My brother out in California hasn't seen this movie yet, so out of courtesy to him I'm not going to review it today. But I'm going to give you a pre-review.
Though my wife and I like watching a lot of movies, we aren't big movie fans. Why? Because TV shows are better than movies. I'd rather watch 100 episodes of a well-written, favorite TV show than see any major Hollywood blockbuster. Good TV shows are better than great movies just because you have a chance to get acquainted with characters over time. And supporting casts and storylines have so much more depth to play with.
Case in point: I've liked all the Marvel Universe movies so far (except the Hulk, I don't think it's possible to to a good stand-alone Hulk movie). The first Iron Man and Avengers movies were great, and the Thor and Captain America movies were right up there, too, BUT my favorite Marvel Universe story right now is the ABC television show, Marvel: Agents of Shield. The first season was kind of hokey. The second season got much better when it took itself more seriously. And the third season, after a rough start, has became the best thing the Marvel universe has produced. Why? Because Agent/Director Coulson has become the best written character on television, while the actor who portrays him has made that character the most believable/intriguing character on television.
Good writing, over time, gives you a more well-rounded glimpse into the universe portrayed. Supporting characters become more believable as a result. In a world where extraordinary individuals are the norm, you need the stability of regular people realizing it. The foundation of a show like this is that a normal person can figure out how to live in a world with Super Heroes and Super Villains and make it seem normal. Coulson, and by default, the supporting cast, has done that.
When might movies establish that kind of connection? When they are given well written sequels that play off the history of the established mythos. Did The Force Awakens manage to do that?
I'll tell you tomorrow.
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