Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Title: Avengers: Endgame
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 3 hours 1 minute
Release Date: April 26, 2019
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo


Who would I recommend this to?
If you liked the previous Avengers...

What is this about?
It's basically part two of the previous one. The Avengers gotta fix the world that they ruined while saving.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Who doesn't have THREE HOURS to waste?! I know, I do, but I'd much rather watch Titanic.

Where does it take place?
5 years into the future. Then everywhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was the next and final movie of the current MCU.

How did I like this?
Someone came up with an idea to use time travel to undo the previous movies, and thus basically remake the previous movies with an additional intro to set up the time travel aspect. Hence, a three hour superhero movie.

How could they do this to Thor!!! *weeping* Although it was super interesting to see everyone five years later. Definitely not what I expected. This one was pretty good.

Have you seen Avengers: Endgame? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Captain Marvel (2019)

Title: Captain Marvel
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 3 minutes
Release Date: March 8, 2019
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who can appreciate the random appearance of Radio Shack and a young but still old Samuel L Jackson.

What is this about?
Alien girl turned superhero. Fights aliens.

When would be a good time to watch this?
We're still on lockdown, sooo...

Where does it take place?
Kree? Earth in the 90s.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next up in the MCU. I forgot this one existed.

How did I like this?
The beginning was boring and confusing, but once Samuel L Jackson and Radio Shack appeared, it was quite entertaining. But then the plot lost my attention pretty quickly.

The soundtrack is most excellent. I'm a sucker for the 90s.

Have you seen Captain Marvel? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Title: Ant-Man and the Wasp
Rating: PG-12
Run Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
Release Date: July 6, 2018
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first movie. Or fans of quirky action movies.

What is this about?
Ant-Mean teams up with Wasp, whose mother got lost int he quantum realm, to bring her back!

When would be a good time to watch this?
It's certainly a better use of two hours than most of the other MCU movies.

Where does it take place?
San Francisco.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next in my MCU watch.

How did I like this?
This one was a bit more serious than the first one, but still a fun ride. Ghost freaked me out though.

Have you seen Ant-Man and the Wasp? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Title: Avengers: Infinity Way
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 29 minutes
Release Date: April 27, 2018
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever likes movies with way too many characters.

What is this about?
Thanos is going to destroy the universe, but the Avengers can stop him.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you have nearly THREE HOURS to kill.

Where does it take place?
Everywhere. All over the place.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next. Almost there!

How did I like this?
Much like the last one, this one felt like an excuse to throw all of the characters on screen at once. And now there's even more of them! This felt so disjointed as it jumps between every single Marvel hero thus far. I was happy to see Mantis and tween-Groot.

Have you seen Avengers: Infinity War? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Black Panther (2018)

Title: Black Panther
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
Release Date: February 16, 2018
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o


Who would I recommend this to?
Action fans.

What is this about?
King of Wakanda and superhero must save his home and the world.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have a spare 2 hours.

Where does it take place?
Wakanda, Africa. South Korea.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next on the MCU list and I heard good things.

How did I like this?
The combo of ancient with modern and natural with tech was actually super cool. And I'm all over badass lady warriors kicking ass and running technology labs.

Have you seen Black Panther? What did you think?

If no, would you watch it?

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Title: Thor: Ragnarok
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Release Date: November 3, 2017
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Taika Waititi
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett


Who would I recommend this to?
Thor fans. Loki fans. Hulk fans.

What is this about?
It's time for Thor to save his home world. If he can escape from Sakaar.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something pretty to look at.

Where does it take place?
Sakaar and Asgard and Midgard.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Just continuing this MCU marathon.

How did I like this?
It certainly started off way better than any of these movies, so I had hope. Plus, Thor is continuously hot. But then that Dr. Strange asshat showed up. GO AWAY!!! But he went away and Jeff Goldblum appeared and was awesome.

I was highly entertained by this movie. Probably the best of the MCU so far.

Have you seen Thor: Ragnarok? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Title: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
Release Date: May 5, 2017
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes weird space adventures, including the first movie.

What is this about?
The guardians crash their ship and meet Peter's father. Rocket is up to nonsense.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now. Or later.

Where does it take place?
Space.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next up.

How did I like this?
Mantis is adorable. Groot is adorable. That's it. It was pretty good.

Have you seen Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2?
What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Doctor Strange (2016)

Title: Doctor Strange
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Release Date: November 4, 2016
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Scott Derrickson
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams


Who would I recommend this to?
No one, really.

What is this about?
A top surgeon gets into an accident, loses the full use of his hands, turns into a sorcerer/superhero.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
New York and Nepal.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next in the MCU.

How did I like this?
Why are 90% of the Marvel heroes so unlikable. Dr. Strange is such a jerk to the doctors who saved his life. His first comment is that he could have done his hand surgery better! He's lucky to still have his hands at all! I get that his career is over because his hands will never work the same, but he could have lost both of them or his life.

