<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3gcovJ_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3gcovJ_0wBJLn4j00" width="1140" height="570" ><figcaption>Custom Image by Jefferson Chacon</figcaption></figure>The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the highest-grossing franchise in the history of motion pictures., and its success is hard-earned; after all, it takes a lot of quality and entertaining films in order to bring that many people out to theaters. For a time before the modern-day hit-or-miss quality, it felt like the crew over at Marvel Studios could do no wrong. But no film or franchise is perfect; everyone has their flaws, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe is no exception.A lot of baseless critiques of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are put out there. Online critics can get pretty opinionated, and that's part of the fandom space modern franchises are forced to exist in. However, plenty of valid complaints about this cinematic universe are worth mentioning. These issues don't have to do with things like whether someone likes Brie Larson or not. Instead, these complaints are targeted at the MCU's legitimate flaws, many of which are becoming more glaring, to the point where they are affecting the viewing experience.<h2>10 They Can Feel Formulaic </h2><h2>Potential Solution: Give Directors More Freedom </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=13ce4c_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=13ce4c_0wBJLn4j00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>Image via Marvel Studios</figcaption></figure>While the vast majority of MCU movies are really good, they often follow certain guidelines that, without an inspired director, can make the films feel formulaic. Plenty of unique films in the universe, like Iron Man and the entire Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, inject enough originality into their characters and stories to make these familiar themes and plots more palatable. However, others settle for doing the bare minimum to the project's ultimate detriment.Being formulaic doesn't necessarily mean that a film is bad, either. Plenty of films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe follow their typical formula and turn out really well, like Ant-Man. But without a director who can add enough flare to make the formula more appealing, the studio ends up with simple and forgettable movies like Ant-Man and the Wasp. So, while it can be a total non-issue, it can also turn into a back-breaker for a film.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=40Ssk7_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=40Ssk7_0wBJLn4j00" width="960" height="1422" ></figure>Ant-Man PG-13SuperheroComedyHeistActionAdventureWhere to Watch<ul><li>stream</li><li>rent</li><li>buy</li></ul>*Availability in USRelease DateJuly 14, 2015 DirectorCastPaul Rudd , Michael Douglas , Corey Stoll , Evangeline Lilly , Bobby Cannavale , Anthony MackieRuntime117 minutes WritersEdgar Wright , Joe Cornish , Adam McKay , Paul Rudd , Stan Lee , Larry Lieber <h2>9 Large Number of Characters </h2><h2>Potential Solution: More Space Between Character Introductions </h2>The Marvel Comics catalog of characters is about as vast as they come. However, comic universes operate far differently than a movie universe should. While the characters are all very lovable and inspiring, the MCU itself has reached a point where, for general audiences, it's beginning to be difficult to keep up with everyone. Having so many characters can make it hard to emotionally connect to them, which could become an issue for storylines that require it.This bigger issue makes the franchise feel crowded and mainly affects minor and newer characters. After all, fans follow only the characters they care about and feel too overwhelmed to give others a chance. There's only so much content that people can consume and care about at a time, and Marvel can't expect people to consume their movies only. So, some characters are being thrown to the wayside because there's simply no room for them.<h2>8 Misplaced Humor </h2><h2>Potential Solution: Force Comedy Less </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4JyPKD_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4JyPKD_0wBJLn4j00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>Image via Marvel Studios</figcaption></figure>The humor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe can and has made for some of the franchise's best moments. Lines like, "I'll do you one better, WHY is Gamora?" and, "He's a friend from work!" are some of the best parts of their respective films. There are times, though, that Marvel Studios can get a bit too hyped-up on their humor, and it can ruin certain moments or just be entirely unfunny.This complaint is not meant to suggest the Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn't have its serious moments. However, when shoehorning humor into every single scene, even those where some breathing room would be appreciated, it can have the misguided tendency to fall flat and feel misplaced. It can feel as if they are unsure of how to make a scene memorable without adding a joke.