Last year, Iron Man 2 and Thor: The Dark World were let off the hook of being two of the contenders in consideration for worst Marvel Cinematic Universe film ever.
That’s because we got Eternals.
The first MCU film that I genuinely disliked (FTR grade: D-) is now available for Disney Plus. You can now watch it for free. Which is the only way it’s worth your time. And maybe then, only for continuity purposes
It shouldn’t have been a bad film. All of the parts were there for success.
The cast had Angelina Jolie, Selma Hayek, Richard Madden (Game of Thrones), and Gemma Chan (Crazy Rich Asians). All of these favorites of mine were crammed into a movie playing characters even the comic book die hards weren’t really familiar with, in a story that was terribly boring.
And Chloe Zhao, one of the most visually talented directors working, with a Best Picture and Best Director Oscar under her belt, gave the movie it’s only redeeming quality. It’s appearance. There are some gorgeous landscapes and everyone looks good.
But she forgot the most important rule of Marvel films. They need to be fun.
Eternals is not fun. It’s a long slog of an experience with an unsatisfying payoff, and a story that is too complicated, and at times makes no sense.
Jolie, who could have been a wonderful addition to the MCU was squandered. And this was also a waste of Hayek’s time as well.
Thank goodness, we got five great marvel TV shows and Spiderman: No Way Home last year. Black Widow wasn’t super awesome but I…. Still. Had. A. Good. Time.
Watch Eternals if you want. But it’s revival on Disney Plus is just a reminder of the first real miss on the big screen for Marvel.