The Upside

Score:  A

Directed by Neil Burger
Starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Nicole Kidman
Running time: 126 minutes
Rated PG-13

Long Story Short:  The Upside, based on a true story, depicts the unlikely friendship that develops between a rich quadriplegic and his ex-convict caretaker.  Bryan Cranston unsurprisingly is excellent, but Kevin Hart is every bit as good for his part.  While there's not a lot new to cinema here (literally, as this is a remake), it's all done so well and is both emotionally honest and affecting as well as quite funny.  Highly recommended.


Dell (Hart) is a parolee struggling to get by and maintain ties with his wife and son.  When he sees an ad for a position in the home of Phillip Lacasse (Cranston), he decides to check it out, if only to show that he is trying to secure stable work.  Surprised to find an opulent penthouse and a line of other job seekers, Dell remains skeptical - yet is offered the job nonetheless.  Lacasse, a wealthy philanthropist, is a quadriplegic from an accident, and exasperates his loyal adviser Yvonne (Kidman) with his rash choice.  Despite wariness all around, Dell moves in with Phillip, helping him from breakfast in the morning through physical therapy, transportation, and more.  More than a marriage of convenience, however, Dell and Phillip are each desperate in their own ways, and begin to see that the other might just be who he needs to keep going.

The Upside has a small, intimate cast, as well-chosen individually as they mesh as a group.  Kevin Hart as Dell is one half of the lead in this film, though I'd say he just edges out Cranston as its true heart.  Hart, a tremendous comedic talent, gives the best acting performance I've seen from him.  He is as funny as ever, but within the confines of a truly well-developed character, one that is believable and sympathetic not just due to the script but also to Hart's nuanced acting.  Particularly early on, he has both a melancholy and self-serving manner that is so unlike his usual role yet so effectively and authentically played.  Of course, Dell's better qualities emerge later in the film, through his growing friendship with Phillip, and it's again a believable transformation as he embraces his better self.  Cranston is great, too, of course, as Phillip.  Most apparent is how he is able to act by moving only his head the entire time, impressively convincing about but not highlighting the role of his disability.  Phillip comes off as the altruistic, resilient, genial opposite of Dell to start but also shows his vulnerability, the cracks in the facade that occasionally burst forth in rage.  Nicole Kidman doesn't get a particularly deep part in the film's biggest supporting role, but still serves (unwittingly) as an important bridge between the leads, with a few nice moments of her own, too.  All the other parts are quite minor, with Julianna Margulies notably appearing briefly in a key scene as Phillip's date.

The Upside is a very strong drama thanks to performances that provide heart and humor to a good old-fashioned - and well-written - story.  Admittedly, there is not a lot that is new to this endeavor of an odd couple lifting each other up to become friends and realize their potential.  Fortunately, just about every element of it is done very well.  The performances were particularly vital here since it would have been easy for an actor in either of the lead roles to fall into cliche.  The script is also very strong: never cheesy or indulgent, instead quite smart while keeping the dialogue perfectly natural.  Instead of focusing on Phillip's disability, or Dell's criminal past, the emphasis is on the relationship between the two and the parts of themselves, long suppressed, that come to the surface.  Each man gets powerful individual scenes, from Phillip's struggles to reengage romantically to Dell's longing to connect with his son.  But it's when the two are together that the film reaches its highest heights, culminating in a scene that literally and figuratively allows the two to smash their frustrations, an unexpected scene both emotionally cathartic and funny.  And as authentic as the relationship and emotions are, there is plenty of humor, too.  Hart is much more subdued than usual but is still hilarious and gets to enjoy one of the most uproarious scenes, one involving a catheter.  Cranston also has a wicked sense of humor, and puts his dry, clever wit to work.  At just over two hours, the movie is about the perfect length and the pacing moves it along nicely without rushing.  It wisely avoids a huge, sprawlingly emotional finale, instead quietly setting Phillip and Dell on their way and allowing the journey itself to be the reward.

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The Upside is a great way to start 2019 at the theaters, a really strong film in the mold of a standard drama.  I am really bewildered by the overall critical reception, which gives it just a 39% on Rotten Tomatoes.  Perhaps some saw the French film original, The Intouchables (I have not), or others were disappointed that it didn't break new ground.  And there is certainly a role for creative new ideas in Hollywood, as I've said many times before.  But when everything about a film is as good and cohesive as is the case in The Upside, I don't know how you can look negatively on it.  Anyway, I advise you ignore them:  if you're looking for a heartfelt and/or funny and/or simply really good movie, I strongly recommend this.



By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58655482

Vice

Score:  A-

Directed by Adam McKay
Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell
Running time: 132 minutes
Rated R

Long Story Short:  Vice is another funny yet serious look at modern history from Adam McKay (The Big Short), this time focusing on the rise of Dick Cheney.  Christian Bale disappears into the lead role in an astounding performance, and co-stars Amy Adams and Steve Carell are essential companions in Cheney's personal and political lives, respectively.  It does have a point-of-view on this controversial man, but wherever you may stand, let it entertain you even as it forces you to confront a major turning point in today's world.


In 1963, Dick Cheney (Bale) toils away as a lineman in his native Wyoming, listless and angry due to alcohol and his failure at Yale.  After his wife Lynne (Adams) threatens to leave him, however, Cheney begins to look for a new direction.  Several years later he finds himself as an intern in Washington, under the tutelage of Donald Rumsfeld (Carell).  The two rise high, and become President Ford's chief of staff and Secretary of Defense, respectively.  During the 80s, Cheney, now a Congressman, takes an interest in the energy industry and foreign policy; however, with Bush's defeat in 1992 and the revelation of his daughter's sexual orientation, he decides to retire from politics.  Yet the presidential aspirations of George W. (Rockwell) awakens Cheney to a new realm of possibilities.  Becoming his running mate, Cheney increases his own power and control, and it is thus his fateful decisions after 9/11 that lead to long-term consequences for the entire world.