<h2>7 Studio Mandates </h2><h2>Potential Solution: Studios Take A Step Back </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=31uLGH_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=31uLGH_0wBJLn4j00" width="1650" height="825" ><figcaption>Image via Sony Pictures Releasing</figcaption></figure>Sometimes, a movie's studio can put unnecessary pressure on the production. The Marvel Cinematic Universe may look awesome and epic on the surface (it still is), but behind the scenes, things haven't been so great at times. From a tendency to over-rely on reshoots to controversies about unfair wages and rushed due dates for VFX artists, the home studio is not exactly controversy-free.Shoddy VFX is the biggest indicator for the Marvel Cinematic Universe specifically. When VFX artists are actually given time and a good working environment to create what's needed, a Marvel film's visuals can look stunning. But when rushed, they get laughably bad, to the point where they become memes online. Studios are there to provide guidelines and keep film productions in check, but they can also be guilty of focusing more on the commercial aspect of filmmaking, leaving out the artistry.<h2>6 The Overuse of Nanotech </h2><h2>Potential Solution: Utilize Nanotech Less </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3uqf63_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3uqf63_0wBJLn4j00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>Image via Marvel Studios</figcaption></figure>When nanotech was first introduced in the Marvel universe in Black Panther, it worked incredibly well and was a jaw-dropping technological advancement in the canon. But, as films continued to be released and the cinematic universe reached Avengers: Infinity War, nanotech became less and less special. Now, it feels like everyone and their brother has nanotech, and it's become a crutch on both the VFX and plot ends of things.Nanotech is now just used as a way to get rid of standard "helmets" (last notably seen being worn by Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) in Captain America: Civil War). The intention of making it easier for actors on set and for production as a whole is understandable, but at this point, it feels like a cheap way out of producing better-looking costumes. Also, the entire appeal of nanites initially was that they were unique and only held by a select few. That's completely erased now that it seems the entire world has been introduced to the technology. Seriously, why does Thor (Chris Hemsworth) have a nanotech helmet?<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2pH3Nl_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2pH3Nl_0wBJLn4j00" width="960" height="1440" ></figure>Avengers: Infinity War PG-13ActionSci-FiSuperheroAdventureWhere to Watch<ul><li>stream</li><li>rent</li><li>buy</li></ul>*Availability in USRelease DateApril 27, 2018 DirectorJoe Russo , Anthony RussoCastChris Hemsworth , Anthony Mackie , Elizabeth Olsen , Robert Downey Jr. , Scarlett Johansson , Mark Ruffalo , Sebastian Stan , Paul Rudd , Chadwick Boseman , Don Cheadle , Samuel L. Jackson , Josh Brolin , Tom Holland , Evangeline Lilly , Paul Bettany , Chris Evans , Jeremy RennerRuntime149 minutes WritersStephen McFeely , Christopher Markus <h2>5 Overdesigned Costumes </h2><h2>Potential Solution: Change Costume Direction </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3PG8ST_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3PG8ST_0wBJLn4j00" width="1650" height="825" ><figcaption>Image via Marvel Studios</figcaption></figure>Many of the MCU's costumes are really good, visually appealing, and accurate to the source material. But for many costumes, even if they're good, it's really hard to look past how overdesigned they are. It's commonly noted that many of the heroes' and villains' costumes often have random lines that have zero reason to be where they are.Take Spider-Man's costumes, for example. The blue and black segments on his suit have random lines that truly add nothing but make them look more cluttered. Color separation is also complained about a lot. Taking Ant-Man's (Paul Rudd) suit from Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and comparing it to his first suit in Ant-Man, there are a lot of segments separating the primary red torso area that simply make the suit look overly complicated and visually unappealing.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3riZ3W_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3riZ3W_0wBJLn4j00" width="480" height="720" ></figure><h2>4 Bland Visuals </h2><h2>Potential Solution: Give Directors More Freedom </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1eoskL_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1eoskL_0wBJLn4j00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>Image via Marvel Studios</figcaption></figure>Right off the bat, this complaint is not true about every single Marvel Cinematic Universe film; a ton of its efforts have a unique visual style. Unfortunately, more often than not, they end up all looking alike, and not in an interconnected way — they look similar in a lazy and uninspired way. The idea that every film should have a distinctive visual language is cool in theory but doesn't work in execution when the visuals themselves are dull.While having an uninspired look isn't a full-on deal-breaker, it's not good either and can take major points off of a movie's rating. There's a lot of potential in each Marvel Cinematic Universe film for some beautiful color grading. Films like Guardians of the Galaxy have some incredible scenery, but when it comes to comparing good and interesting visuals to not-so-interesting ones, It's 80/20.