8. Avengers: Age of Ultron – 2015
“The city is flying and we’re fighting an army of robots. And I have a bow and arrow. Nothing makes sense.”
At first viewing I thought AoU was great, with plenty of action, far better treatment of Hawkeye (as if they were making it up to him) and tonnes of Avengers banter. Oh, and Veronica.
But the more I think about it the more issues I have. It’s extremely crowded, Spader is wasted, and some of the CGI looks really iffy.
It’s extremely entertaining, and Whedon once again nails the dialogue. But it feels like a missed opportunity with such an interesting villain.
7. Captain America: The First Avenger – 2011
“Whatever happens tomorrow you must promise me one thing. That you will stay who you are. Not a perfect soldier, but a good man.”
The problem I have from here is that I really like every film from this point on. There’s a definite step up in my feelings towards these films that you should be aware of.
I had reservations about Chris Evans. He has the physique of an action figure (seriously, that size and leanness?) but I’d only seen him playing the cocky jock type really, with Sunshine not overly impressing me. How silly do I feel now!
Evans is as earnest, well meaning, and heroic you could be without being cheesy. Steve Rogers is a good man (a worthy man Mjolnir might think) and doesn’t change when his body does, keeping the promise he makes Dr Erskine (the always excellent Stanley Tucci). The same values that have him picking up a trash can lid and standing up for himself shine through when he saves millions of lives later whilst standing up to the Nazis and Hydra as Captain America.
For a film that could have so easily alienated foreign audiences, Steve Rogers is a character we can all root for. The WW2 setting sets it apart in aesthetic and tone, and seeing a pyjama clothed Cap hoisting a motorbike above his head for the US recruitment drive is a sight to behold! So patriotic, yet never so much to be a turn off. A great balance.
Originally published July 22, 2015. Updated November 7, 2019.