Vice has a phenomenal core cast that brings this biographical dramedy to life.  Christian Bale is amazing as Cheney.  Similar to Oldman as Churchill last year, Bale undergoes a complete physical transformation, from his considerable extra weight to impressive cosmetics.  But it's his acting that makes you truly believe you are watching Cheney himself.  He captures all the physical mannerisms, from the distinctive twists of his face as he talks to the sound and rhythm of his speech to his mere stride down a hallway.  Yet Bale does not just create an impressive physical facsimile of his subject; he projects a real person under it all, joyful with his daughters and family as well as poisoned bit by bit through first those around him, then increasingly his own words and actions.  His physical deterioration is but a symbolic complement to the deadening weight we gradually see in his eyes.  Amy Adams is awesome as his wife, Lynne, as well, even if she is overshadowed, as everyone is, by Bale's bravura performance.  She portrays a strong woman from start to finish, almost literally pulling Dick up by his bootstraps and holding him up the whole way.  Adams shows real fire power in several scenes, as Lynne moves from concerned spouse to ruthless power broker.  Steve Carell gives yet another great performance, here as Donald Rumsfeld.  His role ebbs and flows through the film, but Carell makes the quirky, enigmatic man as intriguing as Cheney.  It is also a crucial one, both pivotal in shaping personally Cheney's outlook early, and embodying both the giddiness of cold calculation and the despair of inevitable chaos.  Sam Rockwell leads the rest as George W., doing a fine job with his typical character player zest, and various members of Cheney's family and inner circle add value here and there.

Vice is a very well-made biographical movie, whose choice to combine both humor and drama on a very controversial subject gets you to think though comes up short of true enlightenment.  The film comes with an apt preface that "... Dick Cheney is known as one of the most secretive leaders in recent history. But we did our fucking best."  After a brief intro taking place in the command-and-control room during 9/11 - perhaps the pivotal moment of Cheney's life - we essentially follow the man's life from 1963 through the near present.  There is naturally a significant amount of guesswork needed to fill in the gaps on Cheney, so the humorous edge to the film allows it to say, "we know not everything here is 100% accurate (what biopic can be, really?) - so we're mostly going to spell out the differences for you."  There is overlap of the tones occasionally, which sometimes works great - Cheney and his wife plotting in bed using Shakespearean dialogue - and others not as much - the Fox News "updates".  While I've been a big fan of the recent trend of super-focused biopics (Lincoln, Selma), the more traditional sprawl of this narrative here is appropriate.  Trying to puzzle out how Cheney became the polarizing figure that he did is the mission, and while the film doesn't pull its punches, it also definitely does not portray Cheney's final/current form as inevitable.  In some ways it is an exhausting film, right around the maximum reasonable length, but it's never dull and wisely has a major pivot point - the decision to become W.'s running mate - where the structure changes course, moving away from chronological (an important element in the first half) to one more theme-driven (developing the unitary theory, working on the Iraq "evidence", etc.).  The film isn't able to ultimately develop a profoundly new interpretation of Cheney himself, but it does give plenty to think about in terms of the general power (and peril) of ambition and lust for control.  And the final ten minutes are lights-out excellent: Cheney is acutely perceptive of how the world has changed around him in some ways, yet utterly blind to his true role in it and thus what it all means.

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Vice is a very good film, one that's both entertaining and a part of an important process for our society to undertake.  I cannot overstate just how good Christian Bale is, and Amy Adams and Steve Carell provide dynamite supporting characters to create a believable recreation of this narrative.  There is plenty of humor - some of it, yes, is either of a queasy/stomach-churning kind to some or simply offputting to others - but much of it is universally enjoyable.  The balance of this humor with the seriousness of the topic is maintained well through most of the film, and the ending provides the kind of passion that few films approach.  Now, I also say this is part of an important process in that we need to have a dialogue in society about how we got where we are ("where we are" having many different meanings).  Yes, the filmmakers of Vice have a viewpoint on that, but it also acknowledges that the story is a very complex one with many shades of gray, as is our path in the present.  So regardless of where you might stand on this controversial man, I urge you to give it a try (at the theater or at home) and let it both entertain you and make you think.




By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59040750

Marvel Cinematic Universe: 11 years, 21 films in 120 days

In 2008, Marvel Studies began what has become the most ambitious - and one of the most successful, I would argue - mission in modern cinema with its Marvel Cinematic Universe.  This April will see the theatrical release of Avengers: Endgame, which will mark, if not the end of the MCU itself, the last hurrah for its original, core group of superheroes.

Ten years ago, I enjoyed superhero movies, but for me it was just another part of the wider action/ adventure area that I liked.  I would argue that since 2008, however, Marvel has established such dominance in the subgenre, such consistently strong quality individual films that retain a unified tone and vision while allowing for impressive variety, that it has become the Pixar of the superhero world.  The way that the series has woven together a mind-boggling array of characters and stories into a cohesive overall narrative is the capstone, a truly extraordinary achievement.  Plus, you know, the movies are simply a lot of fun.

So to prepare for the end of the MCU as we've known it thus far, I'm going back to rewatch all of the movies that have come out in the series so far.  I'll be watching about one each week (a little more, actually, after I did the math) in chronological order of release, and adding miniature reviews of each one to this running blog post.  To change it up a little from my routine, I'll also list what I think are the best lines and action scenes.  I hope you enjoy!

