Earth's Mightiest Heroes

# 7 The Marvel Cinematic Universe 

List of Movies: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers

Why I love these movies: 

The Avengers alone is one of the most entertaining films I have ever seen! Then you add the solo adventures of Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, and Captain America, leading up to the assembling of the Avengers, and you have one awesome movie series! What’s great about these movies is that they choose to develop each character so well before throwing them all into one movie. By the time they all come together we as an audience already know the characters, and where they come from. 

Before these movies though I didn’t know as much about the Avengers as I did X-men and Spider-man, but as far as movies go these are my favorite marvel superhero movies! These films are the best because they focus on character development, but they still don’t leave out the amazing action. They showed that superhero movies don’t just have to be all about the action, but also about the characters. These films were made with delicate care, and they show that it’s ok to still believe in super heroes. They also demonstrate to us that no matter how different we are in this world, we can all come together to perform some kind of common good!

Favorite Film: The Avengers

This was one of those movies that I couldn’t stop thinking about after I saw it. If there was one word that I could use to describe the Avengers, it would be balanced. The reason I say that is because this movie has everything. It has some of the best action sequences of any movie I have ever seen, as well as a great story, great character development, and flawless acting by the cast! 

 There was so much going on in this movie and they were able to balance it perfectly, and it proved that more than one superhero can work in one movie! One of my favorite things about this movie is that it took time to show the clash of each of the superhero’s egos. Everyone got a jab at each other, and they all pretty much got to fight one another. 

I think it was every fan boys dream to see a Hulk vs. Thor fight, and we got that and much more! The cast in this movie was perfect, and after it was all over I couldn’t decide which character was my favorite. Each character and actor showed why they are so remarkable, and yet it never felt like one character was getting more attention than another. It was one of the most fun movies I have ever seen, and one of the greatest comic book adaptions ever! The director Josh Wheedon, did some incredible stuff with this movie. He understood the characters and where they came from. He himself was a comic book writer and fan of the comics, which helped him understand the fans and know what they wanted to see. I'm glad to know that he has signed on to write and direct The Avengers 2!

Now if we didn’t have all the other movies leading into the Avengers, we wouldn’t have the spectacle that the Avengers is today. My favorite of the individual films was Thor. I remember hearing that they were making a Thor movie, and I thought there was no way that it would actually make a good movie. When the previews started coming out, I still wasn’t that impressed, but I when I actually saw the film I was completely blown away. It was one of the most enjoyable movies I saw that year. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Middleson who play Thor and Loki were casted perfectly, and this movie showed us that not all comic book movies have to be totally realistic, but that they can still stick to their roots, and be a comic book movies!

My next favorite is Iron Man 1. Robert Downey Jr. was born to play that role! This movie showed that it’s ok to have humor in your comic book movies, which is something that didn’t happen too much before it came out. When I first saw this movie though I didn't like how Tony Stark was so arrogant and cocky. It bothered me that he was not humble and noble hero like most are. After watching it a second time though I started liking the character a lot more. He grew on me a lot, and now I couldn't imagine him not being the way he is. It makes seem a little more realistic. It was actually a great change, since he is so different from other characters.

Following Iron Man is Captain America. If any two characters are polar opposites in these films it is Iron Man and Captain America. Steve Rogers is the straight laced hero that has virtues, as well as an attitude of hard work. It was fun watching these two characters bicker in The Avengers. My favorite thing about this movie is that it is set in WWII, which makes it completely different from any other comic book movie. The setting had a very nostalgic feel that made me feel like I was watching an old war movie. 

Iron Man 2 wasn't as good as the first film, but it was still fun to see Tony Stark in action again. It did a good job at introducing War Machine. A lot people didn't like the villains, but I actually really enjoyed them. The Incredible Hulk is my least favorite. I have heard many people say that the Hulk doesn’t really hold his own movie very well, and I think I can agree with that. But never the less this is still a good addition to the marvel films and shows a little more about what make the green monster tick. With 5 very good movies, and one outstanding film, Marvel has a great future in the film industry. Next summer they are starting what they call Phase 2, which will start with the release of Iron Man 3 next May. We will also see sequels to Thor and Captain America, as well as films for new heroes Ant-man, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, which will all lead into the Avengers 2!