Why is "the ancient one" played by a white woman? They couldn't use a Nepalese person since they're in Nepal? The original character is Tibetan. I had to look this up because WTF?! They said they wrote the role specifically for this actress and was never going to make the character Asian to avoid stereotypes. Um, how about you just avoid writing stereotypes into the script?! Asian people still exist!

Have you seen Dr. Strange? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Title: Captain America: Civil War
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
Release Date: May 6, 2016
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever isn't sick of Iron Man and Captain America.

What is this about?
The Avengers disagree on how to face the destruction that they cause in the name of saving the world.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenevs.

Where does it take place?
Wakanda, Vienna, and New York and everywhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was up next in the MCU.

How did I like this?
I love that the supers are being called out for the damage they caused. Yes, they save lots of people from random baddies, but they also cause a lot of civilian casualties and property damage. They just expect a thank you and move on, not caring about the mess they left.

But once again, here's a movie with Captain America in the title, but there's a whole lot of every other character who hasn't had a movie yet? In fact, this entire movie felt like some ploy to get as many characters as possible on screen at once.

Have you seen Captain America: Civil War? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Ant-Man (2015)

Title: Ant-Man
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 57 minutes
Release Date: July 17, 2015
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Peyteed Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll


Who would I recommend this to?
Superhero skeptics.

What is this about?
An ex-con turned superhero saves the world, after getting fired from Baskin Robbins.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something a little weird and fun.

Where does it take place?
San Francisco! Someplace new for the MCU. And into New York to visit the Avengers headquarters.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next in the MCU lineup and I didn't know this movie was a thing.

How did I like this?
Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas?! Where the heck have they been?! Anyway, this movie was a lot of fun. Ridiculous, but fun.

Have you seen Ant-Man? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Title: Avengers: Age of Ultron
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 21 minutes
Release Date: May 1, 2015
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Joss Wheon
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo


Who would I recommend this to?
People who liked the first one and want more.

What is this about?
The Avengers must once again save humanity from evil...that they unleashed.

When would be a good time to watch this?
You're not doing anything right now, are you?

Where does it take place?
New York, as always. And other places all over the world.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's next up in the MCU.

How did I like this?
First of all, NO GWYNETH!!! Praise Lilith!!! Anyway, Ultron is the weirdest villain. I didn't know if I like him or not.

Why doesn't Natasha have her own movie?! We learn something super interesting about her every time she appears in someone else's movie and it seems like there's a lot more to learn!

Have you seen Avengers: Age of Ultron? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Title: Guardians of the Galaxy
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 1 minute
Release Date: August 1, 2014
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like snarky anthropomorphic animals and aliens.

What is this about?
Space Criminals turned good guys.

When would be a good time to watch this?
During a friendly movie night.

Where does it take place?
Space.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I needed to know if the retheme of Tower of Terror actually does make sense (spoiler: No).

How did I like this?
This movie is entirely unlike the rest of the MCU movies and that is a good thing. This is bizarre and jam-packed with famous people that I actually recognize. And a great soundtrack.

Have you seen Guardians of the Galaxy? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Title: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
Release Date: April 4, 2014
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson


Who would I recommend this to?
People who don't have my taste in movies.

What is this about?
Captain America and Black Widow team up to fight evil, so why couldn't this be titled Black Widow: The Winter Soldier?

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have over two hours to kill.

Where does it take place?
Washington DC.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next on the MCU list.

How did I like this?
It's certainly better than the first one, but still not my thing. I think Samuel L Jackson was in an entirely different movie; the disconnect was strong.

This did pick up around the halfway mark when there's more Black Widow, so it did hold my attention.

Have you seen Captain America: The Winter Soldier? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Title: Thor: The Dark World
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release Date: November 8, 2013
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Alan Taylor
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who can appreciate Thor's good looks.

What is this about?
Something weird happens to Jane as the realms align and clash, and Thor must save her and the world.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now.

Where does it take place?
Asgard, London, and some of the other realms.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Thor is a serious hottie. And it was next in the lineup.

How did I like this?
It started out super weird and confusing. Thor was still super hot. I still liked Loki, and he gets more depth this time around, but.... But it was nowhere near as good as the first one.

Have you seen Thor: The Dark World? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Title: Iron Man 3
Rating: PG-12
Run Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Release Date: May 3, 2013
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Shane Black
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow


Who would I recommend this to?
Iron Man fans. Or if you're on a Christmas movie quest.

What is this about?
Another person who hates Tony Stark because he's a jerk, so now he has to fight them as Iron Man because they've become a terrorist...or something.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have more than two hours to waste.

Where does it take place?
New York, again.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next in my MCU marathon, and I actually had no clue this movie existed.

How did I like this?
There's way too many scenes with Gwyneth Paltrow. She's still a terrible actress and has zero chemistry with Robert Downey Jr.

His suit has become quite convenient. Is there anything it can't do? Also, it's quite convenient how none of the other supers exist anymore to help out with this threat...