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update, July 1, 2020:

Writing the 10th anniversary post for my blog reminded me that I left this one unfinished last year!  This rewatch marathon turned out to be even more enjoyable than I had hoped for, and it was also a perfect set up for Endgame - albeit, a four-plus-month-long one at that.

I pre-ordered my ticket a few weeks ahead, for the very first showing at my local theater.  I arrived about half an hour early - and the room was already well over half full! (that's impressive in my neck of the woods)  It ended up being sold out, and what a great experience it was.  No annoying or disruptive neighbors - instead, everyone was absorbed in it from the very beginning, laughing out loud or gasping in wonder together.  There's no better way to watch a movie.

Endgame blew me away that opening night; I still remember the feeling of almost floating out of there in joy.  And even after that euphoria faded in the days after - and now over a year later - I remain convinced that it is about as perfect a conclusion (I know, for now) to the MCU as possible.  Critics and audiences both agreed:  a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and - well, it is now the #1 movie of all-time at the box office (I'd also note that it obliterated opening weekend records - previously held by... Infinity War - with $350 million in North America alone, and $1.2 billion worldwide - that's a lot of anticipation for you!).

Here's my quick ranking list of the MCU films.  Synopses below.

1. Avengers: Endgame (A+)
2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (A+)
3. The Avengers (A+)
4. Avengers: Infinity War (A+)
5. Captain America: Civil War (A)
6. Black Panther (A)
7. Iron Man (A)
8. Guardians of the Galaxy (A)
9. Doctor Strange (A)
10. Captain America: The First Avenger (A-)
11. Spider-Man: Homecoming (A-)
12. Thor: Ragnarok (A-)
13. Avengers: Age of Ultron (A-)
14. Iron Man 3 (A-)
15. Iron Man 2 (A-)
16. Ant-Man and the Wasp (B+)
17. Ant-Man (B+)
18. Thor (B+)
19. Thor: The Dark World (B-)
20. The Incredible Hulk (C+)
21. Captain Marvel (C)
22. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (D+)

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1.  Avengers: Endgame (2019):  A+
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo
Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin, et. al.

As the perfect encapsulation of and conclusion to the MCU's story, Endgame is my favorite single film in the series (I admit that others may be "better" films overall).  The Russo brothers and the actors - as well as the countless others who worked so hard behind the scenes - refused to simply coast in a victory lap here.  It still pulses with energy and urgency, at least as much as ever.  The perfectly paced three acts make the three-hour run time slide past smoothly.  "Lesser" heroes Hawkeye and Ant-Man deliver emotional gut-punches in the patient and powerful beginning.  The middle, far from sagging, starts dialing everything up, from the stakes and the humor to the poignant and clever callbacks.  And then the bravura finish: an electric, intimate duel of our desperate heroes; a breathtaking, soaringly triumphant "splash page" (Google it) battle; and succinct, perfect send-offs for the originals - Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor.  Amidst all this, it still packs in great humor, from time travel banter to heroes, uh, letting themselves go.  Awesome!
Best Lines:
1) "Avengers.... assemble!"
2) "That is America's ass."
3) "I love you three-thousand."
Best Action Sequence:  Thanos vs. Big Three.  The mega battle is amazing, an incredible cinematic experience giving every character a chance to shine one last time.  But Thanos's showdown with the three original heroes before it was the most intense action in any MCU film.  You can practically feel the savage blows full of fury, from both hero and villain.  And Cap's surprise caught me completely off guard and sent chills down my back.  Wow.

2.  Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014):  A+
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan, Robert Redford

With all due respect to The Avengers, this is the true masterpiece of the MCU (so far, at least).  It's like catching lightning in a bottle: everything works just right.  A non-stop thriller, this is the most suspenseful MCU film, and somehow adds the cool, gritty vibe of The Dark Knight to the MCU's style seamlessly.  The villains and their plot are far and away the most intriguing and emotionally involved yet - the Hydra-within-SHIELD twist and Rogers' best friend returned as nemesis, and some guy with potential named Redford.  The writing, directing and pacing are phenomenal.  Rogers' old school values are a perfect foil for the murky - and timely - intrigue of ubiquitous surveillance and crises of allegiance.  Oh, and did I mention this is also an action movie?  Every set is brilliantly choreographed and executed, making you root for Cap more than ever before.  And it still has room for plenty of witty asides.  Simply breathtaking.
Best Lines:
1) "On your left!"
2) "Hey, Cap, how do we tell the good guys from the bad guys?" -- "If they're shooting at you, they're bad."
3) "This man declined the Nobel Peace Prize.  He said that peace is not an achievement but a responsibility.  It's stuff like this that gives me trust issues."
Best Action Sequence:  The opening shock sequence of Cap dismantling terrorists one-by-one at night on a ship.  Fury taking a licking and keep on ticking as Hydra-cops chase through the streets of D.C.  Cap taking out a dozen baddies - in an elevator.  The Soldier hunting Cap, Falcon and Widow on a highway amidst utter chaos.  Steve and Bucky's final showdown.  Even Cap's brief but jarring chase through buildings.  How can I choose just one?

3.  The Avengers (2012):  A+
Directed by Joss Whedon
Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Samuel L. Jackson, et. al.

