As a longtime Marvel fan who has grown up with these characters, I have to say that the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy is nothing short of exceptional. The love and care that James Gunn puts into each frame are evident, making every character feel fully realized and endearing. The final sequence in Vol. 3 was a cathartic release that left me with a sense of closure, but also with a bittersweet feeling that this beloved franchise has come to an end – for now.
The premiere of “Avengers: Endgame” undeniably signified a pivotal moment for big-screen blockbusters, especially the superhero genre. Serving as the grand finale of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga (with “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” released two months later, serving as something of an epilogue), the movie’s staggering $2.79 billion earnings seemed to indicate that the superhero genre had reached its zenith. Adding to this impression was the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced theaters to close for nearly a year and fundamentally altered the entire cinematic landscape; it felt as though “Avengers: Endgame” was indeed the last hurrah of the golden age of superhero movies.
Many individuals, especially those active online, often express a feeling that the superhero genre has reached its saturation point and may be losing popularity. This sentiment is often associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe no longer being as compelling as it was post-Avengers: Endgame, with releases like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Thor: Love and Thunder disappointing fans. However, this sentiment isn’t limited to these franchises alone.
Following a string of high-profile flops in the box office and critical arena such as The Flash, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Madame Web, Morbius, The Crow, and another potential letdown with the latest Hellboy reboot, one might assume that the glory days for superhero films are over. However, since Avengers: Endgame, there have been numerous excellent superhero movies, proving that there’s still a wealth of stories waiting to be told. Here’s a list of the top 12 superhero movies released post-Avengers: Endgame.
12 Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
As a die-hard Marvel fan, I can’t help but be thrilled about my recent viewing of “Deadpool & Wolverine” – the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that’s been making waves! This blockbuster has managed to rejuvenate the MCU, raking in an impressive $1 billion at the global box office. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic characters and the masterful storytelling that Marvel is known for.
In this action-packed movie, Deadpool (played by Ryan Reynolds) joins forces with a version of Wolverine (portrayed by Hugh Jackman). Together they journey through different universes in an attempt to return to Deadpool’s world and stop it from being annihilated by the Time Variance Authority. This tale serves as a witty reflection on the 20th Century Fox era of Marvel stories, which came to an end when Disney acquired the studio, and now aims to integrate these characters into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Featuring popular characters such as Elektra (played by Jennifer Garner), Blade (portrayed by Wesley Snipes), Gambit (Channing Tatum) and Laura/X-23 (Dafne Keene), the film Deadpool & Wolverine offered a comedic blockbuster experience that had audiences rolling with laughter during summer 2024.
The Time of Your Life
Despite some flaws, Deadpool and Wolverine’s movie manages to shine through with its hilarious main character and a heartfelt message about reviving aging franchises.
Enclosed by two memorable musical sequences, the movie kicks off with a humorous dance number synchronized to NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye”, and concludes with a poignant mid-credit montage featuring Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” that pays tribute to 20th Century Fox Marvel movies, shaping the foundation for the MCU. As such, Deadpool & Wolverine offers an enjoyable blend of laughter and tears for all audiences.
11 Blue Beetle (2023)
Initially, Blue Beetle was designed for a streaming premiere on Max, similar to the fate of Batgirl, which was cancelled as a tax deduction. However, unlike Batgirl, Blue Beetle got a promotion to a theatrical release. The initial streaming plan is noticeable in the movie’s more intimate narrative, but this actually enhances the film given that superhero movies today are often massive in scale. As such, Blue Beetle felt refreshingly different and smaller-scaled compared to these blockbusters.
The movie chronicles the story of Jamie Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), who unintentionally links with an alien beetle and transforms into the superhero Blue Beetle. With support from his loved ones, including Victoria Kord, the child of the previous Blue Beetle Ted Kord, Jamie must master the art of controlling the beetle and use it to save the day. The villain, a ruthless businessman, aims to harness the power of the beetle’s scarab and develop a deadly new weapon that could wreak havoc on an unsuspecting world.
