#10- HULK SMASH! – (THE INCREDIBLE HULK) 2008
After Ang Lee’s 2003 flop “Hulk” the masses were clamoring for a fresh take on the strongest there is. Marvel Studios released Louis letterier’s “The Incredible Hulk” and breathed new life into the fan favorite. The film was a solid character study reminiscent of the 70’s series that delved into the emotional turmoil of the character. However, it was all brawn and no brains during the climactic battle. Atop a New York building, the hero bellowed his signature line and defeated the Abomination once and for all.
#9- SUPER SOLDIER – (CAPTAIN AMERICA : THE FIRST AVENGER) 2011
We as an audience are invested in Steve from the first time we see the scrappy patriot with more heart than brawn. But it’s not until we see him undergo the Super-Soldier experiment that we are truly wowed. The effects to have Evans appear as a ninety five pound weakling are so well done that you are actually shocked when he exits the machine at his normal height and weight. With his newfound abilities he sets out to destroy all who stand against truth, justice and the American way as Captain America!
#8- THE MARK II TEST RUN – (IRON MAN) 2008
“Iron Man” was the first of Marvel Studios films and it started off with a bang. The humvee scene was great. Tony’s escape from the cave was phenomenal. What a comic movie could be was about to be redefined. When Tony dons the Mark II armor and takes it for a spin along the California coast it was a cinematic spectacle. Soaring through the night sky at breakneck speeds, he takes on tight turns and dramatic drops until eventually plummeting from the stratosphere and cruising back to his Malibu mansion.
#7- THE AVENGERS INITIATIVE – (IRON MAN) 2008
The moment in which every single comic fan collectively gasped with glee! This post credits scene was what started it all. Nick Fury played by Samuel L. Jackson (who was the basis for the Ultimates version of the character) shows up in Tony’s pad and lets him know that he’s not alone. Shivers ran down my spine at the thought of the other legendary Marvel heroes that were waiting to be introduced.
#6- THOR VS. THE DESTROYER – (THOR) 2011
The cast, story and effects were all spectacular in Kenneth Brannaugh’s brilliant take on the god of thunder. Wrought with Shakespearian drama and cosmic action there were a half dozen jaw dropping moments to take notice of. However, the pinnacle of the film was not Thor and his companions’ astounding battle with the Frost Giants or his epic brawl with his mischievous half brother. In my opinion, the showdown between the humbled son of Odin and the metallic monstrosity sent to eradicate him and the planet to which he was banished known as The Destroyer took the cake. A selfless act, a man deemed worthy of being a god once more, a hero reborn. The iconic shots of the hammer shooting across the desert and into his outreached hand as well as the lightning strike adorning the immortal in his chainmail and gauntlets are right out of the comics. However, the money shot for me was when he created a vortex by swinging the mighty Mjolnir and delivered the death blow to his armored adversary. Suddenly our hero reappears from a cloud of dust victorious.
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