Marvel Studios has been on a roll expanding their cinematic universe. With their box office-smashing superhero ensemble, another short was bound to be filmed.
Previously the Marvel short films mainly focused on our beloved (late) Agent Coulson. However, with this first "in-house" production the studio decided to introduce two new characters. Helmed by
Avengers producer and Marvel Studios Co-President, Louis D'Esposito, the film kicks off with a young couple (Jesse Bradford & Lizzy Caplan) deciding to rob a bank. The funny thing is, that this isn't your ordinary bank heist, especially if a left-over Chitauri weapon (Item #47) is utilized.
The heists of course, don't remain undetected, and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are already trying the locate the small time crooks. S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sitwell (The agent that redirects flights in Thor) has taken over Coulson's duties, and sets out to confront the quirky couple, that now resides in a cheap motel. Upon finishing calculating their steal, loud music from the neighbors room interrupts their "making-out" moment, and Bradfod's character decides to walk over. As soon as his fist reaches the door, he finds himself pulled into the room and tied up by Agent Sitwell. However, the young man isn't easy to handle, and he right away achieves to notify his girlfriend of the situation he finds himself in. The uneasy girlfriend decides to use the Chitauri weapon to free her lover, and soon goes on a mad period blowing up stuff. Sitwell manages to take control of the situation, and the aftermath showcases the couple tied up sitting on the floor, waiting for their 'delicate" interrogation. The couple ends up being recruited as S.H.I.E.L.D agents.
"But exactly how did the young man manage to get the weapon to work in the first place?" That's the key question that ties the narrative together. Unlike the previous shorts, this film introduces new characters, and rather than having an ass-kicking, and donut-deciding Coulson, we get to see two clumsy characters establishing criminal backgrounds with the help of alien technology.
In general the film is a nice little addition to the Marvel cinematic universe, that for the first time also includes special effect shots. The actors managed to portray some enjoyable characters. For the moment I can't imagine them having any bigger roles in future installments, but then again this is a very quick new story in a familiar environment. It's kept simple with no easter eggs for Iron Man 3 or so. All in all it's a descent parallel-tracked story to what happens after
The Avengers. If you guys enjoyed the previous short Coulson adventures, you will for sure also dig this short. Whether the couple will be included in future installments is still undecided. Personally I wouldn't mind seeing them again.
Item #47 will be available on Blu-ray and Dvd on September 25th.
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Isn't she lovely?!