Back to Basics
The Blue Beetle adopts a fundamental approach to superhero stories, and it seems intentional that it shares some resemblance with Iron Man, as Maridueña may have been influenced by the original Iron Man films, creating a fresh take on the tale for a new generation.
Blending a captivating ensemble portraying Jaime’s family that authentically represents Latino-American life, including grim depictions of ICE raids, Blue Beetle offers a compact superhero film packed with thoughtful themes. Although it didn’t revolutionize the genre, this movie recalls the initial charm that made the genre popular. In essence, it serves as a reminder of why we fell in love with superhero films to begin with.
10 The Batman (2022)
In this modern take, director Matt Reeves crafts an engrossing ’70s-style crime thriller set in Gotham City. Although a grounded Batman may seem overly familiar due to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, The Batman distinguishes itself through a more thoughtfully structured mystery that owes much to the dark and brooding style of David Fincher’s films like Se7en and Zodiac.
In this modern portrayal, Robert Pattinson takes on the role of Batman, a character who leans heavily towards his brooding persona rather than his alter ego Bruce Wayne. Meanwhile, Zoe Kravitz, Colin Farrell, and Paul Dano breathe new life into classic villains Catwoman, The Penguin, and the Riddler.
Epic Crime Saga Begins
The Batman is visually stunning due to the collaboration between renowned cinematographer Greg Fraser, production designer James Chinlund, and composer Michael Giacchino. However, the movie suffers a bit from its lengthy runtime, which seems excessive at times, especially since the climactic action sequence appears forced and unrelated to the film’s overall realistic tone, creating a slight disconnect.
To sum it up, the dramatic scene towards the end where Batman steps out from the darkness and transforms into a beacon of hope for Gotham rather than a source of fear sets things right and suggests an even more thrilling continuation.
9 Birds of Prey (2020)
Birds of Prey” is a film that unfortunately didn’t receive the attention it deserved as it was released only a month before cinemas were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it undeniably ranks among the finest productions from the DC Extended Universe. A spin-off from “Suicide Squad“, “Birds of Prey (and the Fabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” focuses on Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, after her separation from The Joker, as she seeks to establish a new identity for herself.
Ultimately, she joins forces with detective Renne Montoya (Rosie Perez), Helena Bertinelli, a vigilante seeking vengeance, and Dinah Lance, a singer with superhuman abilities who goes by Black Canary, in an effort to rescue Cassandra Cain from the cruel hands of Roman Sionis, also known as Black Mask (Ewan McGregor).
A Good Time Riot
Birds of Prey offers an enjoyable experience, rather than being focused on furthering the larger DC narrative. Instead, it delves deeper into character development, particularly for Harley Quinn, and introduces a fresh batch of DC characters who could potentially star in their own stories. It broadens the scope of Gotham’s criminal underworld, an aspect often overlooked in live-action Batman films. Moreover, it presents a rarely seen daytime perspective of Gotham City’s daily life.
The film additionally boasts a distinctive, edgy punk rock vibe inspired by riot grrrl culture, giving it a unique, offbeat charm reminiscent of an underground comic book adapting into the realm of DC. In essence, Birds of Prey demonstrates that the DCEU thrives when it emphasizes character-driven stories over interconnected narratives.
8 Ultraman Rising (2024)
Netflix’s animated “Ultraman Rising” is undeniably among the top-tier superhero films from the 2020s, one of the standout titles on Netflix, and a significant step in their ongoing focus on animation. This movie serves as an accessible point for newcomers to the Ultraman franchise, subtly referencing its existing storylines while carving out its unique narrative path.
The film revolves around Kenji “Ken” Sato, the most recent Ultraman, who inherited the role from his father. Initially an arrogant baseball player, he despises being a superhero. However, after an unusual incident, he finds himself responsible for caring for a baby Kaiju. This unexpected responsibility not only encourages Ultraman to mend fences with his father but also prompts him to reevaluate his mission of battling Kaijus.
