72 thoughts on “Fifth Monday Movie Day: The Big One Edition (All Spoilers Welcome)”

1. This is here for all you neeeeerrrrrds.

   1. HEY! I resemble that remark!

2. Question

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   Is there any reason the kid from Iron Man 3 was at the funeral? New Iron Man?

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      I think just to say "aww, here's that kid, remember him?" No future development. At least, he is not a comic book character, just one created for that movie.

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      I wonder if they've been setting up Shuri for that. That happened in the comics, right? Didn't she help with the new Iron Man suits?

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         I would be all about that.

3. Carol Danvers

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   Will there be reconciliation on the back story between Captain Marvel and Jessica Jones? Or did Netflix just not happen?

4. So.....Game of Thrones.

   'Last Night's Episode'

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   The White Walker storyline has never been my favorite. I'm assuming the lore is a little more rich if you've read the books and really pored over them, but they never really integrated all that well for me into the storyline of the show. They're too inscrutable for me, more "force of nature" than "interesting enemy", so it doesn't bother me that that storyline is (assumedly) done. Having a night to sleep on it, I'm coming up with more and more quibbles about the way it was set up and executed, but if the show's end game is more political intrigue, and less "ice zombies from the north", then sure... Ninja Arya can come out of nowhere and drive a stake through it (didn't see that coming, for some reason, and though the setup was pretty great, and the actual "drop the dagger into the off hand" moment was badass, there are logistical issues everywhere.) What was kind of set up to be the biggest episode of the series and the culmination of an enormous chunk of the show's narrative structure paid off in an episode where no one could see anything (which I'm certain was very intentional.... I'd still rather they had fought in the daylight), and.... yeah, it's kind of annoying me the more I think about it. Time to head to King's Landing.

   End Game: I didn't really get into "real" Spoilers in the CoC a couple of days ago, so here goes.

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   I really liked it. A lot. What I didn't like at all was the short shrift that Black Widow got. They went and got the kid from Iron Man 3 for Tony's funeral (man, that took me a second to figure out), and Black Widow sort of got a few stray mentions. Anyway, the "clip show" aspect was great, imo. The final battle was tense and didn't lapse into the truly problematic mess of blurry nonsense QUITE as often as I feared. Pretty convenient that everyone with a speaking part from the Spiderman franchise apparently got snapped, so the five year time skip doesn't affect them at all.

   1. Forgot to mention.

      'End Game'

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      For all the hype with Captain Marvel, she didn't end up being much of a focal point in the end. That was the right move, of course -- this was clearly a fond farewell to the original six, and they get the lion's share of the big moments and the payoffs. Her entrance into the final battle was pretty awesome, but I would've liked a LITTLE more to her (very short-lived) fight against Thanos. The entire theater erupted into applause when Cap picked up Thor's hammer. Hadn't been at a movie on opening night in a while, so it was kind of fun to have people's emotions registering as things happened.

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         I marked the hell out at Cap picking up the hammer too. Thor's "I knew it" really drove that moment home. Great scene. Also "you take the little one". Is anyone else extremely excited for Asgardians of the Galaxy, or is it just me? I'm so glad they figured out that Chris Hemsworth is funny.

   2. Thrones

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      I actually enjoyed the fact that so much of the battle was in the dark. There has been so much mentioned about the "fog of war" that it seems to me very realistic that no one knows WTF is going on, and it built the suspense a lot more. I found the "strategies" a bit ignorant. When you have two dragons and you're flapping around high above staring at the clouds, you're helping no one. Sure, neither of them are battlefield generals, but seems to me if you're concerned about the Night King's dragon, while one dragon sweeping the battle with fire, the other can be the wingman watching for the Night King.

      1. 'Thrones'

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         The darkness obviously helped amplify the "fog of war" feeling, but I'll admit that I was really happy whenever something started on fire. The battlefield strategies were ridiculous. I understand that part of that can be chalked up to "narrative convenience", but eventually, having the 2 most powerful beings on the battlefield (and the two most important characters on the show) completely sidelined just becomes irritating. I suppose I could chalk up Jon's inaction to inexperience on a dragon, but Dany ought to at LEAST know enough to get into the air when hundreds of ice zombies start clambering up and trying to hitchhike. Also, I was kind of surprised that Tiny Mormont died, but it was suitably badass for the character.