Marvel Phase 2!

Final Ranking: 

Favorite Scene: 

There are so many, but I think my favorite is the fight between Hulk and Thor! I also love Hulk's cheap shot punch at Thor in this scene below.

Favorite Quote:

The Avengers had so many good ones, so I'm going to cheat and throw in a few! 

 “Phil? I thought his first name was Agent.” Tony Stark

"There is only one God, and I don’t think he dresses like that." Captain America

Thor: "He’s my brother"

Natasha Romanoff: "He killed 80 people in 2 days"

Thor: "He’s adopted"

"Let’s do a headcount: Your brother, the demigod; a super-soldier, a living legend who actually lives up to the legend; a man with breathtaking anger management issues; a couple of master assassins; and you’ve managed to piss off every single one of us. " Tony Stark

Favorite Character: Thor

Favorite Villain: Loki

Favorite Supporting Character: Agent Coulson

Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirate's Life For Me

#8 Pirates of the Caribbean

List of Movies: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man’s Chest, At World’s End, On Strange Tides

Why I love these movies:

I know that many people will not agree with me on this one, but I don’t really care because I absolutely love ALL of these movies! When I think of a movie that has a perfect blend of action, humor, romance, drama, horror, incredible special effects, amazing soundtrack, and pure fun I think of these movies. Each one of these films have all of those elements and that’s why I love them. I realize there are flaws in these movies, especially in the sequels, but for some reason whenever I watch them I can never remember what they are. What I remember are the hilarious scenes of Jack Sparrow, or the amazing and realistic special effects of Davy Jones. I remember the breath taking cinematography or the intense and suspenseful supernatural elements, and the sweeping music that makes me feel like I’m a pirate sailing the seven seas. There is so much fun in all of these movies. 

These movies are a lot more than just movies, they also have a great sentimental value to me. Each movie reminds me of a specific time in my life, as well as certain people. One of those people is my best friend Carl Iaulualo. For those that don’t know Carl, he passed away when he was almost 16 years old. A year before he died the first Pirates movie came out in theaters on his 15 birthday. A few days later we went and saw it together, and were both talking about it for days. Both of us were enthralled by the adventures of pirates and we wanted nothing more than to be able to find our own adventures.

When the movie came out on DVD we watched it numerous times together. We even went as far as acting out our favorite scenes (yes we were both 15 years old by then). About 5 months later Carl passed away, and these were some of the last moments I had with him. I feel that it was a great privilege and blessing for me to be able to have that time to bond, and to make those some of those final memories. I still can’t watch these films with being reminded of my best friend and the fun times we had wishing we were pirates of the Caribbean. After he had passed away, and I heard they were making sequels I remember thinking how much Carl would have loved to see them. Each time I watched a new film I wished so badly that he could be sitting next to, but at the same time I was also reminded of the life he lived, and the things he taught me. Instead of a sad experience, watching these films has helped me remember the life of my good friend.

All of these films remind me of Carl, but they all also remind of other things as well. The second one reminds me of summer 2006, and the adventures I had as a 17 year old kid. The third one reminds of my high school graduation. The day after graduation I went and waited in line for a few hours and saw it with all my friends. The fourth film reminds me of my honeymoon. After our cruise in the Bahamas we had an evening to spend in Miami be for we flew out and we went and saw this movie. With great memories, mixed with outstanding films this is my 8^th favorite film series!