Marvel's first movie about its titular superhero team is a smashing success, thanks to the character and narrative foundation laid by earlier films; a fast, light and humorous vibe; a soaring soundtrack; and of course, spectacular action.  Avengers' principal pleasure comes from seeing these very distinct heroes meet for the first time, resulting in hilarity (Thor intercepting the captured Loki) as well as drama (the feud on the helicarrier giving a first, tantalizing taste of the Stark-Rogers rivalry).  No more origin-story subtlety or progression - it's off to the races immediately, blink-and-you'll-miss-it pacing (rewarding multiple viewings).  While god-like Loki leads a literal alien invasion, the mortals also shine, from heroes Romanoff and Barton to a key, gratifying role for good ol' Coulson.  There's lots of action but it's not overwhelming, and reflects its characters' styles.  The Avengers nails so many objectives for the MCU overall, while also being great on its own.  Now that's super.
Best Lines:
1) "You're not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you." -- "I think I would just cut the wire." -- "Always a way out... You know, you may not be a threat, but you better stop pretending to be a hero." -- "A hero? Like you? You're a lab rat, Rogers.  Everything special about you came out of a bottle!"
2) "Have a care how you speak! Loki is beyond reason, but he is of Asgard, and he is my brother." -- "He killed eighty people in two days." -- "He's adopted."
3) "I guess he never did get you to sign them." -- Fury tosses bloodied hero trading cards to Steve
Best Action Sequence:  Battle of NYC.  The Avengers get pushed to their limit, yet also get to kick serious butt.  The whole scene, and nearly every frame, is jam-packed, yet it takes the time to show individual civilians being saved.  And of course, it absolutely tears down the house with the Hulk's rag doll beatdown of Loki.  Other scenes are great, too, like the helicarrier attack, but it's this climactic, bravura spectacle that makes Avengers an all-time blockbuster.

4.  Avengers: Infinity War (2018):  A+
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo
Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin, et. al.

Infinity War is a nearly miraculous success, deftly synchronizing a mind boggling array of characters and story threads while employing both a light touch and hard-hitting, meaningful action.  The mere fact that the film does not implode from the weight of roughly three dozen characters is impressive, although the patient, caring and precise coordination of the previous films obviously paid off in spades.  It's simple at the core, with Thanos - endowed with soul, fury, and chilling genius by Brolin - collecting six little stones in order to wipe out half of all life in the universe.  Like the first Avengers, it gets mileage from character meetings, at times light, at others poignant, and frequently hilarious.  As entertaining and well-paced as it is, Infinity War makes good on Civil War's promise of real consequences, starting with its jarring, Asgardian doom of an opener to the shocking - yet eerily preordained - victory of evil at the end.  The action set pieces have never been more awesome.  The cast is in perfect order, yet swept up in the best possible way.  A breathtaking achievement.
Best Lines:
1) "Dude, you're embarrassing me in front of the wizards."
2) "Evacuate the city! Engage all defenses! And get this man a shield."
3) "What master do I serve? What am I supposed to say, Jesus?" -- "You're from Earth?" -- "I'm not from Earth, I'm from Missouri."
Best Action Sequence:  Battle on Titan.  All the action in Infinity War is great, due to its variety and not dragging on forever, for starters.  But the battle to try to remove Thanos's gauntlet is a particularly good set piece, allowing each player to showcase their abilities in a frenetic and desperate mission.  So close... and then it falls apart (for the good guys).

5.  Captain America: Civil War (2016):  A
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey, Jr., Sebastian Stan, et. al.

Although it's really a de facto Avengers 2a, this third Cap-titled film delivers perhaps the most satisfying narrative twists of the MCU.  The story (and action) is driven by the Stark-Rogers tension which, building since the first Avengers, finally comes to a head.  The drama between the two is real and gripping: the men have mutual respect and even, deep down, affection, yet their very different histories and philosophies lead to the inevitable (sharply written) verbal and (brutal and wrenching) physical conflict.  The trigger to all this, the international, Avengers-overseeing accord, is also a great response not just to Age of Ultron but to the expanding scope of all the heroic (yet high collateral) events.  The Russo brothers were wisely retained from Winter Soldier and bring their electric action and zippy style to this well-stuffed film.  Despite the increased dramatic weight though, there's still plenty of humor, particularly with surprise visits from Ant-Man and a brand new Spider-Man.
Best Lines:
1) Stan Lee as mail carrier knocks on door -- "Are you 'Tony Stank'?"
2) "Tony, you are being uncharacteristically non-hyperverbal."
3) "You two knew each other? He never mentioned that. Maybe only a thousand times. God, I hated you." -- "I don't mean to make things difficult." -- "I know. Because you're a very polite person." -- "If I see a situation pointed south, I can't ignore it. Sometimes I wish I could." -- "No, you don't." -- "No, I don't. Sometimes -" -- "Sometimes I want to punch you in your perfect teeth. But I don't wanna see you gone. We need you, Cap. So far, nothing's happened that can't be undone. Please, sign."
Best Action Sequence:  Airport melee.  All due respect to the Iron Man-Cap-Winter Soldier battle with all its emotional weight.  However, the airport scene stands out for its unique all-good-guy brawl, cleverness and sheer spectacle.  The filmmakers juggle the demands of competing tones (light to serious), variety of abilities and narrative necessities with grace.  Bursting with fun, it only gets better each time you see it.

