Just like the latest summer blockbusters, popular video games are guaranteed to produce sequels, but unlike Hollywood franchises, these games tend to improve with each instalment. While this rule certainly isn't set in stone, ideas introduced in the original games are often expanded upon with improved graphics and advanced mechanics. Except for when the series in question contains the words "Call" and "Duty."
It's hard to imagine now, but can you remember a time when talking racoons and Asgardian gods didn't rule the box office, a time when Robert Downey Jr. wasn't a bankable star and Christopher Reeves was the only Superman worth thinking about?
Regardless of whether you actually like Avengers: Age of Ultron or not, the film was always going to be Marvel's crowning achievement thus far, building upon the phenomenal success of the first Avengers film. Joss Whedon had a monumental task on his hands assembling the numerous components in Age of Ultron, but even his detractors have a lot of positive things to say about the movie. With so much happening at once though, it's easy to miss certain aspects of the film the first time round, making Age of Ultron one of the most re-watchable Marvel movies yet.
Pity our American cousins for a moment. While the rest of the world have finally laid their eyes on the most anticipated movie since... well, the first Avengers, movie fanatics in the US still have to wait a whole extra week before they too can watch Age of Ultron in all of its action packed glory.
After an eternity of waiting, Avengers: Age of Ultron is finally about to hit heatres... so naturally, the fanboys are already looking ahead to what comes next. Those disappointed that Joss Whedon has declined to direct the two-part Avengers: Infinity War should rejoice that the movies will at least be left to the capable hands of Anthony and Joe Russo, both of whom helmed Captain America: The Winter Soldier to critical acclaim.
While some recent blockbusters such as Avengers and Inception have demonstrated that intelligent film making can be successful, Hollywood just doesn't know when to let go sometimes, even if the franchise in question is awful. Mainstream movie producers are like those clingy exes who refuse to let go, long after the magic has died and no one else even remembers what the fuss was about in the first place.
Dominating cinemas with the most popular movies of the last decade just isn't enough for some people, hence Marvel's decision to expand their cinematic universe into the realm of TV. Neither Agent Carter or Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. were received as well as hoped, although I hear that S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't a complete piece of crap if you stick with it through the first few episodes. Fortunately though, if you don't have the patience for it, things look set to improve now that Marvel has struck a deal with Netflix to produce new comic book based content.
While Marvel took over the known world with its superhero blockbusters, their closest rival DC snuck in through the back door and quietly invaded our homes through the medium of television. Thanks largely to the impressive work of producers Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg, we're now living in a golden age of TV shows based on superheroes. Comic book geeks have never had it so good... aside from that time Black Widow was all tied up at the beginning of Avengers Assemble... and when Chris Evans frequently lost his clothes in Captain America: The First Avenger... and when - argh stop me now.
Although some Marvel fans felt Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was a disappointment, hopes remain high for the upcoming Daredevil show which will soon premiere on Netflix. Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Daredevil will follows the exploits of Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights crime at night... I know what you're thinking, but trust us, it works.
We've all seen movies we hate, movies that awaken a primal, unstoppable rage if mentioned. Even thinking about X-Men Origins: Wolverine is enough to make me try and surgically remove my own eyes with homemade claws, just on the off chance that I may walk into a room one day where it's being played.
