darkknight2149 Weighs In: AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON, ANT-MAN, and FANTASTIC FOUR

darkknight2149 Weighs In: AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON, ANT-MAN, and FANTASTIC FOUR

Now that we finally have a trailer for the upcoming FANTASTIC FOUR movie, I give my thoughts on each of this year's batch of Marvel adaptations and what I expect from each of them...

Editorial Opinion
By Darkknight2149 - Feb 01, 2015 03:02 PM EST
Filed Under: Marvel Comics
We have only three major comic book movies (and by major, I mean the big two, Marvel and DC) coming out this year but the fact that our line of thinking is "only three" shows us just how far this genre of film, and the source material as a result, has come since the genre really took off in 2008 with the academy award-winning The Dark Knight and the launch of the esteemed Marvel Cinematic Universe. There was a time when we would consider our selves lucky to have just one comic book movie come out in a year, and even then there was a huge chance that the one comic book movie would deviate from the source material just so it could be "taken seriously" by the general audience. Years ago, if someone told me that there would one day come a year where not only would there be SEVERAL comic book films released but two of them would be team-up/crossover films (Batman V Superman and Civil War in 2016), I wouldn't believe you for an instant. Anyways, these are my thoughts and prediction on what 2015 has offer.



AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON



Before I begin on what I think about this film from what we've seen so far, let me quickly give my thoughts on it's predecessor. No, not Guardians Of The Galaxy, I'm talking about the 2012 Avengers film. The popular thing for anyone to do is jump on the bandwagon and re-state the popular opinion but I have to be honest, while it was by no means a terrible film, I found it to be highly over-rated. Some will try to invalidate my opinion by accusing me of being a biased DC fanboy but not only is that not true but The Avengers' competition, The Dark Knight Rises, didn't live up to expectations either.

Why didn't I like it as much as everyone else? My opinions have more or less remained the same as in my original review of the film from 2012, but to sum it up, while I praised the film for how it maintained the continuity of the previous films, the interactions of the characters, a mostly stellar cast, brilliant visual effects, the fight choreography and much of its humour (though not all of it), I felt that the film was heavily flawed. The problems I had with it include the fact that the "team-up" was inexplicable and it didn't require a team at all (as a matter of fact, all it took to end the alien invasion was Tony Stark and a missile), the alien invasion itself felt like a re-run of Transformers: Dark Of The Moon, the Hulk was treated as a joke, Loki (despite the villain being a god) was not a threat and neither were the aliens, and much of the films plot points were left completely unexplained (as to how exactly Banner was suddenly able to control the Hulk and how the Avengers were able to communicate long distance during the invasion).

With that being said, I have to say that I am cautiously hyped for Avengers AU. From what I've seen in the trailer, AU appears to be fixing many of the problems I had with the original. The villains in the original may not have been a threat but how better to improve upon that than to have Ultron (one of the Avengers' greatest adversaries in the comics) as the villain! The aliens may not have been a threat but, from watching the trailers, I'm getting the feeling that if the Avengers don't defeat Ultron in this film then there will be an all out apocalypse in the MCU.

When I first heard James Spader's voice as Ultron, I disliked it because it didn't sound anything like what I've always imagined he would sound like but, since watching the second trailer, the voice has grown on me. There is a certain bone-chilling creepiness to Spader's tone ("I'm going to tear you apart,""I'm want to show you something beautiful: EVERYONE SCREAMING!") and, even though Marvel Studios doesn't exactly have the best track record when it comes to the villains in their movies (Loki aside), I think Ultron has a reasonable chance in possibly becoming one of the greats.

Another impression I got from the trailers was that this film is taking itself and its characters (even the Hulk!) a lot more seriously than the original without completely losing the trademark Marvel humour we've come to expect. Hopefully, Joss Whedon won't disappoint a second time.

