As a movie critic with a lifelong obsession with Marvel comics and over 30 years of comic book store clerking under my utility belt, I can confidently say that “What If…?” season 3 delivers a thrilling, humorous, and occasionally educational journey through the multiverse.
As a movie critic, I found myself utterly captivated by the peak of multiverse madness in Marvel Studios’ “What If…?” animated anthology. In this third season, we witness the return of the MCU’s most iconic figures, who breathe life into an action-packed narrative that’s as surprising as it is amusing. Laughter erupts from unexpected crossovers between superheroes, as they join forces for a series of quirky tales that delve into diverse themes and honor classic genres.
In simpler terms, Jeffrey Wright reprises his role as The Watcher, a character who surveys countless universes from the realm of the fifth dimension. As the series progresses through its eight episodes, The Watcher’s storyline takes center stage. Unfortunately, I can’t disclose the specific details without giving away spoilers, but let me say that viewers will get a peek behind the scenes. For comic book enthusiasts familiar with his history, this development is a delightful treat. So far, The Watcher has been subtly present since the beginning, but it’s thrilling to see him become more actively involved as the personal stakes rise.
Who Watches the Watcher?
What If…? elicits laughter in two exceptional episodes that are genuinely humorous. The second episode, “What If… the Red Guardian Had Prevented the Winter Soldier?” allows David Harbour to excel. The Red Guardian’s proletariat-inspired dialogue will leave you giggling as it offers a unique perspective on events from Captain America: Civil War. His criticism of our corrupt capitalist system while delightfully engaging with Americana is both intelligent and amusing. Screenwriter A. C. Bradley (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia) deserves high praise for their creativity.
In the subsequent episode titled “What If… Howard the Duck Got Hitched?”, we witness an exhilarating marital escapade for two delightful side characters, Howard the Duck (Seth Green) and Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings). The idea of them living together is a joy to watch. Their blossoming romance and attempts to create a family spark a wild car chase reminiscent of “The Cannonball Run”. This unique union brings a fresh perspective to S.H.I.E.L.D. and various MCU villains. The curiosity surrounding Howard and Darcy’s possible offspring is palpable. I, for one, would be eagerly waiting in line to purchase a ticket for their own film or series. Kevin Feige, listen up! Give fans something to look forward to by bringing this concept to life. This spin-off promises to captivate audiences once they’ve seen it.
For music enthusiasts craving more melodious tales post-“Wicked”, the second episode, titled “What If… Agatha Went to Hollywood?”, is tailor-made. This installment boasts a visually stunning backdrop, transporting us to the glamorous era of 1930s and 40s Hollywood. The intriguing dynamic between Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) and Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), portraying rival movie stars with concealed motives that ultimately clash, is captivating. Bryan Andrews, renowned storyboard artist and director for season three of “What If…?”, delivers an outstanding performance. He infuses the episode with a blend of Fred Astaire and Judy Garland charm, along with a touch of Bollywood flair, as Agatha and Kingo engage in an unforgettable dance-off. Prepare to boogie down at home when you watch this one!
The third season commences with a lackluster beginning, as evidenced in the premiere titled “What If… the Hulk Fought the Mech Avengers?” This episode seems to borrow heavily from traditional Japanese monster movies and anime, but it fails to make a significant impact. The blend of 2D and CGI animation is visually appealing, yet the storyline and its presentation lack excitement. It appears that this episode could be preparing the ground for Captain America: Brave New World in the MCU’s Phase Five. I genuinely anticipate that Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) vs. the Red Hulk will deliver more heart-pounding action than this overly dramatic introduction.
Marvel Crossover Greatness
In an exciting reinterpretation, Shang-Chi (played by Simu Liu) and Hawkeye/Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) team up for an action-packed adventure in the old west. The episode “What If… 1872?” explores a grim reality of American history, depicting the harsh treatment Asian immigrants faced while constructing the transcontinental railroad. Marvel Studios is commended for delivering a seldom-taught school lesson about the struggles and racism our ancestors experienced in this era. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices, hardships, and prejudice endured by many during this time. Although the twist can be anticipated, it’s easily overlooked due to the episode’s overall merit.
Here are three episodes left in the season serve as its main course and connect the Watcher with significant characters from “What If…?” It’s intriguing as a grand finale, although it struggles somewhat with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s typical excessive action endings. A nice touch is the reappearance of an iconic character who has yet to show up in Disney’s MCU to this point. At the very least, it’s promising for what lies ahead when all the characters from 20th Century Fox are brought into the mix.
Lovers of Watcher background from The Fantastic Four’s debut will find this in-depth exploration entertaining, though it might have stood alone as a mini-series. There seems to be an inconsistency between the first and second part of the season, making it feel less like a cohesive storyline. However, if it were more serialized with fewer episodes, we’d miss out on the hilarious moments in episodes two and three.
Does “What If…?” manage to satisfy both animation and action demands? There’s nothing revolutionary about it, but its artistic flair is definitely captivating. The pre-credit sequences introduce diverse art styles hinting at the visual delights ahead. It’s quite inventive and leaves you eagerly anticipating more. While season three doesn’t fail to deliver, it might not strike a chord with casual viewers.
Marvel Studios presents the third season of “What If…?” on Disney+. The initial episode will debut exclusively on December 22nd, with the following seven episodes being released daily thereafter. To watch it, click on the provided link below:
Watch What If…?
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-22 11:02