I like how fair and balanced your reviews are. You are by far the most reliable person in this category. I can always rely on your unbiased reviews to judge whether or not a movie is for me. I think the Marvel Magic has run its course for me. This movie being merely set-up for [NEXT PRODUCT] is not a selling point for me.
funnily enough the biggest selling point for Ant-Man movies is, and always was, Paul Rudd for me. the dude is just so endlessly charming and likeable, I couldn't care less about big CGI battles or the next scaaaaaary MCU villain. just give me Paul Rudd being Paul Rudd and I'll be perfectly happy.
Even though I don’t always agree with Dan’s opinion, after watching his reviews I always feel like I have enough information to decide whether or not to view it for myself. He always describes why he likes or dislikes something and (no matter his own opinion) tells the audience “if you like [this other thing], then you’ll probably like this.”
Dan wins me back in the SJN days, when the Joker movie was announced, and despite that in my mind he was the "hate" guy, in that ocation he said that even without Batman, a Joker movie could work if it was a Good story.
I love Dan's reviews over ANYONE. Remember: Not too long ago, Dan was the Best Movie Debater on the planet. Movie Fights, The best Ever. When he gives reviews, it's going to be an honest take, a hard to argue against take, and a fair take. I love it.
Interesting, how both Dan and John Campea said "magic is gone". I guess many people feel like this, me included. It wasn't massive cgi-fest what gained MCU the audience, it was passion and devotion to grounded and sincere characters who happen to have some extra features.
I concur with Dan's character statement. My biggest issue with the film is that Kang is only as strong and as menacing as the plot needs him to be. In the 3rd act, I was wondering how he was strong enough to kill even some of the avengers? Let alone, kill them all, multiple times over as he claimed
He (well this variant) was banished by his own Council, so that explains part of it. If they sabotaged his ship, then that means they likely took a bunch of his weapons and other things when he was beating them in wars. That being said, dude was the best villain they had in a LONG TIME.
@@murk4552 Kang goes from freezing characters in place, lifting them with telekinetic abilities, and beating them constantly with ease, to getting beaten like most other Marvel villains in the 3rd act. Now if Kang was just another villain, i wouldn't care, but he is supposed to be the next Thanos. I honestly feel like they missed a great opportunity to get him to be more intimidating and frightening with his abilities and tactics, but instead, they went for the typical, "everyone lives and wins ending." Also, if he was missing some type of weapon, then the story should have mentioned it. As for best Villians, Wanda, Green Goblin, and whatever Christian Bale was, were done pretty effectively. So I wouldn't cut those 3 short. But if we're talking about phase 1 villains, then yeah Kang is a lot better.
@@ericisnthereorthereeither562 the only way I've been able to rationalize it, is that all the powers derive from his suit, and his suit was busted in the final fight, which leaves him as nothing more than a man who can punch and kick.
@@zunaidparker Nailed it. That's Kang's weakness...he's dependent on tech (his suit and chair specifically) since he's just a normal human from the future. Match, separate, or damage his devices and he becomes very de-powered.
@coolo73 I would probably compare him in that state as to when Tony was stranded in the infinity saga. He is very powerful but when stripped of most of his stuff not so much. This kang was effectively first suit iron man escaping from the terrorists, if this is what he accomplished in that state imagine what he can do as full strength iron man state.
Excuse my french, but I FLIPPING LOVE the way Dan reviews movies. Balanced and supported opinions, really useful reviews. It shows he loves movies and wants them to be better than a mass-produced lightshow. Love, love, love it
I’m happy he doesn’t think “everything is going woke” like some other “reviewers” who only do it to get a raise out of people & for views. Actually quality criticism
My expectations for the past 3 years were that Marvel would scale it back, give everyone time to catch their breath. They had all this success and that gave them a unique opportunity to experiment and I guess fail without bankrupting the studio. Instead, they just kept escalating (bar the relatively self-contained Shang-Chi and Eternals, maybe). Now Phase 4 has finished, I'm no closer to feeling like the MCU has anything interesting to offer than I was in 2019, it all just feels exhausting to me. It's like they learned nothing from the endless parade of summer events in the comics.
I mean looking at how little from last year was connected and how much was stand alone, you could say they DID give everyone time to catch their breath
Only reason those were self contained is because the movies quite literally ignore all the ways that they couldn’t possibly be self contained. At the end of Eternals there is a fucking man sticking out of the earth and it is never mentioned again in any movie. It’s one of the marvelisms. They think they can do anything and people will go along with it. Makes for really shit story telling.
I have to agree that for me too and a growing number of fans, the magic of the MCU is gone or at best fading. Its a shame as there seemed to be so much potential just 2 years ago when Wandavision kicked off phase 4. Marvel built up so much goodwill during Phase 1 to 3 . it seems to be slowly disspearing sadly, with each new installment. If they dont step up their game quickly I beleive the MCU will go into decline in popularity(if this has not already began)
'WandaVision' seems like such a distant memory now... I was hella excited for the return of the MCU because of that, but now, they seem to have given me too much at the expense of quality.
I really thought after the first Dr Strange we might get a bit more variety, a bit more intelligent problem-solving rather than super-powered punch versus fancy armour, explosions and impossible death-defying hopping around.
After endgame marvel should have taken some time off instead of bombarding the MCU with movie after movie that all have to tie into each other in some strange ways leading up to another end game type of super fight. MCU is pretty generic with the villain since the start. Mostly with people fighting the evil version of themselves in a villain with similar powers or armor. I'm sure this will lead to a million different versions of Kang which means they can be killed off with ease since there's always another Kang to fight now.. making Kang the ultimate end level boss the avengers can fight forever in a bunch of different timelines. Avengers Kang dynasty, welcome to the Kang bang
Yeah, that's gonna be a pass for me until the home release. I am well beyond this "It'll look better in 4 films and 2 T.V. shows time" that the MCU has been running much of their movies since Phase 3. Only thing I am even remotely interested in is Guardians 3, and that is because more than anything, it's about the crew more than the setup, as it has always been and had the luxury of better than most MCU projects.
@@tronam I ain't, Adam Warlock and HE are just villain filler, cause one is useless and had an Infinity War comics arc they didn't include. High Evolutionary being here so suddenly makes no sense.
These days I'm more interested in reviews of Marvel movies than the movies themselves. I only just watched Wakanda Forever, and while I feel Angela better win that award, I don't really care.
@@MrWookie91I feel like the point of the original comment, was that the differing opinions of the latest MCU projects has become more interesting/engaging than the films themselves, not that the person needs the reviews to form their opinion for them.
@@famousthaneus9810 exactly, yes, thank you. I followed the MCU religiously from Hulk to the Loki Series and then I got burnt out. But I do like to hear discussions and perspectives still.
The problem is Marvel is trying to double the Infinity Saga's formula in this saga. They have to introduce as many elements (characters, plots, etc.)as possible so that they can put them in both Avengers movies. That's why they are setting up the young Avengers along with new characters.
