Here Talk About Old, New And Upcoming Marvel Universe Films.


Phase 1
Iron Man: May 2, 2008

The Incredible Hulk: June 13, 2008

Iron Man 2: May 7, 2010

Thor: May 6, 2011

Captain America: The First Avenger: July 22, 2011

Avengers: May 4, 2012

Phase 2
Iron Man 3:

Thor: The Dark World: November 8, 2013

Captain America: Winter Soldier: April 4, 2014

Gardians Of The Galexy: August 1, 2014

Avengers: Age of Ultron: May 1, 2015

Phase 3
Ant Man: July 17, 2015

Captain America 3: May 6, 2016



Do You Think Any Other Hero's Will Join??

Well I Think Its Pretty Clear No X-men :p And No Fantastic Four As They Are Owned By Fox (Plus Evans Played the Human Torch)
And Sony Own Spider-Man

Wasn't there some rumour out there that Spider-man might revert to Marvel soon-ish? I hope they will!

For a complete list of Marvel movies (both live action and animated): List of films based on Marvel Comics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_movies)

Wasn't there some rumour out there that Spider-man might revert to Marvel soon-ish? I hope they will!

That would be interesting but i dont know if i would want spidy in the avengers.

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For a complete list of Marvel movies (both live action and animated): List of films based on Marvel Comics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_movies)

Great stuff thxs darth :awsm:

There's no way Sony would let the rights to Spider-Man revert back to Marvel!

Same with fox never selling x-men.

It's the next film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They are all connected and all acknowledge each other. Nick Fury is in all of them, and Agent Coulson is only absent from Captain America, leading up to The Avengers. The end credit scene from The Avengers was for GotG, as was Thor 2. I'm hoping the end of GotG will be for Age of Ultron.

Iron Man
The Incredible Hulk (was not originally a Marvel Studios film, still not sure how Disney acquired the rights from Universal)
Iron Man 2
Thor
Captain America: The First Avenger
The Avengers
Iron Man 3
Thor: The Dark World
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Guardians of the Galaxy
The Avengers: Age of Ultron
Ant Man
Captain America 3

Marvel Cinematic Universe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe)

Right, ok. That makes things a little clearer. I was originally only really interested in watching the Iron Man films, but I'm actually quite interested to see the others now (with the exception of The Incredible Hulk - is it essential to watch Hulk?). How strongly would you recommend I watch the others before I see The Avengers?

Tbh i never liked hulk so ignored. Ii love IM THOR CA & Avengers

Right, ok. That makes things a little clearer. I was originally only really interested in watching the Iron Man films, but I'm actually quite interested to see the others now (with the exception of The Incredible Hulk - is it essential to watch Hulk?). How strongly would you recommend I watch the others before I see The Avengers?

You can watch The Avengers without having seen any of the solo movies. I f you like it then you can go back and watch them. If I had to choose one though, I would say Thor because Loki is the main villain in both movies but it's really not required. Also it's not at all essential to watch The Incredible Hulk (2003's Hulk is not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) but the movie is actually pretty good! My favorite used to be Iron Man but now it's Captain America: The Winter Soldier!

You can watch The Avengers without having seen any of the solo movies. I f you like it then you can go back and watch them. If I had to choose one though, I would say Thor because Loki is the main villain in both movies but it's really not required. Also it's not at all essential to watch The Incredible Hulk (2003's Hulk is not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) but the movie is actually pretty good! My favorite used to be Iron Man but now it's Captain America: The Winter Soldier!

Thanks for the advice! I'll see how I go. I may watch the first Thor and CA movies before The Avengers...

What exactly is the issue with Hulk? Is he a Marvel character like Iron Man?

The Hulk is a Marvel character, yes. But they didn't include him in the Marvel Universe until the latest film, as the marvin says

well despite x-men being with another company, it is still marvel-based? (they are still my favorites)

i never got into iron man, which is surprising as i like downey jr.
A friend encouraged me to watch tose...

I DO like avengers and surprisingly i even like cpt. america, and I do love the tv series (agents of shield)

I even like thor.

in my humble opinion avengers, thnor and cpt america areall very entertaining.

what i like about avengers, that different types of people come together (sort of like crossovers that we have known from other tv series for example)

hulk is a bit difficult. a loner ;)

The films can be watched as separate entities, but there are small hints here and there that tie in with each other. And i just love that :D and don't forget to watch ALL of the end credits because there is always something there ;)

And don't forget the TV series Agents of SHIELD. Some minor characters from the Marvel films appear there, like Sif from Thor and agent Sitwell. He actually gets called away from an assignment in Agents of SHIELD to be on a certain ship that starts the Captain America: The Winter Soldeir movie :D and you can actually see helicarriers crashing on a monitor in the background in one episode, meaning that episode takes lace at the same time as that happens in the Winter Soldier movie

Agents of Shield was a good idea but, in my opinion, the show is really bad! In the movies Shield is like this huge government organization with a lot of ressources but the show makes it look like there's only one little team to handle everything! It got better after the events of The Winter Soldier but I won't be watching season 2!

The films can be watched as separate entities, but there are small hints here and there that tie in with each other. And i just love that :D and don't forget to watch ALL of the end credits because there is always something there ;)

And don't forget the TV series Agents of SHIELD. Some minor characters from the Marvel films appear there, like Sif from Thor and agent Sitwell. He actually gets called away from an assignment in Agents of SHIELD to be on a certain ship that starts the Captain America: The Winter Soldeir movie :D and you can actually see helicarriers crashing on a monitor in the background in one episode, meaning that episode takes lace at the same time as that happens in the Winter Soldier movie

I always, and always have, and always will, watch all the credits of a movie, no matter who makes it. So many times I have been rewarded for doing so, whether by Pixar, Disney, Marvel, or whoever. I had no idea about the end credits scenes in Marvel movies when I first watched Iron Man, but as I usually watch through the credits anyway, I was again rewarded! :)

How strongly would you recommend I watch the others before I see The Avengers?


You can watch The Avengers without having seen any of the solo movies. I f you like it then you can go back and watch them. If I had to choose one though, I would say Thor because Loki is the main villain in both movies but it's really not required. Also it's not at all essential to watch The Incredible Hulk (2003's Hulk is not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) but the movie is actually pretty good! My favorite used to be Iron Man but now it's Captain America: The Winter Soldier!

There's always going to be people who will say you don't need to see the prequels. Technically yes, of course you dont "have to". I don't "have to" go get gas, but I should. If anything, you should see Thor and Captain America 1 because they both predate The Avengers and a lot of Thor's plot continues in The Avengers. Same with Captain America. Hell, at the end of First Avenger there's the usual post-credit scene setting up the next film (which in this case is The Avengers), and then right after that scene is the very fist trailer for The Avengers. I would say if you didn't watch Thor, you'd be a litte lost. It's just wise that you see all of them in order, it's common sense.

Thor's Post Credit Scene Also Sets Up The Whole Avenger's Story And Doe's Thor (Loki)

Thor's Post Credit Scene Also Sets Up The Whole Avenger's Story And Doe's Thor (Loki)

Exactly. Another reason why you should see Thor before The Avengers. I mean to me, it would be like seeing Age of Ultron before seeing Avengers 1

:awsm:

Confusing

The Reason The Call The Marvel Avengers Collection Is To Some Degree They All Follow (Maybe Not In Plot) But Little Scene's Or And Image There Make You Think.
Oh I Remember That Was In XYZ And Thats From That.

There's always going to be people who will say you don't need to see the prequels. Technically yes, of course you dont "have to". I don't "have to" go get gas, but I should. If anything, you should see Thor and Captain America 1 because they both predate The Avengers and a lot of Thor's plot continues in The Avengers. Same with Captain America. Hell, at the end of First Avenger there's the usual post-credit scene setting up the next film (which in this case is The Avengers), and then right after that scene is the very fist trailer for The Avengers. I would say if you didn't watch Thor, you'd be a litte lost. It's just wise that you see all of them in order, it's common sense.

Righto then, I'll restrain myself from watching The Avengers just yet and see Thor and The First Avenger first. I just really want to see another movie with Stark! RDJ is just so brilliant.

Righto then, I'll restrain myself from watching The Avengers just yet and see Thor and The First Avenger first. I just really want to see another movie with Stark! RDJ is just so brilliant.

It'll be worth the wait, after having gone 2 movies without him

Well, nice Thread :)

If RDJ doesn't return (and Black wrote and directed Iron Man 3 as though it was RDJ's final appearance as IM) I wonder who Marvel will choose as his successor? Talk about big titanium alloy boots to fill. If RDJ as Stark and Favreau as director had not been so spot on the Marvel Cinematic Universe might never have taken hold. After all, Iron Man didn't have the public recognition of Batman, Superman or Spiderman. It was something of a gamble. If the first IM had flopped or underperformed Marvel might have retooled or scrapped their plans. Marvel owes RDJ and Favreau a lot.

BTW tracking and polling has GoTG opening at $60 million. Another gamble that appears to be paying off.

If RDJ doesn't return (and Black wrote and directed Iron Man 3 as though it was RDJ's final appearance as IM) I wonder who Marvel will choose as his successor? Talk about big titanium alloy boots to fill. If RDJ as Stark and Favreau as director had not been so spot on the Marvel Cinematic Universe might never have taken hold. After all, Iron Man didn't have the public recognition of Batman, Superman or Spiderman. It was something of a gamble. If the first IM had flopped or underperformed Marvel might have retooled or scrapped their plans. Marvel owes RDJ and Favreau a lot.

BTW tracking and polling has GoTG opening at $60 million. Another gamble that appears to be paying off.

Without giving anything away about The Avengers or IM3 (neither of which I've seen yet) - what do you mean? Are there rumours that RDJ might not return as Iron Man?!

He Has Not Renewed His Contract with Marvel So Maybe He Won't Return.
TBH If He Doesn't I Think They Won't Get Anyone Else

---------- Post added at 07:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 PM ----------

Just Found This
Iron Man 4 Release Date Canceled? Robert Downey Jr Will Be Killed Off in New Avengers 2 Movie?


Iron Man 4 Release Date Canceled? Robert Downey Jr Will Be Killed Off in New Avengers 2 Movie? : Movies : breathecast (http://www.breathecast.com/articles/iron-man-4-release-date-canceled-robert-downey-jr-to-be-killed-off-in-avengers-2-16727/)

:0

If RDJ doesn't return (and Black wrote and directed Iron Man 3 as though it was RDJ's final appearance as IM) I wonder who Marvel will choose as his successor? Talk about big titanium alloy boots to fill.

Well RDJ is in Age of Ultron. After that I don't know though...

---------- Post added at 02:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:46 PM ----------



[/COLOR]Just Found This
Iron Man 4 Release Date Canceled? Robert Downey Jr Will Be Killed Off in New Avengers 2 Movie?


Iron Man 4 Release Date Canceled? Robert Downey Jr Will Be Killed Off in New Avengers 2 Movie? : Movies : breathecast (http://www.breathecast.com/articles/iron-man-4-release-date-canceled-robert-downey-jr-to-be-killed-off-in-avengers-2-16727/)

:0

Interesting, but just speculation.

I Hope to God (Thor) :awsm:

He Has Not Renewed His Contract with Marvel So Maybe He Won't Return.
TBH If He Doesn't I Think They Won't Get Anyone Else

---------- Post added at 07:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 PM ----------

Just Found This
Iron Man 4 Release Date Canceled? Robert Downey Jr Will Be Killed Off in New Avengers 2 Movie?


Iron Man 4 Release Date Canceled? Robert Downey Jr Will Be Killed Off in New Avengers 2 Movie? : Movies : breathecast (http://www.breathecast.com/articles/iron-man-4-release-date-canceled-robert-downey-jr-to-be-killed-off-in-avengers-2-16727/)

:0

Nooooooooo!!!!!!! D:

I KNOW!!!!

Marvel is known for locking their actors into multi movie contracts. (Chris Evans a.k.a. Captain America originally had, if memory serves, a nine movie deal that was shortened to six movies making the 2016 Cap 3 Evans' last appearance as the Star Spangled Man.)

Can't see Marvel killing off Stark. With the collapse of SHIELD he's funding the Avengers, the character is way too popular and how many other genius, billionaires are there, even in the Marvel Universe? Now, waiting for two or three years after Avengers 2 and recasting the role of Stark, that I can see. (Wouldn't be easy, the new actor would have to probably play Tony differently than RDJ has. But Bale replaced Keaton as Batman and did a fantastic job.)

Or maybe retiring the character. Unlikely, considering again how popular Stark/IM are with audiences, but it's a possibility. It all depends on Marvel's Phase III plans.

Can't wait to watch CA and Thor to get to The Avengers and then another whole movie dedicated to Iron Man... Some have said that IM3 was fantastic, but I've heard others say it was pretty rubbish - what are people's opinions here?

IM3 was rubbish, absolute, thorough-going rubbish. Shane Black should never, ever, be allowed near another Marvel property. He obviously hates the idea of heroes or doesn't take them seriously. He certainly didn't take the Mandarin seriously reducing the villain to a joke.

IM3 was rubbish, absolute, thorough-going rubbish. Shane Black should never, ever, be allowed near another Marvel property. He obviously hates the idea of heroes or doesn't take them seriously. He certainly didn't take the Mandarin seriously reducing the villain to a joke.

Oh dear! That does sound bad! Why wasn't Favreau asked back? Maybe because IM2 wasn't as good as the original. How would you rate IM2 compared to IM3?

HELL OF A LOT BETTER!

HELL OF A LOT BETTER!

Really? I liked IM2, but not as much as the first film. I am very intrigued to see IM3 now, if IM2 is really that much better!

IM 1 Is The Best And 3 Is The Worst

IM1 is the best but I give IM2 a close second. It actually had something to say as opposed to IM3 which was constructed to deconstruct Iron Man. I mean in Avengers IM goes toe to toe with Thor, survives the ninja blender blades of death that are the Helicarrier's engines, goes into space through a wormhole and yet in IM3, Tony gets taken down by a guy with a fiery handshake? What, Aldrich developed a secret-G.I. Joe kung-fu grip that disables IM's armor? (Or the Iron Patriot's for that matter?) And Aldrich becomes a super villain all because Tony in a drunken stupor leaves him stranded overnight on a roof top? That's all it takes to become a super villain in Black's world? What next, a guy goes super villain because a Starbuck's barista screws up his order?

Marvel is known for locking their actors into multi movie contracts. (Chris Evans a.k.a. Captain America originally had, if memory serves, a nine movie deal that was shortened to six movies making the 2016 Cap 3 Evans' last appearance as the Star Spangled Man.)

I remember reading that as well, it was originally 9 movies.


Can't see Marvel killing off Stark. With the collapse of SHIELD he's funding the Avengers, the character is way too popular and how many other genius, billionaires are there, even in the Marvel Universe? Now, waiting for two or three years after Avengers 2 and recasting the role of Stark, that I can see. (Wouldn't be easy, the new actor would have to probably play Tony differently than RDJ has. But Bale replaced Keaton as Batman and did a fantastic job.)

I don't see it happening either, but it could happen. Robert Downey, Jr. IS Iron Man. And that's all I have to say about that.


Can't wait to watch CA and Thor to get to The Avengers and then another whole movie dedicated to Iron Man... Some have said that IM3 was fantastic, but I've heard others say it was pretty rubbish - what are people's opinions here?

IM3 was the worst of the 3. It was still entertaining, just not as good as 1 and 2.


IM3 was rubbish, absolute, thorough-going rubbish. Shane Black should never, ever, be allowed near another Marvel property. He obviously hates the idea of heroes or doesn't take them seriously. He certainly didn't take the Mandarin seriously reducing the villain to a joke.

That's why it was so bad. John Favreau should have done it, but maybe he just wanted a break or he was busy working on Chef?


IM1 is the best but I give IM2 a close second. It actually had something to say as opposed to IM3 which was constructed to deconstruct Iron Man. I mean in Avengers IM goes....

I would spoil-tag this right now on the off-chance Sully hasn't seen it yet, as it's a spoiler. He's yet to see The Avengers

I remember reading that as well, it was originally 9 movies.



I don't see it happening either, but it could happen. Robert Downey, Jr. IS Iron Man. And that's all I have to say about that.



IM3 was the worst of the 3. It was still entertaining, just not as good as 1 and 2.



That's why it was so bad. John Favreau should have done it, but maybe he just wanted a break or he was busy working on Chef?



