Yi Qi
Well-Known Member
That automatically makes it the best film ever. No exceptions asked.
Movie review rant 2019
- Thread starter littleRedPanda
- Start date
Given the numbers @ThylacineAlive mentioned, I'm pretty sure the majority of visitors of this forum has already watched Avengers: Endgame. So there might be no need for any more spoiler warnings. Nevertheless: spoiler warning (duh)
I just returned from a screening of said movie. Strangely enough, whenever a movie is hyped (Titanic, Avatar etc.), neither my wife nor I can understand the hype. Which is also the case here. Unlike the many previous raving reviews, I (and I hope this won't ruffle too many feathers) wasn't too smitten by it. It's a solid, entertaining movie, as Marvel Studio has proven to deliver for quite a while now. But for me, it's not a 11/10 or a 10/10 (or a 9/10, 8/10 ... you get the drift). Sure, the special effects were neat, Thor in particular was quite funny (a lot of heavyset cosplayers will probably rejoice at the chance to play him at the next comic con), the assembly of all heroes is impressive and Thanos is a good villain. Yet the story didn't make sense in various occasions, had some serious plot holes and the too blatant catering to the current American PC zeitgeist (like the coordinated "march of the heroines") was kinda tiresome.
And Brie Larson still has the charisma of plain cottage cheese.
I just returned from a screening of said movie. Strangely enough, whenever a movie is hyped (Titanic, Avatar etc.), neither my wife nor I can understand the hype. Which is also the case here. Unlike the many previous raving reviews, I (and I hope this won't ruffle too many feathers) wasn't too smitten by it. It's a solid, entertaining movie, as Marvel Studio has proven to deliver for quite a while now. But for me, it's not a 11/10 or a 10/10 (or a 9/10, 8/10 ... you get the drift). Sure, the special effects were neat, Thor in particular was quite funny (a lot of heavyset cosplayers will probably rejoice at the chance to play him at the next comic con), the assembly of all heroes is impressive and Thanos is a good villain. Yet the story didn't make sense in various occasions, had some serious plot holes and the too blatant catering to the current American PC zeitgeist (like the coordinated "march of the heroines") was kinda tiresome.
And Brie Larson still has the charisma of plain cottage cheese.
I understand this, Avatar is pretty crap in my opinion as well. But, and it's a big but (and I can not lie!
), maybe waiting until it's been out for a while may have meant you subjected yourselves to too much hype. Does that make sense? I mean I watched Avatar weeks after most of my friends did and by then the polish had faded even in a lot of their eyes.Not at all, everyone has their opinion and sometimes that opinion is just wrong...
Just kidding, but I'd be interested to know your feelings on Infinity War now you've seen this film.As much of a cretin as I may sound I did not care at all, I just loved it all.
And as someone who has read too much Terry Pratchett the splitting of timelines made perfect sense. That was the most illogical part for me but if you found other things baffling then I'd like to hear them.
Her solo film was really enjoyable and I thought it was great, unfortunately she was still the worst thing about it...
To be honest: I'm currently too busy to participate in any hype.
I think Infinty War was somehow less "bloated" than Endgame.
As for plot holes: just enter "Plot holes + Endgame" into Youtube; there are plenty (among several I didn't think of). One thing that bothered me was, among others: why didn't they first go to a time when Dr. Pym was busy producing Pym particles and politely ask him to give them as many Pym particles as possible?
I'd agree with that, but I still enjoyed Endgame more. I'm seeing it again tomorrow so I shall re-evaluate tomorro.
I've just finished watching one of the afore-mentioned videos before replying to this...
As for your plot hole with regard to Hank and the Pym particles, it is a plot hole in this film... but... Hank hints that exposure to the particles has lasting mental strain in Ant-Man. If you know your comics (which I think you do) then you must know how unstable Henry Pym was back in the 70's...
So I re-watched Avengers; Endgame yesterday, and so now I think that I can give my final verdict on it. And of course the obligatory spoiler warning.
Overall, I liked Endgame it's a good movie and a satisfying ending to a 22 movie saga, but did I watch a different movie than everyone else? It's a good movie sure, one of the best movies of all time? That seems a bit absurd imo. The third act was amazing and one of the best hours in movie history, but the first act was too slow for my taste, and the second act, while entertaining, has innumerable plot holes, and is slight confusing. Acting was good, humour was solid, and it was definitely an enjoyable movie, but one of the best movies of all time it is not.
Final Rating: 8-8.5/10
Overall, I liked Endgame it's a good movie and a satisfying ending to a 22 movie saga, but did I watch a different movie than everyone else? It's a good movie sure, one of the best movies of all time? That seems a bit absurd imo. The third act was amazing and one of the best hours in movie history, but the first act was too slow for my taste, and the second act, while entertaining, has innumerable plot holes, and is slight confusing. Acting was good, humour was solid, and it was definitely an enjoyable movie, but one of the best movies of all time it is not.