ANT-MAN



This was a movie I was really looking forward to. While the direction it was going in seemed to be very questionable and unlike the source material, I remained enthusiastic. It was clear from the beginning that Edgar Wright had a vision. Wright is a talented director when it comes to action-comedies and I completely trusted where this film appeared to be going. The announcements of Paul Rudd as Ant-Man and Patrick Wilson as Crossfire did nothing but fuel my anticipation, as I am a fan of both actors.

The announcement of Edgar Wright's departure came like a punch to the face. The only reason I had trusted this far-off interpretation of Ant-Man to begin with was because of Wright and his vision. Ever since Edgar Wright's departure, my expectations steadily began to drop. By the time Marvel got a new director, it was already late in the game. Not only had they barely started filming but then Marvel had to hire a new screenwriter to re-write the film. The decision to re-write the film is understandable when you hire a new director after the previous one leaves but it was when Marvel announced their refusal to delay the film that I had a problem with. This means that the Ant-Man film will have to be rushed into the theatre as they would have to wait for Adam Mckay to re-write the script and they would have to film most of the movie.

(Someone tried to argue that the Ant-Man film isn't being rushed because it has been in development for several years but, if that is your argument, you likely don't have a good understanding of what "in development" means as films are often considered "in development" before they are even greenlit)

The announcement that Patrick Wilson will no longer be in the film managed to lower my expectations even lower.





Since Wright's departure, it has become more and more apparent that the disagreement between Edgar Wright and Kevin Feige has to do with Feige wanting to throw characters like Agent Carter, Howard Stark and Arnim Zola into the films flashbacks rather than allowing Wright to make his movie. At first I wrote these off as simple rumours but, sure enough, a first look at the Ant-Man movie prelude comic does in fact involve Peggy Carter training Hank Pym. Is all of this really necessary? Does the cast of The First Avenger and Agent Carter need to be involved in every single flashback to the twentieth century in the MCU? Couldn't they just wait until the following phase 3 films and TV shows before making these connections? Was it worth losing Edgar Wright?



And finally, the trailer was released. After the trailer has made me even MORE nervous for the film (if possible) as not only did the comedy and seriousness did not mix well at all. It felt like director Peyton Reed was going for a more serious tone but felt obligated to throw comedy in there, making the comedy feel out of place. The trailer has also made me concerned that Marvel is trying to formulaically turn every new and relatively unknown male super-hero they introduce on the big screen into Tony Stark. From what has been shown in the trailer, Scott Lang appears to basically be the exact same character as the comedic jerk, Star-Lord, except with a different motive and different technology in a different setting.

In conclusion, I am not expecting much from this movie. At BEST, I am expecting it to be on par with Iron Man 2. Hopefully this movie will be able to surpass my low expectations but, as of now, they are just that.

FANT4STIC



One thing the new Fantastic Four movie seems to get right that the previous films completely missed is that the FF are scientific explorers more then they are actually superheroes. After decades of continuity, it is easy to forget that the FF didn't always embrace their abilities as super-hero celebrities in the comics and the upcoming film looks to take the FF back to their roots from the original comics, when they originally viewed themselves as freaks and were learning of their powers. The subplot of Reed Richard's searching for a cure for Ben Grimm would feel right at home in a film like this, judging from the trailer and what we've been hearing. It's interesting that the movie is using the scientific-curiousity side of the FF that the previous films lost sight of.

The movie is taking heavy inspiration from Ultimate Fantastic Four, which I am okay with as that series was brilliant and remained up until an awful storyline involving Taylor Lautner Namor.

There have been many complaints that the movie looks like it will be "dark and gritty" but, while the movie will probably have a mostly serious tone, I doubt it. I'm sure there will also be some fun moments with the character interactions.

I can understand why Fox doesn't want to call Dr. Doom "Victor Von Doom" but why did they change his name completely? Couldn't they have just went with his Ultimate name (Victor Van Damme)? I understand this is a contemporary take on the Fantastic Four but considering we live in a world of Vladimir Putin and Kim Jung Un, I don't see why Dr. Doom can't just be the ruler of Latveria instead of starting off as a computer hacker.