I would spoil-tag this right now on the off-chance Sully hasn't seen it yet, as it's a spoiler. He's yet to see The Avengers

I agree. Like Stark and his suit, RDJ and Stark are one. Impossible to separate.

Yes, thanks DAK! I began reading Killgrave's post, but stopped at that exact point. I'll try to get Thor, CA, and The Avengers all ticked off my watch list in the next couple of weeks. Sorry for the conversation restrictions at present! And thanks for thinking of me! ;)

The problem with Iron Man 3 is that it's a Shane Black movie through and through so it's completely different from the other two! Chances are if you like Black's movies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (which i love) you'll probably find a few things to love in this one! It's still entertaining and fun and has a lot of Iron Man suits! Enjoy the movies, they're all fun in my opinion!

The problem with Iron Man 3 is that it's a Shane Black movie through and through so it's completely different from the other two! Chances are if you like Black's movies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (which i love) you'll probably find a few things to love in this one! It's still entertaining and fun and has a lot of Iron Man suits! Enjoy the movies, they're all fun in my opinion!

I've never seen a Black movie, but I'm sure it'll be entertaining enough. As long as it has RDJ, I'll be sure to enjoy something! :)

Captain America: Winter Soldier:

Serpasses The Rest Of The Marvels By Miles. Sabastian Stan Was Excellent (Makes Me Forgive Him For Dropping Out of Once Upon A Time, Although I Still Miss the Madhatter)
The Mixture of Action, Story & Music Aswell As Acting Balanced Perfectly Not To Long Just Right And Set A Strong Standard For A 3rd Installment Aswell as the Rest of The Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Chris Evans, Scarlett Johanson & SLJ Perfect As Always!
Bring On CA3!

Well guys, I finally watched Thor yesterday! :D So that's one down, six to go!

http://media.tumblr.com/4a2659083fce8c905a853b4184fe0265/tumblr_inline_momft82wZv1ryc0v9.gif

It's a great movie, and there are several particularly funny quotes. I love Chris Hemsworth! Fitted the character absolutely perfectly. I can't wait to see him side-by-side with Stark!!

(I'm downloading the sessions Lockdown posted now... do we have any higher bit rate than 192? Also, do we have a version with slates?)

Who knows? Maybe it'll be only five to go this time tomorrow...? ;)

http://media.giphy.com/media/3hz7aNtNV0l20/giphy.gif

http://i1248.photobucket.com/albums/hh497/stolenrelic/hulk_punches_thor.gif

http://img.pandawhale.com/55302-Thor-another-gif-LNWz.gif

Best bit of the film. :D

Oh good - finally got round to finishing downloading the Thor Sessions and they do have slates. Me happy. :)

The Avengers' lineup will be different after Ultron as will the MCU. The fallout from Ultron has Marvel taking their universe in the Civil War storyline which if rumors are true means Cap and Stark opposed philosophically and physically to one another. And the AOU trailer focused on the Mjolnir phrase "if he be worthy" and it's quite obvious Ultron does not believe the Avengers are worthy. Whedon wouldn't bring attention to that inscription if he didn't have larger plans in mind. There is some speculation that something will happen to Thor that makes him doubt his worthiness.

Must say I am really looking forward to seeing AOU and what happens next in the MCU. (Another rumor: Avengers 3 will crossover with the Guardians. That will be fun.) I give Marvel credit: they aren't afraid to make changes to their established order.

Oh yeah, Hemsworth is Thor in the same way the late Christopher Reeve (may he rest in peace) was Superman.

By Asgard, the Hulkbuster armor will be mine!

Tons of detailed looks at Age of Ultron figures including the Hulkbuster - Movie News | JoBlo.com (http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/tons-of-detailed-looks-at-age-of-ultron-figures-including-the-hulkbuster-154)

And my wallet will be Hot Toys!

By Asgard, the Hulkbuster armor will be mine!

Tons of detailed looks at Age of Ultron figures including the Hulkbuster - Movie News | JoBlo.com (http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/tons-of-detailed-looks-at-age-of-ultron-figures-including-the-hulkbuster-154)

And my wallet will be Hot Toys!

Awesome! :D

Well guys, I finally watched Thor yesterday! :D So that's one down, six to go!

It's a great movie, and there are several particularly funny quotes. I love Chris Hemsworth! Fitted the character absolutely perfectly. I can't wait to see him side-by-side with Stark!!

(I'm downloading the sessions Lockdown posted now... do we have any higher bit rate than 192? Also, do we have a version with slates?)

That is an old thread, Lockdown posted a FLAC version earlier this year.
http://forums.ffshrine.org/f92/thor-recording-sessions-flac-patrick-doyle-177610/#post2733038

That is an old thread, Lockdown posted a FLAC version earlier this year.
http://forums.ffshrine.org/f92/thor-recording-sessions-flac-patrick-doyle-177610/#post2733038

Thanks for the heads up! Apart from the quality, are there any differences to the 192k version?

Thanks for the heads up! Apart from the quality, are there any differences to the 192k version?

Not that I know of. :)

The problem with Iron Man 3 is that it's a Shane Black movie through and through so it's completely different from the other two! Chances are if you like Black's movies like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (which i love) you'll probably find a few things to love in this one! It's still entertaining and fun and has a lot of Iron Man suits!

SPOILER ALERT!!!


I liked KKBB and hated IM3. Black went too overboard with his comedy, which is great in moderation. Here every single second something funny was happening and the Mandarin. Initiating rant. Oh god! What the hell was that? The best villain Iron Man had has been reduced to a stupid joke and for what, so that Aldrich Killian could state that 'I am the Mandarin'. If anyone here's read the original Extremis comic (which is much much better than the film and what it's supposedly based on), there is no Mandarin in the story who could have been saved up for another movie like they're doing with Thanos. Killian and Hansen are much better there than here. To make matters even worse and confusing, the real Mandarin exists, he's pissed about this whole affair and nabs the actor dude(Kingsley) from prison(source is the Marvel One-Shot Hail To The King, which is pretty good all things considered)

This is actually the only Marvel movie that even RDJ's persona can't save. AND THAT ENDING?!? So what, Pepper's going to sub in for Iron Man in the Avengers now. IF HE COULD GET RID OF THE SHARDS IN HIS HEART WITH A SIMPLE OPERATION THAN WHY GO THROUGH THE WHOLE IRON MAN THING IN THE FIRST PLACE! The whole thing would've been solved when he returned from Afghanistan in the first film. Now what? If he comes back as Iron Man in AoU then what was the point of having it removed, they're probably going to come up with some stupid "oh he HAD to put the suit on again to save the world against his own creation" which is okay but it could've been done without the whole op thing in the first place (don't these Marvel directors/writers talk to each other? I mean it is a pretty interconnected universe, what happens in one movie affects the others too). Rant over.

I think they're not going to recast anybody. They'll change the people but keep the superheroes. They're already prepping Sam Wilson(Anthony Mackie) A.K.A Falcon to be the next Cap once Chris Evans bids farewell(or as I think die in Civil War). As much as I love Thor, Fandral (Zach Levi) could take over or even Sif (Jamie Alexander) now that they've swapped the genders. It's tougher than anyone else in case of Iron Man, RDJ IS Tony Stark who may or may not remain Iron Man as of IM3, plus there really isn't anyone who could take up the mantle in the MCU anyway. They could also not do any of that and completely change the Avengers line-up. Dr. Strange, Captain Marvel, Ant-Man and Black Panther are joining the universe in the next phase, they've already introduced the Maximoff siblings in AoU plus the Netflix/Agents of SHIELD people could be promoted. All in all, things are only getting better if you're a Marvel fan from here on out. Of course, my condolences to our DC brethren for the inconsolable loss of their slowly decomposing film universe, if you could call it that.

Yeah I'm still not sure how i feel about IM3. I think it's entertaining but it could have been a lot better (It's a lot better than IM2 though!). I'm not a big fan of the whole mandarin thing!
By the way is anyone still watching Agents of Shield? I stopped watching after the first season, which was really hard to get through, but apparently season 2 is much better so I'm thinking about giving the show another chance. What do you guys think?

Was it just me, or did anybody else replay the new Age of Ultron trailer at 0.25 speed, pausing it numerous times to fully take in all the details of every new shot?!

---------- Post added at 04:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 AM ----------

Just look at the detail of the Hulkbuster's hand repulsors!!

Don't Worry, it's not just you! I think it's good that the trailer is so short, it shows just enough without spoiling the whole movie.
One of the most interesting things from the trailer is what looks like a young Black Widow being experimented on. Maybe she's actually as old as she is in the comics?

Yeah, I hate it when trailers give away most of the story. Don't get me started on HTTYD2.

Indeed, it looks very interesting! Can't wait to find out more about Black Widow's past. Tbh, anything with her in is worth watching. She is so DAMN good-looking.

Oh yeah right, Hiccup's Mom. At least they didn't show (SPOILERS!) what happens to Stoick!
In the comics Black Widow was actually trained by the Winter Soldier, and then they became lovers when he became Captain America.
Yep, she's really hot!

If memory serves in the MCU, that is the Marvel Comics Universe, there have been a succession of Black Widows, so it's the name of a position, rather than a person. But the continuity of comics is nothing if not fluid and flexible so I could have that wrong.

I think we can all agree that Ms. Johansson is pitch perfect as Natasha and I don't just mean her considerable beauty. She makes the character interesting when she's not beating the crap out of the bad guys. (Which is why it's a head scratcher that Marvel has not green-lit a Black Widow solo film, especially after the success of Lucy. She can headline and carry a film to the finish line.)

But on the plus side she will be Major Motoko Kusanagi in the live action version of Ghost in the Shell. (Although this, at least for now, seems to be another example of Hollywood white-washing a character for mass consumption.)

I will always wonder what Emily Blunt, who was the originally slated to be the Black Widow, would have done with the role. Ms. Blunt would make a great Captain Marvel.

Couldn't resist grabbing these HD Screenshots...


<a href="http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=735667ScreenShot20150113at101627.png">
<a href="http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=628682ScreenShot20150113at101726.png">

If memory serves in the MCU, that is the Marvel Comics Universe, there have been a succession of Black Widows, so it's the name of a position, rather than a person. But the continuity of comics is nothing if not fluid and flexible so I could have that wrong.

I think we can all agree that Ms. Johansson is pitch perfect as Natasha and I don't just mean her considerable beauty. She makes the character interesting when she's not beating the crap out of the bad guys. (Which is why it's a head scratcher that Marvel has not green-lit a Black Widow solo film, especially after the success of Lucy. She can headline and carry a film to the finish line.)

But on the plus side she will be Major Motoko Kusanagi in the live action version of Ghost in the Shell. (Although this, at least for now, seems to be another example of Hollywood white-washing a character for mass consumption.)

I will always wonder what Emily Blunt, who was the originally slated to be the Black Widow, would have done with the role. Ms. Blunt would make a great Captain Marvel.

I don't remember anything about Black Widow being a position rather than a person from the movies, where did you hear that?
If not a movie, a spy show on netflix would also be great!
Margot Robbie would have been a great Ms Marvel IMO, but now that she's playing Harley Queen, that won't happen.

I don't believe it! Marvel actually convinced Sony to give up Spider-Man (http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/MarvelFreshman/news/?a=115025) for Civil War!

Just read this:

MARVEL's Official Statement (http://marvel.com/news/movies/24062/sony_pictures_entertainment_brings_marvel_studios_ into_the_amazing_world_of_spider-man)

Third reboot in fifteen years. After a trilogy and a duology, recasting people, what a nightmare.

spidey finally joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe :D FINALLY

well, after sony fucked up 3 consecutive spiderman movies, it was inevitable.
too bad there wont be a ASM3 featuring the sinister 6 (with the same cast) as it was implied in the second.

Nah man, they weren't planning for a Sinister Six movie with Spider-Man. They were planning a Sinister Six movie without Spider-Man.

Seriously.

Saw this image today and thought it was sort of funny:



I have to admit, Fox has actually been doing a halfway decent job with X-Men as of late. First Class was great, Days of Future Past was a blast, The Wolverine actually wasn't that bad and Apocalypse might actually be good!

Fox at least learned from the mistakes that are Last Stand and Origins and brought back Singer. (It's never a good sign for a studio when the actor playing the franchise's most popular character - Jackman, Wolverine - comes out and says those movies weren't very good.) Sony never got or read that memo and it cost them a franchise.

There's only one Marvel series that needs rescuing from Fox. Fantastic Four.

Come August we will see just how Fantastic the Four are. The trailer really did nothing to assuage my fears. Considering all the negative reports about the film's shooting, how crowded the summer is with superhero films and with the clock running out you'd think Fox would have released a far more impactful trailer. Fox needed and needs to make the audience aware of this film and the radio silence is not helping. (Compare how much info James Gunn posted on Twitter and Facebook about Guardians. It helped raise the film's profile about a comic that most people had never heard of. Plus it had some kick ass trailers that made you want to see the film.)

Doubts flourish in the absence of information.

Agent Carter Season Finale Tonight. Shame I Have Rather Enjoyed The Show. But Hey Hey Agents of Shield Will Be Back!

In the battle of the Agents I prefer Carter over Shield. In two years AoS has yet to, at least for me, catch fire. At times it seems as though AoS is embarrassed of its comic book origins and refusing to fully embrace them whereas Carter has shown no such reluctance. I will admit to a certain bias as I am a fan of Ms. Atwell.

Marvel drops the third and probably final Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer Thursday evening during the premiere of American Crime on ABC. Check your local listing for time.

O_O

AMC Theaters Announce Plans For 27 Hour ULTIMATE MARVEL MARATHON (http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/JoshWildingNewsAndReviews/news/?a=116193)

I... I can't imagine a person spending over an entire day of his life inside a movie theater.

Perhaps that person has no life.

Final? trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAUoeqvedMo

That shot at 1:08 looks like it jumped off a comic book cover!

It's about time that comic book movies start looking like actual comic books.

That shot at 1:08 looks like it jumped off a comic book cover!

It's about time that comic book movies start looking like actual comic books.

...like ASM2. That movie really did feel like a comic book on screen.

Yeah, the cinematography for the ASM films were really good in that regard. Winter Soldier's was awesome too. It's very hard to get the shots to look like comic panels, but when they're able to pull it off it looks brilliant.

...like ASM2. That movie really did feel like a comic book on screen.

A really, really, really bad comic book.

---------- Post added at 07:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:15 PM ----------


Yeah, the cinematography for the ASM films were really good in that regard. Winter Soldier's was awesome too. It's very hard to get the shots to look like comic panels, but when they're able to pull it off it looks brilliant.

Agreed. CA:TWS, for me, is probably Marvel's best movie. My test for movies like this is if you remove the super heroics from the film and the film is still good, then the script is a solid one. In other words, the super heroics didn't wallpaper over the cracks in the movie's narrative.

Final? trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAUoeqvedMo

I feel like there will be at least 1 more trailer, though perhaps it will just be a rehash of the previous 3. After all the film isn't coming out until May...

I wouldn't bet against another trailer. Probably in April.

A really, really, really bad comic book.

---------- Post added at 07:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:15 PM ----------



Agreed. CA:TWS, for me, is probably Marvel's best movie. My test for movies like this is if you remove the super heroics from the film and the film is still good, then the script is a solid one. In other words, the super heroics didn't wallpaper over the cracks in the movie's narrative.

It's only bad if you count the script and mashed up story. But from a cinematographic point of view it was brilliant. Absolutely stunning. Shots, colour palette, layout, etc.

Yes, in the case of ASM2 the super heroics did kinda try to wallpaper over the cracks in the narrative. Agreed.

I look at a film's script, the scriptwriter(s) and director(s) first. If the film's narrative doesn't work then the film doesn't work for me. (Of course, there are exceptions. The "just-go-with-it" movies that I shouldn't like but do, usually because the writer and director have committed completely themselves to the film regardless of how nuts it is.)

I don't envy the folks who write superhero films because it is, in many ways, a sustained magic trick: you have to keep the audience from looking too closely lest they see the wires. The writers have to give the audience enough "plausible" reasons to avoid asking the obvious questions that could undercut the willing suspension of belief that the audience is engaging in, for example, the Avengers have Thor, Iron Man and the Hulk, so why do you need Cap, or Hawkeye or Black Widow much as the Justice League wouldn't need Batman when the team already has Superman, Wonder Woman or Green Lantern.

