Because I'm bored, so here's a little post addressing celebrities bitching about Marvel, and how much of it I agreed with. In case you still think I'm a Marvel homer, here's some very harsh language tearing the franchise apart.
Simon Pegg: Marvel's InfantilizationPegg wasn't entirely wrong as there were many Marvel films that are pure escapism movies with style over substance, but I think he's wrong to call out on Age of Ultron. I had a more positive perspective on AoU over the years, especially after a recent rewatch. AoU's theme of The Avengers' battling their inner demons and proving Ultron wrong about humanity being irredeemable was well done, and the religious undertones ("On this rock, I build this church") was undeniable and only added depth to such a theme.
Instead, I would have called out on Thor: Ragnarok. Now that one was infantile alright. A forgettable action adventure with witty comedy to pass the hour and a half you have to spare. Hela was just one of the many generic megalomaniacal villains trying to take over the world. Yawn. Next power-hungry villain please. The politics of Odin hiding his bloody past of conquering the Nine Realms would have saved the movie from being a shallow piece of
, but that particular sub-plot had no payoff and was a mere accessory.
Pegg's remark that Marvel movies' biggest focus is Hulk winning against a robot could be applied here in Thor: Ragnarok, where the biggest thing we could take away is Hulk fighting Thor. There's no emotional journey here, no deeper message other than "Thor kicking ass." A single movie like this once in a while is fine, and I love them for it, but at least 7 Marvel movies out of 10 is just some over-masculine super kicking ass and looking awesome. Gets old after a while, and it does feel juvenile. Feels like a teenager's wet dream with his superhero figurines. Pegg's remark rings true.
Now of course, you get the occasional Civil War and Black Panther, which is why I feel that the MCU has improved a lot more near Infinity War, but I feel like that's only because we're near the end of Phase 3. You can be sure that by Phase 4, things will reset and you'll go back to those "fun" and thoughtless action adventures full of kicking ass and looking awesome. Yawn.
Jodie Foster's DelusionNow, Jodie's criticism is probably the only one on this list that I disagree entirely with. She went a little overboard with her words, saying Marvel movies are literally destroying the planet. Whew, that's a little exaggerated, don'tcha think? It's not like it's global warming or deforestation or even Donald Trump we're talking about here. Sure, many Marvel movies are dumbing down our next generation, but "destroying the planet"? C'mon, Jodie, I love your acting and even some of your directing, but this statement is just ridiculous.
That being said, "ruining the viewing habits of Americans" does have some truth to it. I wouldn't say it's entirely true since many Americans are still smart enough not to flock to every single Marvel movie they churned outta the factory (especially when many agreed that Ant-Man films are the black sheep of the family), but the habit is still prevalent, giving the Marvel house its unearned money.
George Takei and Whitewashing in Dr. StrangeYep, I still agree with this one, in spite of what others have said about sensitive Chinese stereotypes. It still doesn't make much sense to me, appealing to Chinese by eliminating Chinese characters. That's another of the many Chinese-American actors who gets unpaid from your delusional SJW-ing, btw. Great job on keeping the Chinese happy. Not.
Oh, and I'm still waiting for Shang-Chi to appear in the MCU Netflix. Feel free to disappoint me any time, Marvel, as per usual.
Jessica Chastain and FeminismWell, Wonder Woman's already out, and they are already making a Captain Marvel movie, so this criticism is already dated. In fact, from what I heard, they might have went overboard with the solution, as the good Captain has turned out to be one gigantic Mary Sue of a
in the comics, being one of those annoying "a woman who can do anything" BS characters. The MCU version will hopefully not go down the annoying SJW route, but they did replace a Chinese in Dr. Strange, so god only knows. Let's cross our fingers the Captain won't take down Thanos with one punch. Christ almighty.
Chloe Bennet and the Lack of Connection with Marvel TVProbably the point most people agreed with. Unfortunately, also the one problem that will most likely to never be resolved. Marvel TV and the MCU will NEVER ever connect because of budget reasons, so just give it up now. Forget about Daredevil and Spidey teaming up unless they reboot good ol' Hornhead.
Christopher Eccelston and the Whiny ComplaintAnother celebrity whining about his job (see "Jennifer Lawrence and X-Men: Apocalypse"). Nothing to see here.
Mel Gibson and the Slew of Violence in MarvelCompletely off since Marvel movies are the furthest thing away from violent movies. If anything, I'd say the MCU's too family-friendly.
Jason Momoa and the Harmless JokeIt's called a "joke," you fanboys. Get the f*** over it. It's just a f***ing movie. Stop being so attached to things and be sensitive over every single remark, you precious princess. F*** Marvel. There, I said it. What are you going to do? Gather torches and pitch-forks?
F*** DC as well. In fact, f*** superheroes altogether. See? It means nothing. Nothing happens. The world is still spinning and we are still free to torment each other with our ridiculous BS. Christ.
That is all. End of rant and tirade. Feel free to get butthurt and call me out on stuff.