As far as I am concerned Dan you are the best. Your reviews and analysis are always very well thought out and balanced. Charts with Dan is one of my favourite programmes to watch. The amount of work and detail you put in this programme is amazing and extremely commendable. Thank you for doing what you do. 💖
The way I see it, This is the first issue of a new comics run. If you are into comics, you will get what I mean. You read it and decide, yeah I'm down for the rest of this story, or its not your bag and you bail. For me, I'm always down to see and read marvel. I love the characters and even when its bad I can have a good time (love and thunder). I think the problem for a lot for MOVIE critics they don't get the choice. They HAVE to watch all of them so it drags on their mind. This is absolutely not a standalone movie. You will have to "Collect" every issue to get the most enjoyment out of it.
Dan...I agree with most of your points, except for your comment about Evangeline Lilly's role. I do think she is a vital part of the story arc and I did not feel that she was sidelined at all...
I think for me there is no need to say what I think about the MCU right now, all I need to say is that the last that I took the time to go and see in theatres is End Game... I loved some of the TV shows, especially Moon Knight. But I was "meh" on all the movies since End Game. I would say Shang Chi was the best one, because it was fun, and like you said, didn't have the same crazy galactic stakes. I think Marvel did some mistakes they can't undo. The biggest one was this multiverse thing. Time travel is always a mistake because it allows you to resuscitate dead heroes, making death in movies obsolete. But adding multiverses, which is ANOTHER way of resuscitating dead heroes but this time with a new actor, even a different age, is such a disappointment for me... So yeah, fuck that. Give me more Moon Knights, more Shang Chi, more Wandavision and on DC side, more Peacemaker, more contained Batman stories, more Doom Patrol. I don't care anymore about the big movies, they're unnecessarily big, badly written, not funny, not dramatic, just bad. Hire a good writer FIRST, and don't INTERFERE so much !
I think here (and in most other movies) they should just learn to "take things slow". What i mean is just take time to create good movie in all aspects, give time to writers to weave trully great story, give time to CGI ppl to work their magic properly, give time to director, to actors and whole team to work their magic to best of theirs skills. Even if that means less movies/shows overall. It would be worth it. But i guess probl. with that is human greed and money - at least i blame most of those rushed projects on that. Sad is i dont believe even money loss would be that big espec. for companies like Marvel/Disney, but prob. too many ppl there are blinded by potential cash flow from this brand and unwilling to try different approach... ☹
The 4 things I fear in an MCU movie: 1) CGI overload 2) comedy ruining dramatic/tense scenes 3) half-assed social commentary 4) teasers to future movies instead of just making a good solo movie
I agree, although I love the interrelated larger MCU, I think they are missing the character stories that should be the node of each connection. Cap'n America Civil War is a great example of it done right. We need to hear more voices, like your, express this so the Marvel story-telling pendulum can swing back to the characters at the root of these stories.
I don't know as I'd agree on the specific example, but your overall point of tying things back to character and story instead of serving the Marvel U machine is spot-on. I've been feeling that bullish about the MCU since post-Endgame. Less planning titles decades in advance, more making sure the scripts and character development works for the movie in front of audiences.
There's a video reaction, I don't know if it's staged, of some guy reacting to Multiverse of Madness. He doesn't have Disney Plus, so he's not seen WandaVision. For him, this is Wanda's first appearance since Endgame. The confusion he has at Wanda suddenly being evil is not only hilarious, but a reminder that depending too much on continuity, while having it inaccessible to some, will bite you up the arse.
i just came back from it and had the opposite thought. To me it felt like it was as self contained story and, other than Kang, had very little to do with the rest the Marvel verse.
On rewatch the Antmans have become my favorites and my concern with this movie since the announcement was that this would not really be a 3rd Antman but a Kang introduction movie with the Antman cast just kinda there.
I'll of course see it for myself, but I feel it's not MCU fatigue, but the fatigue of enery MCU movie now can't just be great stories in of themselves, but set up to dozens of future movies.
I think it's fair to say that what we wanted from Phase 4 i.e. the "focus" wasn't actually what we wanted. We thought the setting up, the wow factors of the MCU, the Marvel magic would save Phase 4 and it might have but it's too late now. The fatigue from those medicore movies has come and it needs to be an excellent movie by itself to correct the course.
I wonder if creators are starting to feel as “meh” about their product that the audience is feeling. With the exception of points of Wakanda Forever and Werewolf by Night, it kind of feels like the passion has evaporated from Marvel.
Thanks for the review Dan! I think for the first time in a LONG time? I’m just gonna wait until this one comes to streaming. I don’t really feel the need to spend my time and money rushing to the theater for this one honestly
It’s totally up to you if you see it or not. I didn’t see AntMan 1 in theatres and didn’t think I missed much. But I’m glad I saw this one on the big screen, mainly for Kang. But you’re mileage will vary. No wrong answer here
Maybe it’s because I just watched Wakanda Forever the other day, but I thought Ant Man and the Wasp was way better than the standard Marvel movie. It was fun to watch with more actual laughs than I’ve had in the mcu since Ragnarok. I felt like I got to know all the characters better - and there weren’t a million different characters, unlike Wakanda Forever. There were actual set ups and pay offs in the writing, and the script overall was well structured. I know that the reviews overall have been really negative, but I honestly can’t figure out why
The moment the MCU went away from telling self contained stories that only as a side reminded us they were part of a larger world, they lost the battle and started going downhill. I’ve been hoping more and more now that they’d look back at phases 1 and 2 and take lessons from them.
I haven't seen a Marvel thing since Love & Thunder and am not entirely sure I have mentally recuperated from that experience to see another one just yet.
I think what marvel really needs is to slow it down. If you look at all the releases in each phase it’s kinda crazy how much they’ve ramped up over the years. Phase one was only 6 movies and was released over 5 years. Phase 4 was 7 movies and 8 shows released within just 3 years. The more projects you have the harder it becomes to contain them all into something cohesive
I agree with this completely. I think the benefit of bringing back Bob Iger will certainly steer Marvel Studios back in the right direction. I also found this recent interview with Kevin Feige from an EW article that I read somewhat interesting: "we want Marvel Studios and the MCU projects to really stand out and stand above. So, people will see that as we get further into Phase 5 and 6. The pace at which we're putting out the Disney+ shows will change so they can each get a chance to shine. So when you say the pace will change, do you mean spacing them out or putting out fewer shows a year? Both, I think." So I think there are indications that Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige are slowing things down which is probably the best direction they should go with.
I absolutely had a blast at this movie. Big fun sci-fi flick. I really don’t get the bad reviews. It’s been awhile since I wanted to see a movie again as soon as I finished it. 🤷♀️
Thank you for the review. While not interested at all in this particular movie (the plot seems thin as ice), I DO admire that you're wearing your hat slightly off-center. Nice.
I just saw and thought Quantumania was awesome. People are complaining about the marvel humor, but i don’t get that, bc the humor is very different. but also there’s tension, gravity, and jonathan majors is amazing
My dad and I were having the exact same conversation the other day. We were talking about DCU vs MCEU, I was saying that while I don't always love the DC movies I don't have to remember what happened five movies ago or what happened in what TV show. I used the example of the Doctor Strange into the Mulitverse Vs Black Adam, in Doctor Strange not only did I have to remember what happened in No Way Home but I also had to remember what happened in Wandavision. In Black Adam I didn't need to remember what happened 5 movies back or what happened in Shazam necessarily it was a stand alone in that sense. MCEU is becoming to much homework. It takes the fun out if watching something and being in the moment.