Joss Whedon recognized this when he said the Avengers are a stupid concept. And that is precisely the right attitude to have: once you recognize the problem you can fashion a narrative that solves it or part of it: Loki counters Thor, Chitauri offset Iron Man and Hulk and Cap, Hawkeye and Black Widow bring the pain on streets.

As always there are always holes whenever you deal with superheroes both in logic - Cap's evacuation orders were staggeringly bad. A man who'd survived the Blitz should have known better - to science - the physics of Iron Man frequently ignore the Newton's third law or his suit is a Faraday Cage and there is no 400% when it comes to charging batteries. (X-Men: DOFP removed Quicksilver from the action because the movie would have run about an hour had he remained with the team. Of course, he lacked the training of the other X-Men - dealing humans is one thing, dealing with Magneto and Raven quite another - and unlike the others had a family and that becomes the hook to excuse his absence.)

Another way to make it "real" is that victory comes at a cost: Coulson "dies" in the Avengers, SHIELD disbands and Hydra in effect wins, Groot sacrifices his life. (Even if these changes aren't permanent the original intent is still there.) And the MCU will look much different after Avengers: AoU. Change happens and the process is often unsettling and destructive.

So, I will go out on a limb: Black Widow will not survive AoU. She will die at the hands of Ultron. If Marvel wants to show the audience they are serious about changing the game and not merely re-arranging the pieces on the chessboard then someone of value, a fan favorite, must die.

And that means Black Widow. She has no movie in the MCU future and Marvel's bosses are a canny bunch. A Black Widow film, done right, would do CA:TWS or GoTG numbers at the box office. So there is another reason for the lack of a BW standalone film and her death is that reason. (Add to that Whedon has said a member of the team dies.)

May 1st is going to be a bittersweet day.

I used to be of the opinion that Black Widow would be killed off in AoU, but apparently Scarlett will be back for Civil War:

Black Widow Confirmed for CA3: Civil War (https://youtu.be/IiJwsbxr9E0?t=25s)

Coming straight from the mouths of the directors themselves, I hope it's true. I REALLY HOPE SO!!

Me too. However, Marvel is notorious for their tight control on who says what about their movies. But, who else can it be? Not IM, Thor, Cap - he dies in Cap 3 - or the Hulk. Hawkeye, no, since he's not a key player, yet, and killing him now is tantamount to a Star Trek's red shirt death.

Natasha's death, since she is friends with Tony and Steve, would be the flame that ignites the Civil War storyline.

You know what I don't get? What the hell's the point of keeping Hawk-eye in the team? I mean, they could've gone with any other Avengers member and they picked him. In Thor, they gave him a cameo so tiny most people prolly wouldn't have even remembered him from there when he popped up in the Avengers. and once he's in there, what'd he do? get taken over in the first couple of scenes, spend the rest of the movie shooting weird-ass darts and in the end, he just stood on building and showed off. i mean what is that guy's value to the team, if they wanna kill someone he should be at the top of the list. I realize no one (or at least i don't, I don't see anyone buying Hawk-eye figurines either) cares about him, so his death wouldn't have a significant impact but call it collateral damage. Hawk-eye is extremely under-developed even for a character without a stand-alone movie. Coulson, Banner (the new one), Widow and Hill never had one either, but I care more about them then I do about him. He also looks ripe for TV, so let's go Agents of SHIELD on him and give a series. Oh wait, Arrow.

Aside from the Hawk-eye rant, I like Black Widow. Not just because of Johannsson (obvs), but because CA:TWS. Before Winter Soldier, I really didn't care about her. In IM2, she was never likeable for me for some reason. So if she dies, which does make sense, there will be an impact. In fact, I think the whole Hulk going rogue and the whole Hulkbuster sequence is prolly because Banner blames Stark for creating Ultron who kills (or causes) Widow's demise. In the first movie, Banner and Romanoff have had some sparks (literally) around them. Apparently, this Hawk-eye shares something with her too so it's interesting what he'll do about it (seppuku maybe). In IM2, Stark also grows fond of her and in Winter Soldier, Cap runs around with her for half the movie. So, they've been building this up gradually.

I would've absolutely loved a Black Widow film. So much potential. Her back story is actually as interesting as any other member's. But if they kill her, obviously it's not happening. Maybe it's timed with her contract running out. Or she's just bored of the character. And they do have to make way for the new rotation. Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Doc Strange and Ant-man are going to need some breathing space if they're ever going to join the team.

---------- Post added at 11:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 PM ----------


I used to be of the opinion that Black Widow would be killed off in AoU, but apparently Scarlett will be back for Civil War:

Black Widow Confirmed for CA3: Civil War (https://youtu.be/IiJwsbxr9E0?t=25s)

Coming straight from the mouths of the directors themselves, I hope it's true. I REALLY HOPE SO!!

Maybe a flashback or something. Because it does make too much sense for her to go in AoU.

I agree with your reasoning. I think, judging, granted from interviews, Johansson likes playing Black Widow so it may have more to do that Marvel long ago planned to introduce BW, build her up with the plan of killing her. (Perhaps that is one reason Johansson took the role. And she's not lacking for work) If Marvel wants to show its not screwing around and the stakes will be high going into the Infinity War then someone of consequence must die.

Should Natasha's death come to pass, the sound of jaws hitting theaters floors will deafen the audience.

I heard somewhere that Scarlett is expecting some time in the next few months. Wonder if that's got anything to do with anything...?

Civil War just sounds like it'll be better and better.

Infinity War I imagine will be the end of the Avengers as we know them now.

I agree with your reasoning. I think, judging, granted from interviews, Johansson likes playing Black Widow so it may have more to do that Marvel long ago planned to introduce BW, build her up with the plan of killing her. (Perhaps that is one reason Johansson took the role. And she's not lacking for work) If Marvel wants to show its not screwing around and the stakes will be high going into the Infinity War then someone of consequence must die.

Should Natasha's death come to pass, the sound of jaws hitting theaters floors will deafen the audience.

You're right methinks. Johannsson's not going to be cheap or lock herself down to down one character forever. Maybe that was the plan from the second Iron Man movie. The big move. Her death tears the Avengers apart. It will definitely be more significant than Coulson's 'death' which united them. I loved him in the first Iron Man and Thor, not so much in IM2, but he was still a pretty minor character. And the fact that he didn't die(how no one actually dies in the MCU is kinda tiring now), makes it all just worthless. The Avengers fell for a scam. And Fury gets to be the tough love guy. If anyone's rep was hurt in the whole Coulson death thing it was Fury's. And then as if to drive the point even further home, he did it again in Winter Soldier. Fury cannot be trusted with obituaries. Ever.

Romanoff's death is going to hurt. Bad.
Still, even more of a reason to be super-hyped about it.

---------- Post added at 11:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 PM ----------


I heard somewhere that Scarlett is expecting some time in the next few months. Wonder if that's got anything to do with anything...?

The next generation Black Widow, maybe

---------- Post added at 11:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:56 PM ----------


Civil War just sounds like it'll be better and better.

Infinity War I imagine will be the end of the Avengers as we know them now.

They destroy the whole concept of it in IW P1 and then a new younger group inspired by the legend, crumbling under the weight of Thanos' tyranny, assembles once more reigniting the myth of the Avengers.

I don't know, man. I like Stark too much.

Yeah. A mini black widow. lol

Ikr?! How can the MCU carry on without Stark after IW P1??

Not only is Tony Stark Iron Man (he and the suit are one), but he is also the MCU. Without him, it would not be what it is today.

I'm thinking War Machine is the one who's going to die. He makes the most sense considering no more Iron Man films are planned. And audiences care about him so his death will leave an impact.

Huh, War Machine's in this movie? I just saw the third trailer and he's not there. At all.

I mean I know he is, but I really don't care about Rhodey as much as I do about Romanoff. I mean I love Don Cheadle, but he's just not Rhodey for me. Everytime I see him I imagine what Terrance Howard would've done. He was nowhere near to becoming War Machine but I liked him more as a character back in the first one

Like Hawkeye, War Machine hasn't had the exposure. His death would be a cheat. And as Edgar Allan Poe noted: “the death of a beautiful woman is, unquestionably, the most poetical topic in the world.”

It is one thing for a male superhero to die, but quite another for a female superhero to die and the audience would react more strongly to Natasha's death than to Rodney's.

...Rodney's.

R.I.P. Colonel James Rodney.

:awsm:

I mean I love Don Cheadle, but he's just not Rhodey for me. Everytime I see him I imagine what Terrance Howard would've done. He was nowhere near to becoming War Machine but I liked him more as a character back in the first one

Even though they portray the same character, I feel like the two interpretations were totally different. Howard's character seemed like a guy who tries to follow authority but gets... well, sidetracked to do what he thinks is ultimately right. Cheadle's character seems like a real goody two-shoes who always dots his i's and crosses his t's. I can't imagine Howard trying to take down Tony in IM2. Conversely, I can't imagine Cheadle having a password like "WARMACHINEROX". :p

They both did a great job, though.

Both of them did a great job but I felt that somewhere between the Iron Man and Iron Man 2 films, the Rhodey character had a personality altering event. And the
Rhodey to emerge on the other side was less familiar, slightly more hostile than the older Rhodey.

Another update on the Age of Ultron score, Danny Elfman who was credited as the provider of 'Additional Music', will be adapting Silvestri's theme from the 2012 Avengers for the new movie.

"I was doing the same thing actually just last week because I've contributed music to the new Avengers movie, I took part of Alan Silvestri's theme on the original [movie], which I really liked, and I pulled it into it new theme, which became kind of a hybrid. I really enjoyed that." - Danny Elfman


Source (http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/MarvelFreshman/news/?a=116646)

Another update on the Age of Ultron score, Danny Elfman who was credited as the provider of 'Additional Music', will be adapting Silvestri's theme from the 2012 Avengers for the new movie.

"I was doing the same thing actually just last week because I've contributed music to the new Avengers movie, I took part of Alan Silvestri's theme on the original [movie], which I really liked, and I pulled it into it new theme, which became kind of a hybrid. I really enjoyed that." - Danny Elfman


Source (http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/MarvelFreshman/news/?a=116646)

That's really interesting! Can't wait to hear it.

By the way, I've had to do a bit of skim reading here recently, so as to not spoil anything about The Avengers/Iron Man 3, as I still haven't seen them. Would you guys mind spoilering any info about the films that could be spoilers? I will watch them one day soon, I promise!!

That's really interesting! Can't wait to hear it.

By the way, I've had to do a bit of skim reading here recently, so as to not spoil anything about The Avengers/Iron Man 3, as I still haven't seen them. Would you guys mind spoilering any info about the films that could be spoilers? I will watch them one day soon, I promise!!

I only just recently got around to watching IM3. I think I've seen every single MCU film now (except for the Hulk film with Norton). I know that some people really disliked IM3, I actually thought it was pretty good. Not great, but still a fun watch.

Why would they need to hire Elfman to adapt Silvestri's theme?

I only just recently got around to watching IM3. I think I've seen every single MCU film now (except for the Hulk film with Norton). I know that some people really disliked IM3, I actually thought it was pretty good. Not great, but still a fun watch.

I think it's the worst film in the MCU. EDIT: Spoilered for Sulley

They took an awesome character (Mandarin) and made him into a drunk loser. They inexplicably fixed Tony's heart up at the end (why didn't he do that in Iron Man 2 when he was dying?). Tony said he would give up being Iron Man, which of course is a blatant lie since everyone knows he's back for Avengers 2 and beyond. They gave Pepper superpowers that I assume she'll never use again (why doesn't she join the Avengers? Seriously! She's indestructible!). They kept Happy alive for some reason, even though his death would hold so much weight. Tony gave his address to a terrorist and seemed really surprised when his house started being bombed. Pepper didn't see Tony rocket out of the ocean 20 seconds after he supposedly drowned for some reason. They never really bothered to clarify whether the Ten Rings was a real organization or something Killian made up by himself.

I make it sound horrible, but all in all it wasn't that bad of a movie. It just wasn't up to the standard that Marvel has set for itself.

Sully requested that anything "spoiler-ish" about IM3 or Avengers be spoiler tagged. :)

---------- Post added at 02:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 PM ----------

That being said I agree with your points. There are some major weaknesses. However:

I didn't mind the mandarin reveal, I thought it was funny. But I can see why people would be disappointed. After Pepper kills Killian she asks Tony if he can get rid of the extremis. Tony says he thinks so, and then in the ending monologue he says he fixed her. :)

---------- Post added at 03:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:58 PM ----------


Why would they need to hire Elfman to adapt Silvestri's theme?

Yeah, good question. Why not just have Tyler adapt the theme? Why did they need Elfman instead? My guess is that Elfman's music will be for the end credits scene, and then he will be scoring whatever future Marvel film is teased in that scene (Ant Man? Civil war?). Just a guess...

After Pepper kills Killian she asks Tony if he can get rid of the extremis. Tony says he thinks so, and then in the ending monologue he says he fixed her. :)


Oh.

I must have missed that part. :p

Thanks for the spoilers, guys! :)

I can't wait to see it, despite the negative reviews. More of RDJ as Anthony Stark couldn't possibly be a waste of time. Speaking of which...

Hang With Robert Downey Jr. at the World Premiere of Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron (http://www.omaze.com/experiences/robert-downey-jr?utm_source=social-facebook-celeb&utm_medium=video-experiencepreview&utm_content=14&utm_campaign=child_health-international&oa_h=l7lgn1)

I saw that video a couple days ago and it really made me laugh. It keeps getting funnier and funnier the longer it goes. :D

Screenrant (late to the party - we already knew) have written an article regarding Elfman's involvement in AoU. Here's a quote from the article:


Given Brian Tyler’s less-than-memorable themes for Thor 2 and Iron Man 3 (try humming them right now), it will be interesting to see how much – or how little – he builds off of Silvestri’s work.

I haven't seen either Thor 2 or Iron Man 3 yet, but I'm humming Tyler's IM3 theme right now... and loving every minute of it.

Iron Man 3 might not be the best score around, but the main theme is awesome. Same with Thor 2. I don't get the hate. If you want to label Thor 2 as a "Zimmer clone" score, that's your call. I'm not claiming it's super original, just a heck of a lot of fun to listen to. :D

These guys at Screenrant, which is a site I visit often, have no idea what they're talking about!
Tyler's themes are some of the best of the MCU, his theme for Iron Man is the best of the Trilogy!
Regarding Elfman, I might have an answer. They had to do some reshoots, so maybe Tyler wasn't available to score the new scenes (he was probably working on Furious 7), so Elfman was called in. And if that means Elfman will keep working with Marvel, I'm all for it!

Screenrant eagerly awaits news that Alaska and Hawaii have become our 49th and 50th states.

I like IM3 the best, the other two are alright, have them all on DVD. I enjoyed most of the Marvel movies so far. Avengers is still my favorite.

I like IM3 the best, the other two are alright, have them all on DVD. I enjoyed most of the Marvel movies so far. Avengers is still my favorite.

That's the most positive thing I've heard so far about IM3. Even better than the first one?!

The 1st one was very good, just liked the 3rd one better. After Avengers I think I started to like Iron Man more so that could have something to do with it. :)

I wonder if the inevitable giant Phase 2 box set will include most - if not all - of the deleted scenes for Iron Man 3; the inital cut ran over 3 hours! Unless it was an extra 45 minutes of Chinese product placement (http://kotaku.com/why-many-in-china-hate-iron-man-3s-chinese-version-486840429), maybe they would fill in some plot holes and make it more watchable.

"Final" Avengers: AoU trailer. It focuses on Black Widow.

Black Widow displays motorcycle finesse in the final Age of Ultron trailer - Movie News | JoBlo.com (http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/black-widow-displays-motorcycle-finesse-in-the-final-age-of-ultron-trailer-815)

More certain than ever Natasha dies.

Not looking forward to that moment.

At all.

But I thought I read she would be in Civil War.

True. And maybe she will. I could be completely wrong in my assumption. A part of me wants to be wrong.

However, Black Widow played a key role in CA:TWS and if her name was absent from Civil War's roster most people would conclude she dies in AoU. Marvel wants her death to be a surprise.

