The MCU's 5 Most Underrated Sequences
A phase-by-phase guide
At a point, I had to take a break from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There was just too much of it hitting theaters and TV screens simultaneously—and not enough quality to treat new entries with urgency.
But the waters have settled a bit, and I recently started revisiting some of the less-exalted entries in the catalogue of 35+ (!) feature films. In doing so, I’ve realized that some of my favorite moments of the entire MCU project have been in the “valley” movies, between the peaks of the more groundbreaking and celebrated solo and team films. So in this edition of the newsletter, I wanted to share five of the most underrated sequences, from every completed phase so far:
Phase 1: Iron Man 2’s Monaco-Set Introduction to Whiplash
Having already brought Marv to life in Sin City, Rourke was no stranger to comic book translation. However, the version we get of Whiplash in this film is entirely evolved and amalgamated from the books. His introduction is a gorgeous bit of filmmaking from Jon Favreau. Iron Man 2 didn’t up the stakes like X-Men 2 and Spider-Man 2 did, but it’s more than worth a revisit.
Phase 2: Avengers: Age of Ultron’s Group Hammer Hang
This scene has the least bit of action than others on this list, but it’s one of the few times Whedon didn’t overbanter a scene in his follow-up to the first Avengers entry. With an opportunity for everyone to attempt to lift Thor’s hammer, we’re offered a collection of moments here that illuminate each character’s personalities (and, most apparent), their insecurities). It’s the kind of intimacy and subtly between teammates rarely seen across these movies.
Phase 3: Spider-Man: Far From Home’s Mysterio Showdown
Far From Home’s conceit of Mysterio being a special effects wiz is brilliant, with the villain armed with advanced projectors, drones, and other techy tools to give the illusion of power. His confrontations with Spidey are engrossing and carry the most depth, psychologically, of all the Spider-Holland villain battles. Like all entries here, you should really take it in on a real screen, outside of YouTube, to get the full effect.
Phase 4: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s Namor Infiltration
It’s wonderful that Tenoch Huerta Mejía is returning for Avengers: Doomsday, because he made quite the impression in Wakanda Forever as the Sub-Mariner. Director Ryan Coogler’s highly faithful translation of the character’s powers (but not-so-much his actual biography) has some fun results, including how his winged feet allow him to “skate” through the air. But it’s his dialogue with the Wakandans that really shows Mejía’s gravitas here.
Phase 5: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s Hallway Fight
Because come on, man.