The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a vast and ever-expanding landscape, with new movies and TV shows hitting our screens seemingly every month. While blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home grab all the headlines, some hidden gems deserve more love and attention. Here are 7 underrated MCU entries from 2023-2024 that you might have missed, but absolutely shouldn't:
1. Ms. Marvel (Disney+ series, 2023)
This charming coming-of-age story introduces Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager who idolizes Captain Marvel and suddenly gains cosmic superpowers of her own. Ms. Marvel is a breath of fresh air in the MCU, celebrating Muslim culture and offering a relatable and inspiring protagonist. The visuals are stunning, the action is thrilling, and Iman Vellani is a breakout star as Kamala.
2. Werewolf by Night (Disney+ special, 2023)
This black-and-white special directed by Michael Giacchino is a love letter to classic horror movies. It follows a group of monster hunters on a deadly mission, with stunning visuals, practical effects, and a surprisingly emotional core. Werewolf by Night is a unique and stylish entry in the MCU, proving the franchise can experiment with different genres and tones.
3. Moon Knight (Disney+ series, 2023)
Oscar Isaac delivers a tour-de-force performance as Marc Spector, a man with Dissociative Identity Disorder who becomes the conduit for the Egyptian moon god Khonshu. Moon Knight is a dark and trippy psychological thriller that delves into mental health and religious themes. It's not for everyone, but it's a bold and ambitious step for the MCU.
4. Thor: Love and Thunder (2023)
Taika Waititi returns to direct another hilarious and heartwarming Thor adventure. Chris Hemsworth is perfect as the ever-growing goofball Thor, Natalie Portman shines as the Mighty Thor, and Christian Bale makes a deliciously menacing villain as Gorr the God Butcher. While not as groundbreaking as Ragnarok, Love and Thunder is a fun and visually stunning romp with plenty of laughs and heart.
5. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Disney+ series, 2023)
Tatiana Maslany is fantastic as Jennifer Walters, a lawyer who happens to be the cousin of Bruce Banner and can transform into the green powerhouse She-Hulk. The series is a witty and satirical legal comedy that tackles contemporary issues like sexism and body image. It's also surprisingly action-packed, with some of the best fight choreography in the MCU.
6. Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (Disney+ special, 2023)
James Gunn delivers a heartwarming and hilarious Christmas special with the Guardians. It's full of festive cheer, quirky humor, and unexpected cameos. The special is a delightful treat for fans of the Guardians and a nice palate cleanser before Vol. 3.
7. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2024)
While it's still too early to judge, the upcoming Ant-Man sequel has the potential to be another underrated gem. The trailer teases a mind-bending journey into the Quantum Realm, the introduction of Kang the Conqueror as a major MCU villain, and the return of Michelle Pfeiffer's Janet van Dyne. With Peyton Reed returning to direct and Paul Rudd's ever-charming Ant-Man leading the way, Quantumania could be a surprising hit.
Bonus Tip: Keep an eye out for upcoming projects like "Daredevil: Reborn" and "Blade" which have the potential to be critical and commercial successes despite potentially flying under the radar.
By delving into these hidden gems, you can discover fresh perspectives, unique storytelling, and expand your appreciation for the vast and ever-evolving MCU. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be surprised by the movies and shows you might have missed!
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