And that is exactly why I LOVE it! I love having the encyclopedic knowledge of a wider universe and how all the puzzle pieces fit together. I love following along as Wong pops in and out of a dozen movies and shows, seeing how this second tier character changes and interacts over a decade without ever even getting a starring role. I love that some no name agent decides to learn magic in an Ant-Man movie then randomly pops up and shows off a magic trick in Wandavision. All those tiny threads make it feel like the universe is alive and real and happening off-screen. I hate when DC movies just throw in HUGE characters like DR. Fate in basically disposable roles and expect us to care when they die. The only reason I care is because I didn't get to see him do anything cool or get to know his character at all. I'm sad at the huge loss of potential, that we didn't get 10 years of Dr. Fate at least as background and now they are dead so we never will.
Thanks Dan. Still seeing it Thursday, and I can't wait. To your point on your 5 year look back at movies previously seen, I find that each time I re-watch a Marvel movie I learn new things/connections that didn't quite make sense earlier. That is what I love about these movies :)
Hazy or not, I still found this review very helpful. I'm finally at a point, honestly, where I'm no longer wanting to keep up with the MCU, for many reasons. For me personally, I'm most likely not going to watch a majority of what the MCU puts out anymore (especially after my disappointment overall with Phase 4). Even so, I will come to trusted reviewers like you Dan, because while I may not want to fully invest in the "source" anymore, I do still have some curiosity left that (small) reviews can satisfy. So thank you for your honesty, Dan. =)
Its just not worth investing all the time needed to keep up with the MCU anymore for me, especially as there is so much great other movies and TV out there.
I was really into the MCU through Endgame, but after that, I was kinda over it. I watched a couple of the Phase 4 movies, but it seems like more of a chore than anything now to try and keep up with everything they are doing.
Was hoping for a movie with a good story that could stand on its own, not a place holder for up coming movies. Will most like wait till its on Disney + or rent it.
I think once Part 2 is released it will finally "click" with mainstream audiences. Part 1 on its own was amazing for Dune fans like myself, but I also understand the lukewarm reception to the uninitiated.
As far as the spectacle I expect this movie to be epic so i don't mind a mass battle and epic story they clearly telegraphed in the marketing so I don't mind if it doesn't feel like Ant-Man 1 or 2 and like Dune part 1 your enjoyment it can depend on getting part 2
I just love seeing your reviews. Your love of the medium shows through in every video. I truly appreciate your fair and balanced thoughts and opinions on each film you review. Keep it up!! We all love ya!
Saw it Wednesday night here in Norway. Modok and his daughter were the worst part of the movie, followed by the Wasp's new haircut. Otherwise it was entertaining. Kang, Scott and Hope made it for me.
I have yet to watch this movie, but what you say about it is exactly what I fear is hurting the MCU. I completely understand the world-building requirements that each of these movies have to have in order to advance the bigger picture. But, sacrificing self-contained, well crafted will end up making storytelling within the MCU impossible.
It's like the feeling you get when you see an attractive girl and think to yourself "Man, she's pretty!", only to recoil in horror when she starts eating hot ashphalt and let's it drip down her chin.
Ever since endgame I just haven't been able to get into any of the movies or shows. I think I just grew out of the marvel movies because I'm just not interested and bored with the new stuff. Endgame for me was just a satisfying end to a awesome cinematic universe. All the newer stuff just feels like a company trying to keep the money making machine going indefinitely.
@@donkeydarko77 you picked the one bad movie out of an otherwise stellar career (the cornetto trilogy, Scott Pilgrim and Baby Driver). With apologies to Peyton Reed, he can't even compare to Edgar Wright.
@@donkeydarko77 at least soho had a really interesting premise. It had all the ingredients of a great Edgar Wright movie, it's just the writing wasn't upto the mark.
Majors is like a master chef being given terrible ingredients to work with. He's doing the best he can, but the result is still poor. Kang is a joke. He got beaten by ants and struggled to win a fistfight against a normal human. He's no match for Thanos.
As always a great balanced and thoughtful review. Thanks Dan. I'm definitely looking forward to going in and switching off for 2 plus hours and enjoy it for the action and some mindless fun
I was really dissapointed with MoM and TL&T and thinking of not going to see the movie even though I really enjoy Paul Rudd. Now I'm convinced. Will wait for Mandalorian 3 and The Flash to get really entertaining deep stuff. Love you Dan!
I hope this doesn't come across as mean spirited or sarcastic but after 30+ movies and shows I truly wonder if there can still be something completely new and surprising. we've seen so much, from battles big and small, good and bad villains, heart warming moments, tear jerkers and even scary moments, magic and bad CGI and so much more. which path is still open to explore?
I'm really disappointed seeing the reviews for this film. The MCU has been floundering for a long time now and I hoped (foolishly) that maybe this would be the film to really bring things back. Seems like the poor writing continues and Marvel are making the same mistakes that they have been for years now. I'll still go and see it and looking forward to seeing Kang but it sucks to see that they are sticking with the writing that is dragging them down. I am sadly reaching breaking point with Marvel movies and as a life long fan of the characters, avid comic reader and MCU fan that should not be the case. If I am losing interest then they are doing something wrong. It's at the point where I feel obliged to watch the stuff rather than being excited by it. Phase 4 had 7 films and only 1 of them was truly good. Then ranged from average to just bad. 14% success rate is not good. Compare that to Phase 3 which had its low points but on average the level of quality was significantly higher. Add the overall poor tv shows in there too and it has not been a good couple of years for the MCU. I really think the problem is the writers. So many of them have little experience and are almost home grown where they get experience in the tv shows and then also do a movie. When the primary writer of this massive film has his primary experience being writing Jimmy Kimmel and 6 Rick and Morty Episodes, it raises some serious alarm bells. Just hoping Guardians 3 lands well at this point. I have no faith in anything else being good at this point.
I'm begging for these movies to go back into more character development and motivations and not just BIFF! POW! COMIC BOOKS! and everything is a universe or multiverse ending threat. I would more street level heros and stores.
It seems like every book I read nowadays is part of a series. Don’t see what movies shouldn’t get in on that action. Endless set up and ominous teases were omnipresent in the comics I used to read. Guess the movies are moving closer to their source material. I hope we get to see them chilling on laundry day or playing super basketball soon.
I gotta say I didn't hate this movie as much as I expected 😂 I saw some people saying this was the worst MCU film ever but I think it's still far better than Eternals and Thor Love and Thunder 🤔
I think this is why I've been liking these films less and less. I would love focus on the story at hand, not all setup. You nailed it for me. I don't mind some setup, no. But I'm about being able to focus on a cohesive story on its own more. I really, really liked the first two Ant Man movies.
I don’t know if Dan has ever read any comic books before but this is kinda how it works. Why would comic book movies be any different? These are not one offs, why is that so hard to get?
@@_JellyWalker your making my point your referring to a one off or else world that’s the idea of self contained. These films are not one offs they are a collection of 31 comic stories intriquetly crafted to tell a larger story.
I think when people ask my why I don't care for the Marvel movies, I now can just share this review. I think it helps state why I have bailed long ago better than I ever have. I had no interest in seeing this one (just watching the review due to it being Dan's review). I am really torn on the 3rd Guardian of the Galaxy. I really enjoyed the first one and kinda want to see how the trilogy plays out. Now, if I have to know all 30+ movies and TV shows and it really just is setting up other films, I will be disappointed and most likely will skip that too.