6.  Black Panther (2018):  A
Directed by Ryan Coogler
Starring Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Michael B. Jordan

The MCU's most significant film yet manages to be both a genuinely inspiring work for its audiences as well as a triumph within the franchise.  The backbone of the film is a rather old story of a young heir and his destiny as ruler of a kingdom, finding himself challenged by both his people's traditions and a rival in the family.  Wakanda itself is the highlight, a spectacular vision of a secret African nation that subverts history's stereotypes.  And that idea is fully brought to life in every way, starting with one of the MCU's typically phenomenal casts.  Boseman's hero and Jordan's villain are perfectly good, but it's the quartet of women who show the true strength and soul (and wit) of Wakanda.  The production design is the best of the MCU, from the landscapes and architecture to the clothing and rituals.  It feels modern, beyond just the soundtrack, yet timeless, which helps it connect so deeply.  All the while, it checks all the necessary MCU boxes, too, from humor to action.  A classic.
Best Lines:
1) "Wakanda forever!"
2) "If you say one more word, I'll feed you to my children!" --Ross gulps-- "I'm kidding. We're vegetarians."
3) "Did he freeze?" -- "Like an antelope in headlights."
Best Action Sequence: N'Jadaka challenges T'Challa for the Wakandan throne.  This is all about the emotional intensity, and Killmonger's cold ferocity.  Black Panther's lack of a particularly cool or distinct fighting style is the character's biggest (though minor) weakness, although most of the action in the film is fun, just not among the MCU's best.

7.  Iron Man (2008):  A
Directed by Jon Favreau
Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges

The film that started it all is still one of the very best.  An origin story far different than the usual, Iron Man sets up and suits up Downey, Jr.'s Tony Stark, who has both a brilliantly acerbic sense of humor as well as a reputation as a cold, narcissistic death merchant.  Wisely, the stakes and the fireworks are kept low key here, instead shining the spotlight on all things Tony, from his sharp banter to his billionaire frivolities to his gearhead genius.  Paltrow is a perfect foil as his better half (professionally only, at this point) and Jeff Bridges an appropriately corporate villain.  From the shocking terrorist opening to the innovative and hilarious development of the armor (JARVIS hijinks) to the brash outing at the finale and inaugural post-credits scene, this is a genre classic.
Best Lines:
1) "The truth is... I am Iron Man."

2) "After all these years, Tony still has you picking up the dry cleaning."  -- "I do anything and everything Mr. Stark requires.  Including occasionally taking out the trash."

Best Action Sequence: Iron Man saves a village in Afghanistan from Taliban-like forces (capped by his destroying a tank with a "peashooter").

8.  Guardians of the Galaxy (2014):  A
Directed by James Gunn
Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel

And now for something completely different: Guardians not only takes the MCU into space but seemingly tries to blow it up with a crazy cast of characters - and it works like a charm.  The team dynamic drives the film, its members gelling perfectly: Quill, the good-hearted rogue; Gamora, the sensible but deadly orphan; Drax, the too-literal vengeance warrior; Rocket, the genius cynic; and Groot, the, well, Groot.  They're all misfits who hate each other, getting themselves into all sorts of hilarious trouble, from the first meeting to the prison escape to the botched trade.  But there's also so much heart, turning the usually-cliched rally-the-troops speech into a clever and moving scene, and its quietest member into the savior.  Of course, there's also the fantastic pop soundtrack.  The final battle is a little overdone to my taste, but whatever.  A true, gloriously unexpected hit.
Best Lines:
1) "Well, he don't know talkin' good like you and me so his vocabulistics is limited to "I" and "am" and "Groot", exclusively in that order."
2) "Well, on my planet, we have a legend about people like you.  It's called Footloose.  And in it, a great hero, named Kevin Bacon, teaches an entire city full of people with sticks up their butts that dancing, well, is the greatest thing there is."
3) "I am going to die surrounded by the biggest idiots in the galaxy."
Best Action Sequence:  The prison escape.  It's the perfect setting for the five to all be together for the first time, and each character gets to showcase their unique style in a modestly-scaled set piece.  The escape maneuver itself - anti-gravity - is clever and bonkers, just like the whole movie.

9.  Doctor Strange (2016):  A
Directed by Scott Derrickson
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen

Among my favorite "oddball" MCU titles, the wonderful alchemy of the filmmaking here matches the fantasy subgenre.  Stylistically, this is Harry Potter meets Inception, which implies a lot of exposition and endless technicality - which the film blessedly bypasses.  Strange has the most eye-popping visuals in the MCU, right from the opening scene through the reality "rewind" of the finale.  Yet like the best MCU films, its core is allowing its all-star cast to take the spotlight.  Many of them may have close parallels or cliches, yet all distinguish themselves.  Strange is brilliant and arrogant like Tony Stark, yet struggling (and succeeding) in completely different ways; Swinton's monk is the Wise Old Mentor, yet flawed with a sharp, darker side.  The script is aces, and just sweeps the film along effortlessly (and hilariously).  Truly excels both in spectacle as well as in deeper, thoughtful themes.
Best Lines:
1) "How long have you been at Kamar-Taj, Mister..." -- "Doctor!" -- "Mr. Doctor?" -- "It's Strange." -- "Maybe. Who am I to judge?"
2) "We never lose our demons, Mordo. We only learn to live above them."
3) "They really should put the warnings before the spell."
Best Action Sequence:  Strange vs. Kaecilius in NY Sanctum.  The mind-bending, city-exploding sets are dazzling, but the fight inside the sanctum is a riot.  As Strange struggles to get his bearings in his first fight, laughs ensue, particularly from his trusty Cloak of Levitation, but there's also urgency and impact via the hospital part.

