Even Marvel Knows Its Movies And Shows Need Improvement

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Declining Critical and Audience Reception

The undeniable truth is that the critical and audience reception of Marvel movies and shows has noticeably declined. Keywords like "Marvel reviews," "Rotten Tomatoes Marvel," and "audience scores Marvel" reveal a concerning trend. A quick glance at aggregate review sites like Rotten Tomatoes shows a clear drop in both critics' scores and audience ratings for several recent MCU projects.

• Falling Scores: While earlier MCU films frequently boasted scores above 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, recent releases have struggled to maintain that level, with some even falling into the critically panned territory. This drop isn't just a matter of critical opinion; audience scores reflect a similar trend.

• Examples of Shortcomings: Films like Thor: Love and Thunder and Eternals received mixed reviews, highlighting criticism of inconsistent tone, underdeveloped characters, and convoluted plots. Similarly, several Marvel shows have faced criticism for pacing and narrative structure.

• Growing Online Discourse: The decline in quality isn't just being noticed by critics; online discussions and fan forums are buzzing with conversations about "MCU criticism," "declining Marvel ratings," and the overall perceived decline in the quality of Marvel productions.

• Oversaturation and Fatigue: The sheer volume of content released under the Marvel banner has led to a significant sense of "Marvel fatigue." The constant stream of movies and series, while impressive in terms of output, may have diluted the impact and individual significance of each project.

Formulaic Storytelling and Lack of Innovation

A major contributor to the declining quality is the increasingly formulaic nature of Marvel's storytelling. The "Marvel formula," characterized by repetitive plots, predictable endings, and a lack of originality, is becoming painfully apparent.

• Repetitive Tropes: Many recent Marvel projects rely heavily on established tropes: the underdog hero's journey, the inevitable final battle, and the predictable resolution of conflicts. This predictability diminishes the impact and surprise element that made earlier MCU films so successful.

• Lack of Originality: Compared to earlier entries like Iron Man or The Avengers, recent releases often feel less daring and original. The reliance on established formulas has resulted in a sense of creative stagnation, hindering innovation and leaving audiences feeling unfulfilled.

• Shift in Storytelling: The shift from character-driven narratives to larger, more cosmic events, while exciting in theory, has often come at the expense of intimacy and character development. The focus on setting up larger storylines has sometimes overshadowed the compelling narratives of individual characters and films.

• Need for Risk-Taking: Marvel needs to embrace greater risk-taking and experimentation in its storytelling. This means venturing outside the established formula, exploring unconventional narrative structures, and pushing creative boundaries to recapture the audience's imagination.

Character Development and Consistency Issues

Inconsistent and underdeveloped characters have also contributed to the MCU's recent struggles. The "Marvel character arcs," often rushed or poorly defined, undermine audience engagement.

• Rushed Character Development: The need to service a larger interconnected narrative frequently leads to rushed character arcs, preventing viewers from forming deep connections with the heroes and villains.

• Impact of Overarching Narrative: The emphasis on the overarching Multiverse Saga has, in some instances, negatively impacted the individual journeys of established characters, making their motivations and actions feel less organic and more contrived.

• Inconsistent Portrayals: Characters have sometimes been portrayed inconsistently across different films and shows, resulting in a sense of disconnect and undermining the character's overall arc.

• Improved Character Writing: A renewed focus on strong, well-defined character arcs, with realistic motivations and compelling internal conflicts, is critical for re-establishing emotional connections with the audience.

The Impact of the Multiverse Saga and Over-Saturation

The ambitious Multiverse Saga, while offering vast storytelling potential, has also contributed to the problems. The sheer number of Marvel projects released annually has led to "Marvel fatigue" and diluted the overall impact of individual installments.

• Complex Plots: The intricate nature of the multiverse has, at times, led to overly complicated plots that are difficult to follow, detracting from the overall enjoyment.

• Diluted Narratives: The vast scope of the Multiverse Saga can dilute the individual narratives, making certain stories feel less significant or impactful in the grand scheme of things.

• Marvel Fatigue: The sheer volume of Marvel content can lead to viewer fatigue. The constant barrage of movies and series can overwhelm audiences, causing them to lose interest or feel burned out.

• Managing Release Schedule: A more strategic and less saturated release schedule could allow for better pacing and greater impact for individual projects. Quality over quantity should be the primary focus.

Conclusion

From declining critical and audience scores to formulaic storytelling and inconsistent character development, the MCU faces significant challenges. The ambitious Multiverse Saga, while exciting, has also contributed to over-saturation and narrative complexities. Improving Marvel movies and shows requires a renewed focus on innovative storytelling, consistent character development, and a more carefully managed release schedule. While Marvel's dominance is undeniable, addressing these issues is crucial for its long-term success. The future of Marvel movies and shows depends on it!