My only question is which team/characters are they setting up to fight in the next Avengers movies? Phase 4 is either characters who are kids, characters who are women but have been relegated to TV shows instead of getting a movie (basically means not everyone knows those female characters like She-Hulk exist), and one or two existing heroes like Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Falcon, sadly, has no powers at all, so I can't even imagine seeing him as Captain America in a movie). Shang-Chi, Captain Marvel, the Guardians, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther and Thor are heavy hitters but pretty much all of them are from before Phase 4. Spider-Man's return is unclear too (as part of the Avengers I mean, not in general). I've never read the comics so I don't know how good the Young Avengers are, but I just don't see those young characters going up against an emeny like Kang. So yeah, it's tough to get excited for their future, unless they stop with the TV show nonsense for a while and set up those characters through movies. Thankfully Ms Marvels seems like it will do something of that by bringing in Kamala Harris, but again, rather skeptical for now.
Great review... to this day the only review I strongly disagree with you on is the Snyder Cut, but it's nice getting an even handed take so I can enjoy the movie.
I have to wonder how many/what percentage of humans are like me and find the fact these movies are 90% detached from any form of possible reality is just cray
I though Quantumania was really good! It wasn't on the same level as Civil War or Infinity War, but definitely in the top 15 best MCU movies for me. That's why I personally don't understand all the hate I've heard Quantumania is getting on the internet, so if anyone wants to share their opinion I would really appreciate it! 😄
Just saw the film and loved it, one of my favourite MCU films I have seen in awhile I can't wait to see it again and I haven't felt like that for an MCU film since Endgame.
From perusing the comments I think we are at the point in the MCU history that defines Casual movie fans and Hardcore comic fans. Casual movie fans are done with the never ending story, the setups, the character refreshes etc. Hardcore comic fans have accepted FOR YEARS that this is how the comics industry works. You get a new book series, you get a few issues of setup and a tone shift from the new writer. Nobody gets bent out of shape when the big bad isn't taken down in the first issue, or possibly even REVEALED until issue 4 of 12. You just have to go in knowing you are going to get the story eventually. And you might have to put down a subscription OR you just wait for all the books to be sold together as a trade paperback form (which is basically Disney+).
I might just see this because of Jonathan Majors, He is quickly rising to one of my favorite actors after watching The Last Black Man in San Francisco. Hopefully this and Creed 3 are good to him this year and he can get some more rolls under his belt. Also... that man is shredded now it is quite insane lol. But as always Dan thank you for your time good sir.
Hi Dan! I saw by the thumbnail that you were not going to give an overwhelmingly positive review of the new Ant-Man movie. I love Bullet Train because of the characterization more than the plot. I'm sure I will agree with you about the new Ant-Man movie, but I will watch it, because Paul Rudd is in it, and I'd like to know what is going on in the MCU. It is just frustrating, because even though I did like the latest Doctor Strange movie despite its flaws, it undid everything mentioned in Loki, so I am curious to know how the new Ant-Man movie tries to "fit" into the MCU.
Hoping to see it this weekend. Hope I’m won over with this film. If not, after GOTG Vol 3, I might be checking out of the MCU (at least religiously watching every new movie and show).
Yes, I think that seems to be a growing consensus have the MCU now jumped the shark? - After Gaurdiens I dont think there is much really to look forward to, either movies or Tv for Marvel - I wouldnt be surprised if the box office and viewership take a dive before long.
I think it’s hard to please everyone. I mean it’s the beginning of a introduction to something. If u say it’s not as goofy as the last Thor and has more structure than Dr strange and the multiverse…what is the problem? I just don’t get what u are getting at. The difference between Marvel and Dc is Marvel sets up their movies with clues slowly and properly…I mean come on….what are we expecting here? I think Marvel messed up by giving the plot away and that’s probably the problem.
Thank you for the insightful review Dan! Like most marvel movies I’ll pass on this. I kind of agree that the magic has kind of warm off. At least for myself, marvel movies just seem inconsequential and boring. Love your channel!
I get more excited when Dan gets a new shirt than when a new MCU movie comes out. Ant-Man might be the biggest lost opportunity in the MCU. Tremendous cast. Lots of heart. But it never met its full potential. Besides Spider-Man, I don't think Marvel is invested in providing a satisfying arc to beloved characters.
I think its funny how during the entirety of Phase 4 people were endlessly complaining that the MCU had no direction anymore and nobody knew where the overall story was headed...and now it seems with Quantumania they're finally giving people an idea of what the Multiverse Saga is actually about and everyone is complaining about too much set up again. (Not you personally Dan)
I like how fair and balanced your reviews are. You are by far the most reliable person in this category.
I can always rely on your unbiased reviews to judge whether or not a movie is for me.
I think the Marvel Magic has run its course for me. This movie being merely set-up for [NEXT PRODUCT] is not a selling point for me.
funnily enough the biggest selling point for Ant-Man movies is, and always was, Paul Rudd for me. the dude is just so endlessly charming and likeable, I couldn't care less about big CGI battles or the next scaaaaaary MCU villain. just give me Paul Rudd being Paul Rudd and I'll be perfectly happy.
Even though I don’t always agree with Dan’s opinion, after watching his reviews I always feel like I have enough information to decide whether or not to view it for myself. He always describes why he likes or dislikes something and (no matter his own opinion) tells the audience “if you like [this other thing], then you’ll probably like this.”
Dan wins me back in the SJN days, when the Joker movie was announced, and despite that in my mind he was the "hate" guy, in that ocation he said that even without Batman, a Joker movie could work if it was a Good story.
I love Dan's reviews over ANYONE. Remember: Not too long ago, Dan was the Best Movie Debater on the planet. Movie Fights, The best Ever. When he gives reviews, it's going to be an honest take, a hard to argue against take, and a fair take. I love it.
Interesting, how both Dan and John Campea said "magic is gone". I guess many people feel like this, me included. It wasn't massive cgi-fest what gained MCU the audience, it was passion and devotion to grounded and sincere characters who happen to have some extra features.
I concur with Dan's character statement. My biggest issue with the film is that Kang is only as strong and as menacing as the plot needs him to be. In the 3rd act, I was wondering how he was strong enough to kill even some of the avengers? Let alone, kill them all, multiple times over as he claimed
He (well this variant) was banished by his own Council, so that explains part of it. If they sabotaged his ship, then that means they likely took a bunch of his weapons and other things when he was beating them in wars. That being said, dude was the best villain they had in a LONG TIME.
@@murk4552 Kang goes from freezing characters in place, lifting them with telekinetic abilities, and beating them constantly with ease, to getting beaten like most other Marvel villains in the 3rd act. Now if Kang was just another villain, i wouldn't care, but he is supposed to be the next Thanos. I honestly feel like they missed a great opportunity to get him to be more intimidating and frightening with his abilities and tactics, but instead, they went for the typical, "everyone lives and wins ending."
Also, if he was missing some type of weapon, then the story should have mentioned it. As for best Villians, Wanda, Green Goblin, and whatever Christian Bale was, were done pretty effectively. So I wouldn't cut those 3 short. But if we're talking about phase 1 villains, then yeah Kang is a lot better.
@@ericisnthereorthereeither562 the only way I've been able to rationalize it, is that all the powers derive from his suit, and his suit was busted in the final fight, which leaves him as nothing more than a man who can punch and kick.