Final Rating: 8-8.5/10
You enjoyed Captain Marvel?Her solo film was really enjoyable and I thought it was great, unfortunately she was still the worst thing about it...
. I'm not even joking, that's the first time I've ever heard someone say they liked Captain Marvel so I'm legitimately surprised. Just out of curiosity, why did you enjoy it?
That doesn't explain why they couldn't have just once sent one of the more mentally stable Avengers to Dr. Pym in the past.
Based on my review above, it appears that at least the both of us watched the same movie...
The movie is now on $2.19billion, having crossed $2billion in a record shattering 11 days (the previous record was 47 days) and is currently the second highest grossing film of all time.
I still will maintain that there aren't as many plotholes as most people insist, but there most definitely are some. As far as entertainment goes, it's a 100/10 for me. Quality/storytelling-wise? Probably more like a 7/10 if I'm to be honest. As a long time fan of the franchise and a huge MCU nerd, the experience it gives me when watching outways problems for the most part. It's one of those movies where I just need to acknowledge that it isn't great 'objectively', but it's so much damn fun and I love so I don't care.
I would like an explanation on the "too blatant catering to the current American PC zeitgeist" comment, though, as I have no idea what you're talking about here
I more or less completely agree with this, as I've explained above. When I watched it the second time I definitely began to feel the weight of that first act. The second act is more than slightly confused imo, but I followed along well I think. The third act is simply the most amazing action set piece I've ever seen. Oscar-worthy? Hell no. Going down as one of my favorite movies of all time? Hell yes!
You enjoyed Captain Marvel?
I love Captain Marvel! Both movie and character. I enjoyed her less in Endgame as her confident attitude became more of an "I'm better than all of you" attitude, but I still think she was utilized well and I like that she's not actually in it much because the story shouldn't be about her.
~Thylo
Very true. For some reason a comparison with the giant eagles in the Lord of the Rings came to mind: Captain Marvel is overpowered just like the eagles and should therefore be used sparingly. Downside of this method is that the moment she arrived on the battle scene it felt like a "Captain Marvel ex machina" moment, quite alike the "eagles ex machina" in the LotR films.
This more or less sums up my main opinion of this movie. When carefully analysed it may not be that great, but taken as a whole and considering the francise that forms the foundation of Endgame it is still extremely enjoyable to watch.
And now let me drop another bomb: I liked Infinity War better than Endgame!
I also liked Infinity War more than Endgame, it’s better than Endgame in every area other than action. I don’t think that’s too controversial of a statement.
And I also have no problem with Captain Marvel being used sparingly, but the problem arises in the fact that she’s a main player in the future of the MCU as well as being the main character in her own movies. When the main character in a movie is only considered good when used “sparingly”, that’s definitely a problem.
And I also have no problem with Captain Marvel being used sparingly, but the problem arises in the fact that she’s a main player in the future of the MCU as well as being the main character in her own movies. When the main character in a movie is only considered good when used “sparingly”, that’s definitely a problem.
Can't believe there's very little discussion of Dumbo, the greatest bad movie of 2019
Some of my favourite lines:
"Dumbo! Prince of the Elephants! I command you to fly with me!"
"You beautiful one-armed cowboy you've made me a child again."
"The elephant is going to nightmare island!"
"LET'S GET READY TO DUMBOOOOOO"
Some of my favourite lines:
"Dumbo! Prince of the Elephants! I command you to fly with me!"
"You beautiful one-armed cowboy you've made me a child again."
"The elephant is going to nightmare island!"
"LET'S GET READY TO DUMBOOOOOO"
And now let me drop another bomb: I liked Infinity War better than Endgame!
I think I like Endgame more, but Infinity War is definitely the better movie. It's kind of like how I like Tierpark Berlin more, but Berlin Zoo is the better zoo for me. Both are great, one's better, but one's more enjoyable for me personally.
But she wasn't the main character in this movie. This movie wasn't about her, and the story didn't call for her to be present much. In her movie she's anything but used sparingly.
I never saw this movie because it looked dumb to me but now I wish I saw this movie!
~Thylo
I think you misunderstood what I was saying in regards to the Captain Marvel thing. I wasn’t saying she was the main character in Endgame, I was saying that the fact that one of the main characters in the future MCU and a character who is the star of her own trilogy of movies being described as good when used “sparingly”, isn’t a good thing. I could’ve worded it better, but I think this makes sense.
I think you're taking the "used sparingly" out of context, though. In the context of the story Endgame was telling, using her sparingly was the best play. I don't think anyone's saying she's only good when used sparingly.
~Thylo
I could go on all day about what an awful movie Captain Marvel is, but because I don’t have all day, I’ll limit it to 5 main reasons.
