Ironically, I think the original "Iron Man" may the best movie in the whole MCU franchise. There was a certain energy in that one.
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About ten years ago I sent Kevin Feige a hand-painted, limited edition, Nicole Miller tie with a bunch of Marvel characters on it. It was something I had cherished from the 90's.
Mr. Feige never even had the decency to thank me on Facebook, where we had a friend in common, or have one of his multiple assistants or his "coordinator" send me a pre-printed thank you note.
And this was before the movies really exploded. It was maybe around the time of "Thor" being released.
I know Kevin received it as I sent it Fedex and the package was signed for by the Marvel Studios mailroom.
I wasn't asking him for a job or tickets to an advance screening. I was sending him something to show my appreciation for finally getting the comic books I loved as a kid turned into films.
I still continue to see all the MCU films ("Black Panther four times in theaters), but I have no love for Mr. Feige.
The Marvel cinematic universe first and foremost owes a debt to the creators of the 1961 comic franchise's unprecedented style of casual cameo's by one superhero in the world of another. It was no big deal on the early pages of Spider Man to see him swing by Thor heading on some other mission across Times Square; or for Ant Man to spot the Hulk bounding away across the desert horizon.
Back then, these appearances might be nothing more than an acknowledgment that these folks inhabited the same world: no intertwined plot necessary, much like you might run into a friend or someone well known on the street-car or subway. Marvel's tendency to acknowledge "shared turf" in NYC or the desert Southwest made their fables fun and "real."
Across the artistry of Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, Stan Lee's ability to imbue each character with a signature personality--blended from virtue and vice, boon and burden--laid the groundwork for what evolved onto the screen with such acclaim and following.
Like all good cinema, the MCU began with great storytelling, whose seed was planted long before anyone dreamt of showing a corporate arms dealer turned high-tech superhero on the big screen. How fitting that Stan Lee was able to witness the strength of his story-telling translate so seamlessly to film once video technology--and a good creative team--could to it justice. Excelsior!
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Two important missing words: Sarah. Finn.
3
The MCU is one of the greatest collaborations of all time — in any endeavor. For folks who stay to the end of the credits in End Game, watch all the names and entities that contributed and then reflect on End Game being the 22nd film. So much work and content from so many people, it boggles the mind.
If you had asked someone when Iron Man came out eleven years ago, could he/she see Marvel being more culturally relevant than Star Wars, 99 out of a hundred would have laughed at the question. But today, the MCU is top dog and Star Wars has drifted to the fringe.
Thank you to the folks at Marvel/Disney for a job well done.
23
After reading this article I insist that Mike Judge make Idocracy II. Since the first is now satire, much closer to a documentary. America gets dumber every day. And while America continues to wipeout innocent lives in any country they like, the masses continue to send all their money in an ironic "trickle up" theory.
Hero worship may be a healthy human trait but who's really a hero? Of course I'm sure Downey is a hero to his lawyers and money managers but Puhleeze, enough with all the self congratulations.
And while I'm on the hero front -- Tiger Woods did not cure cancer or impact world peace, he just played some golf with friends and walked away with over 2 mil. He has been considered one of the greatest golfers for many years, so what's all thy H$Y$P$E$$ all about? I certainly do not begrudge his perseverance with all his setbacks. But, like everything in America all this hype is mostly a massive money grab for him, his "handlers" and the sponsors of golf. You know, the good old one percent.
Will America ever wake up to the fact that they go out of their way to enrich the richest, while giving a tad of lip service to the neediest.
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@zigful26
I think you're misreading the story. I enjoy watching the movies, but I certainly don't "worship" them. I like a good story, as many people do. And I don't think this story is about "congratulating" them either. Some people (not you, however) might be interested in how the success began. You of course have a right (in the USA, but not in some other places) to express that you don't care how these folks achieved their success or overcame their (in some cases, self inflicted) challenges. Just because they didn't cure cancer or impact world peace doesn't make them bad people though. Are you a bum because you haven't too?
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Wonderful!
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Being totally Marvel way before Marvel was MARVEL, I really couldn't believe that an "Iron Man" movie was coming out.
Even though I had a screen cap from the trailer of Iron Man flying as my desktop background at work for almost two years I still was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Then Marvel released the perfect realistic superhero movie: Iron Man. Added bonus in the nerdgasm was hearing Black Sabbath's Iron Man played in the movie.
Sure, I loved the Spider-Man movies by Sam Rami and the X-Men movies were also dreams come true but I knew there was just SO many more movies that could/should be made from the Marvel Universe.
I had been waiting since 1977 to see an "Iron Man" or possibly "The Avengers" movie but it was always a kid's silly wish.
What fun it's been the last 11 years. Seeing Marvel go mainstream has been part of the fun.
Fantasy: Fulfilled.
Thank you, Stan.
Excelsior!
31
This was a fun and interesting read, so excited and happy things turned out the way they did.
Currently halfway through my own little MCU marathon prior to the release of endgame.
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I still remember the feeling of wonder and awe after seeing Iron Man back in 2008. After the movie ended (and of course, I stayed through the whole credits), I walked back up and bought a ticket to the very next showing!
It's been quite a ride!
23
Great franchise and nice little profile on it.
The Marvel franchise brought my brother and I closer together. and created more than a handful of fun movie outings for my family.
Amazing how far it's come and I'm very much looking forward to End Game next week!
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Since my birthday falls during the opening weekend I have a Marvel themed birthday planned for me, a woman in her 50s!
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