Over-all, I like most of what I've seen and heard from the film so far (though not all of it) but we haven't seen or heard much and I'll need to see more before having a solid opinion on how enthusiastic I am on the film.

RANKING

This is the ranking of how much I'm looking forward to each film from lowest to highest:

3. Ant-Man
Expectations: Low

2. Fantastic Four
Expectations: Medium to positive

1. Avengers AU
Expectations: High

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tokens
tokens - 2/1/2015, 7:14 PM
....dat interception doe....
tokens
tokens - 2/1/2015, 7:14 PM
Thumb'd!
DannRamm113
DannRamm113 - 2/1/2015, 7:21 PM
Watch out. Marvel only people will come in and kill you for having a differing opinion on how awesome ant man, how amazing avengers was, how great spader's voice is, and saying fantastic four looks okay.

I thumbd
MarkyMarkRises
MarkyMarkRises - 2/1/2015, 7:23 PM
thumb'd
MarkyMarkRises
MarkyMarkRises - 2/1/2015, 7:25 PM
you know I'm all over Tom Brady's balls in my next movie?

DeusExSponge
DeusExSponge - 2/1/2015, 8:47 PM
Agreed with everything, although I'm a bit more optimistic with Ant-Man. Hopefully you plan on making another article for 2016, now that's going to be a year to remember!
Minty
Minty - 2/1/2015, 9:56 PM
Pretty much agree with everything you've written here. I'm a little bit worried for Ant-Man - and a lot of that has to do with all the behind the scenes issues. I'm just hoping that'll make it all much sweeter if it shocks us all and ends up a decent movie. But yeah, expectations are low.

As for F4 - I'm getting more and more excited about it every day. Enjoyed the trailer and love the cast. Anyway, great stuff, have a thumb :)
Wannabe
Wannabe - 2/1/2015, 9:59 PM
If Ant-Man is on par with Iron Man 2, it will be a damn good movie.


How so? Iron Man 2 was awful.
sKeemAn
sKeemAn - 2/1/2015, 10:02 PM
Nice, read. I believe in Ant-Man more than I believe in F4.
pesmerga44
pesmerga44 - 2/1/2015, 11:28 PM
@MarkyMarkRises

That was freaking hilarious that scene was hilarious in every way possible.
Saga
Saga - 2/1/2015, 11:30 PM
I actually really enjoyed the Namor arc in Ultimate FF. Nice introduction of the character with some great humorous parts like Reed accidentally imagining Sue and Johnny´s mother in a bikini. Only THING that sort of ruins it along with most of the Millar run is Greg Land´s awful artwork.
Kyos
Kyos - 2/2/2015, 2:29 AM
I don't agree with every of your opinions, but this was a rather nice read nonetheless. :)
DrKinsolving
DrKinsolving - 2/2/2015, 3:20 AM
Nice article. Good read....

I feel the same way, I'm also a little more optimistic about Ant-Man, looking forward to all 3
DrKinsolving
DrKinsolving - 2/2/2015, 3:22 AM
I think Fox has some big hits on the way though....

Can't wait for FF and Deadpool, and Apocalypse....

So much to look forward to.... Can't wait
Wannabe
Wannabe - 2/2/2015, 11:25 AM
@GliderMan

Entertaining, yes. Still a mess of a film at the end of the day, however. I can understand Mickey Rourke's disdain. He really got the short end of the stick.
Pasto
Pasto - 2/2/2015, 12:20 PM
Gotta agree with GliderMan on this one, I enjoyed Iron Man 2 thoroughly. I don't really understand a majority of the problems people have with it. It was a fun film.
HelloAlien
HelloAlien - 2/2/2015, 7:02 PM
@MarkyMarkRises actually that scene was only for the Super Bowl ...... It not in the movie ..so yea go Pats!
MileHighRonin
MileHighRonin - 2/3/2015, 12:53 PM
Good read, interesting thoughts on these films: and other Marvel films in the process.

AoU: I am very excited to see Ultron, always thought he was misused in the comics until recently. I like him much darker than naive computer program.

