Having concluded The Infinity Saga with 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has embarked onto its new slate of projects, which have now branched into the medium of streaming series as well. Here’s a rundown of what interesting projects Marvel has to offer in its new slate, recently confirmed to be part of and encompassing The Multiverse Saga.
Loki
Verdict: While the introduction of the multiverse may be deemed as too soon, and the series suffers from pacing issues and quick shifts in character, Loki finally affords Tom Hiddleston the chance to take centre stage, and take the character in a new direction, establishing its own rules of time travel to be applied in the future, with an ending that poses major ramifications for the Marvel universe going forward.
Score: 7/10.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Verdict: Simu Liu makes for a charming protagonist, and veteran actor Tony Leung turns in a composed yet layered villainous performance. With the strength of its cast, its broadening of cultural representation and expertly choreographed action sequences, Shang-Chi nonetheless falters after its first act, owing to weak villain motivations, predictable story beats and a horrendous CGI-riddled finale.
Score: 6/10.
Eternals
Verdict: Delightfully ambitious, and full of visual flair, Eternals takes a bold risk by moving away from the Marvel formula, taking on a mature story and a deconstructionist approach of its fully realized heroes. With a story line that is epic in scope, director Chloe Zhao injects the film with engaging world-building, backstory and lore, and makes the most of its ensemble cast (with Barry Keoghan and Angelina Jolie delivering memorable performances).
Score: 9/10.
Hawkeye
Verdict: A passable yet entertaining throwback to the buddy cop action comedies of the 1980s and 90s, Hawkeye certainly benefits from its refreshingly smaller stakes and plot, reintroduction of fan favorite characters, and the performances of and chemistry between Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld.
Score: 8/10.
Moon Knight
Verdict: With a slow burn psychological mystery thriller story waiting to unravel and Oscar Isaac’s layered central performance holding the audience’s attention, Moon Knight deepens the lore and mythology of the universe (and making the most of its separate and contained nature), delivering inventive action sequences, and heads towards a suitably darker and mature tone for the franchise.
Score: 9/10.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Verdict: Director Sam Raimi in his return to superhero films makes his voice and presence felt through the production values, crafting a fast paced fantasy action thriller with gothic horror elements. Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen play off well one another as diametrically opposed leads, with the latter nailing her performance as the Scarlet Witch to perfection. While some may appreciate its contained nature, others maybe disappointed with the lacking of potential as promised by its title.
Score: 8/10.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Verdict: Thor: Love and Thunder is more of what made Thor: Ragnarok enjoyable, but represents Marvel’s continuous insistence on telling uncompelling superhero narratives, squandering the potential of its story, the tone, its titular character and the performances of its cast (especially Christian Bale), forsaking it for repetitive gags that is demanding and exhausting for the audience.
Score: 4/10.
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