A Hero Who Teaches the Importance of Taking Care of Others
2024’s animated masterpiece, Ultraman Rising, is undeniably captivating. Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) handled the animation, seamlessly blending traditional Japanese anime style with a modern Western-animated GCI approach. While the action scenes are indeed thrilling and numerous, it’s the emotional story of a young man stepping into a surrogate father role for a young Kaiju named Emi that truly resonates, tugging at one’s heartstrings.
A shift in approach is invigorating when a superhero film prioritizes nurturing over combat scenes. This change sends a positive vibe, especially for the predominantly young male audience these action flicks cater to, as it underscores that heroism isn’t defined by fighting abilities but rather by those who care and protect.
7 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
As a devoted cinephile, let me tell you about my excitement for “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” – a refreshing spin on the timeless Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise. This film beautifully emphasizes both the ‘teenage’ and ‘mutant’ aspects of their title, promising an engaging adventure. The story revolves around our green-shelled heroes as they cross paths with a teenage journalist, April O’Neal, portrayed by Ayo Edeberi, and join forces to hunt down the notorious criminal Superfly, played by Ice Cube. Their goal? To win acceptance in the surface world.
In the unfolding, it is revealed that Superfly possesses mutant abilities and has a lineage of fellow mutants. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles find themselves battling this fresh danger, all while endeavoring to persuade their mentor, Splinter (portrayed by Jackie Chan), to overcome his preconceived notions.
A New Era for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Mutant Mayhem” retells the classic storyline of the Ninja Turtles in a new and intriguing manner, focusing on the adolescent phase of these characters, making them relatable as young individuals striving to find their unique identities, thereby adding an extra layer of appeal.
By drawing inspiration from the diverse group of unique characters that have been part of the franchise over time, specifically those iconic toys, the movie can effectively blend nostalgia with innovation. This approach demonstrates a willingness to rearrange allegiances, modify character traits, and even introduce fresh personalities, all while maintaining a strong connection to its roots.
In the process, the unique art style, which mimics sketches made by teenagers, lends an extra level of appeal to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, echoing its connection to the franchise’s independent underground origins. Essentially, this movie revitalized the Turtles for a new audience and possibly produced the most impressive portrayal of these heroes on screen.
6 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever faced numerous challenging situations. It wasn’t just a matter of living up to the tremendous success and Marvel Studios’ first Academy Award nomination for Best Picture with the 2018 release, Black Panther, but it also had to grapple with the unfortunate death of its lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, in 2020.
As a film enthusiast, let me tell you about a movie that, on paper, shouldn’t have worked. Yet, here we are marveling at its success, calling it a minor miracle. Some might label this $859 million global blockbuster a “disappointment” only because they expected it to earn as much or more than its predecessor’s staggering $1.3 billion gross. However, even without the Chinese release, the fact that Wakanda Forever managed to touch the $1 billion mark with such a somber narrative is testament to its power.
A Fitting Goodbye and a New Beginning
In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, the film centers around T’Challa’s demise, deeply affecting every character as they struggle to come to terms with his loss. This exploration resonates with the audience’s shared grief over the passing of Chadwick Boseman, making the movie a healing experience for viewers.
In a skillful turn, Letitia Wright transforms Shuri from the humorous center of the initial film into the main character, a transition that’s challenging yet effective. The fresh tragic reasons behind Shuri’s transformation significantly elevate her, making her a fitting heir. Angela Bassett delivers an impactful portrayal as Queen Ramanda and is truly deserving of an Academy Award nod. Tenoch Huerta brings a standout character, Namor, to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a performance that even outshines his comic book persona. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever demonstrates that the MCU is still capable of telling profound stories post-Endgame.
5 Shang-Chi & The Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
In the series of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” which is the second title in Phase 4 after “Black Widow,” offered a refreshing sense of nostalgia reminiscent of early MCU films such as “Thor” and “Captain America: The First Avenger.” This is because it unveiled an intriguing new segment of the franchise, complete with a thrilling new protagonist and a rich mythology that promises to be expansive and captivating for years to come.