@@zunaidparker Nailed it. That's Kang's weakness...he's dependent on tech (his suit and chair specifically) since he's just a normal human from the future. Match, separate, or damage his devices and he becomes very de-powered.
@coolo73 I would probably compare him in that state as to when Tony was stranded in the infinity saga. He is very powerful but when stripped of most of his stuff not so much.
This kang was effectively first suit iron man escaping from the terrorists, if this is what he accomplished in that state imagine what he can do as full strength iron man state.
Excuse my french, but I FLIPPING LOVE the way Dan reviews movies. Balanced and supported opinions, really useful reviews. It shows he loves movies and wants them to be better than a mass-produced lightshow. Love, love, love it
I’m happy he doesn’t think “everything is going woke” like some other “reviewers” who only do it to get a raise out of people & for views. Actually quality criticism
ض😊
My expectations for the past 3 years were that Marvel would scale it back, give everyone time to catch their breath. They had all this success and that gave them a unique opportunity to experiment and I guess fail without bankrupting the studio. Instead, they just kept escalating (bar the relatively self-contained Shang-Chi and Eternals, maybe). Now Phase 4 has finished, I'm no closer to feeling like the MCU has anything interesting to offer than I was in 2019, it all just feels exhausting to me. It's like they learned nothing from the endless parade of summer events in the comics.
I mean looking at how little from last year was connected and how much was stand alone, you could say they DID give everyone time to catch their breath
Only reason those were self contained is because the movies quite literally ignore all the ways that they couldn’t possibly be self contained. At the end of Eternals there is a fucking man sticking out of the earth and it is never mentioned again in any movie. It’s one of the marvelisms. They think they can do anything and people will go along with it. Makes for really shit story telling.
These movies feel like homework now. If you didn't watch WandaVision, you would be lost in the Dr. Strange movie.
exhausting.....an apt description
Well until the movies stop making lots and lots of money, they actually can do whatever they want
It's very telling that I've adopted a 'wait for Disney+' attitude.
I have to agree that for me too and a growing number of fans, the magic of the MCU is gone or at best fading. Its a shame as there seemed to be so much potential just 2 years ago when Wandavision kicked off phase 4.
Marvel built up so much goodwill during Phase 1 to 3 . it seems to be slowly disspearing sadly, with each new installment. If they dont step up their game quickly I beleive the MCU will go into decline in popularity(if this has not already began)
all things must pass
Damn. I don't even see the goodwill in WandaVision. I thought even that sucked.
'WandaVision' seems like such a distant memory now... I was hella excited for the return of the MCU because of that, but now, they seem to have given me too much at the expense of quality.
These movies are for kids, y'all are grown go watch interstellar instead of crying, people have been saying this since Thor 2😂😂😂😂
Well said, MCU is slowly degrading in quality. I too was super hopeful after seeing both Wandavision and Loki.
I'm getting sick of the end of level boss battles in these films.
I really thought after the first Dr Strange we might get a bit more variety, a bit more intelligent problem-solving rather than super-powered punch versus fancy armour, explosions and impossible death-defying hopping around.
After endgame marvel should have taken some time off instead of bombarding the MCU with movie after movie that all have to tie into each other in some strange ways leading up to another end game type of super fight.
MCU is pretty generic with the villain since the start. Mostly with people fighting the evil version of themselves in a villain with similar powers or armor.
I'm sure this will lead to a million different versions of Kang which means they can be killed off with ease since there's always another Kang to fight now.. making Kang the ultimate end level boss the avengers can fight forever in a bunch of different timelines.
Avengers Kang dynasty, welcome to the Kang bang
Yeah, that's gonna be a pass for me until the home release. I am well beyond this "It'll look better in 4 films and 2 T.V. shows time" that the MCU has been running much of their movies since Phase 3. Only thing I am even remotely interested in is Guardians 3, and that is because more than anything, it's about the crew more than the setup, as it has always been and had the luxury of better than most MCU projects.
Quantumania will be a D+ streamer for me. Guardians 3 is another matter. I trust in Gunn to deliver.
@@tronam Indeed. Not a doubt in my mind that I will see that on the big screen proper in comparison.
@@tronam I ain't, Adam Warlock and HE are just villain filler, cause one is useless and had an Infinity War comics arc they didn't include. High Evolutionary being here so suddenly makes no sense.
These days I'm more interested in reviews of Marvel movies than the movies themselves. I only just watched Wakanda Forever, and while I feel Angela better win that award, I don't really care.
@@MrWookie91I feel like the point of the original comment, was that the differing opinions of the latest MCU projects has become more interesting/engaging than the films themselves, not that the person needs the reviews to form their opinion for them.
Definition of sheep 😂😂😂
@@valaja1458 so glad people like you are part of a very small minority
@@famousthaneus9810 exactly, yes, thank you. I followed the MCU religiously from Hulk to the Loki Series and then I got burnt out. But I do like to hear discussions and perspectives still.
@@valaja1458 why are you upset people are enjoying the things you aren't? that's just a very weird personality to have
The problem is Marvel is trying to double the Infinity Saga's formula in this saga. They have to introduce as many elements (characters, plots, etc.)as possible so that they can put them in both Avengers movies. That's why they are setting up the young Avengers along with new characters.
As far as I am concerned Dan you are the best. Your reviews and analysis are always very well thought out and balanced. Charts with Dan is one of my favourite programmes to watch. The amount of work and detail you put in this programme is amazing and extremely commendable. Thank you for doing what you do. 💖
Nope Dan is a joke if a movie reviewer
The write of this movie, Jeff Loveness is also writing Avenger: Kang Dynasty, so expect something like this movie, but with the other Avengers
Sadly, you're 100% correct
The way I see it, This is the first issue of a new comics run. If you are into comics, you will get what I mean. You read it and decide, yeah I'm down for the rest of this story, or its not your bag and you bail. For me, I'm always down to see and read marvel. I love the characters and even when its bad I can have a good time (love and thunder).
I think the problem for a lot for MOVIE critics they don't get the choice. They HAVE to watch all of them so it drags on their mind. This is absolutely not a standalone movie. You will have to "Collect" every issue to get the most enjoyment out of it.
Correct, these are more comic-book than they are movies, in terms of structure and storytelling.
The internet may not love it Dan, but I sure do! Thanks for these balanced and honest reviews.
Keep it up!
Dan...I agree with most of your points, except for your comment about Evangeline Lilly's role. I do think she is a vital part of the story arc and I did not feel that she was sidelined at all...
I think for me there is no need to say what I think about the MCU right now, all I need to say is that the last that I took the time to go and see in theatres is End Game... I loved some of the TV shows, especially Moon Knight. But I was "meh" on all the movies since End Game. I would say Shang Chi was the best one, because it was fun, and like you said, didn't have the same crazy galactic stakes. I think Marvel did some mistakes they can't undo. The biggest one was this multiverse thing. Time travel is always a mistake because it allows you to resuscitate dead heroes, making death in movies obsolete. But adding multiverses, which is ANOTHER way of resuscitating dead heroes but this time with a new actor, even a different age, is such a disappointment for me... So yeah, fuck that. Give me more Moon Knights, more Shang Chi, more Wandavision and on DC side, more Peacemaker, more contained Batman stories, more Doom Patrol. I don't care anymore about the big movies, they're unnecessarily big, badly written, not funny, not dramatic, just bad. Hire a good writer FIRST, and don't INTERFERE so much !
