I’ve mentioned in a few posts now that I’m feeling what I refer to as “Marvelled out” and have been for some time.
I put it down to a few things but I think it’s mainly due to the over-saturation of superhero movies and shows in recent years, as well as the fact that after following the incredibly intricate and interweaving “infinity gauntlet” storyline for 11 years (and 22 films) that ended with Avengers: Endgame (2019) I feel like that’s where things peaked. It was always going to be hard to follow the events of Endgame let alone top it, and sadly, for me at least, nothing since has come close.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed some of the more recent Marvel movies, namely Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), but since Endgame things just haven’t been the same. Unlike all the films up to that point it’s all felt directionless and generally very, “meh!” Of course, losing two key characters at the end of Endgame didn’t help things, and I guess that also explains a lot of my fading interest in the MCU.
You’d think that from a fan’s point of view more content would be a good thing, and I know for some it is. Unfortunately though I’m not really a series’ kind of guy - I prefer films, and more and more lately with the release of so many Marvel TV shows that continue as well as elaborate on, stories and themes from the films, I’m feeling like I just can’t be arsed with it all. I read an interesting article about this very thing a little while back and it said that for some people it’s getting harder and harder to keep up, and that watching everything Marvel throws out has “almost begun to feel like homework.” That’s exactly how I feel.
It wouldn’t be so bad if these shows got to the point quickly, but unfortunately they take their sweet-ass time getting to where they’re going. I’ve had several conversations about this of late and I always say that if these were original series’, not tied to Marvel or any established franchise, they wouldn’t have the luxury of taking so many episodes to get to the good stuff. No one would make it past the first episode and the series would be cancelled.
Unfortunately Disney/Marvel know we’ll watch whatever they put out and that we’ll stick with it till the bitter end just so we can keep up with what’s going on. As a result of this they seem to think it’s ok to eek out bland storylines with very few memorable episodes across an entire series. It’s not on!
I’m finding Star Wars is also taking this approach with their series’ (with the exception of The Mandalorian which I love) and quite frankly I’m over it.
There was a time when I’d get excited about watching the latest Marvel (and Star Wars) movie. It was always something to look forward to in terms of going to the cinema because you knew it would be something special. These days I’m finding myself picking and choosing which films I go to see instead of watching everything that’s released. I’m also behind on a few of the Marvel series’ as well as not having the slightest interest in watching one episode of the latest Star Wars series, Andor.
The biggest sign that I’m done with these movies came just before Christmas when I watched The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special (2022). I love the two “Guardians” movies in equal measures but this latest offering just felt forced and lacking in what makes the previous films (as well as their appearances in the Avengers movies) so appealing. Sure it has a little charm and a few funny moments, and obviously it’s meant as a bit of fun, but all in all it fell very flat with me.
When a Guardians of the Galaxy offering fails to make an impact on me it’s time to call it a day.
I’m not saying I’m gonna be boycotting Marvel films from now on, I’m just saying that for me they’ve lost their appeal. When you compare the more recent films with any of the ones before Avengers Endgame the difference in quality is glaringly obvious. I think they've just gotten lazy. I’m certainly finding I’m watching less and less of them at the cinema now which is sad considering I never missed one up until Black Widow (2021).
I guess everything comes to an end, and if Endgame was indeed where my interest in this franchise peaked, then it was a pretty good run.
How do you feel? Are you still loving everything Marvel or do you feel like they’re losing their magic?
Let me know in the comments.