I liked Avengers Infinity War so much that…

I saw it two times this past weekend. And I will likely see it a third time this coming weekend. Since I do not want to spoil it for those who have not seen the film yet, my post highlights where Avengers Infinity War currently ranks on my unofficial Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) top five scorecard.

The List:

1. To quote the legendary hip-hop artist KRS-1, Captain America: Winter Soldier is still number one! From its pulpy musical score to the soulful Marvin Gaye Trouble Man single, the music rocks. The movie’s practical special effects really highlight “Cap’s” fighting skills as well as those of the titular villain, the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan). And the fantastic supporting performances by Robert Redford (Alexander Pierce), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Anthony Mackie (Falcon), and Scarlett Johannson (Black Widow) make this Russo Brothers-directed superhero movie play more like a top-notch political action-thriller.
2. Avengers: Infinity War is the culmination of 10 years and 18 movies of build-up. And it was well worth the wait! I won’t give anything away, but unless you have been living under a rock, you are probably aware that this move is as much about the good guys winning as it is about them losing. However, the big question is how much will they actually lose?
3. Without Marvel’s the Avengers, there would be no Infinity War. In 2012, when the movie dropped, it was a moment of geek heaven. Marvel Studios, with it’s B-list comic book characters, had built something special. After seeing previously successful superhero films (i.e. DC Comics), led by flagship heroes likes Batman and Superman, who would have ever thought that Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America would have successful stand-alone films leading up to the unprecedented team-up movie event that was the Avengers? But Kevin Feige made it happen, and modern cinema has never been the same since.
4. Black Panther is arguably the most well-made film in the MCU to-date, in terms of its deft direction by the magnificent director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed), and its once-in-a-lifetime ensemble cast led by Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) and an array of Emmy and Oscar nominees/winners led by Forrest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Daniel Kuluuya, and Sterling K. Brown. And who could forget the scene-stealing Erick Killmonger brilliantly portrayed by Michael B. Jordan. This movie is so damn good that it’s even received Oscar buzz, which is unheard of for a comic book movie!
5. The one that started it all, Iron Man still ranks in my top five. Jon Favreau, despite his largely comedic background, directed a masterpiece, and began a trend that Marvel has had by selecting relatively inexperienced directors to craft Kevin Feige’s cinematic vision. And it has worked magnificently. Robert Downey, Jr. got the role of a lifetime, nailed it, and resurrected his career in the process. He also helped save Marvel to a large extent, and his compensation reflects that. Similar to Black Panther and The Winter Soldier, Iron Man deals with modern, weighty issues, while still honoring the comic book source material.

That’s my top five, please leave a comment or join the debate on Twitter!