If Marvel is serious about making superhero movies with substance, then there must be serious consequences to the Avengers' actions otherwise it's just another rearranging of the deck chairs. What could cause Tony to support the registration of superheroes? That's a pretty drastic step. Tony's always presented himself as a fairly glib-everything-rolls-off-my-back kind of character but Natasha's death would pierce that armor. And Steve is closer than anyone to her. Her death would wound him.

Also the films have established the rivalry between Tony and Steve and Black Widow's death could turn rivalry into open opposition.

And as for Banner, maybe the fight between IM and the Hulk isn't a result of the Scarlet Witch's "magic" but Natasha's death. Imagine what her dying would do to Banner.

It would turn him truly into a rage monster.

I think War Machine is the one to die. He's expendable and not confirmed for any more movies.

No one cares about War Machine. The audience hasn't asked for a War Machine stand alone film as it has for Black Widow. War Machine hasn't had the screen time or been as integral to a movie as Black Widow.

Black Widow has no super powers, she's not encased in a suit of armor. She has her training and her wits.

Ultron kills War Machine its merely metal grinding metal.

Ultron kills the Black Widow its the villain killing a character whose become flesh and blood to the audience.

Also killing a woman, in particular a beautiful woman, by a physically superior adversary who enjoys inflicting harming, has - regardless of how egalitarian and gender blind society supposedly is today (and it's not) - a greater effect on the audience than killing a guy in a metal battle suit.

All those strong alpha males and none could save Natasha. If Ultron wants to tear them apart from the inside, well that would be a sure way of accomplishing that task.

Whedon is a writer and a good one and he knows one of the first rules of writing:

"Kill your darlings."

No one cares about War Machine. The audience hasn't asked for a War Machine stand alone film as it has for Black Widow. War Machine hasn't had the screen time or been as integral to a movie as Black Widow.

Black Widow has no super powers, she's not encased in a suit of armor. She has her training and her wits.

Ultron kills War Machine its merely metal grinding metal.

Ultron kills the Black Widow its the villain killing a character whose become flesh and blood to the audience.

Also killing a woman, in particular a beautiful woman, by a physically superior adversary who enjoys inflicting harming, has - regardless of how egalitarian and gender blind society supposedly is today (and it's not) - a greater effect on the audience than killing a guy in a metal battle suit.

All those strong alpha males and none could save Natasha. If Ultron wants to tear them apart from the inside, well that would be a sure way of accomplishing that task.

Whedon is a writer and a good one and he knows one of the first rules of writing:

"Kill your darlings."

Audiences do care about War Machine. He's one of the most popular supporting characters and has been there since the first MCU movie. People will care if he dies. Black Widow is just unlikely to die.

Really? What metric do you base your conclusion on? Didn't hear a great deal of outcry when Cheadle replaced Howard as War Machine. Audiences and fans haven't asked for a War Machine movie for one simple reason:

There's only room for one armored Avenger in the MCU and that Avenger is Iron Man. Lose War Machine and you still have Tony.

But there is only one Black Widow.

I have to agree with Killgrave. Although War Machine might be popular, so are all the characters, even Hawkeye. If Marvel are wanting to shock audiences, Black Widow is the way to go, albeit an unfortunate way to go.

Oh, and btw War Machine wasn't in the first MCU film. Howard was never War Machine. As CinemaSins put it, when Rhodey looks at the Mk II just before Tony fights Stane and says "Next time, baby.": "Yeah, but not you."

Moral of the Howard/Cheadle conversion: don't get on RDJ's bad side.

No suit for you.

Yeah. Pity really. I'd have loved to see what Howard would have been like in a suit.

I'm a Cheadle fan so I'm fine with the switch. He was great as the character Mouse in Devil in a Blue Dress. Stole the movie right from under Denzel, no easy task that.

War Machine and Don Cheadle are one of the main things that audiences praised about Iron Man 2 and 3 from various reviews from critics and audiences.

Well I'm still sticking by War Machine since he makes more sense to kill off in terms of the story, while Black Widow doesn't.

Tony's creation goes rogue and kills his best friend. That's better juice for the story and Tony's character arc. It can even lead into Civil War: "This is what happens when Superhumans aren't controlled, people close to you die."

Tony and Black Widow don't have much of an on screen relationship. Her death would really only effect Cap, Hulk and Hawkeye most in terms of character development. Tony and Widow barely talk in Avengers. Hell, they barely talk in Iron Man 2. If the death is to impact Tony's character and set Civil War in motion then Hulk and War Machine are the best options.

Even then, it doesn't make sense to try and predict who Whedon will kill off. He always kills off who you least expect. The character who, as soon as they die, you go "Damn, I really liked that character. I miss them." You only realise you miss them when they die.

Who expected Joyce, Tara, Anya and Spike to die in Buffy? Doyle, Cordelia, Fred and Wesley in Angel? Wash in Firefly/Serenity? Coulson in Avengers? If you predicted those you must be Whedon himself. The thing about his deaths is that no one saw them coming. Even if you guessed someone was going to die, it was always the character you least expected. So I'm betting War Machine, but I know for a fact it'll be someone we haven't thought of. Black Widow is safe. As is Iron Man and Captain America.

When was War Machine's last appearance in the MCU? Two years ago. When was the Widow's last appearance in the MCU? One year ago in CA: TWS. Which movie IM3 or TWS is in heavy rotation on cable? TWS.

Why no Black Widow film in Marvel's future plans? Why instead a Carol Danvers Captain Marvel film? Lucy showed Johansson can carry a picture to the finish line. Marvel would make drug cartel dollars with a Widow stand alone and Marvel has shown itself incredibly savvy at making movies that make money.

Why does the final Avengers' trailer focus on Black Widow? Why her being chummy with Banner? Why is the trailer's almost final shot her fighting Ultron with Cap's shield. She has no armor, no super strength, no arrows to fire from a distance, but she has the courage to take on Ultron in hand to hand combat. Why center a multi-million dollar ad campaign on one character?

Answer: Black Widow dies. You kill War Machine, a guy protected by a suit of armor, you're just killing a guy in a team composed mostly of guys. Most enhanced, Hawkeye excluded, in some way. Ultron kills her it effects Cap and the Hulk but mostly the audience. (And Whedon did it before by killing Coulson, who faced off with a demigod and lost.)

I've paraphrased Poe before and I do it again: more lines of poetry and prose have been written about the death of a beautiful woman than any other topic.

And May 1st will render this discussion moot.

Oh man.

I wasn't really taking your prediction that seriously before, but you make some damn good points.

Now I'm going to be tense throughout the whole movie waiting to see if you're right or not. :p

Also: the Russo bros. are confirmed to be directing Avengers 3 and 4 (http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/MarvelFreshman/news/?a=118272).

I loved what I saw in The Winter Soldier, and I'm excited to see some Avengers movies in that style.

Why does the final Avengers' trailer focus on Black Widow? Why her being chummy with Banner? Why is the trailer's almost final shot her fighting Ultron with Cap's shield. She has no armor, no super strength, no arrows to fire from a distance, but she has the courage to take on Ultron in hand to hand combat. Why center a multi-million dollar ad campaign on one character?


Because she's an immensly popular character in the MCU. Just like how the Avengers marketing focused on Iron Man. They're just focusing on the characters audiences respond to. It doesn't mean anything. It's just marketing. What's popular = What's focused on in the marketing.

I would hate to see Black Widow die, she has good interaction with the other Avenger hero's and looks great. War Machine is also popular but He and Hawkeye seem more expendable. But if Marvel wants to hit the audience hard her death would do it.

Because she's an immensly popular character in the MCU. Just like how the Avengers marketing focused on Iron Man. They're just focusing on the characters audiences respond to. It doesn't mean anything. It's just marketing. What's popular = What's focused on in the marketing.

No, good marketing has a purpose, a reason, a goal it is trying to achieve. If Marvel wanted popular Cap or Iron Man would have been the focus of the trailer because they are probably Marvel's favorite sons. Again, the final third of the trailer is Widow-centric. Not Cap, Thor, IM or Hulk. Why? Because that's the character Marvel wants you to remember. Why? It's not because there's a Widow film in the future, because there's not. They are elevating her character, a supporting character for a reason. She's popular, but why pay that much attention to a character that has no future in the MCU?

You rise someone up so that she can fall, so that she can have the hero's death. You have the least powerful Avenger go toe-to-toe with the Avengers' most powerful threat to date. No armor, no super strength, just Cap's shield. My guess, that's where Ultron breaks Cap's shield.

Then Ultron breaks Black Widow.

Her death would really only effect Cap, Hulk and Hawkeye most in terms of character development. If the death is to impact Tony's character and set Civil War in motion then Hulk and War Machine are the best options.

Using your own logic, Black Widow makes perfect sense. Iron Man isn't the only main character in Civil War. Cap's there too. And if this death is going to help set Civil War up, Black Widow's death would work for Cap in exactly the same way that you're saying War Machine's death would affect Tony.

And Killgrave is right - that shot of her going head on with Ultron himself is a pretty good indication of an epic (and ultimately tragic) showdown.

But let's just wait and see, shall we?

Amen to that. Who knows, I could be stuffed topful of wild blueberry muffins on this one. It might be War Machine who bites the dust or metal shavings in his case. I think that would be the equivalent of a Star Trek Red Shirt Death and it would tell me Marvel wants to play it safe. Much as I like Black Widow, in order to make the Civil War storyline one with weight and heft, it demands a death of consequence.

Hers.

And it sets the stage for the death of Captain America at the hands or guns of Crossbones in Civil War.

I agree that Black Widow will die. Once civil war was announced, i was wondering what would drive Cap and Tony against each other. Widow's death would be a big part of that.

I am also thinking that perhaps (perhaps) Tony will die in Civil War. I know it sounds crazy, but I think that in the end Tony will make up for his mistakes (Ultron etc...) and sacrifice himself to save the others from something or other. From what I understand, in the comics Cap dies in Civil War. I think maybe they'll do twist and surprise everyone. Plus they can get rid of RDJ's huge money contract. What do you all think? Am I crazy? I could be completely wrong, but it's just something I've been thinking about. :)

No, good marketing has a purpose, a reason, a goal it is trying to achieve. If Marvel wanted popular Cap or Iron Man would have been the focus of the trailer because they are probably Marvel's favorite sons. Again, the final third of the trailer is Widow-centric. Not Cap, Thor, IM or Hulk. Why? Because that's the character Marvel wants you to remember. Why? It's not because there's a Widow film in the future, because there's not. They are elevating her character, a supporting character for a reason. She's popular, but why pay that much attention to a character that has no future in the MCU?

You rise someone up so that she can fall, so that she can have the hero's death. You have the least powerful Avenger go toe-to-toe with the Avengers' most powerful threat to date. No armor, no super strength, just Cap's shield. My guess, that's where Ultron breaks Cap's shield.

Then Ultron breaks Black Widow.

Or maybe it's because Widow was one of the most popular parts of TA and TWS so they're making her a big part of the marketing this time around. The "She's in the marketing a lot so must die" doesn't make sense. She's in the marketing a lot as she's a popular character. More popular now then she was for Avengers 1. So she's a focus of the marketing. Just like how Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch will be a big part of the IW marketing if they're very popular after this. Movie marketing is all about getting you into the theatre. So it shows you what you want to see. Avengers 1 marketing: Iron Man, Captain America and Thor in the same movie! Avengers 2 Marketing: All of the Avengers are back and facing a new villain! So the marketing is focusing on the most popular Avengers which are Iron Man, Hulk, Cap and Black Widow. Notice how Thor isn't focused on much in the marketing? Because he's not as popular as the others. So Disney is showing us the characters they think we want to see, not the characters thaat are important. Also Disney is doing the marketing and they're showing us what they think will make us go see it. So Black Widow is hugely popular = More people will go see it if we show Black Widow is in it a lot. Remember how Disney focused on Olaf and the comedy in the Frozen trailers as they thought that was the most popular part of it? Then after release trailers shifted to focus on Elsa? Because the trailers focus on Black Widow it doesn't mean she's going to die. It's just because Disney are anticipating her being one of the most popular characters in the film. Those Black Widow action figures won't sell themselves.

---------- Post added at 03:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:10 PM ----------


that shot of her going head on with Ultron himself is a pretty good indication of an epic (and ultimately tragic) showdown.

Well... not necessarily. Who's to say Thor doesn't swoop in seconds later to help out? Can't judge from a trailer. Remember when people said Tony would be in trouble when we saw the "We have a Hulk" clips because Tony was unarmoured and facing off with Loki? He wasn't. He got a new suit and blasted Loki minutes later. Just because we see a shot of Black Widow fighting Ultron, it doesn't mean she'll lose. She could hold him off for a few minutes then someone else comes to help out. Or Ultron could leave, deciding Iron Man/Thor/Hulk are a bigger threat. I think that scene ends with Hulk charging in and saving her.

I am also thinking that perhaps (perhaps) Tony will die in Civil War.

Naaahhhh. I'm thinking they'll save all the BIG deaths (i.e. characters with their own films) for Infinity War.

Then they'll transition from the Phase 1 Avengers to a new team.

The numbers tell the story: percentage of audience were women -

Avengers 40%
Iron Man 3 42%
Guardians of the Galaxy 44%
Frozen 57%
Maleficent 60%
Hunger Games: Catching Fire 59%

What do those last three films have in common: female leads. Who are the leads in most young adult films, Hunger Games, Twilight, Divergent, The Fault in Our Stars: women. Two of the biggest money making films, Gravity & The Heat, featured women. Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy put asses in seats.

If ever there was a shut-up-and-take-my-money scenario its that of a female driven superhero movie. And Black Widow should be the perfect candidate for that movie. Thanks to the Marvel films her onscreen presence is already front loaded into the public's awareness, no starting from ground zero. (I think it was James Cameron who said the best trailer for Terminator 2 was the first Terminator.)

And with a Captain Marvel movie in the pipeline, Marvel is not letting all that money just sit in people's wallets. They are going after it. Marvel knows to plan for the future you must make the future. Look at how it has changed the movie world since the first Iron Man. Superheroes have undergone a sea change, they are no longer films just for kids or young adults, they can be quite serious. Take the superhero elements out of CA: TWS and it still would have worked as a political thriller.

Yet instead of going with a Widow film Marvel chose Captain Marvel to be its first female superhero movie. This is a character the non comic book reading community knows zero about. Just like GoTG they are starting at square one in audience recognition. Why the Captain instead of the Widow?

Because Black Widow dies. Her death will be felt more and have greater consequences than the death of War Machine. You just get another guy to fill the suit. You don't even see his face most of the time. War Machine is anonymous, expressionless. The suit makes the man, help makes him a hero.

But the Widow, its all her. She made and re-made herself from a spy with red in her ledger into a hero. A human hero who will die at the hands of an inhuman villain.

Dude, your case gets stronger by the day. I'll be surprised now if she doesn't die.

Widow isn't going to die IMO. Maybe Marvel has their own reasons for not making a Black Widow movie. Maybe it just doesn't fit in with their current plans. Maybe they're struggling to find the right story? The right script? Just because there isn't a Black Widow movie yet doesn't mean anything at all. A lot goes into movie production. Marvel aren't like other studios. Most studios go "You will write X movie by Y date." Marvel is more "We have an idea for a movie we're interested in doing, but we're trying to find the right team for it." Maybe the reason Black Widow hasn't been made yet is because Marvel isn't confident they can find the right scriptwriters and director in time for Phase 3 so would rather wait for Phase 4 for a Black Widow movie. Captain Marvel got a movie in Phase 3 because MArvel is confident they can deliver the best movie they can with that character then.

Maybe Hulk will die?

Black Window is about the only well known strong female roll so far, for balance and the audience I think she will survive. But what do I know? I more of a Star Trek fan than a super hero fan. Avengers was the movie that got me interested again in comic book super heroes.

Maybe Hulk will die?

I don't think the Hulk can die. Banner said he put a gun in his mouth, pulled the trigger and the "other guy" spat out the bullet.

As for the Widow, I don't want her to die. She is one of my favorites. (Hell, the only action figures I own are of the Black Widow. Well, her and the Hulkbuster. Call it a weakness.) Smart, resourceful, tough, beautiful: what's not to like? I'd rather that my nieces look to her as a role model than someone like Kim-my-butt-broke-the-Internet-what's-her-face. (And for the record they do look up to the Widow. Although it changes weekly from Katniss to Elsa to Natasha.)