Favorite Film: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

The Curse of the Black Pearl is an absolute classic! It has all the right elements for a great adventure film, as well as the sentiment value that I mentioned above. When I watched this movie for the first time it totally took me away from reality. It’s funny, intense, smart, quirky, and action packed. It’s one of those movies that I believe does not need to be over analyzed because it is pure fun! One of my favorite parts about this film is the characters. Jack Sparrow was one of the most original characters in any movie up to that point. He was a scalawag and a hero all at the same, and probably one of the most iconic film characters since Han Solo and Indiana Jones. This movie is truly one of the most well balanced films in regards to appealing to all audiences. In high school this was the movie that we always watched when we went to hang out at people’s houses, because it was one that everyone enjoyed.  It’s a film that I have never gotten sick of, and one that I can watch over and over again. 

Not far behind the first film is the third film, At World’s End. A lot of people I know really didn’t like this one, and I can kind of understand their concerns. People said that it was too confusing and had too many weird elements. When I first watched it, I too was pretty confused at what was going on, but I was also so impressed with the action, the detailed set pieces, the tremendous special effects, the hilarious scenes with Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa, as well as the overall epic feel of the movie. 

I have listened to many people tell me why they didn’t like it and I’ve tried to go back and watch it with those things in mind, but each time I have I come out liking it more than I did before. For some reason the flaws of this film do not stay with me. When I think of movies that are grand and epic, this is one of the films that come to mind. From the opening battle scene in Singapore to final battle between the Flying Dutchman and the Black Pearl, this is one gigantic movie. This film deals with the pirates being hunted down by the east India Trade Company, as well as each of the main characters facing their own individual battles. Some call this convoluted and overstuffed (and I suppose as a casual viewer it may be), but I found it interesting, intriguing, mysterious, and exciting.    

Some of my favorite movies I didn't understand the whole plot the first time I watched them (one example is the movie Inception, and I love that movie) and I think that’s why I like them, because it gives me another excuse to watch it, and figure out the plot. This movie does take a few viewing to really understand what is really going on, but once you do it’s really amazing! I have explained it to many people and they have told me it’s changed their view on this film as well. I love movies with big ensemble casts, and plots that make you feel like you are part of something huge, but at the same time let you get to know the characters. This movie did those things for me. It does a great job at keeping you guessing what the characters motives really are till the very end.  I realized people didn't like this movie for that reason. I for one enjoyed the suspense, and it made the climax of the film that much more satisfying for me. I wish sometimes people could see it through my eyes and see how much fun this film really is.

My next favorite was the second one, Dead’s Man’s Chest. I think this movie has one of the best cliffhangers in any movie, with Captain Barbossa walking down the steps to go rescue Jack Sparrow. Never had I left a theater wanting to see what happens next so bad. I sometimes forget how great this film is. It has a funny and exciting chase scene, an awesome three way sword fight, and of course the Kraken! This movie also introduced the character Davy Jones, which to me is was one of the best movie villains ever. Along with that it has some of the best special effects. Davy Jones looks so real! The one thing this film suffers from is that it feels like sometimes the plot is trying to set things up for the next movie. So as a standalone film, I can understand if someone doesn’t care for it, but if you watch it with the third in makes a great movie. 

The last film on my list is On Stanger Tides, the newest Pirates movie. Once again I was very pleased with the adventures of the Jack and his pirates. I was glad to see that they brought back Captain Barbossa. One of the best scenes of this film was the mermaid attack scene. I never thought mermaids could be so frightening. Overall it was very entertaining, but it didn’t really add anything new to the franchise, which is why it is last on my list. So what are your thoughts on these films? Agree with me, disagree?

Final Rankings: 

Favorite Scene: 

I love the climatic end battle of third film, because along with the exciting action sequences it also ties up all of the loose ends of the first three films. I couldn't find a good video of this, but here is the trailer, with some pretty cool shots of it!

