MCU’s Phase 4 has drawn a tonne of criticism from fans. Many feel there has been a drop in the output of Marvel’s content, while others think it’s similar to Phase 1 and that the mega-franchise is gearing up for something big. In this article, we will analyze both sides of the coin.
Why Phase 4 Is Bad:
1) Bad CGI
One of the biggest complaints regarding Phase 4 is about the wonky to straight-up terrible CGI in the shows and movies. Even though fans ignored it in most cases, but Thor 4 and the She-Hulk series made it impossible to give further excuses. It’s a sad degradation of a franchise that once pride itself on clean and blended CGI.
2) Terrible Fight Scenes
MCU’s fight scenes have been iconic. From Captain America: Winter Soldier to Avengers: Endgame and more, the fight choreography drew in fans and heightened the drama. But Phase 4 of the MCU doesn’t have any of it. Lacklustre, boring, and run-of-the-mill fight scenes have decreased interest in the franchise.
3) Contrived And Stretched Out Plots
Perhaps terrible CGI and boring fight scenes could have been ignored if the storylines of Phase 4 were plotted with care and precision. One of the biggest complaints regarding this era of the MCU has been the meandering plotlines and half-baked character arcs.
4) Over Abundance Of MCU
Viewers enjoying Phase 4 of the MCU will agree that the studio needs to scale back its content output. Before Disney+ came into existence, MCU movies were events that HAD to be watched. Now the constant barrage of D+ shows has eroded the novelty of the franchise.
5) Lack Of Big Names
MCU’s Phase 4 has been curiously lacking in big character or actor names. Understandably, Endgame provided closure to major characters and their actors, but it’s disappointing that we haven’t seen well-known Hollywood talent make a splash in the Marvel franchise.
And even the ones who stepped in, like Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harington, Tatiana Maslaney, and others, were wasted in mediocre content. Oh well, guess we can hold onto Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop and Charlie Cox as Daredevil for now.
Why MCU’s Phase 4 Has Potential:
1) Setting The Stage For The Next Phase
After Avengers: Endgame bid goodbye to various characters we have known for years, it was time to move the franchise forward by bringing in new faces. And that’s what Phase 4 is doing. Even though its execution has been wonky, most of the Disney+ shows have been about introducing new characters and setting the stage for the next adventure.
2) Good Moments And Good Shows
It hasn’t been doom and gloom all over as there have been standout shows. Wandavision, Moon Knight, Hawkeye, and Loki were beloved shows that were appreciated by most. Even the shows which weren’t loved much had their shining moments, like, Daredevil and Captain Marvel cameoing in the She-Hulk and Ms Marvel series’ respectively.
3) MCU Trying Something New
There have been more variety in MCU’s movies and shows than ever before. From She-Hulk’s legal comedy and breaking the 4th wall to the horror elements of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the Marvel franchise has experimented the most in this era.
4) Giving Female And Marginalized Characters A Stage To Shine
One of the persistent complaints against the MCU for a long time was its lack of female characters. But not anymore. MCU is finally giving women and marginalized characters a chance to shine. With She-Hulk, Ms Marvel, Namor, and others, it’s the most inclusive phase of the franchise.
5) Giving Lesser Known Characters A Stage
If you thought characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Black Widow were lesser-known before getting their solo movies, then you will be shocked now. The characters Marvel is introducing now are strictly B to C lists.
But they are giving them a chance to shine and make a mark on pop culture. Fans of Namor, She-Hulk, Shang-Chi, Eternals, and more will surely be excited. We just wish the writing would prop them up more.
What do you think? Which side of the debate are you on?
