MCU Phase 2 Review

I am back with my reviews of all MCU films to date, continuing with Phase 2. I forgot to mention in my Phase 1 review that my favorite film out of that phase was The Avengers. This phase continues telling the stories of the OG Avengers in their solo and team-up films along with introducing some new heroes. Honestly, I have to say that this phase was pretty much meh with most of the movies being pretty forgettable, and not adding much to the overall Infinity Saga. Also, this phase had a strange running gag of having an arm/hand cut-off from one of the characters in each film to pay homage to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back because it was the second film in the original trilogy; just like how this phase is the second in the Infinity Saga. Anyway, once again the ratings I have given for these films is based on my opinion, so please don’t criticize me if it differs from yours.

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Just like how phase 1 started with Iron Man, phase 2 repeats that with the final solo Iron Man film. Honestly, this felt like a step down from the first film as the plot shared no importance to the entire Infinity Saga. The entire film was about how Tony Stark dealt with the aftermath of the events from The Avengers. Plus, the character who audiences thought was the main villain but turned out to be a fake was pretty weak. I mean you can tell based off the accent, and his eyes that he wasn’t an authentic villain (which does get fixed in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings). The real villain was also forgettable, and so was the organization that he led. Also, I don’t get why this film was released in May when the film takes place around Christmas time. The only thing I liked about this movie was the bond between Tony and the little boy, Harley (who returns in Avengers Endgame for Tony’s funeral) who helps get him back on his feet. The ending was also misleading because Tony says that he was a changed man, but that isn’t true in the following MCU films as he builds more suits including a robot that wants to destroy the world, and continues to fight with the Avengers. Overall, this movie had a darker tone that the previous Iron Man films, but it also has a deeper theme of nature vs. nurture and whether leaders are born or made.

Rating: 6.5/10

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

I have to agree with everyone else that this is one of Marvel’s worst MCU films. Everything about it is completely forgettable from the storyline to the villain itself. The only things you have to remember about this film is that it introduces the reality stone (more like a liquid), Thor’s mother getting killed, and this is the time period where Thor and Rocket time travel to in Avengers: Endgame to retrieve said Infinity stone. In fact, Chris Hemsworth, the actor who plays Thor, was disappointed with the movie himself saying that he didn’t grow the character at all according to an article from The Direct. However, the only things I liked about this film was Loki’s continued character development as he tried to redeem himself after the events of The Avengers, Thor and Jane’s relationship staring to blossom which becomes a major plot point in Thor: Love and Thunder, and the post credits scene which sets up both Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and Avengers: Infinity War.

Rating: 5/10

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Similar to Iron Man 3, the tone of the Captain America sequel is more dark as the film involves Captain American dealing with the rise of Hydra from behind the shadows, as well as going up against his old friend, who is now a brainwashed super solider. I liked how this film is the start of Bucky’s arc as the Winter Solider as it starts to explore his messed-up mental capacity in which his actions will make him regret his choices later on in future MCU projects like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Speaking of which, the film also does a great intro of future Captain America successor, Sam Wilson. Overall, this film feels underrated and doesn’t get enough credit for great character development and action scenes. Finally, the mid-credits scene not only explores Hydra’s actions going further, but it also gives a great introduction to a certain Marvel character.

Rating: 8/10

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

The one thing I can say about this movie is that it is fun and my favorite out of the MCU Phase 2 films. The reason why I say it is a fun movie is due to a combination of the music used, and the interactions between the main characters. There are also some parts that are emotional, but it balances with the fun aspect and still makes a great film. I would say that the guardians are the most unique MCU characters, next to the Scarlet Witch. Even though the group is a bunch of misfits at first, they put aside their differences and become great superheroes. In fact, the guardians are actually a vital part of the entire Infinity saga, which is why they team up with the Avengers in Infinity War and Endgame.

Rating: 9/10

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

This was the only Avengers film I did not see in theaters, but I don’t regret it at all. You know the phrase, “the sequel is never as good as the original?” Well, that is true for this film. This was a step down from the first Avengers movie, even the trailer was misleading. There were a lot of unnecessary sub plots which bogged down the main plot, and made the film drag on for a couple hours. I can agree with everyone else that the subplot of Bruce Banner/Hulk, and Black Widow romance was weird, but Black Widow was made into a useless character in this film. This film happened all because Tony screwed up thinking robots could help spread peace to the world, but that turned out to be a complete opposite. To be honest, I would have actually preferred the storyline from What If? episode 8 where Ultron succeeded in taking over the entire universe. Not even the post-credit scene could save this convoluted, plot-filled movie as it takes on a similar manner from the first film’s post credits scene. There is even an article from ScreenRant that goes into more detail about why this film was not a success. The only thing that excited me was the scene where Wanda Maximoff walked out and unleashed her full power, which is a pivotal point in her MCU arc. Thankfully, the next two Avengers films went in a different direction with a different set of directors.

Rating: 6/10

Ant-Man (2015)

Unlike how the Phase 1 ended with a team-up movie, this phase ends with a solo movie. It was an all-right movie; there wasn’t anything that stood out or was memorable. All it was about was some ex-criminal who gets a suit that gives him powers. It wasn’t as special compared to the origin stories of other MCU heroes. However, it wasn’t as bad as Avengers: Age of Ultron or Thor: The Dark World. I really liked the comedic aspects of the movie such as the interactions between Scott’s friends, and Luis’s flashback moments. Also, even though Hope Van-Dyne was very underused in this film, I am glad it fixes that with the post-credit scene setting up her appearance as the Wasp in the next Ant-Man film. Honestly, I don’t have much to say about this movie. I mean, all this movie did was introduce Ant-man so we know that he is going to be in the next MCU movie, Captain America: Civil War. However, he becomes an important hero because he brings up the idea of the quantum realm and time traveling in Endgame. Plus, he will also be a huge factor in the multiverse saga in his upcoming film, Ant-man and the Wasp, Quantumania.

Rating: 7/10

That is my review of all Phase 2 movies in the MCU. As you can see, there wasn't a lot of high ratings this time around. Fortunately, the next phase in the Infinity saga makes a strong comeback for the MCU movies. If you haven’t already, go check out my Phase 1 review of the MCU, and I will return with reviews of phases 3-6. I will also be posting my ranking of all MCU Disney+ shows from these last two years. Let me know how you would rate the MCU Phase 2 films either by contact me here, or by DM me on Instagram @pressure.shock.