I dunno...I completely tuned out about an hour in.

Have you seen Iron Man 3? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

The Avengers (2012)

Title: The Avengers
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 23 minutes
Release Date: May 4, 2012
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Joss Whedon
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson


Who would I recommend this to?
Superhero fans. Action movie fans.

What is this about?
Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, Captain America and another hero (who hasn't had a movie yet) come together to save the world from Loki.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right now, while you probably have nothing else to do if you're at my blog.

Where does it take place?
New York.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next in the MCU.

How did I like this?
Well, it certainly didn't waste anytime getting started. Samuel L Jackson is most excellent like always. And Gwyneth Paltrow is still the worst, but luckily only gets a few minutes screen time to annoy the crap out of me.

Loki is a most excellent villain and an interesting way to link all of the movies thus far. And Thor's comments about the other heroes are hilarious.I was thoroughly entertained by this movie.

Have you seen The Avengers? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Title: Captain America: The First Avenger
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Release Date: July 22, 2011
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adeventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Joe Johnson
Starring: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson


Who would I recommend this to?
People who already like this movie.

What is this about?
A military reject (asthma!) turned supersoldier, hence the clever name.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever...never...

Where does it take place?
Norway, Italy, and New York in 1943.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It was next up in my MCU marathon.

How did I like this?
It's boring as hell, but to be fair I hate war movies. That musical number was entertaining though.

That was an odd ending, clearly a setup for future films.

Have you seen Captain America? What did you think?

It not, would you watch it?

Thor (2011)

Title: Thor
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Release Date: May 6, 2011
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman


Who would I recommend this to?
Superhero fans. Mythology with a twist fans.

What is this about?
Thor is sent to Earth as punishment, but he also has to save humanity from his brother, Loki,

When would be a good time to watch this?
During lockdown.

Where does it take place?
Asgard and New Mexico.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's part of my MCU marathon.

How did I like this?
I could not help but think about Game of Thrones all throughout that first battle scene. Anyone else? Also, why didn't anyone tell me that Kat Dennings is in this?! I would have watched it years ago!

I actually really enjoyed this one! The humor was well placed, the action was good, Thor is hot, Loki is a likeable villain. But...is this even a "superhero movie" because Thor is a god?

Have you seen Thor? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Title: Iron Man 2
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Release Date: May 7, 2010
Genre(s): Sci Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow


Who would I recommend this to?
People who liked the first movie.

What is this about?
The continued misadventures of a billionaire genius turned superhero who apparently single-handedly brought about World Peace.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first one, but before the third one.

Where does it take place?
Moscow and New York and wherever.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I was having an MCU marathon.

How did I like this?
I keep forgetting that Robert Downey Jr is not actually Tony Stark. And what happened to Terrence Howard?! Why couldn't they replace Gywneth instead? Her character is annoying to begin with, but she really makes her worse.

Samuel L Jackson is the greatest. I actually found myself interested during his scenes. Overall, this one is better than the first though.

Have you seen Iron Man 2? What did you think?

If not, would you watch it?

Iron Man (2008)

Title: Iron Man
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 6 minures
Release Date: May 2, 2008
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Marvel Studios
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like this movie.

What is this about?
Billionaire genius turned superhero.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever, but I'm sure you've already seen it.

Where does it take place?
Iraq and Malibu.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I actually saw part of it in theaters way back in the day and barely made it 30 minutes, but now I gave it another try to kick off a Marvel Cinematic Universe marathon.

How did I like this?
Gwyneth Paltrow is the WORST. Why is she in this?! Now that that's out of the way...

They put the explosion first, because the events leading up to it are boring as hell. No one cares. No wonder I left the first time I watched this. They blow him up and leave him for dead to hook you, otherwise there's nothing because Tony is unlikable in a boring, overly done, forced way.

I really just don't like military/political movies. They're not fun. And all of the light moments in this one feel really out of place.

Good things? Robert Downey Jr's face. Terrence Howard.

Have you seen Iron Man? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Reflections on Blogging From A to Z Challenge 2020

Well, it looks like I survived my second Blogging From A to Z Challenge! This year my theme was Disney+! With the exception of R, since Ralph Breaks the Internet was on Netflix. But it's a Disney movie and it's listed on Disney+; it's just not streaming due to contracts.

I had a lot of fun watching all of these movies and series, and I'll definitely join again next year if I have time. Meanwhile, I'm working on a (not-so) mini challenge for myself: tackling the Marvel Cinematic Universe! There were 20 movies currently out for my viewing pleasure (plus 3 that aren't available on Disney+, Netflix, or Amazon Prime), so keep an eye out for those posts all month long!

June on the blog will be all 19 seasons of Degrassi: The Next Generation plus the 4 seasons of Degrassi: Next Class! Rewatching this show has been such a joy and an emotional roller coaster. Certainly more enjoyable than that MCU binge.

After that? Who knows?! I'm hooked on Disney+ though, so you can probably expect more Disney movie posts.