10.  Captain America: The First Avenger (2011):  A-
Directed by Joe Johnston
Starring Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving

Like Thor, Cap gets his start in another world - though still on Earth, it takes place during World War II and is enwrapped in an old-fashioned sheen.  The style suits our newest hero, Steve Rogers, well, whose earnestness and unflagging pursuit of what is good and just fall far from Iron Man's wise cracks.  Once again, the lead is surrounded by a great ensemble, from Atwell's strong, vital Agent Carter to Tommy Lee Jones as the stern, exasperated Col. Phillips.  The main story is straight ahead, classic war hero, and the evil HYDRA an inflated, fantasy squad of Nazis - but Evans is another home run casting choice, from the war bonds humor to compelling straight-faced confrontations with evil.  It's also fun - particularly in hindsight - to see SHIELD in its formative stage, and the ending is a sudden yet clever transition from Cap's Glory Days to the messy present.
Best Lines:
1) Steve gets up after being struck -- "I can do this all day."
2) Peggy kisses Steve -- "Go get him." -- Col. Phillips looks askance -- "I'm not kissing you."
3) "If you have something to say, now's a perfect time to keep it to yourself."
Best Action Sequence:  Steve airdrops behind enemy lines to rescue captured American soldiers.  A crucial and memorable first mission, symbolic of his bravery and sheer will to do what is right. HYDRA's dreaded mystique just falls to pieces in the face of it.

11.  Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017):  A-
Directed by Jon Watts
Starring Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey, Jr., Jon Favreau

Spider-Man's entry into the MCU is a big success, thanks largely to an ability to distinguish itself from earlier versions of the hero and a restrained, light tone.  Homecoming mercifully skips the well-known origin story, instead telling a coming-of-age story - crucially, for both Peter Parker and his alter ego.  Holland is another good casting choice, particularly for his youthful enthusiasm, and the film does a great job establishing Peter's Queens neighborhood and school with a similarly endearing circle of friends from Ned to Michelle (MJ).  Michael Keaton is technically the villain, but both because he's Keaton and his well-developed backstory, he's one of the MCU's most complex and interesting antagonists.  Stark and Happy's presence is welcome, but doesn't steal the spotlight.  With interesting but modest stakes, some great action, humor and music, this is an all-around hit.
Best Lines:
1) "Just don't do anything I would do, and definitely don't do anything I wouldn't do. There's a little gray area in there and that's where you operate."
2) "But I'm nothing without this suit!" -- "If you're nothing without the suit, then you shouldn't have it."
3) "No, Spider-Man isn't a party trick! I'm just going to be myself." -- "Peter, nobody wants that!"
Best Action Sequence:  Ferry attack and rescue.  It's both a little callback to some classic Raimi Spider scenes, but also uniquely interesting in its setting and there's sneakily a lot going on despite feeling streamlined.  Honorable mention to the Washington Monument rescue, the heights making my stomach turn without a bad guy in sight.

12.  Thor: Ragnarok (2017):  A-
Directed by Taika Waititi
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson, Cate Blanchett

Third time's a charm: while Ragnarok at times skates on the edge of parody, it is one of the funniest MCU films while also being more impactful than its predecessor.  Weighing what to do with a popular but directionless hero, Marvel gambled on a quirky but creative new director, and the lead and his amazing co-stars fully bought in.  Scarcely a minute goes by without a big laugh, from surprising cameos to Hulk-Thor bromancing to the one and only Jeff Goldblum.  Yet the story told is much bigger and more interesting than Dark World's; Blanchett's villain joyously (and literally) dispatches the stiff nobility of Asgard.  More importantly, it presents real challenges for Thor, and forces him into meaningful sacrifices.  The humor makes it pass breezily, though inevitably also blunts the impact somewhat, too.  Excellent writing, everyone's having a great time - you will, too.
Best Lines:
1) "Hey! We know each other, he's a friend from work!"
2) "Hey, Sparkles, here's the deal: you want to get back to ass-place, ass-berg...?" -- "Asgard!"
3) "I don't know how to fly this thing!" -- "You're a doctor, just use one of your PhDs."
Best Action Sequence:  Bridge fight.  Honestly, the action is one of the weak points of the film, with nothing that really stands out.  With the Zeppelin soundtrack, multiple elements (Thor, Hulk, refugees, etc.), suddenly high stakes and surprise ending, this will do.

13.  Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015):  A-
Directed by Joss Whedon
Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, James Spader, et. al.

The middle-child Avengers, Ultron is relatively overlooked in the MCU but on rewatching, juggles its overwhelming load quite well to deliver an entertaining adventure.  The biggest criticism is that it just has too much going on - and that's not wrong.  Yet it is also essential in continuing important arcs in the MCU and launching others, so Ultron is where MCU fans and general audiences diverge more than ever.  Like Avengers, though, this has plenty of humor (not quite as good) and light-hearted moments to balance out the epic story components and action; Hawkeye in particular grounds the film.  On second look, Ultron himself is still fun as voiced by Spader, but the most intriguing theme of the film is how each hero begins to look at the Avengers, their mission and methods.  Rounded out with nice action and new directions for the MCU overall, it's a success.
Best Lines:
1) Stark: "Shit!" -- Rogers: "Language!"
2) "[Humans] are doomed!" -- "Yes... but a thing isn't beautiful because it lasts.  It is a privilege to be among them." -- "You're unbelievably naive." -- "Well, I was born yesterday."
3) "The gates of hell are filled with the screams of [the Hulk's] victims!" -- Glares and groans -- "But not the screams of the dead, of course.  No, no, wounded screams... mainly whimpering, a great deal of complaining and tales of sprained deltoids..."
Best Action Sequence:  Hulk vs. "Veronica".  Much of the action, while fun, is a bit more derivative in Ultron, but this is a no-holds-barred exception.  Helped along by Stark's sarcastic commentary, it's a narrative diversion but an entertaining one that goes for it yet is also thoughtfully designed.