But from a storytelling perspective her death is a necessity. Especially if Marvel wants to elevate the superhero genre. Killing a lesser known character is a cheat and the audience will see through that sleight of hand. People have become much more sophisticated in their expectations. They might not be always able to put into words or discern what exactly is unsatisfactory about the story but they'll know the studio is playing it safe instead of swinging for the fences.

But in about three weeks we'll know for sure. Earlier if you live overseas. And if I'm wrong you can tell "I told you so." And if I'm wrong a part of me will be happy that Nat didn't die, but a greater part will be disappointed because Marvel choked.

Maybe Hulk will die?

You can't kill the Hulk.

In one Avengers cartoon, Hulk was shown to be stronger than the force of gravity at any level (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyM7LsOXQDk&t=3m29s). If that doesn't kill him then nothing can.

My theory at some point he'll be jettisoned off into space, like in Planet Hulk. Where would this storyline go? Well, who else live in space...? ()

I'm guessing the Avengers were fighting Gravitron at the time. No joke. Name of Marvel villain. And the Hulk is essentially a gamma bomb on two legs and energy cannot be created or destroyed, its form merely shifted.

I think there was a Marvel one shot where Hulk was the last man on Earth after a global nuclear war. The Hulk fed off the radiation that killed everyone which in turn made him immortal.

I wonder if the Hulk ages as Banner does or is he, the Hulk, immortal? That would be a sight, an eighty year old Banner hulking out.

I wonder if the Hulk ages as Banner does or is he, the Hulk, immortal? That would be a sight, an eighty year old Banner hulking out.

There was a cartoon that depicted an aged Banner/Hulk.
I think it's the teenty tot avengers.

I saw a trailer for the series.
Banner had grey hair, so did Hulk.

---------- Post added at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:30 PM ----------

Robert Bruce Banner (Earth-807128)
Robert Bruce Banner (Earth-807128) - Marvel Comics Database (http://marvel.wikia.com/Robert_Bruce_Banner_%28Earth-807128%29)

Weaknesses


As he ages considerably, Banner's healing factor has weakened progressively, noticing how he ate Logan, and when Logan sliced open his stomach, Banner didn't heal from the wounds, and instead died. Also, when he was younger, he was exposed to a million gamma bombs, which damaged his mind enough for him to forcibly turn evil.

There's probably lots more out there.
Found that image googling for "banner hulk old age".

https://www.google.ca/search?newwindow=1&safe=off&hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=856&q=banner+hulk+old+age&oq=banner+hulk+old+age&gs_l=img.3...2532.5922.0.6161.19.13.0.6.1.0.59.573 .12.12.0.msedr...0...1ac.1.64.img..7.12.530.AXo8OU MFRPA

Proving that growing old is not for sissies.

Hulk with grey hair, found the kiddie avengers movie I was trying to remember.

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008) (Video)
Image - Hulk Threatens Pym NAHT.jpg - Marvel Animated Universe Wiki (http://marvelanimated.wikia.com/wiki/File:Hulk_Threatens_Pym_NAHT.jpg)

here's trailer in "HD" (MOVIECLIPS channel is run by third-world country so they never have any actual HD videos)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv7KWWFRY6w

I saw the trailer attached the Hulk VS. bluray.
2 movies of Hulk fighting someone.
Movie 1) Hulk VS. The Wolverine
Movie 2) Hulk VS. Thor
or interchange, whatever, I don't care. They were both on the disc.
i don't think there's any chronology/continuity between the two.

Trying to establish continuity in comics is like trying to nail smoke to the wall.

Gross... just take a framed picture off the wall, you'll see all the nicotine and shit that's been fermenting on the wall over the years.

Movies I thought were the best (so far):

Avengers - I really enjoyed this. I watch it pretty frequently. Can't wait for the next one this May.

Captain America: Winter Soldier - Liked this better than the first one. Scarlett Witch cameo at the end was great. Seems like Winter Soldier may be Cap's side should the character return to the movies.

Guardians Of The Galaxy - Packed with humor and action. Batista was great as Drax. It was probably his best movie role so far. Loved Chris Pratt's portrayal of Star Lord. Groot was as cool as Groot could be. Vin Diesel played him well. And Rocket Raccoon came off a hell of a lot better than I thought as I didn't have much expectations for him. I'm not familiar with Guardians, but have since gotten to reading the comics since enjoying this great movie.

(Unrelated to the Avengers Phase) X-Men: Days of Future Past - The best X-Men film alongside First Class and X2: X-Men United. Enough said. I can see the next one keeping up with the momentum.

Thoughts on some upcoming MCU movies:

Avengers: Age of Ultron - I have high hopes for this one. It's not often that sequels are better than the original. But this may be one of very few exceptions. We'll see seeing new characters (well new to the Avengers films anyway) in Quicksilver, Scarlett Witch, Ultron, and others. Maybe Spiderman too.

Ant Man - Not familiar with Ant Man. I hope it's good.

Captain America 3 - I believe this Cap movie will be called Civil War. With Marvel and Sony coming to terms on Spiderman, he's set to debut in the MCU in this film. I hope Winter Soldier returns. Wonder who the villain will be.

Black Panther - Yes! Many have wanted a Panther movie for years and we're finally getting one. I just hope it lives up to expectations.

Deadpool - It's getting an R rating. Deadpool recently died in the comics.The movie's been in development, I believe for years so hopefully it would have been well worth all the wait.

Doctor Strange - Like Black Panther, fans have wanted a Strange movie and I believe they're on the verge of getting it.

Wolverine 3 - I loved Wolverine 2. IMO, better than the first one. The Extended Cut of Wolverine 2 is even better. I hope Wolverine 3 keeps up the momentum. Hugh Jackman teased that Wolverine 3 will be his last time playing the character (though there's always the chance of a return) so I hope they send him off in a great way.

The Avengers: Infinity Wars - The movie will be divided into 2 parts. If this is it for Th Avenger films, it should go out with a BIG BANG.

Spiderman - Spidey's getting yet another reboot. When Sam Raimi left the franchise, it was the end of the Tobey McGuire Spiderman films although Spidey 3 would have probably been the end of that franchise anyway. Once Marvel and Sony came to terms on Spiderman, it was the end of the Andre Garfield Spiderman films. Amazing Spiderman 2 wasn't great so it may have caused the end of that franchise anyway. But with Marvel now being allowed to have Spiderman in the MCU, they want to reboot the franchise without Andrew citing he's too old to play Peter Parker as Marvel wants to begin he reboot with Peter in high school.

There were reports about films on Ms. Marvel, Spider-Woman, Sinister Six and a Venom spinoff. I don't know the status of those movies. But depending on the cast and story, I'd be interested in seeing them.

nincity15, you seem pretty on top of things in the Marvel Universe. I got into the marvel movies with Avengers, before that the movie like Iron Man were alright but nothing I got excited about. Guardians of the Galaxy was great, the right mixture of action and humor. I can hardly wait for the next episode. I also liked Captain America 2 better than the 1st one which wasn't bad. I really liked the last couple of X-men movies, they seem to be getting better.

@max_stein:
Yeah I'm a DC/Marvel guy. Can't pick one over the other, generally speaking. But speaking strictly about superheroes, I'm a Batman guy. Who are your favorite Marvel characters?

Mine:

Good - Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze), Wolverine, Storm, Morph (when he was good), Deadpool, Spiderman, Dr. Strange, Iron Man/War Machine, Thor, Daredevil, and I like Rogue's and Cyclops' power.

Bad - Sentinels (the original TAS look and voice), Magneto, Galactus, Dr. Doom, Apocalypse, Mr. Sinister (because of his TAS voice and look) , Venom, Carnage, Dormammu (not sure if I'm spelling that right)

Can't think of any more at the moment.

We've seen so many superhero movies. But we haven't seen any villains get a film except for Catwoman and the upcoming Suicide Squad (both of which are DC properties) though I don't know that they're villains completely. I see them more as a group of anti-heroes. I'd like to see (Marvel) villain movies on Dr. Doom and Galactus for starters focusing on their origins. You seen the new Daredevil show? You should. Way better than the 2003 movie. I very much enjoyed it.

By the way, nice signature quote. I believe what doesn't kill you does make you stronger.

Thoughts on some upcoming MCU movies:
Avengers: Age of Ultron - I have high hopes for this one. It's not often that sequels are better than the original. But this may be one of very few exceptions. We'll see seeing new characters (well new to the Avengers films anyway) in Quicksilver, Scarlett Witch, Ultron, and others. Maybe Spiderman too.

Chances of seeing Spider-man in this are slim to none as the production was well under way when the Sony-Marvel deal happened. Nobody's even been casted yet.


Captain America 3 - I believe this Cap movie will be called Civil War. With Marvel and Sony coming to terms on Spiderman, he's set to debut in the MCU in this film. I hope Winter Soldier returns. Wonder who the villain will be.

Prolly Crossbones as they've spent a major portion of CA:TWS introducing us to him. But the movie will most likely focus on the Team Cap vs. Team Iron Man more or less rather than on a traditional 'hero vs. villain' scenario. It'll prolly be up to the audience to pick a side to root for.


Doctor Strange - Like Black Panther, fans have wanted a Strange movie and I believe they're on the verge of getting it.

They are getting it. It's scheduled for November 4th, 2016. Scott Derrickson directing from a script by Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer (rewrites by Jon Spaihts) with Benedict Cumberbatch as the Stephen Strange.


The Avengers: Infinity Wars - The movie will be divided into 2 parts. If this is it for Th Avenger films, it should go out with a BIG BANG.

This is it for Phase 3 of the MCU. The Avengers will prolly have a different line-up by the end of this one but the Avengers films will continue.







Just a reminder this is how the table stands currently,

@Helix:

Thanks for the info and table.

"Chances of seeing Spider-man in this are slim to none as the production was well under way when the Sony-Marvel deal happened. Nobody's even been casted yet."

Agree about Spiderman. He is set to debut in Cap 3 though. There have been casts made for Avengers 2. Of course Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth will return to their respective superhero roles. ScarJo will reprise Black Widow. I assume Samuel Jackson will return as Nick Fury (the Agents of SHIELD show which takes place in the same universe has me believing Fury's dead. But I think he's just hiding out somewhere.) and Clark Gregg will return as Agent Phil Coulson. I don't know about Jeremy Renner/Hawkeye though. But new to the Avengers films, Scarlett Witch and Quicksilver have been cast. IGN did an interview with the actor and actress who will portray them.

nincity15, I enjoyed marvel/dc comics as a kid but I am really a Star Trek Fan. As a kid, I loved the old Batman series and went to the movie. The new Batman movies are pretty dark so I didn't enjoy them as much. I never got into Spider Man or the Hulk except in the Avengers then Hulk rocked. Magneto is an awesome villain who can also be a good guy at times. I like that in a super villain. I like most of the X men characters, X men 1st class is still my favorite X men movies. After Avengers I liked all the main characters. Didn't enjoy the 1st Thor movie but liked the last one. Captain America Winter Soldier rocked, the 1st Captain America was alright. I think my turning point with really liking Marvel movies was The Avengers after that I felt a connection with Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Black widow, Iron Man and Hawkeye.

There have been casts made for Avengers 2. Of course Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth will return to their respective superhero roles. ScarJo will reprise Black Widow. I assume Samuel Jackson will return as Nick Fury (the Agents of SHIELD show which takes place in the same universe has me believing Fury's dead. But I think he's just hiding out somewhere.) and Clark Gregg will return as Agent Phil Coulson. I don't know about Jeremy Renner/Hawkeye though. But new to the Avengers films, Scarlett Witch and Quicksilver have been cast. IGN did an interview with the actor and actress who will portray them.

I meant casting for the new guy playing Spider-man. Everyone for AoU has not only been casted, they've filmed everything already.

Helix, thanks for posting the table , makes it easier to keep track of all the upcoming movies.

Apparently rumours heavily suggest Baron Zemo will be the villain in Civil War.

Yes!!! Finally they've seen the light.


...as HitFix‘s Drew McWeeny noted, the [Age of Ultron] score composed by Brian Tyler – and featuring contributions from Danny Elfman - “finally did the great version of the ‘weave their themes together’ score” for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Silvestri's first Avengers score is great, but I cannot wait to hear this!! Seeing as Tyler did IM3, I'm assuming that's the theme that they'll be using for Tony. Similarly with Thor.

Baron Zemo

http://i.imgur.com/kkWTXkO.gif

---------- Post added at 02:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:29 PM ----------





"Untitled Batman Movie", year unknown.

It better be 2017, liked immediately with BvsS.
Ben Affleck is old.

They're going to have to recast again very soon.
They should get all the Batman actors to appear in that untitled movie.
Let them all be supervillains in Arkham Asylum.

Zemo was an old enemy of Captain America from WWII, who was in the original comics. And he died a violent death several issues later anyway.

It made sense then because it had only been about a couple decades since the war. But it's been, what, over 70 years since WWII by now, so I can't see how they'd be able to claim Zemo is an old enemy of Cap's in the film.

Maybe he'll just be a Hydra scientist with no connection to Cap at all.

It is Hollywood, anything can happen!

@Helix:

Yeah true Avengers 2 is coming out next month so filming is probably done or close to it. But yeah the new Spiderman film has a way to go before cast, crew, release date is set. Considering he's set to debut in Cap 3which is coming out May 6 next year, they'll focus on casting him soon. Freddie Highmore (Norman Bates from Bates Motel) has stated he wants to play Peter Parker. I don't know. I think he may be too associated with the Norman Bates role since the show's in its 3rd season now and people really like him in that role. That doesn't mean he'll be a bad Peter Parker so I'm not knocking him. But Peter cannot be close to being Norman Bates like obviously, even of the Venom symbiote turned him into the black Spiderman like it did to Tobey's Peter Parker in Sam Raimi's Spiderman 3.

@The Sparktank 2.1:

I love Batman. But a new Bat movie in 2017 IMO is too soon. Batman Begins came out in 2005. Before that the last Bat film was Batman & Robin in 1997. That's a nine year gap. The Nolan trilogy ended in 2012. Another Bat movie in 2017 is only a 5 year gap. I get Batman needs his own movie to build him up for the Justice League film. But I rather they wait on a new Batman movie and focus on having solo movies on some of the other Justice League members and/or villains. Again, just my opinion.

If they are going to do a Batman movie, I want them to resurrect the live action Batman Beyond movie that was planned, but ultimately abandoned. Not really a fan of a high school teenage Batman, but....or a Robin and Nightwing solo movies.

I know Wonder Woman and Flash are getting solo films. Superman had one with Man of Steel. That's 3 (with Batman, it's 4) solo movies on JL members, which I'm guessing will be 6-8 members in the JL movie. Captain Marvel's getting one but I don't know if he's going to be part of the JL team. Green Lantern might be though and I think they're planning a movie on him. I'd want a movie on Hawkgirl and Arrow. If Amell won't be The Arrow in the movie and he sated he preferred working on the TV show over an Arrow movie, then Josh Harnett who I believe played Green Arrow in Smallville should be Arrow in the movie. He was great although I find Amell to be the best live action Arrow.

Ok enough about DC. This is a Marvel thread. I am creating a DC thread so the conversation could continue there.

@max_stein:

Star Trek...I liked Deep Space Nine and Voyager. They were good. But I didn't get into Star Trek until The Next Generation which I think is still the best. I stopped after Voyager. But I like the two movies that came out recently and am awaiting the third. Also awaiting Star Wars because I'm curious how they will follow Return of The Jedi, especially with the villain factor. But this is a conversation best continued on a Star Trek/Star Wars thread.

Hulk...the Ed Norton movie was better than the Eric Bana one from 2003. But I think Mark Ruffalo's the best Hulk/Banner. They really should so a Hulk movie with him. A Nick Fury movie and one on Black Widow would be nice too. I agree about Magneto. I like Mystique's shape shifting abilities.

Ok enough about DC. This is a Marvel thread. I am creating a DC thread so the conversation could continue there.


We've already got one. (Thread 185191)

Casting Ben Affleck was like casting Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark.

RDJ is getting too old now, and showing it.
Hugh Jackman is getting too old for Wolverine and showing it.

When MR was cast for Banner in Avengers, he was great.
But old.
Just the very short clip post-credits in Iron Man 3, you can see MR appearing much older than everyone else.

If Affleck does Batman in 2020, he's going to be grandpa Batman.

Affleck, RDJ and MR can start a new Expendables trilogy in 2020.
That's their future.

---------- Post added at 03:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:29 PM ----------


Star Trek...



