Top 5 Marvel Phase 4
We know that Marvel Phase 4 left a fair amount to be desired. This phase of Marvel releases did not quite “wow” us as we hoped, but not all is lost. These five titles included the classic Marvel sparkle with solid stories, great performances, and lots of superhero action. Here now are our Top 5 Marvel Phase 4 films and shows.
WandaVision
Synopsis: WandaVision is a Marvel series that follows Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they navigate a mysterious reality created by Wanda herself. The show combines sitcom styles from different eras with superhero storytelling, exploring themes of grief, identity, and love.
Why we love it: Clearly, we love TV, so a Marvel TV show about TV shows is right up our alley. The show paid great homage to a family favorite, The Dick Van Dyke Show. Bewitched, The Brady Bunch, Full House, and Modern Family all received the WandaVision treatment making each episode nostalgic while still piling on the mystery of what exactly Wanda was up to. The show’s leads Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany were fantastic as Wanda and Vision, pushing what could have been a silly concept to a much deeper, emotional story.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Synopsis: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the third film in the Guardians of the Galaxy series. Directed by James Gunn, it continues the cosmic adventures of Star-Lord and his team as they face new challenges and explores the depths of the Marvel universe. Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill must rally his team to defend the universe and protect one of their own. If the mission is not completely successful, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
Why we love it: The last installment of Phase 4 left audiences feeling happy, emotional, and satisfied. James Gunn concluded his film trilogy by telling the story of Rocket Raccoon, who, until now, refused his raccoon identity. This film is one of the more dramatic MCU films to date. The signature Guardians’ humor is still present working much more as comic relief to the emotional story than in previous films. Read our full review HERE.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Synopsis: Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third standalone film featuring Tom Holland as Spider-Man. The movie deals with the aftermath of Spider-Man’s secret identity being exposed and explores the concept of the multiverse, bringing together characters from different Spider-Man franchises.
Why we love it: Considered by many as the worst-kept secret in Hollywood, we can say now three Spider-Mans are better than one! This is not the only Phase 4 movie to deal with the multiverse, but it is the best. Its more simplistic and focused take on the matters of the multiverse allows the story to give all the fan service we want but still has high stakes for all the characters involved. Fans have more closure for all three Spider-Men while leaving the door open for more.
Ms. Marvel
Synopsis: Ms. Marvel is a Marvel series that introduces Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager with shape-shifting abilities who takes on the superhero persona of Ms. Marvel. The show follows Kamala’s journey as she learns to balance her personal life, family, and newfound powers
Why we love it: Despite her popularity amongst Marvel Comics readers of late, this teenage hero didn’t cross into the mainstream until now. This series thrives on the adorable and spunky personality of Kamala Khan played perfectly by Iman Vellani. This show also functioned as a lesson on the complexities of Pakistani history. Her heritage ties in with her powers in a way that feels organic so it avoids some of the pitfalls of a commonplace origin story. A bonus of this show is the fandom Kamala has for the Avengers, so there is plenty of fan service here. I’ll take two tickets to AvengersCon, please!
Hawkeye
Synopsis: Hawkeye is a Marvel series that centers around Clint Barton, also known as Hawkeye, and his mentorship of Kate Bishop, a young archer who aspires to take on the mantle of Hawkeye. The show explores Clint’s past and his efforts to pass on his skills to the next generation.
Why we love it: Marvel embraces a Christmas story bringing together Hawkeye and his biggest fan Kate Bishop. The 6-episode series is a little overstuffed by trying to tie in the stories of Echo, Kingpin, and Yelena Belova. Though, the chats and eventual fights between Yelena and Kate are particularly great and funny scenes. Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye processing his past allows the Oscar-nominated actor to bring more gravitas to this role than in previous iterations. Also, Rogers the Musical is now a real thing and we could not be happier.
What do you think of our Top 5 Marvel Phase 4 titles? Share in the comments your Top 5 of Phase 4.