Superheroes: Is It Time To Say Goodbye?
I know that in this column I usually talk about out-of-pocket, mind-fuck films, but with the recent updates in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and whatever is going on with DC, I have decided to discuss whether or not superheroes are still worth our time. I’m going to focus more on Marvel so I actually know what I’m talking about, and boy, do I have a lot to say.
I enjoy the MCU. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is my go-to film and Infinity War lives in my head rent free. However, Tony Stark did not build his first Iron Man suit in a cave with a box of scraps for everything to have gone to shit after Phase Three. Yes, there were good movies; Shang-Chi, Eternals, and No Way Home were brilliant. And some of those tv series were truly amazing. However, it seems as if success is getting to everyone’s heads because 2022 has not been a great year for Marvel.
Firstly, the Doctor Strange sequel was chaotic. I understand the horror approach that Sam Raimi was trying to take, but seriously, that movie sucked. No Way Home did a better job of the multiverse. Honestly, I’m surprised they gave that script the go ahead; no hate to the actors though, I think they did a great job with what they were given, and some aspects of that film were nice to see.
Secondly, Thor: Love and Thunder. What. A. Disappointment. Ragnarok was a great Thor film; it really made us appreciate the God of Thunder more, and Taika Waititi did an excellent job giving us such a good story before our hearts were broken by Infinity War. But come one bro, its sequel was terrible.
I remember the excitement I used to feel when watching Marvel movies for the first time in the cinema. That feeling, from the rapid beating of my heart to the tears that welled up in my eyes, I haven’t felt that in a long time. I know that nothing will ever top the OG Avengers doing OG Avenger things, but it’s as if Marvel has changed so drastically ever since Phase Three ended. There are so many projects that they are introducing, that it seems as if not enough attention is given to each of them, so we end up with half-arsed films that we’re supposed to enjoy regardless because it’s Marvel.
Sue me if I’m wrong (please don’t), but I think that these superheroes just aren’t that super anymore. I do have high hopes for the Black Panther sequel though; it’ll be an emotional ride, but I believe it will show a well-written story.
BTW – Marvel has decided to add in the Israeli “superhero” Sabra into the new Captain America film set to come out in 2024. CNN has a pretty good article explaining why that is not a great idea.