Ok enough about Star Trek. This is a Marvel thread.

]@TheSkeletonMan939:

Oh thanks for the link to to the DC thread.

@Thesparktank 2.1:

Casting Affleck is like casting Downey Jr....I agree because when Robert was cast as Iron Man, people felt he wasn't a good fit. But he proved them wrong. They were all over the Affleck casting, even posting online petitions to change the casting before he even portrayed the character.

RDJ, Jackman getting old....don't care. They can still pull it off as they've proven. If it looks that's the issue, technology allows them to look younger than they actually are. I don't know who else would best fit those roles. No one looks like Stark and Logan more than RDJ and Jackman nor do I think anyone will surpass their portrayals, especially Jackman. The last time I saw Ruffalo was Avengers 1. He's done some things since then I'm sure. Just haven't seen him. He looked young to me in Avengers, but that was 2012. No idea what he looks like now. But despite his age, he's the best Hulk/Banner until someone can top him.

I don't know if Affleck is gonna do Batman in 2020. No one does. He may feel he's too old at that time. If they ever did a Batman Beyond movie, I think Keaton would be the best Bruce Wayne because he's older than Bale and Affleck. 2020 is still years away. There's so much to focus on right now. The world will worry about 2020 later. Right now, no point.

Speaking of Batman, I know video game movies usually suck. I still think Mortal Kombat (1995) is the best one. But I want to see them adapt Injustice: Gods Among Us and the Arkham series including Knight into live action movies.

RDJ is Iron Man/Stark. He and the suit are one.

Marvel will never be able to find another actor to portray Tony. Yes, RDJ's done other movies, but he will forever be remembered first and foremost as the real-life Tony Stark.

nincity15, DS9 is my favorite after TOS, I am currently watching Voyager season 5. I didn't get to see much of Voyager or Enterprise when they came out so they both are pretty new to me. I picked up both series. I watch several episodes a night. Except for a break to watch Hobbit 3 I been watching Voyager every night. I also like the new Star Trek movies, they did a good job picking out actors. I saw the 1st Star Wars movie in German in 1978 and have been a fan ever sense. Mystique is beautiful even in blue.

---------- Post added at 01:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------

James P Sullivan, I totally agree with you, RDJ is Iron Man and lets face it with a suit like his even an 80 year old great grand father can be a super hero :)

Marvel's Spider-Man confirmed for 2017 (http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/KingPatel/news/?a=118500). But I'm still hoping for at least a cameo in Civil War.

They're putting him back in high school again. Why? I'm kind of sick of seeing him in high school. Is it because it makes him seem young and inexperienced?

After the ASM franchise I'd much rather see Peter take a gap year between high school and college so that he can focus on taking care of his aunt and, well, being Spider-Man. That way you eliminate the school setting but still keep him a young guy. But I still trust Marvel will do a good job.

Sounds good and crappy at the same time.

I agree, they need to cut the cord with that character now.
I'm getting tired of "origin" stories. I've seen so many bloody origin stories on Spider-Man, he's gotten nowhere in film.
And he's going nowhere again.

What a disappointment.

Prolly waste the entire movie going through the school bullying, the pretty girl and the death of an uncle all over again.

I must admit this gap year idea sounds great. Weird how TASM's writers couldn't see it.

There has been chatter about them going the comic route which if they follow, should mean Spider-man's identity being revealed during the Civil War movie. Now that would change things for a standalone Spider Man movie especially if it chronologically follows Cap 3 instead of occurring before it.

Oh god. I forgot about the uncle...
Took over an hour for him to die in TAS...

I love Martin Sheen. But, come on, already! We have a story to move along.
The uncle in 2002 was completely forgettable and not a valid storyline to push Parker to be Spider-Man.
Not even to defend his useless aunt that's never in the movie for anything besides making pancakes.

:sigh:

I think they should twist it and kill both of them.
Let him be completely on his own.
And let James Franco adopt him.
Only to find out Franco is the millionaire bad guy who learns his lesson too late, dies and gives everything to Parker so he can be the Bruce Wayne of Spider-Man.

Just no more origin stories, please. Apparently the plan is to focus on the Spider instead of the Man meaning teenager as superhero first - played by an actual teenage actor and not a twenty-four year old - and hopefully romance dead last. Leave Peter's love life for the second film.

And make his first villain Kraven the Hunter.

You know in some ways it's a shame, Felicia Hardy and the Sinister Six guys were going to make for an interesting third film. Villain-wise, the new writers have a lot of good options.

They made a lot of mistakes though in TASM2. Let's just have someone like Whedon or Gunn in charge of Spider-man for a change. Not Raimi not Webb, someone with an interest beyond getting a paycheck. Someone who can not only make films with a distinctive flavor but also really know and care for the tales. Someone who knows how to blend the funny stuff with the tragic stuff. Spidey is quite similar to Tony Stark in many ways than not. He's suffered and continues to suffer with very few moments of warm sunlight in between, but with the mask on he's different. Almost bulletproof, it's as if his past fades away and he can kid around and mess with bad guys before tossing them out. Peter's is only human while Spidey's another species.

After Avengers: AoU Whedon says he is retiring from superheroes that's why the Russo brothers will helm the Infinity Wars films. I'd love for James Cameron to direct a Spider-Man film, as he was once slated to, but that ship, not the Titanic, has sailed.

Justin Lin or James Wan comes to mind.

I don't think Cameron can do anything these days besides Avatar.

He's too old school in a new world.

Besides, he has to do up to Avatar 4 or something.

We need young blood to take over the movies.
Not whoever is doing Fantastic Four. I already see that as a failure.
Not any of the teen drama/action flicks either. Entirely different genre of films.

It can't be a director who will try work hard on making it a serious drama.
We have plenty of dark/nolan films by now.

Let's have pure action, no brainers.

Apparently, Drew Goddard of Cabin in the Woods is the front runner to write and direct Spidey's first MCU adventure.

And age is not necessarily a detriment and youth not necessarily an asset. You mentioned Cameron, no spring chicken he, yet with Avatar, regardless of how one perceives the actual merits of the film, he changed movies with that one film. Suddenly, 3D movies were back in vogue and computer animation wasn't for kids. Because of Cameron's experience he created a movie to be filmed in 3D and knew how to take advantage of the format. He didn't, as so many directors did afterwards, post-converted a film to 3D. And, of course, they looked like crap and almost as quickly the 3D phenomenon died because almost none of the films looked as good as Avatar.

Also most of those directors don't have Cameron's talent. The man cannot make a film that is epic in nature. His movies don't stop at the four corners of the screen, they go beyond.

George Miller is another example of age being an asset. I don't know how Mad Max: Fury Road is going to play out at the box office but the cinematography showcased in the trailers is magnificent. No shaky cam, no ADD editing, you can see the action, no blink and you might miss it sleight of hand. Most of the action is practical, very little CGI and you can see the difference. Miller was able to do that because years of hands on experience.

And I want my action films to have brains. If I want a no brainer there's Michael Bay, Simon West, Stephen Somers, Taken 2 & 3, Expendables 2 & 3, etc, etc, etc. An action movie shouldn't require the audience leaves their brains at home in order to enjoy the film.

There's a lovely choice.

Marvel's Spider-Man confirmed for 2017 (http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/KingPatel/news/?a=118500). But I'm still hoping for at least a cameo in Civil War.

They're putting him back in high school again. Why? I'm kind of sick of seeing him in high school. Is it because it makes him seem young and inexperienced?

After the ASM franchise I'd much rather see Peter take a gap year between high school and college so that he can focus on taking care of his aunt and, well, being Spider-Man. That way you eliminate the school setting but still keep him a young guy. But I still trust Marvel will do a good job.

That's another confirmed movie for 2017 on my to watch list.

They're putting him back in HS again because now that he's part of the MCU, they want to start from the beginning under the Marvel umbrella to properly introduce him. Yes everyone knows his origin. But an origin story being the first film in a franchise is the proper way to start the franchise like it or not. If anything, Bolan's Batman trilogy should have proven that.

From what I read in an IGN article involving the involved parties working on Civil War, it looks to me that Spidey WILL have a cameo in the movie. Whether it's as Peter Parker or him him in the Spidey suit remains to be seen.

For everyone talking bout the 2017 Spidey film, I have a few questions:
1. Since Parker's in HS, who should be cast as him?
2. Who should be cast as Aunt May, Uncle Ben, Peter's love (or potential love) interest?
3. Someone said the villain should be Kraven The Hunter. Anyone agree or have a different villain in mind?

Justin Lin or James Wan comes to mind.

Please, no.


Apparently, Drew Goddard of Cabin in the Woods is the front runner to write and direct Spidey's first MCU adventure.

Well if Daredevil's any indication he's good, but still makes some rookie mistakes with the writing. Favor style a tad more than substance, but I'm only three episodes in so what do I know.


And age is not necessarily a detriment and youth not necessarily an asset.

Especially in film-making.


You mentioned Cameron, no spring chicken he, yet with Avatar, regardless of how one perceives the actual merits of the film, he changed movies with that one film. Suddenly, 3D movies were back in vogue and computer animation wasn't for kids. Because of Cameron's experience he created a movie to be filmed in 3D and knew how to take advantage of the format. He didn't, as so many directors did afterwards, post-converted a film to 3D. And, of course, they looked like crap and almost as quickly the 3D phenomenon died because almost none of the films looked as good as Avatar.

I hate Avatar. It's a cliche-ed(?) mess. The writing really is pathetic. But I cannot help but accept that as a film, as a visual experience it works. That's the beauty of it. 3D was, is and will remain to be a gimmick but Cameron made significant advancements in shooting films in the format and encouraged the industry to collectively work on it as well. As much of the trend-setter that he was, other directors are not to blame for the failure of 3D (no major studio is going to admit this BTW). Sure, some jumped too quickly on the bandwagon without any expertise or care, but some directors went to Cameron for help. There were collaborations. There were directors who shot the films in 3D to begin with, the latest Transformers was like that (shot on fresh 3D IMAX cameras). Still, the format didn't work. The great thing about Cameron was that the subject that he had in mind, the way that he shot it and the exquisite use of CGI in Avatar proved to work as a package. If you take 3D out of the equation, Avatar is a pretty average summer flick. But this does not mean that Avatar with 3D was elevated to a heavenly status, it's just that everything was mixed together just right.


Let's have pure action, no brainers.

Also, prolly not the best way to go about it for Spidey. But I wouldn't mind of the John Wick guy did Spidey's new film at all.

---------- Post added at 12:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 PM ----------


1. Since Parker's in HS, who should be cast as him?

Goddamn, I was really hoping they'd go for Miles Morales. Or if they want to go the Parker route (which is so familiar), they should just start by him revealing his identity in Civil War and forego the origin story.


3. Someone said the villain should be Kraven The Hunter. Anyone agree or have a different villain in mind?

Black Cat, Electro, Chameleon, Mysterio, Doc Octopus, Venom or Carnage and let's change some of Green Goblin's stuff (again what a third recast?) for Hobgoblin.

Let's have pure action, no brainers.

Was ASM2 not good enough for you? :p

ASM2 had fewer brains than the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz.

ASM2 had fewer brains than the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz.

Yet somehow, inexplicably, I still loved it. Crazy.

We all have our weaknesses. I love Stallone's Cobra. That movie is every 80's action cliche condensed into one truly horrible film. I should hate it but I have it on blu-ray. Makes me laugh every time I watch it. It was supposed to be the start of a franchise, a la Dirty Harry. Thank God we were spared that travesty. Three Cobra films would have opened a wormhole in spacetime and swallowed the Earth.

Killgrave your so right about Cobra it was a horrible movie it would have been better if he had made another Rambo film instead :)

Later this year Stallone shoots his final Rambo film. Interested to see how the saga concludes.

P.S. Ant-Man Trailer.

http://www.hitfix.com/harpy/ant-man-trailer-finally-drops-what-is-this-a-trailer-for-ants

P.S. Ant-Man Trailer.

?Ant-Man? trailer finally drops; what is this, a trailer for ants? (http://www.hitfix.com/harpy/ant-man-trailer-finally-drops-what-is-this-a-trailer-for-ants)

Watched that earlier today. I'm actually hesitantly excited about this one. Particularly Yellowjacket's suit. Very awesome looking. :)

Villain is Yellowjacket. And Paul Rudd in hero mode works for me.

Well, I'll be! I wasn't very enthusiastic about the film after that mediocre first trailer, but it's nice to see Marvel is embracing the simple silliness of Ant Man (DC meanwhile is embarrassed to name their character Green Arrow) and that new trailer looks great!

Definitely excited about this one now.

I've always believed regardless of how silly a concept seems, if everyone in the film, tv show, etc., takes the idea seriously and plays it straight, then the audience will take it seriously as well. Ant-Man is a silly name but if the character Scott Lang acts heroically then the name because inconsequential. Deeds, not words, are what matter.

I mean not every hero can have a heroic name like, say, Spider-Man because everyone just loves spiders.

P.S. This film had my money with the shot of Scott Lang riding a flying ant into combat.

Early reviews of Avengers: AoU are trending positive, in most cases extremely positive, but also saying this film is far darker than the first, which considering this film is a lead in to Civil Wars and Phase 3, makes sense.

The Marvel imposed review embargo lifts April 21st when critics can actually discuss the film's contents in detail.

And according to Collider here's the reason why the Hulk hasn't had a Marvel stand alone film: Why Marvel Can't Make a New Hulk Movie (http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/hulk/245416/why-marvel-cant-make-a-new-hulk-movie)

Another update on the soundtrack/score for Age Of Ultron, apparently Elfman is no longer doing 'Additional Music', he's co-credited. If the tracklist is any indication it seems that he's contributed nearly half the score.


Marvel Music and Hollywood Records will release the original motion picture digital soundtrack for Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on April 28, 2015. The physical CD will be available on May 19, 2015.

The artwork, I hope is prefinal, because it is horrible. I don't know hat happened to Marvel's marketing team, just shoddy work all around. See for yourself,





Avengers: Age of Ultron track list:

1. “Avengers: Age of Ultron Title” - Brian Tyler
2. “Heroes” * - Danny Elfman
3. “Rise Together” - Brian Tyler
4. “Breaking and Entering” - Brian Tyler
5. “It Begins” - Danny Elfman
6. “Birth of Ultron” - Brian Tyler
7. “Ultron-Twins” - Danny Elfman
8. “Hulkbuster” - Brian Tyler
9. “Can You Stop This Thing?” - Danny Elfman
10. “Sacrifice” - Brian Tyler
11. “Farmhouse” - Danny Elfman
12. “The Vault” - Brian Tyler
13. “The Mission” - Brian Tyler
14. “Seoul Searching” - Brian Tyler
15. “Inevitability-One Good Eye” * - Danny Elfman
16. “Ultron Wakes” - Danny Elfman
17. “Vision” - Brian Tyler
18. “The Battle” - Brian Tyler
19. “Wish You Were Here” - Brian Tyler
20. “The Farm” - Danny Elfman
21. “Darkest of Intentions” - Brian Tyler
22. “Fighting Back” - Brian Tyler
23. “Avengers Unite” - Danny Elfman
24. “Keys to the Past” - Brian Tyler
25. “Uprising” - Brian Tyler
26. “Outlook” - Brian Tyler
27. “The Last One” - Brian Tyler
28. “Nothing Lasts Forever”




Source (http://marvel.com/news/movies/24446/marvels_avengers_age_of_ultron_original_soundtrack _available_digitally_april_28)

This score is going to be really, really good or it's gonna really, really suck.

Hope some samples show up soon...

As I said on the AoU thread, my cover was way better, though I say so myself. :p

<A HREF="http://customscorecovers.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/blog-post_17.html">
<IMG HEIGHT=400 WIDTH=400 SRC=""></A>

(Although I think I need to re-jig the text a little bit.)

Frankly, I'm surprised at them. The first one made a ton of money and most of the time they do the publicity thing well. But somehow on the sequel to highest grossing Marvel movie ever, they've managed to make not a single good creative decision. It's like they handed the poster to an intern and s/he wrote the credits (abysmally, I might add) in MS Paint.

I mean, this is why people make custom covers for fudge's sake!

The poster itself is horrible.

Hell, you can even see Quicksilver just floating there.

It's all disproportional. Take a good long look at how small Widow is compared to Hulk right behind her.