- Captain Marvel is ridiculously overpowered. I don’t think anyone could argue that this isn’t true, and it makes the movie incredibly boring with zero tension. She destroys a giant alter battleship in 5 seconds, defeats 10 highly trained Kerr warriors without breaking a sweat, and even without her powers she defeats 40 Skrulls. And the worst part is, none of this is earned, you’re just forced to accept that she is the most powerful character in the MCU. All of the other Marvel heroes, had to learn, adapt or in some cases create their powers, but Captain Marvel? Nope, she just hasall these powers.
- Leading on from my first reason, the action scenes are the worst of any MCU movie. The action scenes are either poorly shot (Subway scene, battle in the space labratory) or end before they start getting exciting (Robin’s ships, Judd Law on Earth). Action is a key part of all MCU movies, and the action in this movie is the worst of any MCU movie.
- The villains are terrible. Of all the villains in Captain Marvel I thought Judd Laws character had the potential to be the most interesting but suffered from a lack of development and motivation beyond “I like the kree”. Robin was bad in GOTG and was even worse here, and the rest of the villains were so unremarkable I can’t remember their names. Only Thor the Dark World has worse villains.
- Nick Fury losing his eye to a cat. Ruined a defining feature of one of the best characters in the MCU for a cheap joke. Awful.
- Captain Marvel herself. The most boring main character in the MCU by far. The talking rock in Thor: Ragnarok was more interesting than Captain Marvel.
1. I agree she's overpowered, but is she more overpowered than Thor, Scarlet Witch, or Doctor Strange? From what we've seen not really, especially when it comes to those first two. In Infinity War, Thor is also flying through ships and destroying them with ease in almost the exact same way Captain Marvel does. CM is a highly trained warrior who's been training for six years almost nonstop, why wouldn't she be able to easily defeat what's essentially a group of untrained and scared refugees who mostly have little to no battle experience? She does not just have her powers, the movie literally shows us where they came from, and then shows us that she's been training with them for six years. How is this worse than Thor who was born with his powers and who's always had them throughout the movies?
2. I don't really know how to argue against them being poorly shot, simply because I disagree entirely but I suppose that's subjective. I've only seen the movie once but all of the fight scenes were easy to follow and entertaining, with some fairly clever aspects to them such as her having the clamps on her hands so she can't use her powers when fighting the Skrulls. While she never engages Ronan directly, you watch her fight against his ships. He also says he's going to come back for her, which I'm guessing will play into her sequel (probably set in the early 2000s). As for Jude Law, what did you want? They explicitly state (and then show) in the first 5-10 minutes of the movie that he can't beat her when she uses her powers, but he's vastly more skilled than her in hand to hand combat. She actually never beats him in hand to hand combat, which is exactly why he tries to trick her into a fist fight at the end. Of course she's not going to do that, though, because it makes absolutely no sense for her to choose the fighting method that would lead to her defeat when she can easily defeat him using her powers. It's a subversion from the insanely common trope of the hero ditching the option that'd lead to a quick victory in favor of a fist fight with the villain simply because they taunted the hero and so they can prove their worth. If she'd actually fought him like that everyone would have torn the movie to shreds for her doing so instead of just easily defeating him with her powers. Marvel has made its mark through amazing action setpieces, yes, but more than that they've drawn people into their franchise through their characters. Again, I thought the action was really good, but if action is the main thing you're going into these movies to see then you're already setting yourself up for disappointment. Otherwise, Age of Ultron would be a much more loved film.
3. The Kree Empire seeks to conquer the galaxy, that's what they do. That was a pretty big aspect of the setup of Guardians of the Galaxy, and it's expanded upon her. CM was lied to for years and tricked into serving the bad guys. They ran a propaganda campaign against the Skrulls and since they erased all of her memories from before they took her, she has absolutely no reason to not believe everything she's told. The whole twist of the movie is her ended up on Earth and then discovering the truth. It was a pretty good twist imo. Sure maybe the Kree aren't as fleshed out as they could have been, but Marvel has almost always purposefully sacrificed fleshing out the villains so they can flesh out the heroes. Loki and Thanos are exceptions, but very few Marvel villains are really that great. Criticize the entire franchise for that if you want, but you can't really pick on CM specifically. This is especially true when you consider that the villains are more fleshed out here than usual considering we spend nearly half the movie with them, believing they're the good guys. Ronan also wasn't supposed to be the villain here. He's high up in the Kree military so that's why his appearance makes sense, but it's not supposed to be anything more than a cameo. Same with Korath, who's CM's teammate at the beginning and Ronan's right hand man in GotG. As I mentioned earlier, the inclusion of both in this movie tells me Marvel has plans for them in future movies. We're probably going to get a sequel where Ronan goes after CM and we see how Korath and Ronan team up and become who they are in GotG. Criticizing his inclusion in CM is like saying Thanos is a **** villain because he never fought the Guardians in their movie back in 2014 when he had even more screen time than Ronan in this.
4. Agree. Just terrible. @TeaLovingDave disagrees, but he can expand on that if he wants.
5. Again, how? I thought she was really fun and engaging. I don't get how people can watch scenes like this or this and say she has no personality.
~Thylo