With the upcoming release of The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron, some theater goers will be treated to a super-hero film-fest of over 24 hours of Marvel Comic’s films.
Not to worry, you don’t have to watch any of the Spider-Man or X-Men films as they are made by Columbia pictures and 20th Century Fox respectfully, and not by the very successful Marvel Studios which has been releasing hit after hit since they first launched Iron Man in 2008.
Iron Man was a depart from most super-hero films where the viewer is more interested in the costumed personae and not the alter-ego. In this case it is Iron Man’s alter-ego Tony Stark, played deftly by actor Robert Downey JR who is the real hero and star of the film. Downey brings just enough smarmy charm to the role that movie-goers sat on the edge of their seats in anticipation of what the jet-setting super-hero playboy would say next.
After the release of Iron Man the Marvel propaganda machine kept on rolling, producing successful film after successful film. Marvel learned a valuable lesson by casting a big name start in a pivotal role like Downey in Iron Man and they hoped that lighting would strike twice with Ed Norton starring 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. This re-boot of the emerald skin monster was meant to make-up for the Ang Lee made debacle that turned the green-skinned Bethlehem into a baby-faced Jolly Green Giant. Unfortunately for fans Norton did not sign-on for any future Hulk films and was replaced by Mark Ruffalo in 2012’s Marvel’s The Avengers.
Iron Man 2 came out in (2008) followed by Thor (2011) and Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) all which paved the way towards the super-hero blockbuster Marvel’s The Avengers (2012).
Just watching the above listed movies alone will run you about 12 hours in viewing time. But your not done. Don’t forget sequels, and both Cap & Thor have them as well as a third Iron Man sequel.
The last film to watch before the upcoming release of The Avengers 2 is Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) a stand alone film in its own right is alas a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Happy viewing. Get lots of popcorn. You’re gonna need it.
To recap, the order of viewing is as follows:
- IRON MAN
- THE INCREDIBLE HULK
- IRON MAN 2
- THOR
- CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER
- THE AVENGERS
- IRON MAN 3
- THOR: THE DARK WORLD
- CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
- GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