I know, the entire marketing budget seems to have been blown on a shoddy, lazy and unprofessional campaign for one of the year's most anticipated tentpole films and that too by a studio that's known for it's innovative techniques, etc.

That cover (a common poster I saw at the local theaters) should be a motion poster.
The background Ultrons need to be animated.
That's the only way it will work.

@Helix:

Can't wait for the score. Brian Tyler's done some good work. But I am a big Danny Elfman fan. I don't expect everything to be included as OST's usually miss some material.

And Black Cat is not a villain. She's an ally. But you named some good villains, all of which I'd like to see although Green Gomblin and Venom have already been done. I'd like to see Morbius. Having him would be a great way of having Felicia in a larger role en rute to becoming the Black Cat, which would mean Kingpin and his assistant (either Smythe or Herbert Landen) and The Cat (her father) would have to be in the movie as they played a role in her transformation.

And Black Cat is not a villain. She's an ally. But you named some good villains, all of which I'd like to see although Green Gomblin and Venom have already been done. I'd like to see Morbius. Having him would be a great way of having Felicia in a larger role en rute to becoming the Black Cat, which would mean Kingpin and his assistant (either Smythe or Herbert Landen) and The Cat (her father) would have to be in the movie as they played a role in her transformation.

Black Cat is more of a... shall we say, frenemy rather than an ally (which would be boring remember, they'll prolly change a lot of things because Catwoman)

Kingpin is now part of Daredevil's tale in the MCU and unless his role expands to the movies (I hope, because that's the best villain Marvel has) I feel he's going to stay there.

---------- Post added at 01:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:44 AM ----------


That cover (a common poster I saw at the local theaters) should be a motion poster.
The background Ultrons need to be animated.
That's the only way it will work.

You know what's even worse, the fact that the 'other variant' of the poster is just switching Iron Man around for Cap in front. Seriously, this is it.


<img src='' width=300> <img src='' width=300>


It is understandable if you want some people to like Iron Man over Cap before they have to pick sides in Civil War but does that excuse the marketing team for not making a single alternative poster, no.

And let's face it, barring some crazy Stark meltdown into a wimp (Iron Man 3), no one is going to pick goody two shoes Cap over Iron Man no matter what.

And then to top it off they use the same sucky thing and slap some kiddy text on it and voila, album art.
Seriously, if Tyler was half as dedicated to making his scores look good as he does his hair...

no one is going to pick goody two shoes Cap over Iron Man no matter what.

I choose Cap... :sad:

Fake "leaked" post-end credits scene for Avengers: AoU.
https://youtu.be/cyQpYe_pH9w

Originated from Spanish-speaking territory.
Could be a low-budget parody movie for all we know.
It's not like North America knows every movie that comes out of any place where Spanish (and its dialects) is the most-spoken/official language.

I also thought that Marvel doesn't want to include Spiderman ever?
https://variety.com/2015/film/news/details-spider-man-appear-in-sony-and-marvel-movies-1201429039/

Dude, that article's old. Since then Sony has given up on their Spidey franchise and have turned the character over to Marvel.

Marvel's Spider-Man is slated for 2017.

I choose Cap... :sad:

https://31.media.tumblr.com/2b91d8f7f20e85eb631ba5f4978dd400/tumblr_inline_n3aatyQh9y1szanga.gif

Dude

1) Don't call me that.
2) Don't call me "bro" either.
3) I never understand these words.
4) Where did they come from?
5) Why do people use them?
6) What does it change from your normal vernacular?
7) How effective is this every time you use words like this.

8) It was the top article I could find on the rights when using Google.ca so probably not as accurate as Google.com.
9) I find that country/regional Google is different compared to .com (USA) all the time.

10) There is only one Dude.

And that would be Hurley from Lost.

:notgood:

No? Hmm, who else could it be?

Hippy Jeff Bridges.

Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, Starman, Tron? It's right on the tip of my mind.

You have a kack for playins fucking stupid, don't you?

I choose Cap... :sad:

Same here. I'd side with Cap over Stark


https://31.media.tumblr.com/2b91d8f7f20e85eb631ba5f4978dd400/tumblr_inline_n3aatyQh9y1szanga.gif

His character. His values. His personality. Not to mention, he's a fossil. He's old fashioned like me. He just seems like a genuinely really good guy. Everyone loves Stark, but he's too arrogant.

So it appears Skeley and I are on Team Cap and Helix is on Team Stark. Who else is on Team Stark?

His character. His values. His personality. Not to mention, he's a fossil. He's old fashioned like me. He just seems like a genuinely really good guy.

Good guys are booooring.

Plus it's not like Stark's eeeevil or anything. Civil War will be interesting because it'll have no clear heros and villains. It'll just be two super-dudes each with his own agenda, an approach that I've always wanted for superhero movies (Nolan came close and Marvel's Daredevil very, but that tiny leap is still uncrossed). Cap is predictable and no-one including Tony has any idea what Stark will do. He is much more interesting than Cap whose uniqueness ended with him crashing that aircraft in ice. Seriously, CA:TWS could basically have any other generic hero in the lead and the story would work just as well.


http://media0.giphy.com/media/HqaQlcSQq441O/200.gif






Everyone loves Stark, but he's too arrogant.

Nay. Awesome, he is.

http://33.media.tumblr.com/411c59da834690de5cc07bea8e60399f/tumblr_ngh94ofFm31suq1mqo3_500.gif



and he has a kick-ass suit which doesn't hurt



In other news, besides realizing that Iron Man 3's entire story was basically a knee-jerk reaction to Cap's comment to Stark
Big man in a suit of armour. Take that off, what are you? Elfman's work sounds cool (if not cool-er) and the difference is just there. Production techniques and everything. It seems Tyler's re-using the Iron Man 3 theme and Elfman's using the Avengers theme (which is awesome).

You have a kack for playins fucking stupid, don't you?

No, no, no, this will not do. It's "you have a knack for playing fucking stupid, don't you?"

If you're going to be rude and insulting at least spell correctly.

Heh, nice one. Forgot about that exchange in Monsters, Inc.

1) Don't call me that.
2) Don't call me "bro" either.


Don't worry. I draw the line at 'bro'.

Simple announcement regarding the Avengers: Age of Ultron's Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Brian Tyler and Danny Elfman.

If you are a member of music streaming services (such as Spotify (http://open.spotify.com/album/1UaUCko4qqWnT2gJKmaQLT)) or online distribution services (such as iTunes) in and from the following countries, you may have access to it right now.


Australia
New Zealand
Malaysia
Singapore
Taiwan
Hong Kong
Philippines


For example, here are iTunes links for Singapore (https://itunes.apple.com/sg/album/avengers-age-ultron-original/id985170816?ign-mpt=uo%3D2), Malaysia (https://itunes.apple.com/my/album/avengers-age-ultron-original/id985170816?ign-mpt=uo%3D2), Australia (https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/avengers-age-ultron-original/id985170816?ign-mpt=uo%3D2) and New Zealand (https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/avengers-age-ultron-original/id985170816?ign-mpt=uo%3D2).






And as always, remember to Hail Hydra every once in awhile. Keep the spirit alive.

If the early reviews are correct, I and Potter were wrong about who dies in [I]AoU[/I[I]. Disappointing, because Marvel then took the easy way out.

If the early reviews are correct, I and Potter were wrong about who dies in [I]AoU[/I[I]. Disappointing, because Marvel then took the easy way out.

That's a relief. I'm so glad she doesn't.

But for now, now that it's truly hitting theatres, I think I'm going to bow out of this thread until I've caught up with the MCU properly. Spoilers are the worst, and I don't want to stop you guys from having nice discussions about AoU.

I'll be back...

See you later, Auh-nold. (Give my regards to Sarah and the gang.)

See you later, Auh-nold. (Give my regards to Sarah and the gang.)

Wait...what?!

Good guys are booooring.

How right you are: First Responders, Emergency Medical Techs, Police, Firemen, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard, Nurses, Doctors Without Borders . . .

- the true 1%, the responsible people who run toward trouble, instead of the 99%, the irresponsible ones, who run away from trouble while taking selfies and later posting snarky comments in safety . . .

- the 1% who shoulder and accept the weight of their actions while the 99% search for scapegoats and avoid responsibility . . .

- the winter soldiers who unlike "the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country" - Thomas Paine - do the right thing, not, to paraphrase a certain President, because it is easy but because it is hard . . .

You are right. Good guys are so booooring because they are responsible because you can count on them and reliability is such a booooring quality.

But when the world dials 9-1-1 it's the good guys who pick up and answer the call, not the bad guys.

Oh dear god, I wasn't making some moral (or amoral?) statement or anything. It's just that in any fictional setting, usually the good guys are boring. That's not to say that good guys are not appreciated or needed in real life.

Traditional 'heroes' a.k.a. the good guys, have been repetitive and predictive in that they always choose the 'right' thing to do, always make choices that are obvious and are very much the law-abiding citizens and moral examples we should all look up to type. 'Villains' a.k.a. the bad guys, are far more interesting in that they cannot be relied upon to be consistent or rational. Villains are traditionally more fleshed out than heroes and their agendas and their logic is far more complex than the heroes' usually.
Now, sometimes that's not the case. Good literature usually doesn't have clear good guys or bad guys, it has people. People with motives, ulterior or otherwise. People with history and rationale to dictate their actions. Not all they do is bad, neither is it all good. Everyone has an agenda they live for.

In this case, specifically dealing with the Cap vs Iron Man, again there are no clear signs to point out who we should obviously side with. Both have loyal fans with their own reasons for liking their guy.
I won't speak for anyone else, but Stark has my vote (lol no helix you idiot this isn't an election or anything). He's stylish. The definition of cool. Easily the funniest (and fun-nest) of the bunch. Maybe a little too arrogant but is he not the guy who saved the Avengers by flying into that wormhole, or the one to save his own life (or body) multiple times without help from S.H.I.E.L.D. etc., or the only one of the four to not be simply handed a gift but using his intellect to use his inventions to make him super. We can maybe let some of that attitude slide. Despite his apparent moral ambiguities, he does have principles he adheres to. Maybe some of that older, less mature Stark may seep through once in awhile but that's okay. He never diverges too much. He has lived a much detached life, abandoning responsibility without a care in the world. Now, he's got people he cares for. Friends, comrades, Pepper. And for them, and the rest of humanity (that he doesn't hate either), he will suit up and he will do what needs to be done.

Dear RDJ,

I publicly apologise on behalf of all Brits for that insolent excuse for an interviewer on Channel 4 yesterday. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALBwaO-rAsE) His behaviour was utterly unacceptable and inappropriate, and I am in full support of your subsequent decision to walk out. Well done for standing up to him and not bowing to the pressure of the cameras.

You said near the beginning of the interview that you're not Iron Man. I respectfully disagree - you are Iron Man, and yesterday you proved it once and for all.

On behalf of British television,
Your biggest fan

That's the same ass who bothered Quentin Tarantino (https://youtu.be/u7ER_q0B1-I) awhile ago. Look at that dumb tie he's wearing too in the RDJ interview.


You said near the beginning of the interview that you're not Iron Man. I respectfully disagree - you are Iron Man, and yesterday you proved it once and for all.

He's not Iron Man, but he sure as hell is Tony Stark.

The reason RDJ is so good at the role is because that's the way he is in real life: witty, sarcastic, slightly cynical, etc.

That's the same ass who bothered Quentin Tarantino (https://youtu.be/u7ER_q0B1-I) awhile ago. Look at that dumb tie he's wearing too in the RDJ interview.



He's not Iron Man, but he sure as hell is Tony Stark.

The reason RDJ is so good at the role is because that's the way he is in real life: witty, sarcastic, slightly cynical, etc.

Tony Stark is Iron Man. The suit and him are one. Surely you know that by now?!

I totally agree - his personality is Tony Stark 100%. And he knew that. That's why he pushed so hard to get the part originally.

Tony Stark is Iron Man. The suit and him are one. Surely you know that by now?!

I did until Iron Man 3, when he... wait, have you seen it yet?

I did until Iron Man 3, when he... wait, have you seen it yet?

Ah. Good point. No, not yet. Thanks! ;)

---------- Post added at 03:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:19 PM ----------

Although I'm planning on watching the first Captain America next Sunday evening with a couple of friends. I'm getting there, I'm getting there.

I saw Age of Ultron yesterday. Not bad, but not great, especially when compared to Winter Soldier and Guardians.

I don't think I saw any of these shots in the film:

I saw Age of Ultron yesterday. Not bad, but not great, especially when compared to Winter Soldier and Guardians.

I don't think I saw any of these shots in the film:











Whoa, seriously?! That's like the entire trailer!

So in your MCU ranking, where does it come? 4th?

Whoa, seriously?! That's like the entire trailer!

The original cut of AoU was 3 hours+. When your movie is that long before editing begins, there's bound to be deleted material in the trailers. I hope there's an extended edition sometime...

My ranking?

11) Iron Man 3
10) The Incredible Hulk
9) Thor
8) Age of Ultron
7) The Avengers
6) The Dark World
5) Iron Man 2
4) The First Avenger
3) Guardians of the Galaxy
2) Iron Man
1) The Winter Soldier

I saw Age of Ultron yesterday. Not bad, but not great, especially when compared to Winter Soldier and Guardians.

I don't think I saw any of these shots in the film:











I also saw AOU yesterday, and I agree that is was okay but not great. I won't go into details of what I liked (or didn't) yet since I image a lot of people haven't seen it yet. As far as the shots from the trailer, I think the shot of Thor in the pool was in the film wasn't it? The others ones I didn't see either.


The original cut of AoU was 3 hours+. When your movie is that long before editing begins, there's bound to be deleted material in the trailers. I hope there's an extended edition sometime...

I image that there will be deleted scenes under the special features on the Blu-Ray if no the DVD also. I doubt there will be an actual extended cut though...[/QUOTE]

The film was entertaining but it's a step backward for Marvel. Instead of meaningful change, Whedon just rearranged the deck chairs.

woah

Martin Freeman's in Civil War. (http://marvel.com/news/movies/24562/martin_freeman_joins_marvels_captain_america_civil _war)

http://asset-b.soup.io/asset/6582/9644_b9fe.gif

Martin Freeman's in Civil War. (http://marvel.com/news/movies/24562/martin_freeman_joins_marvels_captain_america_civil _war)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i269/vixyfox/Sherlock/tumblr-brightasasunflower.gif

Hopefully he gets more screen time than Kretschmann who played Baron Strucker for all of three minutes.

i don't know if the list is posted on this thread, but it's worth posing anyways:

Phase 1:
Iron Man
The Incredible Hulk
Iron Man 2
Thor
Captain America
The Avengers

Phase 2:
Iron Man 3
Thor: The Dark World
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Guardians of The Galaxy
The Avengers: Age of Ultron
Ant Man - July 17, 2015

Phase 3:
Captain America: Civil War - May 6, 2016
Doctor Strange - November 4, 2016
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 - May 5,2017
Thor: Ragnarok - July 28, 2017
Black Panther - November 3, 2017
The Avengers: Infinity War: Part 1 - May 4th 2018
Captain Marvel - July 6, 2018
Inhumans - November 2, 2018
Avengers: Infinity War: Part 2 - May 2019

Joss Whedon closed his Twitter account apparently because of a flood of negative comments about Avengers: AoU including death threats. The focus of the outrage, other than the usual knee-jerk, involuntary muscle spasm, exposed raw nerve state than so many social media users wallow in, is the treatment of Black Widow. Natasha's forced sterilization by her handlers and her declaration that she's a "monster" seem to be the main drivers of discontent.

Jeremy Renner's comments that Black Widow is a "slut" haven't helped.

So, does that make James Bond a slut?

@Killgrave:
of course good guys in RL are not boring but needed and much appreciated.

In movies or novels, people tend to appreciate the good guy who has the potential to be something else than good but STILL is good because he decides so.
To be good just because you are good and do not have the ability for more, in novels and movies: can be boring indeed.

Actually, for me personally, I prefer people with the ability of abysses, too :D
less one-dimensional. Even if more difficult.

That does make Tony Stark interesting.
And that does make black widow interesting, as she supports the "uncontrolable" Hulk-part too and sometimes - just sometimes - finds Banner "boring" (but sweet)

anyway, I like Marvel Universe (as far as I know it), although I am no savvy there.

And of course James Bond is a slut.
We all would be, at times, if we could, wouldn't we.