I think here (and in most other movies) they should just learn to "take things slow". What i mean is just take time to create good movie in all aspects, give time to writers to weave trully great story, give time to CGI ppl to work their magic properly, give time to director, to actors and whole team to work their magic to best of theirs skills. Even if that means less movies/shows overall. It would be worth it. But i guess probl. with that is human greed and money - at least i blame most of those rushed projects on that. Sad is i dont believe even money loss would be that big espec. for companies like Marvel/Disney, but prob. too many ppl there are blinded by potential cash flow from this brand and unwilling to try different approach... ☹
The 4 things I fear in an MCU movie:
1) CGI overload
2) comedy ruining dramatic/tense scenes
3) half-assed social commentary
4) teasers to future movies instead of just making a good solo movie
I agree, although I love the interrelated larger MCU, I think they are missing the character stories that should be the node of each connection. Cap'n America Civil War is a great example of it done right. We need to hear more voices, like your, express this so the Marvel story-telling pendulum can swing back to the characters at the root of these stories.
I don't know as I'd agree on the specific example, but your overall point of tying things back to character and story instead of serving the Marvel U machine is spot-on. I've been feeling that bullish about the MCU since post-Endgame. Less planning titles decades in advance, more making sure the scripts and character development works for the movie in front of audiences.
There's a video reaction, I don't know if it's staged, of some guy reacting to Multiverse of Madness. He doesn't have Disney Plus, so he's not seen WandaVision. For him, this is Wanda's first appearance since Endgame. The confusion he has at Wanda suddenly being evil is not only hilarious, but a reminder that depending too much on continuity, while having it inaccessible to some, will bite you up the arse.
i just came back from it and had the opposite thought. To me it felt like it was as self contained story and, other than Kang, had very little to do with the rest the Marvel verse.
On rewatch the Antmans have become my favorites and my concern with this movie since the announcement was that this would not really be a 3rd Antman but a Kang introduction movie with the Antman cast just kinda there.
Luis is not there. Can it be an Ant-Man movie without Michael Peña?
Cap America fans went through it with Civil War as well
I'll of course see it for myself, but I feel it's not MCU fatigue, but the fatigue of enery MCU movie now can't just be great stories in of themselves, but set up to dozens of future movies.
I think it's fair to say that what we wanted from Phase 4 i.e. the "focus" wasn't actually what we wanted. We thought the setting up, the wow factors of the MCU, the Marvel magic would save Phase 4 and it might have but it's too late now. The fatigue from those medicore movies has come and it needs to be an excellent movie by itself to correct the course.
I wonder if creators are starting to feel as “meh” about their product that the audience is feeling. With the exception of points of Wakanda Forever and Werewolf by Night, it kind of feels like the passion has evaporated from Marvel.
Thanks for the review Dan! I think for the first time in a LONG time? I’m just gonna wait until this one comes to streaming. I don’t really feel the need to spend my time and money rushing to the theater for this one honestly
It’s totally up to you if you see it or not. I didn’t see AntMan 1 in theatres and didn’t think I missed much. But I’m glad I saw this one on the big screen, mainly for Kang. But you’re mileage will vary. No wrong answer here
Maybe it’s because I just watched Wakanda Forever the other day, but I thought Ant Man and the Wasp was way better than the standard Marvel movie. It was fun to watch with more actual laughs than I’ve had in the mcu since Ragnarok. I felt like I got to know all the characters better - and there weren’t a million different characters, unlike Wakanda Forever. There were actual set ups and pay offs in the writing, and the script overall was well structured. I know that the reviews overall have been really negative, but I honestly can’t figure out why
The moment the MCU went away from telling self contained stories that only as a side reminded us they were part of a larger world, they lost the battle and started going downhill. I’ve been hoping more and more now that they’d look back at phases 1 and 2 and take lessons from them.
I haven't seen a Marvel thing since Love & Thunder and am not entirely sure I have mentally recuperated from that experience to see another one just yet.
When I hear the words *cinematic universe* nausea ensues.
I would love more MCU character development films but I know I'm not the majority
A nuanced objective level-headed review on RUclips????? Am I in an alternate timeline ?????????
The whole movie is essentially Janet's fault because she kept quiet about Kang.
I think what marvel really needs is to slow it down. If you look at all the releases in each phase it’s kinda crazy how much they’ve ramped up over the years. Phase one was only 6 movies and was released over 5 years. Phase 4 was 7 movies and 8 shows released within just 3 years.
The more projects you have the harder it becomes to contain them all into something cohesive
I agree with this completely. I think the benefit of bringing back Bob Iger will certainly steer Marvel Studios back in the right direction.
I also found this recent interview with Kevin Feige from an EW article that I read somewhat interesting:
"we want Marvel Studios and the MCU projects to really stand out and stand above. So, people will see that as we get further into Phase 5 and 6. The pace at which we're putting out the Disney+ shows will change so they can each get a chance to shine.
So when you say the pace will change, do you mean spacing them out or putting out fewer shows a year?
Both, I think."
So I think there are indications that Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige are slowing things down which is probably the best direction they should go with.
I absolutely had a blast at this movie. Big fun sci-fi flick. I really don’t get the bad reviews. It’s been awhile since I wanted to see a movie again as soon as I finished it. 🤷♀️
I admire your sophisticated taste in films.
Thank you for the review. While not interested at all in this particular movie (the plot seems thin as ice), I DO admire that you're wearing your hat slightly off-center. Nice.
The bottom line is we need to just get a movie. Just one movie with a beginning, middle and end.
I just saw and thought Quantumania was awesome. People are complaining about the marvel humor, but i don’t get that, bc the humor is very different. but also there’s tension, gravity, and jonathan majors is amazing
I appreciate how Dan Murrell gets to the main point.
Phase 5 will probably be as cursed as phase 4 not off to a good start
My dad and I were having the exact same conversation the other day. We were talking about DCU vs MCEU, I was saying that while I don't always love the DC movies I don't have to remember what happened five movies ago or what happened in what TV show. I used the example of the Doctor Strange into the Mulitverse Vs Black Adam, in Doctor Strange not only did I have to remember what happened in No Way Home but I also had to remember what happened in Wandavision. In Black Adam I didn't need to remember what happened 5 movies back or what happened in Shazam necessarily it was a stand alone in that sense. MCEU is becoming to much homework. It takes the fun out if watching something and being in the moment.
And that is exactly why I LOVE it! I love having the encyclopedic knowledge of a wider universe and how all the puzzle pieces fit together. I love following along as Wong pops in and out of a dozen movies and shows, seeing how this second tier character changes and interacts over a decade without ever even getting a starring role. I love that some no name agent decides to learn magic in an Ant-Man movie then randomly pops up and shows off a magic trick in Wandavision. All those tiny threads make it feel like the universe is alive and real and happening off-screen.
I hate when DC movies just throw in HUGE characters like DR. Fate in basically disposable roles and expect us to care when they die. The only reason I care is because I didn't get to see him do anything cool or get to know his character at all. I'm sad at the huge loss of potential, that we didn't get 10 years of Dr. Fate at least as background and now they are dead so we never will.
The homework wouldn’t be so much of a problem or even a chore to watch all of it - if it was good.