The film centers around Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), who has spent years evading capture, and his reunion with his sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang). Together, they aim to challenge their father, Wenwu (Tony Leung), to prevent him from utilizing the formidable ancient weapons known as the Ten Rings, which he intends to use to bring about a great evil worldwide. This highly acclaimed movie is among the top-tier recent productions within the MCU and can hold its own against numerous films in the Infinity Saga.
What Marvel Does Best
In the same vein as Guardians of the Galaxy set the stage for Phase 2 and Black Panther did for Phase 3, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings serves as a fresh starting point for Marvel’s Phase 4. While it maintains loose connections to the larger cinematic universe, its primary focus is on introducing captivating new characters and intriguing ideas that breathe new life into the MCU.
In a different scenario, it’s plausible that these three movies could have been the initial installments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe rather than Iron Man. With an outstanding soundtrack, captivating new protagonists who could sustain the MCU for a long time, and thrilling action, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings demonstrates that the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s golden age is yet to come, and they continue to recognize that their strength lies in their characters.
4 Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
The movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home” marked the first significant cinema experience since theaters were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It served as a highly anticipated sequel to the early 2000’s “Spider-Man” films featuring Tobey Maguire, as well as “The Amazing Spider-Man” starring Andrew Garfield, within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Spider-Man series.
As a die-hard film fan, I found myself in quite a pickle after my secret identity as Spider-Man was unveiled post-“Spider-Man: Far From Home”. Desperate to keep the truth hidden, I sought help from none other than Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). He promised a spell that would make everyone forget Spidey is Peter Parker. However, things didn’t go according to plan, and this miscast incantation ended up drawing in a motley crew of villains and fellow web-slingers from different Spider-Man movie universes. The multiverse suddenly became our playground as Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), Doc Ock (Alfred Molina), Electro (Jamie Foxx), Sandman (Thomas Hayden Church), Lizard (Rhys Ifans) and even the two previous Spider-Men, Tobey Maguire’s and Andrew Garfield’s versions, appeared before my very eyes. Quite a tangled web we weave, indeed!
More Than Fan-Service
Since the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home, I’ve noticed that some people seem to think the movie was popular only due to nostalgia. While that did undeniably play a role in attracting cinema-goers, the staggering $1.9 billion worldwide box office clearly demonstrated that it was much more than that. For me, Spider-Man: No Way Home encapsulates the essence of classic Spider-Man tales by vividly portraying how being a superhero profoundly affects Peter Parker, compelling him to make tough decisions and often at a high personal price.
The movie offers a similar crossover experience as “The Avengers” but for supervillains, by reuniting old Spider-Man antagonists to create fresh interactions. By reintroducing Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, it provides a sense of resolution for characters whose film series ended prematurely. The dynamics between these actors and Tom Holland highlight the distinct qualities that define each version of Spider-Man.
3 The Suicide Squad (2021)
Discuss a franchise that underwent a remarkable transformation: The 2016 film, “Suicide Squad,” was one of the poorest superhero productions in the 2010s decade. It aimed to be DC’s counterpart to “Guardians of the Galaxy,” but its attempts at popular music references felt more like a cheap imitation than a genuine homage. To salvage the franchise, they brought on board James Gunn, director of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” to helm “The Suicide Squad.
In a refreshing twist among DC films, Gunn skillfully captures the spirit of ’80s action movies, a genre that the original comic books often emulated. The story unfolds with a squad featuring Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Ratcatcher II (Daniela Melchior), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie). Their mission takes them to the imaginary island nation of Corto Maltese, where they aim to annihilate the colossal alien starfish known as Starro the Conqueror. Along their journey, they uncover a dark conspiracy linking the creature and the US government.
Better Than the 2016 Film in Everyway
Among all DC movies, “The Suicide Squad” appears to be the one that best embodies a DC Comic, given its vibrant and distinctive villains who hail from various corners of the DC Universe, making it feel like a lively comic book world (it’s no surprise that Warner Bros. has entrusted Gunn with shaping their upcoming film slate).