14.  Iron Man 3 (2013):  A-
Directed by Shane Black
Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce

Something about the third Iron Man put me off when I first saw it, but I've come around on it now.  While Shane Black creates a unique vibe for it, it's ultimately both an appropriate conclusion to Stark's (solo) adventures and a good post-Avengers step for the MCU.  The consequences of the previous battle come out in Stark's panic attacks, both grounding the MCU's escalating events and appropriate to his character.  Still, we get plenty of his great quips, from a pre-Iron Man prologue to a coy yet touching partnership with a kid.  Potts doesn't get as much to do, but other characters shine like loyal Happy and Ben Kingsley's wonderful twist.  I also enjoyed Stark's investigating and DIY scenes.  Unfortunately, it goes a little off the rails in the last act with the goofy baddies and endless suits.  Still, overall it's a positive development and maturation of the MCU, and more good fun.
Best Lines:
1) "Is that all you've got? A cheap trick and a cheesy one-liner?" -- "Sweetheart, that could be the name of my autobiography."
2) "You have met him [Trevor, aka "Mandarin"]?" -- "Yeah, Laurence Oblivier."
Best Action Sequence:  Tony breaks into - and then back out of - the Mandarin's hideout.  The scenes are a fun callback to the original, with our hero relying on his ingenuity to get himself out of trouble (at times getting himself into trouble, too).

15.  Iron Man 2 (2010):  A-
Directed by Jon Favreau
Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke

Although the sequel to Marvel's breakout hit holds pretty closely to its predecessor's formula, that's not a half bad plan - and it's quite well executed to boot.  The villains are once again taken from Tony's familial/business orbit; while Rourke's gruff Russian counterpart out for revenge doesn't make a huge impact, Rockwell gives a great performance as a Stark wannabe, slick and impetuous yet amusing, too.  We also get more fun RDJ banter, light-hearted Pepper Potts drama (newly minted CEO), and Tony putting his technical genius to work.  On top of all that, the SHIELD organization is much more visible, from SLJ's Nick Fury to the ever-sober Coulson, and Stark's late father makes a clever appearance to advance the narrative as well as his son's background.  Doesn't soar quite as high with all that luggage, but it's still great fun.
Best Lines:
1) "Sir, I'm gonna have to ask you to exit the donut."
2) "Good luck. We need you." -- "More than you know." -- "Not that much."
Best Action Sequence: Vanko attacks Stark while he is racing at the Monaco Grand Prix.  The setting is fresh, Potts and Hogan provide an amusing diversion and, while brief, Vanko vs. Iron Man provides a nice thrill which can't quite be replicated in the finale.

16.  Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018):  B+
Directed by Peyton Reed
Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Pena

Just like the original, Ant-Man and the Wasp is a perfectly light follow-up dish to the epic Avengers entree that came a few months before it.  In some ways it's even better than the first, but it's also packed a bit too full.  Paul Rudd is as fun as ever in the lead, with even sillier pratfalls - I particularly enjoy child-size Rudd running the halls of a school - and his dependable doofuses Luis and co.  Lilly gets a co-lead role in this one as the Wap, and her no-nonsense approach is a good pairing for Rudd; she's not bland, though.  Goggins is a perfect villain for this style, better than Stoll, though he doesn't get much; far from Infinity War, the stakes here are small (pun intended) but personal and therefore meaningful.  Ghost is an intriguing new character, but just a little too much with everything else.  The action gets a major upgrade, and it ends with a perfect tie-in with the Avengers cliffhanger.
Best Lines:
1) "You know what? You're right. This isn't truth serum. 'Cause I don't feel anything. That was a lie. I did feel something. This is truth serum!"
2) "You got away with it this time, Scott, but I'll be seeing you again." -- "Where?" -- "Huh?" -- "Where will you be seeing me again?" -- "Like, in general I'll see, like, the next time you... do something bad I'll be there." -- ...
Best Action Sequence:  Chase through San Francisco.  Honorable mention goes to Wasp's first fight, with great choreography and effects along with the showdown with Ghost.  The chase scene is a wild ride, though, brimming with Ant-Man's trademark clever tricks.  Whether using a pickup truck like a skateboard or vainly trying to fight the phasing Ghost inside a car, this is a rollicking time.

17.  Ant-Man (2015):  B+
Directed by Peyton Reed
Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll

The origin story for this odd "little" hero is a very fun story, with smaller stakes than Avengers yet in keeping with the style and packing a punch that connects thanks to yet another great cast.  The concept seems strategically balanced in many ways: along with the counterbalancing stakes, the humor level is ramped up (how could it not, with Rudd?) and it melds the superhero genre onto another genre (this time, heist) - a developing MCU pattern.  But since it all snaps together so nicely, it doesn't feel cynical or forced.  Rudd is a perfect choice, and helps create a lighter tone with hijinks involving the shrinking as well as his loyal (ex-con) buddies.  His family situation is also touching, and, combined with Hank and Pym's father-daughter dynamic, provides real substance, too. The action is refreshingly unique, even if the villain is only so-so.
Best Lines:
1) "My days of breaking into places and stealing shit are over. What do you need me to do?" -- "I want you to break into a place and steal some shit."
2) "Baskin-Robbins always finds out."
Best Action Sequence:  Train battle.  Much of the action in the film is related to Scott getting used to the Ant-Man suit and environment, providing plenty of visual tricks.  When it's finally time to take on the baddie, the tension - and humor - reaches its peak on a "speeding" Thomas the Tank Engine.