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            Little Bear's death didn't surprise me too much, and nice she went out swinging. The use of fire was a great way to light the battle, and to swing optimism a bit (at least temporarily). I found The Hound's defeated attitude unusual, and I assume it was fire-related, although if it was I think they could have made that a little more apparent, because I missed it. Runner daughter wondered if Bran had cut off his arm, could the Night King have found him? 😉

            1. Alright, I finally was able to watch it.

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               The Hound started to get into his fiery head space when they lit the channel. So I'd say it was definitely fire related, or at least fire started.

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                  Did someone say Firestarted?

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            Jon and Dany: king and queen moron. But what's really annoying me is the whole dragon glass and valeryan steel thing. The whole point was it made the zombies frickin disappear, but suddenly nope, it just turns them into reusable corpses. I'd be more willing to hand wave that away if they hadn't spent a while god damn season mining the stuff.

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               I didn’t think the Night King brought back the Valerian Steel & Dragon Glass-killed wights, he brought back the white walker and wight-killed Dothraki, Unsullied and Northern bannermen, etc.

               1. right. Lighten up, Francis.

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                  I can accept that of the raised outside of the keep. It was everyone coming back inside the keep that bothered me since just about everyone in there had either the steel or the dragonglass.

                  1. read Co'C's reply again

                     1. Ok, find, I went and re-watched the scene.

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                        I thought, while watching it the first time, that they showed a number of decayed looking risen, but they really only showed people that were recently killed.

   3. So... I watched The Mountain and the Viper episode last night... that was... intense.

      1. One of multiple "I QUIT!" moments we've had while watching.

      2. One of my favorite moments from the book and the show captured it perfectly.

         1. Agreed (though ‘favorite’ doesn’t feel like the right adjective). Even knowing what was to come, I was stunned by the action.

      3. I had decided days earlier that Oberyn might be my new favorite character.

   4. 'Darkness'

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      I have a very high-end TV, because why would a guy with my job not, and I never even considered people might have a hard time seeing the episode (though once I heard it, I wasn’t surprised). LEDs are woefully weak at detail in the darkest scenes unless you get one with a full-array backlighting system with much higher contrast, as I did. So my sister and I were spoiled by that decision without even thinking about it.

      1. I still think the director or cinematographer could have paid a little bit more attention to the fact this is a TV show and people don't have the ability to watch on the highest quality screen.

5. Hey, if you guys are going to spoiler things, identify whether they're Game of Night King or Avengers: Ender's Game, huh? I don't think any of us want to accidentally open one or the other unintentionally.

6. That is America's ass.

7. End Game

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   Post-credits: Was that a new Iron Man suit being made?

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      Just the sound from the first one as a tribute, from what I read.

8. A:E

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   Obviously there are several hundred plot holes, but the one that stuck with me is, after five years of society operating at a severally reduced capacity, all the sudden everyone else comes back. I have to imagine there would be famines on a level hitherto unseen as there would be no way to ramp up production to support such a huge population increase especially with having your infrastructure crippled after five years of chaos and dysfunction. You know, whatever, obviously. It's inconsequential to the plot, but I keep thinking about that.

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      Nah, the snap brought people back as if they had been alive, so the food is the too, right? Or whatever. The snap solves it. Always. No problems, because snap.

      1. Hmm, maybe? It was close to 1am at that point for me. I might have missed the nuance of that particular plot workaround.

         Speaking of, for a three hour movie, I didn't appreciate 25 minutes of previews and commercials prior.

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            Yeah, I think you're right about the real world issues that would exist. But "snap" is a too-easy response.

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               Right? It's just so snappy!

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         Well, the first snap wiped out half of all living creatures, so the un-snappening would, I imagine, bring back all the cows and chickens and shit. So, while challenging, it would probably be manageable. I would guess Wakanda's superior technology would be able to Deus Ex the food shortage.

         1. This.

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            Plus we don't know what Tony actually did with his snap beyond it not being a hard reset

9. I saw Singin' in the Rain.

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   Guys, it's good.

   1. Heh

10. Bosch is closing in on surpassing Hill Street Blues as my favorite cop drama. (Given its broader concern for institutions outside the police, I don’t put The Wire in this category.)

    1. I must be missing something. I watched the first 3-4 episodes and hated it. It just felt so cliched. The play-by-his-own-rules cop that knows more then anyone. The 20-something girlfriend. The estranged daughter. Even the dialogue bothered me.