In a fresh twist, Gunn reinvents long-lampooned characters such as Polka-Dot Man, transforming them into heroes. The Suicide Squad offers a blend of brutal action, side-splitting humor, and unexpected emotional depth, suggesting that even the most damaged individuals can discover a meaningful role. This film also delves into political territory, making it one of the few summer blockbusters to tackle the thorny issue of the U.S.’s controversial engagement in foreign conflicts.
The Suicide Squad movie is an outstanding film that grows more impressive with every viewing, and amazingly enough, the spin-off show Peacemaker surpasses it in quality – quite a feat!
2 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
As a cinephile, I can confidently say that James Gunn has crafted two of the most remarkable superhero films since “Avengers: Endgame,” suggesting a promising future for the DCU. The journey to the silver screen for 2023’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” was a tumultuous one, with Disney temporarily parting ways with Gunn in 2018 following a misguided backlash by an alt-right faction. Fortunately, he was reinstated in 2019, ready to weave his magic once more.
In the third movie of the Guardians of the Galaxy series, the group delves into the heart-wrenching backstory of Rocket (portrayed by Bradley Cooper), as they encounter his creator, The High Evolutionary (played by Chukwudi Iwuji). Initially unaware of this fact, this encounter sets them on a journey that will ultimately be their last hurrah as the familiar team we’ve grown attached to.
We Will Miss the Guardians of the Galaxy
The “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie series stands out as Marvel Cinematic Universe’s finest trilogy, largely due to Gunn’s distinctive perspective on these characters. Each character is imbued with a genuine affection that permeates every scene, and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” underscores the profound significance of this makeshift family not only for each other but also in their repeated efforts to save the galaxy.
Throughout its duration, the film successfully balances humor that resonates with viewers and developing deeply touching, authentic characters. The climactic scene, accompanied by Florence + The Machine’s “Shake It Out,” serves as a heartwarming and satisfying conclusion that both the characters and audience have been anticipating.
2023 proved challenging for Disney and Marvel, but the release of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” demonstrated they’re still contenders. The stage is set for more thrilling Guardians escapades with a fresh crew, yet this installment serves as an unexpectedly captivating finale for the Marvel franchise, concluding it in a memorable way.
1 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
The animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was a standout in the superhero genre, leading to high anticipation for its 2023 follow-up, titled “Spider-Man: Over the Spider-Realms“. This sequel surpassed expectations in every aspect, leaving behind an enormous cliffhanger that, despite being delayed, was as tantalizing as the endings of “The Empire Strikes Back”, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”, and “Avengers: Infinity War”. It left viewers eager to find out what happens next.
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Realms introduces Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), who finds out that a group of Spider heroes, including his pals Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) and Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), are safeguarding multiple dimensions. This second installment transports Miles to distinct realms in the multiverse as he combats the sinister Spot (Jason Schwartzman) and allies with diverse Spider characters like Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya), Pavitr “Pav” Prabhakar / Spider-Man India (Karan Soni), Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman (Issa Rae), Miguel O’Hara/Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac). Along the way, Miles unearths a disquieting truth about his history.
Digging Deeper into Superhero Stories
Across the Spider-Verse promises everything one would expect from a top-notch superhero film. The animation artfully blends comic book imagery onto the screen with stunning effects that showcase various artistic styles. Moreover, it never loses sight of its characters and their development.
The film skillfully balances its entertaining tributes and character appearances, while keeping the focus on Miles and Gwen’s narratives. It manages to weave two main protagonist tales into one seamlessly, avoiding any sense of overcrowding. Moreover, it provides an insightful analysis of Spider-Man stories, emphasizing the ongoing debate among fans about who truly embodies the “authentic Spider-Man.
Although some fans may stubbornly resist acknowledging Miles Morales as Spider-Man based on flimsy arguments, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” unequivocally establishes Miles Morales as the web-slinger we know and love. Furthermore, the film’s impressive box office earnings of $690 million globally, more than doubling that of its predecessor, demonstrates a worldwide embrace of Miles and the entire “Spider-Verse” cinematic universe by audiences everywhere.
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2024-09-08 06:03