The country is reopening and everyone seems to be poised on a razor’s edge between hesitant and hedonistic for the wide expanse of the great outdoors. And sure, social interaction is nice. But hopefully we can both have nice things and follow the rules. (The jury is still out on that one…) This week’s Rewatch brings us to the third and final Phase of the MCU’s Infinity Saga. Only for the sake of posterity—and because it contains eleven (!) films, including an epic double-whammy Avengers two-parter—this one will be done in halves. Let’s jump into it.
May 9th, 2020 @ 12:26 PM
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Directed by: Anthony & Joe Russo
So, we get some flashbacks here, and it seems that Bucky’s been up to some shady shit. Hail Hydra, etc. Also, what the f*** happened to Scarlet Witch’s accent? Dropped that Sokovian twang pretty damn quick. Cool to see the new Avengers doing the teamwork thing, but don’t they kind of always have civilian casualties? “Thanks for coming to my TED talk,” says a young, CG-enhanced Robert Downey Jr. Oh hey, it’s Dean Pelton! You know, on my first time through this film, I never really made the connection that now-Secretary Ross is just the douchebag general from The Incredible Hulk. Probably a good thing Banner isn’t around right now. It’s backdoor pilot time, folks. Bye, bye Wakanda and hello Black Panther & MCU Spider-Man. Okay, let’s be real though: Vision is clearly the most limp-wristed Avenger. And as a preview for WandaVision on Disney+… yeah, it’s not looking good. Also, Nick comments: “This film is so Disney that even the colourful robot is straight.” Savagery. But we’re all here for that epic airport battle royale and it’s still sick.
- End Credit Summary: (mid) a glimpse of Black Panther’s afro-futurism hideout; (end) some kind of Spidey signal?
- Rating: 3 ½ skydiving War Machines.
2:48 PM
Doctor Strange (2016)
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
We finally arrive at the creepy and mildly offensive uncle of the MCU films. Featuring that dude from Sherlock, old love Regina George, Inception set-pieces and a whole bunch of Western Orientalism “woo” tropes. Ah yes, the new-age yogi healing retreat: a staple of insecure, troubled white people the world over. Gotta look out for those ethnically diverse street gangs. Given how Strange is a fancy MD and all, his email etiquette and lack of salutatory commas is a real shame. This weird astral plane death match is a f***ing trip but those portals are dope. It’s also crazy that the third act finale is essentially resolved with a spooky wizard version of Groundhog Day.
- End Credit Summary: (mid) previews of Thor attempting to drinking a spatio-temporally dislocated pint; (end) evil guy that might return in Multiverse of Madness?
- Rating: 2 ½ sentient cloaks wiping away tears
4:43 PM
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 (2017)
Directed by: James Gunn
Even though this is a lack-lustre sequel compared to the glorious first entry, you still have to appreciate the truly rocking soundtrack. We’re thrown right into a Guardians team-up here and it’s all great. In my humble opinion, Drax is still the most underrated character in the entire MCU and his dialogue combined with Bautista’s delivery in this one is 11/10. That Berhert crash scene is a little bit ridiculous and cartoonish, even for Guardians. Oh hey, it’s Rambo! Ego’s boomer PowerPoint presentation leaves a lot to be desired, and watching people getting spaced out into the void is pretty brutal stuff. Uh oh, Quill’s literally playing catch with his Dad. Jesus. “I’m Mary Poppins, y’all!” Look, if you force me to choose between Starlord’s on-the-nose Freudian daddy issues or the mutiny B-plot with Yondu & Co, I’m going with Drax figuratively shitting on people and literally talking about his turds every time.
- End Credit Summary: (mid) learning how to whistle like Yondu; (end) a cosmic Stan Lee.
- Rating: 3 more unnecessary Howard The Duck cameos.
6:55 PM
Spider-man: Homecoming (2017)
Directed by: Jon Watts
“Department of Damage Control”—lmao. It’s cool to see an MCU film address the fallout and aftermath of the Avengers from the perspective of non-Avengers and non-government personnel. It definitely sets up Michael Keaton’s Vulture as one of the most ruthless and compelling MCU villains and a good foil for our plucky neighbourhood Spider-Man. Much of this film rests on the banter between Happy and Peter, and it’s excellent. Looks like someone paid attention to the Guardians’ penchant for needle-drop soundtrack choices, too. Ned’s unsuspecting reveal for Peter’s identity is perfect. Oh hey, it’s Trey from Chino! Some more Easter eggs with the Triskelion clean-up in DC from Winter Solider. There’s a lot of cool world-building in this film, fleshing out the reality of non-superheroes in a superhero’s world. Find someone who looks at you the way Ned looks at Peter. Everyone deserves their own ‘Man in the Chair’™️.
- End Credit Summary: (mid) Vulture in Prison; (end) Cap’s PSA meditation on patience as a virtue.
- Rating: 3 ½ upside-down kiss subversions
8:37 PM
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Directed by: Taika Waititi
Here it is, the most idiosyncratic take on the MCU yet. It starts with Thor’s glorious piss-take voiceover gag and only gets better. More expertly crafted needle-drop soundtrack choices. Karl Urban’s Skurge is the secret MVP of this film, just saying. Also, the Asgardian theatre re-enactment, with those celebrity cameos? *chef kiss* There’s also a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo of the Brisbane CBD. The tie-in with Doctor Strange and just his general demeanour with Thor is brilliant. Say what you want about MCU villains, at least Hela looks like a total badass. As Paige quips to us, while watching: “Those pants do not look squat proof.” Fast forward to Sakaar: Valkyrie’s entrance is classic; Jeff Goldblum as the Grandmaster is a mood; and Hulk definitely gets to smash now. “You’re officially pardoned… FROM LIFE!” “What does it smell like?” “Burnt toast.” Also, the hubris of Waititi inserting himself in the film as Korg, only to almost steal his own film? Huge power move. “Damn you, Stark. Point Break.”
- End Credit Summary: (mid) Loki & Thor chatting against a star-field; (end) Thanos!
- Rating: 4 fake Infinity gauntlets
11:08 PM
Black Panther (2018)
Directed by: Ryan Coogler
Another idiosyncratic take on the MCU, and this time it’s well overdue. We get a history lesson as info-dump to back fill our Wakandan expectations. Then we get Killmonger’s tragic back story, another motivation for a compelling villain. I feel like, the more I see Wakandan diplomacy and political intervention across Africa and the world at large, that they’re essentially the worst kept secret of the MCU. Man, the people in charge of bringing Wakanda to life went all-in on this afro-futurist utopia and it looks glorious. Just let Killmonger be king, you cowards. I’m also getting the sense that Shuri is essentially a Wakandan lady Q, to T’Challa’s black Bond. Fair enough, I guess. “Don’t scare me like that, coloniser!”
- End Credit Summary: (mid) Wakanda is finally revealed to the U.N.—complete with international mockery; (end) Bucky’s little relaxation retreat.
- Rating: 3 Very Good Boy war rhinos
Join us next week when FilmBunker returns for the conclusion to Phase 3!
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