Thanks Dan. Still seeing it Thursday, and I can't wait. To your point on your 5 year look back at movies previously seen, I find that each time I re-watch a Marvel movie I learn new things/connections that didn't quite make sense earlier. That is what I love about these movies :)
Hazy or not, I still found this review very helpful. I'm finally at a point, honestly, where I'm no longer wanting to keep up with the MCU, for many reasons. For me personally, I'm most likely not going to watch a majority of what the MCU puts out anymore (especially after my disappointment overall with Phase 4). Even so, I will come to trusted reviewers like you Dan, because while I may not want to fully invest in the "source" anymore, I do still have some curiosity left that (small) reviews can satisfy. So thank you for your honesty, Dan. =)
Its just not worth investing all the time needed to keep up with the MCU anymore for me, especially as there is so much great other movies and TV out there.
It's a "net positive" defines the MCU at this point.
I was really into the MCU through Endgame, but after that, I was kinda over it. I watched a couple of the Phase 4 movies, but it seems like more of a chore than anything now to try and keep up with everything they are doing.
Was hoping for a movie with a good story that could stand on its own, not a place holder for up coming movies. Will most like wait till its on Disney + or rent it.
This is exactly why I defend Dune…
I think once Part 2 is released it will finally "click" with mainstream audiences. Part 1 on its own was amazing for Dune fans like myself, but I also understand the lukewarm reception to the uninitiated.
@@tronam I wouldn’t even call the reception lukewarm lol but yes part ii will make it look even stronger
@@owenrohm2157 I only say lukewarm because it basically broke even at the box office.
I already have my IMAX ticket for Friday night.
Really hoping Guardians 3 stays focused on its own story and concluding that arc of films. I have faith in Gunn.
As far as the spectacle I expect this movie to be epic so i don't mind a mass battle and epic story they clearly telegraphed in the marketing so I don't mind if it doesn't feel like Ant-Man 1 or 2 and like Dune part 1 your enjoyment it can depend on getting part 2
I appreciate this review! It feels like this movie has a good chance of being enjoyable to me which is all I needed to know. Thanks Dan!
I just love seeing your reviews. Your love of the medium shows through in every video. I truly appreciate your fair and balanced thoughts and opinions on each film you review. Keep it up!! We all love ya!
Saw it Wednesday night here in Norway. Modok and his daughter were the worst part of the movie, followed by the Wasp's new haircut. Otherwise it was entertaining. Kang, Scott and Hope made it for me.
I have yet to watch this movie, but what you say about it is exactly what I fear is hurting the MCU. I completely understand the world-building requirements that each of these movies have to have in order to advance the bigger picture. But, sacrificing self-contained, well crafted will end up making storytelling within the MCU impossible.
It's like the feeling you get when you see an attractive girl and think to yourself "Man, she's pretty!", only to recoil in horror when she starts eating hot ashphalt and let's it drip down her chin.
Ever since endgame I just haven't been able to get into any of the movies or shows. I think I just grew out of the marvel movies because I'm just not interested and bored with the new stuff. Endgame for me was just a satisfying end to a awesome cinematic universe. All the newer stuff just feels like a company trying to keep the money making machine going indefinitely.
Its wild how every Ant-Man movie has just been OK and nothing great. I really wish we got to see Edgar Wright's version.
Last Night in Soho was a total bore. A 20 minute story stretched wafer-thin to a feature film.
Edgar Wright ain’t always good
@@donkeydarko77 you picked the one bad movie out of an otherwise stellar career (the cornetto trilogy, Scott Pilgrim and Baby Driver). With apologies to Peyton Reed, he can't even compare to Edgar Wright.
@@donkeydarko77 I agree but when he's good he's really good. Plus I loved the short Ant-man promo we got from him, it looked extremely promising.
@@donkeydarko77 at least soho had a really interesting premise. It had all the ingredients of a great Edgar Wright movie, it's just the writing wasn't upto the mark.
@@prathapkutty7407 All it had was a premise. AND it was his most recent film :/
Good review. Walking out of the theater I thought it was OK. That was about it. Somewhat disappointing.
I’m glad this movie is setting up for the future. Marvel from 2008-2019 was a story arch. Hopefully there going in the same direction
Majors is like a master chef being given terrible ingredients to work with. He's doing the best he can, but the result is still poor. Kang is a joke. He got beaten by ants and struggled to win a fistfight against a normal human. He's no match for Thanos.
Sounds like I'll feel the same as I have felt about MCU for the last 4 years since Endgame
As always a great balanced and thoughtful review. Thanks Dan. I'm definitely looking forward to going in and switching off for 2 plus hours and enjoy it for the action and some mindless fun
Yours is the first review of this movie I had to watch. Love your videos dude. 🤘
Metal Jesus! Love YOUR videos dude!
Why can't understand what Jonathan Majors says half the time? I'm worried about this big baddie, his speech is not hitting with me.
Unfortunately for me, I’m already tired of Kang. He just doesn’t interest me all that much, that mid-credit scene was beyond stupid.
I was really dissapointed with MoM and TL&T and thinking of not going to see the movie even though I really enjoy Paul Rudd. Now I'm convinced. Will wait for Mandalorian 3 and The Flash to get really entertaining deep stuff.
Love you Dan!
Damn those phishing bots are crazy! Didn't take the bait but they really jumped on me here.
Thank you dan to take them out so quicly!
it's so fun to see Gregg Turkington in Marvel movies
I remember the days when I would see an MCU movie multiple times in the theater🤔
It's been a while for me too. I think Winter Soldier was the last time I revisited an MCU movie in theaters.
I hope this doesn't come across as mean spirited or sarcastic but after 30+ movies and shows I truly wonder if there can still be something completely new and surprising. we've seen so much, from battles big and small, good and bad villains, heart warming moments, tear jerkers and even scary moments, magic and bad CGI and so much more. which path is still open to explore?
I'm really disappointed seeing the reviews for this film.
The MCU has been floundering for a long time now and I hoped (foolishly) that maybe this would be the film to really bring things back. Seems like the poor writing continues and Marvel are making the same mistakes that they have been for years now.
I'll still go and see it and looking forward to seeing Kang but it sucks to see that they are sticking with the writing that is dragging them down.
I am sadly reaching breaking point with Marvel movies and as a life long fan of the characters, avid comic reader and MCU fan that should not be the case. If I am losing interest then they are doing something wrong. It's at the point where I feel obliged to watch the stuff rather than being excited by it.
Phase 4 had 7 films and only 1 of them was truly good. Then ranged from average to just bad. 14% success rate is not good.
Compare that to Phase 3 which had its low points but on average the level of quality was significantly higher. Add the overall poor tv shows in there too and it has not been a good couple of years for the MCU.
I really think the problem is the writers. So many of them have little experience and are almost home grown where they get experience in the tv shows and then also do a movie. When the primary writer of this massive film has his primary experience being writing Jimmy Kimmel and 6 Rick and Morty Episodes, it raises some serious alarm bells. Just hoping Guardians 3 lands well at this point. I have no faith in anything else being good at this point.
Yes, broadcast this feeling from Marvel fans everywhere!
I'm begging for these movies to go back into more character development and motivations and not just BIFF! POW! COMIC BOOKS! and everything is a universe or multiverse ending threat. I would more street level heros and stores.
