see it, his persona as the wise-cracking, sarcastic narcissist is his method of coping with the trauma of his upbringing and experiences. It's as much a suit of armor that he's built for himself as the Iron Man suit itself -- it's a layer that he never takes off. So it's much more meaningful when he actually *does* take it off, in the line where Stark says "I'm trying... to keep the Avengers from tearing apart!" It's delivered sincerely and intensely which Stark rarely does

Also, funnily enough... He used that Spiderman scene in the first minute or so in the movie, but I felt like those movies could have used a little more self-awareness. Also I just kinda dislike Tobey Mcguire lol
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^My thoughts exactly on all counts
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sellerdore posted...

Here's the video (no spoilers for MCU, since it covers movies you've already seen, but some spoilers for a few other superhero movies, esp. Wonder Woman)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-QhdzQo66o" data-time="

At first I honestly though 'ugh, another flat-voiced youtube critic,' but while his points are arguable, his overall message of being afraid of sincerity is rather revelatory. It's also why the MCU is a reflection of the society to which it caters: an internet-heavy society where criticism and parody are the most valuable currencies. Sincerity makes us feel vulnerable - whether we're creating it or watching it - and vulnerability can be particularly dangerous when expressed online. On a personal level, I can't tell you how many lengthy posts I've typed out on message boards - everything from gaming opinions to politics - only to delete them before posting because I simply didn't want to deal with the headache of having to defend myself over them. I'm not trying to blame the internet for everything, but I think it does bear its share of the responsibility for the vicious cycle created when we spend our days critiquing, ranking and parodying to the point where big-budget media gets safer and safer and media that takes risks is pushed more to the margins.
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masterpug53 posted...

sellerdore posted...

Here's the video (no spoilers for MCU, since it covers movies you've already seen, but some spoilers for a few other superhero movies, esp. Wonder Woman)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-QhdzQo66o" data-time="

At first I honestly though 'ugh, another flat-voiced youtube critic,' but while his points are arguable, his overall message of being afraid of sincerity is rather revelatory. It's also why the MCU is a reflection of the society to which it caters: an internet-heavy society where criticism and parody are the most valuable currencies. Sincerity makes us feel vulnerable - whether we're creating it or watching it - and vulnerability can be particularly dangerous when expressed online. On a personal level, I can't tell you how many lengthy posts I've typed out on message boards - everything from gaming opinions to politics - only to delete them before posting because I simply didn't want to deal with the headache of having to defend myself over them. I'm not trying to blame the internet for everything, but I think it does bear its share of the responsibility for the vicious cycle created when we spend our days critiquing, ranking and parodying to the point where big-budget media gets safer and safer and media that takes risks is pushed more to the margins.

Very interesting meta observation :)

point break
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Im off to Infinity War!

Didnt end up rewatching BP but I probably will at some point to review it. If not, I remember it well and it was extremely good.
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it'shappening.gif
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Mr_Biscuit posted...

Im off to Infinity War!

Didnt end up rewatching BP but I probably will at some point to review it. If not, I remember it well and it was extremely good.

oh shit
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Mr_Biscuit posted...

Im off to Infinity War!

Didnt end up rewatching BP but I probably will at some point to review it. If not, I remember it well and it was extremely good.

You really should check out agents of shield and agent Carter at some point. Not for the topic as it'll take forever for you to run through 7 seasons of content. They're both outstanding.
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FUCK tbh
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tbh FUCK
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This is going to be good.

Im still processing. Not even sure where to begin outside of safely saying it somehow exceeded expectations. Just a remarkable achievement in film
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Mr_Biscuit posted...

Im still processing. Not even sure where to begin outside of safely saying it somehow exceeded expectations. Just a remarkable achievement in film

Take your time. I was shaking when I walked out the theater so I understand.
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I mean, I knew Spidey and BP died and also am practical enough to know that cannot possibly be permanent

Really didnt help prepare me
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i don't feel so good
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Mr_Biscuit posted...

I mean, I knew Spidey and BP died and also am practical enough to know that cannot possibly be permanent

Really didnt help prepare me

You wanted Marvel to let moments play out. Welp!
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dave_is_slick posted...

Mr_Biscuit posted...

I mean, I knew Spidey and BP died and also am practical enough to know that cannot possibly be permanent

Really didnt help prepare me

You wanted Marvel to let moments play out. Welp!

Lmao

Seriously though Im so glad it was handled this way.
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Im fairly certain everybody here reading along knew that the events of IW would devastate you since you just spent the better part of a month watching all these characters grow.

And y dont u post in the discord anymore
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I'm more curious to know if your girlfriend got as hooked as you did
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tag on this account
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EmeralDragon23 posted...

I'm more curious to know if your girlfriend got as hooked as you did

*wife but absolutely yes. We both got really choked up at Peter.
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Von_Miller posted...

Im fairly certain everybody here reading along knew that the events of IW would devastate you since you just spent the better part of a month watching all these characters grow.

And y dont u post in the discord anymore

Honestly forgot about it, whoops. Im not on there too regularly

And yes, Im certain they cant all really be dead but it was still devastating. I imagine Loki, Heimdall, Vision, and Gamora at least are truly goners.
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Mr_Biscuit posted...

Von_Miller posted...

Im fairly certain everybody here reading along knew that the events of IW would devastate you since you just spent the better part of a month watching all these characters grow.

And y dont u post in the discord anymore

Honestly forgot about it, whoops. Im not on there too regularly

And yes, Im certain they cant all really be dead but it was still devastating. I imagine Loki, Heimdall, Vision, and Gamora at least are truly goners.

I'm pretty sure Vision and Gamora will come back. Loki will come back if they can get Chris Hemsworth for more Thor films, if they can't maybe they go the route of Beta Ray Bill.
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Honestly, if every character that died in Infinity War except, like, Heimdall gets to come back, I think thatll significantly cheapen things. I think a couple need to stay down.
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Mr_Biscuit posted...

Honestly, if every character that died in Infinity War except, like, Heimdall gets to come back, I think thatll significantly cheapen things. I think a couple need to stay down.

Nah because we are going to see Ironman, and Cap die to bring them back.
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IfGodCouldDie posted...

Mr_Biscuit posted...

Honestly, if every character that died in Infinity War except, like, Heimdall gets to come back, I think thatll significantly cheapen things. I think a couple need to stay down.

Nah because we are going to see Ironman, and Cap die to bring them back.

Definitely possible, Im just saying I think something like that should happen to undo the snap, not necessarily everything prior.

I think Cap is likelier than Iron Man just because they kinda had their big Tony, nooooo!!! when Thanos stabbed him. I was spoiled enough to know better but my wife thought he was a goner. They could do it again and I know RDJ has been doing this forever, but I could see him preferring to scale back and make cameos rather than exit entirely. Idk.

Then again, they definitely could have Cap/IM have a cathartic moment and go out together saving the universe.
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Anyone know what movies we have coming up? I know we got Anmtman 2, Captain Marvel, then Infinity Gauntlet(or whatever they call it) do we know anything about any others?
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spiderman sequel (first phase 4 film) and the black widow movie are the ones confirmed IIRC
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