    2. You know, I’m going to have to correct myself. I really like Bosch, but somehow I forgot about Foyle’s War.

       1. There you go.

11. 'Endgame'

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    One of my laments about the MCU has been how Civil War, which was ostensibly a Captain America movie, was really an Iron Man/Avengers vehicle more so than a Captain America movie. I understand how and why, but I love Captain America, and he didn't even get a good "speech about doing the right thing" in that movie. Endgame went and fixed all of that. Yeah, Iron Man is the one who snaps back, and sacrifices himself, and bring the MCU full circle with his "I am Iron Man" line, etc. But to me, the real hero of the film was clearly Steve Rogers. He gets a good speech (and they even comment on it). He gets to wield Mjolnir. He gets to fight himself. He gets a ridiculously satisfying ending, and to pass on the mantle. Perfect. I also love that it was Sam he passed it to, not Bucky (because both have been Cap in the comics). Because Bucky is the most boring character in the entire MCU. Admittedly, I cried a little bit, but I'm an emotional sap. Black Widow's death makes sense to me. I was surprised they didn't say anything about a final balance of her ledger. I've never been a particular fan of the character, so maybe that's why I feel differently from Nibs, but I thought they gave her a real arc. She was bearing the burden of leadership, and we got to really see the toll that was having on her. We got to see how much it meant to her to recruit and save Hawkeye. And we got to see her sacrifice herself in the exact same way that Iron Man did. Why should the guys get all the heroism, right? (speaking of... that bit with all the female characters lining up to help Captain Marvel... that was awesome. Easily one of my favorite moments in the movie. I could see it being a bit heavy-handed in future watchings, but not knowing it was coming, and having it happen... that was cool). Anyway, I felt like Black Widow's story was well-earned, and has legitimately made me more interested in her character than I ever was before. I completely respected that they gave everyone else a part, and that they kept those parts small. We didn't need lots of Spidey or Black Panther, etc. I love them (especially Spidey... I'm probably more excited for Far From Home than I was for Endgame), but this wasn't their movie, and I'm glad they dialed back the showcase. That group all got a lot of attention in Infinity War, and there was a better balance this time. Having not seen Captain Marvel, she seems a bit overpowered? Like she belongs in the DC universe instead of Marvel? Is that accurate, or is it just that she's out of place on Earth, and we can appreciate her in more cosmic battles? I like Ant-man in context. Ant-man is easily the lamest of the Avengers. But he works on the team, way better than he does in his solo movies. I'd be glad to never have another Ant-man movie, but just have Paul Rudd take up permanent cameo status in every other Avenger movie. I hope we get a new Thor movie. Not a Thor in Guardians of the Galaxy, but one where they actually right Asgard. Loki escaping with the stone in that one timeline might make it possible, right? That's an open thread? Alright, well... I enjoyed this a ton, and am looking forward to the future of the MCU.

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       I generally agree but for what I've already noted that I am super into the idea of Thor with the Guardians. I'd also like another Thor movie as well and I imagine we'll also get that eventually. As for your Captain Marvel question, she is definitely overpowered. Not a comic book reader, but that's basically the character's thing. It makes sense she's that powerful based on her origin, though, as opposed to something stupid like the yellow sun of Earth.

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          I'm not opposed to Thor as a Guardian, I just want his own film more. I do have some concern about Starlord being wrongly pushed aside if Thor is there... I can only watch that particular, uh... "contest of egos" for so long, and I'm nearing the limit.

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             I feel pretty good about James Gunn handling it well based on the first two, so there's that.

             1. Very good point.

    2. Actual Spoiler

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       The female thing will probably be called a little heavy-handed like you said. But one thing it made me realize and appreciate was just HOW MANY females the MCU has in its ranks. It's no small number. The fact that Captain Marvel was the first female-led MCU movie is really quite unfortunate. I think they could do a Black Widow movie, especially given Scarlet Johansson's star status, though that could be more difficult now (unless it tells more of an origin story, and I'd be okay with that). No comments on fat Thor?! That was my favorite part. It was a great surprise and change for the character, and made sense given the events of Infinity War. Sane Hulk / Big Green Banner was a little weirder, but I was okay with it. Made for a funny scene when they went back to 2012. I loved the movie, and the MCU already has my money for every film they release in the near future. To be able to create 22 movies in 11 years with the amount of cohesion and continuity and quality that they've done is astounding and I don't think will be matched anytime in the near future.