I love how Joss has handled the Banner/Hulk relationship, and I love what I am hearing about what them continuing to build on that complex relationship.

Still not too fond of the twins joining, I will say Olsen looks great as Wanda, but I am sure they serve a purpose in the overall arc.

I still wish Rhodey and Falcon were full fledged Avengers from the start of the film. And I almost forgot, Vision looks great so far.

Fantam4stic: I have been a believer and defender fo this film from the start. I always believed explorers and scientists before superheroes was the best approach for the FF. The only issue I have had so far is the Ultimate age of the characters, but the cast is amazing.

Toby is going to own as Doom, he is an amazing actor. I have learned to except we will not get the Doom from the comics. Fox does not own Mephisto or La Fey, and therefore cannot use that aspect of the character: same thing with his connection with Kang. I don't think Fox will ever give him a suit of armor, too much like Iron Man.

Ant-Man: I personally am not upset with Wright leaving, it was after all his desicion to go with Lang and make Pym older. I have learned to get past that little liberty. I am very excited we are getting Ant-Man period, I am glad Marvel has stuck with the project. The action can truly be amazing if done with great imagination and creativity.

Also with the Iron Man 2 debate, I agree it's not a horrible film but could of been better. I think the end battle was way too fast, and Stark creating his new element was not given more respect. I thought Whiplash was great, Hammer was funny, and Widow was great too. Also for me, the fact that Senator Sterns was Hydra adds to the entire hearing. I just have one question. Did Hammer pay the 10 Rings to help Ivan escape, or is he a part of Killians AIM?
EhMaybeSays
EhMaybeSays - 2/3/2015, 1:34 PM
AoU: Low
Ant-Man: Medium
F4: Low
TucksFrom2015
TucksFrom2015 - 2/3/2015, 6:53 PM
h-oh shit only three???
CaptainAmerica31
CaptainAmerica31 - 2/3/2015, 9:49 PM
Agree with you but I have a bit higher expectations for Ant-man based on Marvels history but other than that it's the exact same

Ant man

FF

AOU
Jazzy4
Jazzy4 - 2/4/2015, 12:46 AM
AOU hype is trough the roof and no matter what, everything that have come out from those visiting the set, from the dedication of Joss for which, it's probably his biggest pet project ever, to words from the Russos telling that it's probably the best CBM ever made, to the chilly trailer point to that.

The other two movies, by comparison cant even compare but what they have or not can make the difference.

Antman first trailer was pretty average which isn't too bad as long as the second one bring in.

I think coming in the shadow of AOU is a double edged knife. Firstly, as a trailer, coming after Ultron would make most trailers feel underpar by comparison.

However, movie wise, being the aftermath of Ultron, coupled with a Superior trailer released just after or around AOU release could be a great marketing strategy.

Releasing deliberatly a fist under par trailer at this stage in order to not distract from AOU then followed by a much superior one (much easy when you start with an average one) on the wave of AOU release is mad genious.

FF4 has a stellar trailer but also negative rumors, no images, nothing else to back up the trailer. Plus it comes after two so so movies thata have damage the popularity of the property.

Granted those two first movies were not Batman and Robin, it's still a situation like Batman Begins when it needs a great, not good but great movie just to restre the faith and cure the damage, let alone generate a great BO.

I think that FF4 will be fine as long as the rumors stay mute and as long as the critics are on par. It also needs a bigger marketing campaign because the general audience, especially abroad are not even aware that there is a FF4 movie coming out, let alone with a new team they may or may not endorse.

Not kicking off the marketing earlier was a bad idea.

That's why i also think FF4 will the movie for which the critical rate will have the most impact because people only have a trailer as the only positve news about the movie. A trailer that promise nothing short than a GREAT movie...If the critics are at the opposite of the trailer, i expect a bigger deflect than MOS.

That's why i think Antman is in a better position cause the trailer seems to be underpar while there are more rumours and story behind the scene that tends to point to a good movie whereas FF4 has only a great trailer and needs something to validate the movie greatness that the trailer showcased.
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