Marvel Studios
By Jeremy Mathai/Oct. 7, 2022 3:00 pm EST
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown by leaps and bounds, starting from the most humble beginnings with “Iron Man” in 2008 before reaching the first of many crescendos with “The Avengers” in 2012. It might be tempting to look back and dismiss Phase One as quaint and reserved, featuring remarkably more reserved ambitions — Thor was originally introduced as a boring ol’ extraterrestrial instead of a god, after all, and now look how far we’ve come — compared to the downright cosmic concepts and surreal storylines that the MCU has since embraced. But in this case, perhaps there is some truth to the idea that they’re simply not making these Marvel movies (and shows) like they used to anymore.
Uninspired inspirations
Look no further than several comic book movies in recent years that mostly resemble products chasing consumers, rather than art engaging with its viewers. Where “Thor: Ragnarok” was a genuinely inspired shot in the arm, taking its cues from director Taika Waititi’s comedic sensibilities along with frighteningly real-world history to radically reinvent its title character, this year’s follow-up “Love and Thunder” mostly felt like a watered-down version of “Ragnarok” playing all the same hits we’ve seen before. For every “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” a mixed bag that at least bore director Sam Raimi’s distinctive fingerprints all over it, there’s a dozen forgettable entries that only seem to exist to further help the snake eat its own tail. Perhaps the nadir of this trend came from the Russo brothers repeatedly cited classics like “The Godfather” or “Se7en” as sources of inspiration for their bloated event films, which even the biggest fans would be hard-pressed to agree with.
Once upon a time, “Iron Man” struck gold with its renegade spirit and almost reckless sense of fun. Then “The Incredible Hulk” turned to monster movies and body horror to convey Bruce Banner’s internal dilemma with the uncontrollable Hulk. “Captain America: The First Avenger” stands tall as the highlight of Steve Rogers’ trilogy thanks to “The Rocketeer” director Joe Johnston’s ability to translate and modernize Cap’s “Aw shucks” sensibilities for modern audiences. Even 2011’s “Thor” benefited from having noted Shakespeare expert and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh lean on the Bard to help craft its tone.
