10 Biggest Parts Of The Marvel Movie Formula (That Will Destroy The Series)

3. Every Hero's Journey Is The Same

The Phase structure of the MCU helps lends structure to a series churning out movies faster than any in the history of blockbusters, but in some ways it does hold back the progression of the series; thus far not only has each Phase been marked by a period of time, but also by a similar step in each of the character's journeys. Phase 1 was origins;very film bar Iron Man 2 (aka Before Avengers) dealt with the hero getting abilities (even Thor, who actually had had to have his powers removed for this to work) and coming to terms with what that meant. Phase 2 had escalation, but all of a similar sort; the characters face the realities of their romances, go on the run solo and ultimately pick a status quo (probably so Ultron can cause extra damage). To call out every blockbuster that has a predictable plot would take more lists than we've ever published (slight exaggeration, but you get the point), but when it comes from a previous film in your own series it needs addressing. Guardians Of The Galaxy was the stand out for not conforming and its success is testament to that. Hopefully with more new characters set to appear in Phase 3 (as well as Captain America 3, we have Ant-Man next year and Dr Strange in 2016), this same level of freshness can continue.