<h2>3 The Villains </h2><h2>Potential Solution: More Time Spent Developing Villains </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3QTBmG_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3QTBmG_0wBJLn4j00" width="1650" height="825" ><figcaption>Image via Marvel Studios</figcaption></figure>The Marvel Cinematic Universe has hosted some of the best villains in superhero cinema. However, there are more lackluster villains than there are amazing ones. For every Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), there are a handful of Malekiths (Christopher Eccleston) and Kaeciliuses (Mads Mikkelsen). It's no secret that it's difficult to make a villain that's both compelling and engaging, but the MCU has proven that with some care, it is possible.The franchise used to have quite a tendency to make its villains just a darker version of the hero, for example, Iron Monger (Jeff Bridges) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.). Having a boring or not compelling villain can really hinder the stakes and engagement of a story. It's a huge aspect of every hero's journey that needs to be emphasized and cared for. Furthermore, many of the MCU's best villains have more to do with great casting than great writing, an issue that's becoming more glaring than ever.<h2>2 Miscasting </h2><h2>Potential Solution: Take Character Source Material More Seriously </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2kxHFs_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2kxHFs_0wBJLn4j00" width="1650" height="825" ><figcaption>Image via Marvel Comics</figcaption></figure>Bad castings in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are few and far between. The wonderful Sarah Halley Finn, Marvel's casting director, is astounding at what she does and never seems to miss when it comes to casting. There are a few choices, however, that don't work for one reason or another. The biggest problem castings come from characters that have white actors cast to play traditionally non-white characters. Take casting Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One, who is Tibetan in the comics, or the recent casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, who is someone of Romani heritage. The oppression that Doom faced as a Romani man is essential to his character and makes him who he is. This isn't to say that these actors don't and won't do well in their roles. However, there seems to be an unwillingness on Marvel's part to use their considerable influence to increase representation. Downey's casting, in particular, seems questionable to the point of desperation, as if bringing its biggest star back will make fans forget about all the divisive stuff they've put out since Endgame.<h2>1 Overreliance On the Connected Universe </h2><h2>Potential Solution: Keep Writing More Contained </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4BvuOf_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4BvuOf_0wBJLn4j00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>Image via Marvel Studios</figcaption></figure>The Marvel Cinematic Universe became so huge because of its interconnectivity; that's what made it special. Seeing the greatest comic book characters come to life and then come together for the first time in The Avengers was a huge moment in film history. But as the universe has expanded, the projects have become too reliant on each other. Fans now need to see full television series and a plethora of films just to understand certain plots or even throwaway lines, and it drives people who've yet to experience them away.What made the Marvel Cinematic Universe great in its early days is that one only needed to see a couple of movies to understand The Avengers or Avengers: Age of Ultron. There's so much going on now, from movies to shows, that it grows harder and harder to sift through everything and understand what's happening. This cinematic universe is the greatest there is, but there comes a point when it's all too much. Event movies should feel somewhat standalone, and Avengers adventures should be limited to Avengers movies. That way, people can choose to watch (or not) whatever new MCU movie is out there without feeling like they're doing homework.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4WfQ5a_0wBJLn4j00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4WfQ5a_0wBJLn4j00" width="960" height="1422" ></figure>PG-13ActionSci-FiSuperheroWhere to Watch<ul><li>stream</li><li>rent</li><li>buy</li></ul>*Availability in USRelease DateMay 1, 2015 DirectorJoss Whedon CastChris Hemsworth , Clark Gregg , Robert Downey Jr. , Cobie Smulders , Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Jeremy Renner , Thomas Kretschmann , Chris Evans , Don Cheadle , Mark Ruffalo , Elizabeth Olsen , Scarlett Johansson , Paul Bettany , Samuel L. Jackson , James SpaderRuntime141 minutes WritersJoss Whedon NEXT: 10 MCU Endings That Are Perfect</div></body>

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10 Valid Complaints We Have With the MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the highest-grossing franchise in the history of motion pictures., and its success is hard-earned; after all, it takes a lot of quality and entertaining films in order to bring that many people out to theaters. For a time before the modern-day hit-or-miss quality, it felt like the crew over at Marvel Studios could do no wrong. But no film or franchise is perfect; everyone has their flaws, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe is no exception.