It seems like every book I read nowadays is part of a series. Don’t see what movies shouldn’t get in on that action. Endless set up and ominous teases were omnipresent in the comics I used to read. Guess the movies are moving closer to their source material. I hope we get to see them chilling on laundry day or playing super basketball soon.
I gotta say I didn't hate this movie as much as I expected 😂 I saw some people saying this was the worst MCU film ever but I think it's still far better than Eternals and Thor Love and Thunder 🤔
I think this is why I've been liking these films less and less. I would love focus on the story at hand, not all setup. You nailed it for me. I don't mind some setup, no. But I'm about being able to focus on a cohesive story on its own more. I really, really liked the first two Ant Man movies.
I don’t know if Dan has ever read any comic books before but this is kinda how it works. Why would comic book movies be any different? These are not one offs, why is that so hard to get?
I’ve actually read a lot! And I talk specifically about movies I think were pieces of a bigger whole but also satisfying in and of themselves.
There are a lot of superhero comics that are complete, self contained stories both in and out of continuity, so that's not really an excuse.
@@_JellyWalker your making my point your referring to a one off or else world that’s the idea of self contained. These films are not one offs they are a collection of 31 comic stories intriquetly crafted to tell a larger story.
Well.. looks like i'll be microdosing shrooms for this one.
Thank you for this review. Regardless of whether I agree or not, I love how you convey your thoughts.
I think when people ask my why I don't care for the Marvel movies, I now can just share this review. I think it helps state why I have bailed long ago better than I ever have. I had no interest in seeing this one (just watching the review due to it being Dan's review). I am really torn on the 3rd Guardian of the Galaxy. I really enjoyed the first one and kinda want to see how the trilogy plays out. Now, if I have to know all 30+ movies and TV shows and it really just is setting up other films, I will be disappointed and most likely will skip that too.
My only question is which team/characters are they setting up to fight in the next Avengers movies? Phase 4 is either characters who are kids, characters who are women but have been relegated to TV shows instead of getting a movie (basically means not everyone knows those female characters like She-Hulk exist), and one or two existing heroes like Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Falcon, sadly, has no powers at all, so I can't even imagine seeing him as Captain America in a movie).
Shang-Chi, Captain Marvel, the Guardians, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther and Thor are heavy hitters but pretty much all of them are from before Phase 4. Spider-Man's return is unclear too (as part of the Avengers I mean, not in general). I've never read the comics so I don't know how good the Young Avengers are, but I just don't see those young characters going up against an emeny like Kang. So yeah, it's tough to get excited for their future, unless they stop with the TV show nonsense for a while and set up those characters through movies.
Thankfully Ms Marvels seems like it will do something of that by bringing in Kamala Harris, but again, rather skeptical for now.
I've only seen jonathan majors in one movie - White Boy Rick. I remember really liking his performance there so I'm looking forward to this portrayal.
Great review... to this day the only review I strongly disagree with you on is the Snyder Cut, but it's nice getting an even handed take so I can enjoy the movie.
Thanks for the review!
I have to wonder how many/what percentage of humans are like me and find the fact these movies are 90% detached from any form of possible reality is just cray
I though Quantumania was really good! It wasn't on the same level as Civil War or Infinity War, but definitely in the top 15 best MCU movies for me. That's why I personally don't understand all the hate I've heard Quantumania is getting on the internet, so if anyone wants to share their opinion I would really appreciate it! 😄
Hopefully five years from now you'll revisit this as part of your five years later series.
Yikes, its interesting and very telling that Dan didn't talk much about the story and hinting that this is nothing more than a "set up" film.
Just saw the film and loved it, one of my favourite MCU films I have seen in awhile I can't wait to see it again and I haven't felt like that for an MCU film since Endgame.
From perusing the comments I think we are at the point in the MCU history that defines Casual movie fans and Hardcore comic fans. Casual movie fans are done with the never ending story, the setups, the character refreshes etc. Hardcore comic fans have accepted FOR YEARS that this is how the comics industry works. You get a new book series, you get a few issues of setup and a tone shift from the new writer. Nobody gets bent out of shape when the big bad isn't taken down in the first issue, or possibly even REVEALED until issue 4 of 12. You just have to go in knowing you are going to get the story eventually. And you might have to put down a subscription OR you just wait for all the books to be sold together as a trade paperback form (which is basically Disney+).
I might just see this because of Jonathan Majors, He is quickly rising to one of my favorite actors after watching The Last Black Man in San Francisco. Hopefully this and Creed 3 are good to him this year and he can get some more rolls under his belt. Also... that man is shredded now it is quite insane lol. But as always Dan thank you for your time good sir.
Watch Devotion and The Harder They Fall.
@@a.psquickview2071 I loved him in the harder they fall and I still have yet to see devotion but the first chance I get I definitely will
Hi Dan! I saw by the thumbnail that you were not going to give an overwhelmingly positive review of the new Ant-Man movie. I love Bullet Train because of the characterization more than the plot. I'm sure I will agree with you about the new Ant-Man movie, but I will watch it, because Paul Rudd is in it, and I'd like to know what is going on in the MCU. It is just frustrating, because even though I did like the latest Doctor Strange movie despite its flaws, it undid everything mentioned in Loki, so I am curious to know how the new Ant-Man movie tries to "fit" into the MCU.
Hoping to see it this weekend. Hope I’m won over with this film. If not, after GOTG Vol 3, I might be checking out of the MCU (at least religiously watching every new movie and show).
Yes, I think that seems to be a growing consensus have the MCU now jumped the shark? - After Gaurdiens I dont think there is much really to look forward to, either movies or Tv for Marvel - I wouldnt be surprised if the box office and viewership take a dive before long.
I think it’s hard to please everyone. I mean it’s the beginning of a introduction to something. If u say it’s not as goofy as the last Thor and has more structure than Dr strange and the multiverse…what is the problem? I just don’t get what u are getting at. The difference between Marvel and Dc is Marvel sets up their movies with clues slowly and properly…I mean come on….what are we expecting here? I think Marvel messed up by giving the plot away and that’s probably the problem.
Phase 4: the big bad was grief. Phase 5: the big bad is Kang
What a bummer! The trailers had me pretty excited to for this...I guess I'll have to judge for myself :)
Not entirely sure what folks expect. You can have a solid movie that builds the universe and just be a entertaining flick.
I think some reviewers describe the movie best in the few words: "Its a mixed bag"
Thank you for the insightful review Dan! Like most marvel movies I’ll pass on this. I kind of agree that the magic has kind of warm off. At least for myself, marvel movies just seem inconsequential and boring. Love your channel!
You okay no charts with dan this week
I get more excited when Dan gets a new shirt than when a new MCU movie comes out.
Ant-Man might be the biggest lost opportunity in the MCU. Tremendous cast. Lots of heart. But it never met its full potential. Besides Spider-Man, I don't think Marvel is invested in providing a satisfying arc to beloved characters.
Excellent review.
I personally like the build up aspect of the MCU so I don't think it will bother me, based on what's been said here.
I think its funny how during the entirety of Phase 4 people were endlessly complaining that the MCU had no direction anymore and nobody knew where the overall story was headed...and now it seems with Quantumania they're finally giving people an idea of what the Multiverse Saga is actually about and everyone is complaining about too much set up again.
(Not you personally Dan)