The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has entered a new era with its fourth phase, following the monumental success of Phases One through Three. As fans reflect on this transition, they are met with mixed reviews on the films released since the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame. This article evaluates the successes and shortcomings of Phase Four, highlighting the standout features of each film while addressing the criticisms they received.
Assessing the Phase Four Experience
The MCU’s third phase set a high standard, with a narrative arc culminating in the epic Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Comparatively, Phase Four faced the challenge of maintaining this momentum. While some films garnered praise, others fell flat, leading to a ranking of the phase’s offerings based on their impact and execution.
7. Eternals
Among the films of Phase Four, Eternals is often regarded as the weakest entry. Directed by Chloe Zhao, the film aimed for grandeur with a runtime of nearly three hours and introduced a new ensemble cast. While visually stunning and featuring strong performances, particularly in its later acts, the film struggled with pacing and character development during its initial runtime. The ambitious attempt to introduce lesser-known characters ultimately left many audience members disengaged.
6. Black Widow
Released after the events of Avengers: Endgame, Black Widow faced criticism for its timing and narrative stakes. The film, which explores the backstory of Natasha Romanoff, feels overshadowed by the character’s fate in the broader MCU. While it successfully introduced characters such as Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, the film’s runtime felt excessive, and its antagonists lacked depth. Despite these issues, it has gained recognition for its significance in the context of upcoming projects.
5. Thor: Love and Thunder
Directed by Taika Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder initially generated excitement but received polarized reactions. The film’s humor and action sequences did not resonate with all viewers, particularly in its opening act. Yet, it found strength as it delved into Jane Foster’s cancer narrative, showcasing emotional depth and featuring a commendable performance by Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher. Visually, it offered some striking cinematography, although it struggled to maintain a consistent tone.
Highlighting the Best of Phase Four
4. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
This film serves as both a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman and a continuation of the Wakandan legacy. While it features powerful performances, particularly from Angela Bassett, the film’s lengthy runtime and a somewhat muddled plot left some audience members wanting more clarity. Despite its emotional weight, many found it difficult to recall specific plot details after viewing.
3. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
This film marked a return to form for the franchise, exploring the multiverse and presenting intriguing character dynamics. While some fans expressed disappointment over the portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, the film successfully introduced new characters, including Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez. The film’s unique visual style, influenced by director Sam Raimi, added to its appeal, making it a noteworthy entry in the MCU canon.
2. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Regarded as one of the highlights of Phase Four, Shang-Chi delivered an engaging narrative coupled with impressive fight choreography. The performances of Simu Liu and Tony Leung contributed significantly to the film’s depth, offering a fresh perspective within the franchise. Even as it transitioned into typical MCU CGI spectacle in its final act, the film established itself as a fan favorite.
1. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Topping the rankings is Spider-Man: No Way Home, a film that skillfully balanced nostalgia with a compelling storyline. By bringing together characters from previous Spider-Man films, it created a rich tapestry of emotion and action. The film’s ending provided a poignant shift for Peter Parker, setting the stage for future developments in the MCU. The chemistry among the three Spider-Men, including Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, was a highlight, earning the film its place as a standout in Phase Four.
In conclusion, Phase Four of the MCU presents a mixed bag. It offers two exceptional films, two solid entries, and several that struggled to meet expectations. As fans continue to debate the merits of this phase, one thing is clear: the journey of the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains captivating, with much anticipation surrounding its future developments. What are your thoughts on this ranking? Share your opinions in the comments.