Favorite Quote: 

“This is the day you will always remember as the day you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow!”-Jack Sparrow

Favorite Hero: Jack Sparrow

Favorite Villain: Davy Jones

Favorite Supporting Character: Hector Barbossa

The Italion Stallion

#9 The Rocky Series  

List of Movies: Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V, Rocky Balboa

Why I love these movies:

The first time I ever saw the Italian Stallion was in was Rocky 4, which is the one where he fights the Ivan Drago, the Russian. I remember watching it with my dad and my brother Matt when I was about 8 years old. After watching it I went through this phase were all I wanted to do was box my friends (Which didn't always go to well, especially when I boxed my buddy Dan Porter, who was a lot bigger and stronger than me). A few years later Matt and I started renting all of the other Rocky films, and I remember every time we watched a new one I liked it more than the one that I had just watched. Looking back I think this was the first time that I had really seen a true underdog story.

Not only do these movies have some awesome fight scenes but they really show that with heart and determination we can defeat our biggest challenges in life, which for Rocky wasn’t just Apollo Creed, Clubber Lane, and Ivan Drago. These films show how one ordinary man can do extraordinary things, and sure they exaggerate it, but it gets the message across in a fun and entertaining way. For a young shy kid (like I was) these movies helped me see that I could do great things with my life.

Along with the sentimental value and the great fight scenes these movies also have some great drama! Sure they can be pretty cheese as they go along, but they are still relatable. Everyone knows someone like Paulie, Rocky’s alcoholic but caring bro-in-law, or has a great role model and coach like Mickey. But I think my favorite part of these movies has to be the music! Talk about some awesome 80’s music! Eye of the Tiger is still a big hit today! My favorite song though has to be Robert Tepper’s “No Easy Way Out”.

Now I can understand why some people didn’t like all the sequels that Sylvester Stallone kept popping out. For me though, I enjoyed them because I feel like I really I know the character of Rocky. Through out all six films there is a lot of character development going on, and by the end it feels like he is someone I've been friends with all my life. Each film adds something new to the character, which makes all six films essential to his story. I even enjoyed Rocky 5, which many people consider the weakest of series and unnecessary, but I like it because it gives us a new perspective on his life. Its a totally different movie than the other films, and its shows us what happens to him when he has to retire. With all that said if I am ever in the mood for some good fight scenes, some awesome 80’s music, or a good underdog story I know I can always turn to Rocky.

Favorite Film of the Series:  Rocky IV

I wish I had Paulie's robot!

Rocky 4 (for those like me that forget roman numerals) is the best Rocky flick, and I don’t care what anyone says. It has the best training scenes (training in the snowy forest of Russia is pretty awesome), the best music (“No Easy Way Out”, “Heart’s on Fire”, and the classy and patriotic “Living in America”), the best drama (Apollo’s death gets me every time), as well as the best fight scene! No matter how cliché, cheesy, or unrealistic people say this movie is I still love it. Rocky shows us once again how to rebound from a tragedy and fight through the obstacles in our lives.

My next favorite is the first Rocky because I love how it shows Rocky didn’t actually win the fight against Apollo. It taught me that you don’t nessacary have to be number one at everything to be successful in life. Being great, isn’t always about the being the best, it’s about doing your best. Right behind the first one, is number 3. I love this one because it shows Rocky fall from being number one, and how he has to learn to overcome this new challenge. In this mist of this he loses his mentor Mickey, but also picks up a new ally in his former opponent Apollo Creed.

Rocky Balboa is my fourth favorite because I really liked how it showed that even though he had been through so much in his life, like losing all his money and his wife, he was still able to move on and do great things. I believed this film is very under appreciated, and deserves some more credit. Rocky II was a great follow up to the first one, and shows him dealing with the birth of his first son, as well as trying to get train for his rematch against Apollo. Rocky V may be my least favorite, but I still really enjoy it, and it's a fun addition to the series. Rocky V is awesome because of this scene alone! Everyone needs a Mickey in there life!

Final Rankings:

Favorite Scene of the Series: The “No Easy Way Out” montage in Rocky IV. This scene pretty much shows it all. Check out this scene right here!

Favorite Quote: "The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"-Rocky

                                                 Favorite Hero:                                         

        RockyBalboa

                               


                                                                       Favorite Villain:     
                                                                           Ivan Drago

                                                            Favorite Supporting Character:
                                                                          Apollo Creed