18.  Thor (2011):  B+
Directed by Kenneth Branaugh
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins

The MCU makes its first trip into more fantasy-like territory with Thor, but it manages to stay down to earth (literally and metaphorically) for the most part.  Seeing Hemsworth in long golden locks and full regalia again was a bit jolting, and at times the dialogue and imagery on CGI-heavy Asgard are a bit much.  But that's all out of the way relatively quickly, and Thor immediately begins to show his comic prowess once he lands, powerless, on Earth.  Agent Coulson again gives a nice assist and the human sidekicks are fun.  Portman's romantic interest is a bit too straight of an arrow, but at least shows the MCU's knack for driven female characters.  Of course, it's Loki who is the ace in the hole; Thor's eternal frenemy of a brother, he's quite wicked yet so charismatic you're not sure who to root for.  Ending is a bit trite, but overall it's an important step forward.
Best Line:
1) "This drink, I like it!" -- "I know, it's great, right?" -- [smashes mug on floor] "ANOTHER!"
2) "Is there a Renaissance fair in town?" -- "Call it in." -- "Uh, base, we've got, uh, Xena, Jackie Chan and Robin Hood."
Best Action Sequence: Thor - powerless but still packing a punch - grinds his way through SHIELD agents to get to his hammer.  Ends with the film's strongest moment, realizing he is no longer worthy.

19.  Thor: The Dark World (2013):  B-
Directed by Alan Taylor
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Christopher Eccleston

While Thor's second film is another fun, well-made adventure, it doesn't live up to the MCU standard of developing its core characters, furthering the overall narrative, and introducing other new elements.  It has a silly factor which got overshadowed by the uproarious third film, but it also harps on the Asgardian mythology and pseudo-science.  More importantly, Thor's character doesn't go anywhere and the villain is among the MCU's least interesting.  Fortunately, Loki is still around and even better following his Avengers breakout; plus human sidekicks Selvig and Darcy.  The ending twist briefly masks the fact that not much really changed, but at least this entertaining sequel breezed by well under two hours.
Best Lines:
1) "He is not my father!" -- "So I am not your mother?" -- "... You are not."
2) "Your brother isn't coming, is he?" -- "Loki is dead." -- "Thank God... I'm so sorry..."
Best Action Sequence:  Battle of Greenwich.  The convergence idea - which mainly served as a convenient deus ex machina to this point - made the final battle quite a bit more interesting by chaotically - and humorously - sending Thor and the Baddie across worlds.

20.  The Incredible Hulk (2008):  C+
Directed by Louis Letterier
Starring Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, William Hurt, Tim Roth

Released just a month after Iron Man in 2008, the only solo-Hulk film is overshadowed for multiple reasons.  Mainly, it's just not nearly as good, feeling much more like a generic blockbuster than a carefully crafted entry that fits the MCU's distinct tone.  It does, mercifully, skip the origin story of Banner's gamma ray accident (a brief montage shows it over the opening credits), but it just can't find any compelling characters.  Normally great Edward Norton is an awkward fit, and Liv Tyler is just embarrassing (the script largely but not entirely at fault); the baddies are "eh".  The action offers a little excitement here and there, but is more often ridiculous in its set up.  It's for the best that Ruffalo came in later to wash the bad taste from our mouths, proving he didn't even need his own movie.
Best Lines:
1) [Banner in Portugese] "Don't make me hungry.  You wouldn't like me when I'm hungry."
"Bonus" Groaner: "No, no, I can't.  I can't get too excited."
Best Action Sequence: Bruce Banner gets chased through the streets of Rio by both local thugs and a military squad.  It ends in the film's best Hulk part, shadowy but showing off his strength.

21.  Captain Marvel (2019):  C
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
Starring Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelssohn, Jude Law

Finally introducing its first solo lead heroine, the MCU unfortunately produced a dud that's somehow both hopelessly convoluted and overly simplistic.  Brie Larson is charismatic as the lead, but her character gets little to do except kick butt and throw off bemused one-liners and raised eyebrows.  That's because her story is veiled by her amnesia, able to offer only a brief montage of cliched images to represent female empowerment.  Even without that fatal narrative flaw, the film is overloaded with an assortment of new aliens, all of which are generic flavor yet requiring gobs of exposition.  On top of all this, the film is poorly written with a broad, pandering quality more like DC's recent offerings than Marvel's sharp scripts.  There's still some fun to be had, yet despite its straining to fit the MCU narrative, this is best suited for a naive, younger crowd.  Highly disappointing.
Best Lines:
1) Skrull roars at Vers before attacking -- Vers mockingly roars back before knocking him out.
Best Action Sequence:  Vers escape from Skrull spaceship.  Plenty of action in this film, but almost all of it is forgettable, vanilla stuff.  This scene at least employs the MCU's trademark humor effectively (cue Vers's roar), and doesn't go on too long.

22.  Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017):  D+
Directed by James Gunn
Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Kurt Russell

The first - and so far only, thankfully - bellyflop of the MCU.  The original Guardians was a great success, but it walked a fine tight rope in doing so; the sequel shows just how badly the setup of this sub-franchise can go wrong.  The first's script was excellent, with great humor; despite being written by Gunn again, the sequel's is just bad, some combination of laziness or lowest-common-denominator thinking - much of Rocket's "humor" in particular lands with a splat.  There's way too much going on, with awkward editing and poor pacing; while the original wasn't exactly restrained, relatively speaking the sequel jumps the shark with its bouts of cartoonishness.  The "final battle" - which is about a third of the whole film! - is not just way over-the-top spectacle but also tries too hard to inject emotion, mostly via Yondu.  Speaking of the blue dude, his arrow murder music video is horrific and really bothers me.  If you haven't already seen it, skip the film and listen to the soundtrack.
"Best" Lines:
1) Representative attempt at humor: "I created what I imagine biological life to be life... down to the most minute detail." -- "Did you make a penis?"
2) Line that should be about the film itself: "What is your goal here? To get everyone to hate you? Because it's working."
Best Action Sequence:  Opening credits.  Because it's basically baby Groot dancing while the super fun "Mr. Blue Sky" plays.



*Image source:  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/kevin-feige-talks-marvel-studios-655792