A decade ago, two Marvel movie change the universe and the genre itself

A decade ago, two Marvel movie change the universe and the genre itself

As a fan who has witnessed the Marvel Cinematic Universe unfold since its inception, I can confidently say that Phase Two was a turning point that elevated the franchise to new heights. The duo of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy was nothing short of revolutionary, each film bringing something unique and captivating to the table.


Reflecting on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, it’s astounding to see how one triumph after another unfolded. After the epic win of Avengers, it proved challenging to keep the ball rolling and broaden the universe scope. However, in 2013, this phase saw mixed results with Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World, which were not as captivating compared to earlier releases.

Over the course of the following year, two Marvel films significantly altered the path of the franchise and the genre itself. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would have been fundamentally different without these outstanding Phase Two productions. Ten years on from their premiere, let’s revisit the influence and enduring legacy of these pivotal movies: Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

In the sequel to his initial Avengers adventure, Steve Rogers finds himself carrying out missions for S.H.I.E.L.D., leveraging his military background. However, a hidden plot within the organization results in Nick Fury getting badly hurt, and Rogers being falsely accused of orchestrating the attack. This sets him and Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) on a trail to discover the real culprits behind Fury’s injury. The truth that he uncovers fundamentally alters Steve’s perspective on the world.

In a departure from their work on “Community”, Anthony and Joe Russo were chosen by Kevin Feige to direct their first project in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with “The Winter Soldier”. However, the Russos expressed a desire for Captain America’s second solo adventure to be more like a political thriller. This ambition was met with approval from Feige, who pointed to influential 70’s thrillers such as “The Parallax View” and “All the President’s Men” as the film’s primary inspirations.

Consequently, although the overall tone aligns with the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there’s an underlying atmosphere that pervades the film. This ambiance plays a significant role in setting up the disclosure about S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Winter Soldier’s secret. Remarkably, topics such as espionage and moral dilemma will persist, even beyond the Infinity Saga.

In terms of taut execution, thrilling action, and understated commentary, “The Winter Soldier” comes remarkably close to revolutionizing Marvel’s Cinematic Universe with its focus being more on theatrical impact (similarly to “Black Panther“) rather than franchise-building.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Prior to directing the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, James Gunn had experience in the superhero genre with the boundary-pushing black comedy “Super,” and he also worked under Troma, a film studio known for its unusual subgenres. Given his background, it’s no surprise that he was chosen to bring Marvel’s space-faring team to life on the big screen.

The possibility of its success lies firmly in Marvel’s continued victories and a desire for fresh characters. However, unexpectedly, it managed to achieve success, leading to two follow-up films, a series on Disney+, numerous attractions, and the significant boost of Chris Pratt’s acting career.

At first glance, “Guardians of the Galaxy” appears to be a typical space movie focusing on an eclectic group of outcasts. However, what truly sets it apart is James Gunn’s unconventional approach and his deep-seated enthusiasm for the work by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. His whimsical style effectively breathes life into characters such as Star Lord, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot.

Enhance the statement by mentioning the diverse soundtrack and intricate world-building spanning over three movies, indicating that Marvel’s team is well-equipped to broaden the cosmic aspect of their universe.

Because of the triumph of the trilogy, numerous movies have striven to replicate its charm, such as Suicide Squad, Bright, and more recently Borderlands. The outcomes have been mixed, but they can’t diminish the emotion and intelligence that the series displayed. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including being temporarily removed from Volume 3, James Gunn successfully crafted a trilogy according to his vision.

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2024-08-31 05:57

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