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          I've read a number of criticisms of the women getting a poster shot as pandering, but I've read ten times as many anecdotes like meat mentioned about girls in the audience cheering to denounce those claims. I thought it was a great, fun shot and Captain Marvel showing up and wrecking shit was fun. The Fortnite scene was hilarious. I'm so glad korg got to make a cameo. Also, I was thinking Thor looked like the big Lebowski right befit RDJ said which made the joke even funnier. There is a Black Widow movie in the works which I believe will be an origin thing. They probably should have done it earlier, but they'll have my money for it. Scarlet witch is getting a show on Disney+ as well. Overall is such a satisfying conclusion to all this and I can't wait for Far From Home to get here.

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             count me as not a fan of the girl power scene. I'd have loved to see a sequence of them all kicking butt, but a staged pose of them all in the middle of a battle totally took me out of the movie. Like hitting a triple and stopping at second for a selfie

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                Yeah. I know this series is all about fan service, but the scene wasn’t motivated beforehand, relies on all of them being in the same place for some reason, and then wasn’t paid off in any meaningful way. If you’re going to do the scene, great! If not, why set it up?

12. I finally got around to binging season one of Legion.

    ZOMG! Soooo good. So much better than any other X-Men TV show. Better than most of the movies. Now to see how I can get season two watched before season three starts.

    1. Two was also good but made a fatal misstep that has damaged it a bit. Still loved it though

13. Game of crowns:

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    by the time the hound gave up the fight I was so bored with the battle that I hoped they’d all die. I was excited by the ending, bit really don’t feel like this season has measured up to my expectations

    Avengers:

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    dr. Chop and I both enjoyed it. Loved the green Bruce acting like the hulk, fat Thor was a treat, as cheaps said above, that’s America’s ass was pretty great. I could have dealt with a little less we’re getting the band back together and shortened the movie a bit, but no real complaints because it is what it is. Also, when all the female hero’s assembled behind cap marvel the little girls behind me started shouting “lady power”. Pretty cute, but also a real sign that positive modeling is a real thing.

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    Here's a fun tactical breakdown of the Battle of Winterfell.

15. Interesting question: Should the film have catered more towards the casual fan? I heard of a few people that went seeing maybe Black Panther and Infinity War. Obviously Marvel isn't going to talk anyone out of going, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it. Sure it might be somewhat entertaining, but there are some many moments you would miss out on.

    1. The boy realized yesterday that the only movie he hasn't seen yet is The Incredible Hulk.

       It's playing on TNT today.

    2. I have't read the article yet, but a $350 million domestic opening weekend would be all the proof needed that this dude is wrong.

    3. My wife mentioned that she'd probably see it eventually, and my response was "not to make it sound like a test or anything, but you've got a bit of homework to do, first".

       I haven't seen Guardians 2, either of the first two Thor movies, or Dr. Strange. It didn't really impair my ability to follow along or enjoy myself. I would say that at the VERY least, the first Guardians movie and the first Avengers movie are critical. Otherwise, as long as you're okay with missing a few in-jokes and (spoiler*), you're probably fine.

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       willing to not be awed at the insane number of people they got to come back for Endgame

    4. Besides Infinity War I haven't seen any other Avengers movies. Although I think I saw part of the one with Robert Redford (or is that Capn America?). I definitely had questions for son after Infinity War. I've seen all three Iron Man (maybe not #3), Black Panther, both GotG, Thor Raganark, the Spiderman movie, Dr. Strange, and Captain Marvel.

       So having said that, I definitely didn't get all the references in Infinity War, but enough to know what is happening, but probably some naunces went over my head. Haven't seen Endgame yet, but probably will in the next couple of weeks.

       1. I haven’t seen it yet either. If you want company, hit me up when you’re thinking about going and I’ll try to make it work.

16. So.... um, yeah.

    1. It actually looks like it might be kind of entertaining, potentially. Jim Carey hamming it up could be fun. The internet is being a little hyperbolic on the appearance of Sonic thought. He looked.... fine. Certainly not some sort of existential threat to humanity.

       1. He looked.... fine. Certainly not some sort of existential threat to humanity.

          It is on this point that I must strenuously disagree.

          1. I mean, its a talking, blue hedgehog wearing magical sneakers, what did everyone expect him to look like?

             1. Some things were not meant to be known.

                1. Full disclosure: the main screenplay writer is from Minnesota and a frequent poster on Canis Hoopus.

             2. Like a blue hedgehog not hedgehuman.

       2. Oh, sure, you say that, but you don't live in the Pacific Northwest where power went out during the GoT finale

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