But there is the old and persistent devil of the double standard: if a guy sleeps around, society calls him a player. If a woman engages in the same behavior, society calls her a slut. If a guy plays hardball in business, he's a tough negotiator. If a woman does the same, she's cold, an ice princess, a man hater.

I could go on but you get my point. When women demonstrate the traits society admires and promotes in men, society, in general, criticizes women.

Or as one female Captain I worked for said: "When a guy gives an order, he's being firm, decisive, a leader. When I give an order, I'm a castrating bitch."

@Killgrave: that still is very true of course! No argument here...

it will still be true when I die, as I know, stuff like that takes several generations to change.

Phase 3:
Captain America: Civil War - May 6, 2016
Doctor Strange - November 4, 2016
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 - May 5,2017
Thor: Ragnarok - July 28, 2017
Black Panther - November 3, 2017
The Avengers: Infinity War: Part 1 - May 4th 2018
Captain Marvel - July 6, 2018
Inhumans - November 2, 2018
Avengers: Infinity War: Part 2 - May 2019

These are the old release dates. The Sony/Marvel Spider-Man reboot has taken Thor's release date, Thor has taken Black Panther's, Black Panther has taken Captain Marvel and Captain Marvel has taken Inhumans. The revised list is:

Captain America: Civil War - May 6, 2016

Doctor Strange - November 4, 2016

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 - May 5, 2017

Spider-Man - July 28, 2017

Thor: Ragnarok - November 3, 2017

Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 - May 4, 2018

Black Panther - July 6, 2018

Captain Marvel - November 2, 2018

Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 - May 3, 2019

Inhumans - July 12, 2019

Thanks for the revision

Saw Avengers: Age of Ultron. Here's my take. Will try to keep this spoiler-free but those that've seen it, will get it.

This may take awhile.







Two words, not impressed. Reminded me more of the flaws in the original Avengers. Felt like it was too cramped, so many things were put in there that weren't needed. I happened to be late so I kinda missed the first ten minutes or so, but caught on almost immediately but still, some stuff like the farm and that whole dude from Wakanda thing were too much. A lot of stuff from the trailers wasn't there either which makes me think the movie was much longer and was shortened (maybe that version spaces things out better).
Ultron did not turn out to be the great villain we were promised. He was no better than the equally forgettable villain, Malekith from Thor:The Dark World. Ultron in the end didn't have a convincing justification for why he suddenly(as usual with these kinds) wanted to kill everyone. Some are okay but here we have way too many homages to the original one that sort of gets boring after a while. A lot of deus ex machina too. Some good cameos that sort of helped convince us that the Marvel universe is not just a sandbox for which ever hero/es are in the movie. The whole Hulkbuster sequence was cool and fun action with lots of things blowing up, but again pointless and fluff.
Joss Whedon was undoubtedly a little more than 'exhausted' for this one and no one can blame him. He's been firing on all cylinders constantly since 2010. Add that to the fact that he happens to be a little workaholic (for god's sakes, he made an entire other movie whilst shooting the Avengers). That'd take a toll on just about anyone.



http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/screencrush.com/442/files/2015/03/avengers-2-trailer-gif-17.gif?w=630&cdnnode=1


The cinematography and action choreography was stunning this time around much better than the 2012 outing. There's a great continuous action shot (which seems to be all the rage these days) which serves as this movie's version of the iconic revolving money shot from the last one. Generally, the camera work seems to be much better and I for one am glad that Ben Davis decided to this following Guardians of the Galaxy, which also happened to be a job well done.








Let's talk about the cast, first the new additions.

I expected someone of James Spader's calibre to do much better than the performance on show here, but maybe the script let him down. He's scary serious one second and the next he's cracking a one-liner that just deflates the pressure entirely. His CGI body is cool, but I can;t get over how his seemingly metal mouth moves in a very un-metal like fashion. Like it's muscle. The voice could have been darkened a little too (like the trailer). The mo-cap work, if you're familiar with his style, is too much like him in any other role. That is, too human. Ultron also happens to have a ridiculous physique. Those shoulders and that ass, period.

Paul Bettany who used to voice J.A.R.V.I.S., is now the Vision, who is only slightly more interesting than Hawk-Eye (I'm going to really miss J.A.R.V.I.S. and hope F.R.I.D.A.Y. dies a horrible death). Bettany is a good actor and it shows when he's playing a pink and green skinned, philosophical entity (can't call him 'dude', that'd be racist) with a golden cape.

Claudia Kim is a doctor that appears out of nowhere who is liked by all immediately (reminded me of how Maya Hansen should've been portrayed) but again, nobody is really invested in her survival. Or finding out about her personality. Whedon could've picked any scientist type dude/dudette from the last movies and given them the same role, personally I'd go with the guy (who is apparently William Ginter Riva) who got screamed at in the first Iron Man about how Tony Stark was able to build it in a cave! With a box of scraps!. Any member of the scientist team of Jane forgot-her-last-name from Thor. Or promote someone from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Or hey, Sam Rockwell's Justin Hammer could become a good guy huh? Huh? No? mmkay.






The acting work from Jeremy Renner is been so bad in his past appearances in Marvel films that I was hoping he'd be dead by the end of this one. But, he's gotten a little better. He did Kill The Messenger recently, which was along with The Hurt Locker his finest work. And the improvement shows. Still hate Hawk-Eye though.
Linda Cardellini has always been a good actress and in the role she has here, she's works well with the material she's given. Fun tidbit, she was Velma from Scooby-Doo once upon a time.

Robert Downey Jr. is Robert Downey Jr., 'nuff said.

Hemsworth has improved a lot and I'm liking Whedon's treatment of Thor over his stand-alone movies. He has a sense of humor when he's around these guys which is just the right amount. Chris is not perfect but the he does what the character and scene demands well with just enough vigor that people know he's not a simple mortal like the rest of the team. His physique (easily the only one who looks like a superhero) does the rest.

The other Chris, Evans was impressive in The Winter Soldier but seems to take a step back here, back to The Avengers' Evans.

ScarJo has always been phenomenal, and here she's even better. But I feel like her character keeps changing a lot. She is much different than the Romanoff from Iron Man 2, or even The Winter Soldier.

Cobie Smulders tries and fails to make Maria Hill relevant. Once again. Which, again, is a shame.
Don Cheadle's War Machine is prolly for the first time, likable.

All Sam Jackson has ever had to do was to show up and say stuff, he's cool.

But it's Mark Ruffalo who continues to impress with his tortured portrayal of Bruce Banner. Easily, one of the big highlights of the film. Planet Hulk needs to happen. And quickly.



http://static.srcdn.com/slir/w700-h350-q90-c700:350/wp-content/uploads/Quicksilver-Scarlet-Witch-Avengers-2-Age-of-Ultron-Origins.jpg


Finally, the new duo. The twins. Even though he tries, Aaron Taylor-Johnson can't really match the rather brilliant portrayal of the same character by his Kick-Ass co-star Evan Peters in Bryan Singer's X-MEN: Days of Future Past. Aaron is more serious and more 'older brotherly' rather than an interesting character in himself. That'll be hard to do for any character with just a handful of lines. Some of the CGI work with his super-speed reminds of the way Singer did it but nothing comes close to that amazing scene in DoFP. On the other hand Wanda Maximoff aka the Scarlet Witch is much more nuanced and Elizabeth Olsen gives enough depth to make her a worthy addition to the squad of superheroes. Her powers are silly though. She can get into people's minds and project whatever she wants, great. She can also do magic-y spell like things with reddish sparks that shoot out of her fingers and either protect her or let her attack her foes. I don't know, maybe the way the CGI representation was made or the power itself was wrong but this was not Marvel-y (not the comics Marvel, they are nuts, the movie Marvel) more Harry Potter. It'll be interesting how she develops in the future so her powers can be explored further and the whole shooting bolts thing can be improved.






Now, the music. I honestly think it was not good, at least not as good as the first one. It was a hack job really. I've had some time with the score before watching the movie and thought Tyler's cues sucked while Elfman's were half-decent. But Whedon ended up using Silvestri's Helicarrier and A Promise themes from the first one too which was a bit jarring as they didn't really fit with the rest of the movie's soundscape. He should've been credited as well. Disappointed at the lack of 'I've Got No Strings' too.






Just like Iron Man 3 (which had quite an impact on this one considering Whedon's enforcing the whole put-a-joke-everywhere policy seriously), the trailer was much much better than the film. I heard that there wasn't any after credits scenes directly from Whedon, well, there was, but it was mid-credits and also, the most boring of its kind. Also, when you set a great trend, keep to it.
In the end, the Avengers never felt truly threatened, or in any real danger (hell, one of them takes them, wanted by super-smart intelligence and all, back to his secret pad for a nice little R&R and still everything's okay) from Ultron who is a super big deal apparently, considering he's got some really interesting origins. And in case it isn't obvious, the editors on this film should've been fired and never be allowed to touch another Marvel film again.







TL;DR - It is certainly bigger and badder but not necessarily better.

Whedon has been a little forthcoming about his struggles with the execs at Marvel about tie-ins to future plotlines for the other movies. It seems he was right. Despite everything, I will see it again and give it another chance but only because there were two four-year olds beside me during the entire time wrecking havoc with the recliners, crunching used up chocolate wrappers, and generally commenting on every-goddam-event-that-happened.






Screw it, I'm spoiling it. Venting now.

Doing what they did with Hawk-eye, just to make us doubt his fate was unnecessary if you were going to pull someone we never cared for out instead. Before it came out we had a discussion over in the other thread about who would bite the dust and most people thought it'd be Black Widow (which I thought was horrible), or War Machine (which I could stomach). I also believed that they should've taken Hawk-eye out. He is the most useless and boring member of the team and I for one am glad he's out. Let's hope someone kills him in Civil War.
The whole reason why Hawk-Eye had to have a wife here, is to tell him that she's a-okay with his crazy ass job and she'll totes support him any way she can. Totes. No problemo. Despite the fact that her husband happens to have no powers. And is basically the Krillin of the bunch. Hell, Krillin was better. He threw some awesome energy discs.

Oh and let's just conveniently forget that Tony no longer has the deadly shrapnel in his chest which was the reason he had the Arc Reaktor in there anyway and also that he decided (and promised to Pepper, mind you) that his Iron Man days are behind him. Oh and also, that he blew up all his suits to give us a multi-billion dollar light show.

Black Widow apparently got the origin story everyone wanted. It was brutally abridged and featured an unexpected cameo from Julie Delpy. But served next to no purpose to the main plotline. Wanda could've shown her anything (including some things from her 'gushing red ledger') and it would've worked the same, but not instead we get this bastardized version of her back-story that only helped people 'get' the whole 'they sterilized me' line. And also, she went from being friendly to being super in love with Banner in a surprisingly short and again unexplained period.

Thor had the same thing, he was shown this party scene with a crazy ass (and unconvincing really) Heimdall telling him that he's(Thor) causing death everywhere or something. Then, Thor remembers this and leaves the farm to vanish a significant chunk of the movie, then comes and powers the birth of Vision and starts rambling about Infinity Stones, which is great except no-one seems to care about what happened to him. Stay tuned until 2017, for Thor: Ragnarok to give you some closure there.

The great Hulk, who by the way just happens to go along every time Stark has another big idea that could potentially result in humanity's extinction. And is also suddenly, the great biomechanics expert, I thought he was a nuclear specialist?

Ultron managed to grab Black Widow's (admittedly glorious but still) ass rather than his progeny of sorts which was priority numero uno until the cradle was in that Quinjet.
Ultron's big idea was to elevate a small state the size of a meteor raise it and then send it crashing down to cause a shtload of damage. Honestly? A five year old could come up with a better plan to cause some real damage. This 'meteor' rises thousands of feet into the air and yet buildings stand, people act normal (dude, oxygen shortages, cold weather, Sokovians are all superhumans it seems) as if it's all happening in New York on the ground again.

SO they killed Quicksilver. Remind me who cares again. He'll prolly get resurrected in Infinity War somehow anyway. No one dies if you care about them apparently, where Marvel comes from. At least, Bryan Singer still has him alive and also, many many many times better execution than this one.

And apparently, despite leaving everything and pretending he doesn't exist, Fury still acts and eventually becomes the top dog at the new(?) S.H.I.E.L.D. if you can call it that. With Helicarriers and shit.





Okay, it's safe to come out now. Rant over.

Great review - thanks for keeping it spoiler free. :)

A well thought review Helix. You presented your points of contention and backed them examples. That's how you write a review. (A review is not "the movie was awesome/sucked" and leave it at that.)

If you don't mind I'd like to add a thought or three.

AoU is a step backward for Marvel from CA:TWS. That movie truly impressed me with its level of maturity (for a comic book movie). One of the frequent criticisms leveled at the character of Cap is he is a boring "do-gooder," always does the right thing and never waits for applause, say like, Tony Stark. (Stark is a hero, no doubt, but at the end of the day it is all about the Tony.) Those critics seem to forget Rogers was born almost a century ago and had his character forged by living through the Great Depression. That's one reason the people who came through that crucible and then that of WWII earned the title of the "Greatest Generation."

Think today's population could do what that generation did? People now panic when they lose their Internet for half an hour.

Wisely, CA:TWS surrounded Cap with people who are morally and ethically slippery: Widow, Fury, Pierce. Add to that the goals of Project Insight, of verdict first, trial later on a large scale and suddenly Cap's morals aren't outdated or naive. He's exactly the kind of hero you want and need. And since every hero needs a good villain, the film provided one in the form of Pierce. No costume, no hyperbolic speeches, no Red Skull, just a man looking to take away everybody's freedom because he believes Hydra will bring peace and order to the world. And who doesn't want that, right?

Unless the order is that of an ant colony and the peace is that of the grave.

But AoU ignored all that. Hydra went from a global threat at the end of CA:TWS to a punch line in AoU. (This is what comes of nuking Zola in TWS, you lose your brain trust.) And Baron Strucker, he had a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role.

Without Hydra, Ultron was left to fill the vacuum and he should have been the Avenger's greatest enemy. Instead, Ultron's character was underdeveloped, underwritten and ultimately underwhelming. That's one of the film's many missed opportunities. And there was so much potential. You could have played on the Frankenstein idea, creator and his creation or of contentious father/son relationships (a Marvel favorite) and played upon the Cain and Abel aspects of Ultron and The Vision. (Let me add that the Vision was not a terribly well developed character either. However, since the Vision has always been enigmatic that didn't hurt the character. Plus, Bettany played him just right, giving the character the proper mixture of nobility and strength. Sometimes, a little mystery is a good thing, but not in your villain.)

Instead Ultron never became a global threat. It's not good when your villain says "I'm so evil" and does nothing really evil. Actually, Ultron is more annoying than anything else. And his master plan, his Marvin the Martian "Earth shattering kaboom" of a plan, comes straight from the mind of Wil E. Coyote, Supergenius. It's that bad and makes about as much sense.

Of course, part of that stems from Marvel's blindspot when it comes to civilian casualties: it refuses to allow anyone ever to die because of the super heroic melees and so while these fights are cool they are without real world consequence. So, Marvel has the Hulk and Iron Man go at it hammer and tongs in Johannesburg and not a single civilian gets so much as a hang nail? That's just unrealistic. That's a video game. Marvel should be setting its sights higher.

And when death finally comes its a Classic-Star-Trek-Red-Shirt death and so no one really cares because the death changes nothing. It is an example of poor writing, the kind of stunt death you're taught to avoid in Screenwriting 101. This is war, to coin a phrase, and in war people, the good, the bad and the innocent, die. But Marvel wants to have their cake and eat it too. All the destructive calories without the unsightly carnage. (Marvel seems to scramble in the film's third act to atone for its previous "evacuate the city" mantra and it only serves to slooooow the film dooooooown.)

In the end AoU is about maintaining the Marvel status quo, about treading water because for all the front loading the movie does for future films, it ignores the Stark/Rogers disagreement that fuels Civil War. They part as allies without a seed of discord planted. Is their parting of the ways to take place offscreen, between now and Cap 3? Like the takedown of Hydra? I hope not because that would be a cheat.

Finally, it looks like the narrative heavy lifting, the development of weighty themes falls to the Cap movies. The good news is the same writers and directors are not only doing Cap 3 but the Infinity Wars. And perhaps we'll get an extended cut of AoU one day, a version that makes more sense.

Bottom line, the theatrical version is not going in my Blu-ray collection.