The story of Stanley Martin Lieber, most commonly referred to as Stan Lee, is one of widespread appreciation and admiration. As the founder of Marvel Comics, Lee has inspired millions of people around the world, writing and editing some of the most renowned superhero stories. The tales of Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, Captain America and more have touched the lives of countless individuals across generations, and his stories have become integral to a greater global culture.

“I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it, they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain people, you’re doing a good thing,” legendary comic book writer Stan Lee said.

An advocate of world peace, unity, and a fun and fulfilling life, Lee took it upon himself to bring people together through his stories. In memory of the man who was such an important figure in so many of our lives, below are brief reviews on the three greatest movie adaptations of Stan Lee’s superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). 

“Avengers: Infinity War”

Release Date: Apr. 27, 2018

Directors: Joe Russo and Anthony Russo

Starring: Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow)

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Our Rating: A∞

“Avengers: Infinity War” marks the climax of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, stringing together the events and developments of twenty movies into one magnificently crafted film. Despite having “Avengers” in the title, the movie is far beyond what we have typically seen in an Avengers movie. “Avengers: Infinity War” introduced several characters like Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and the Guardians of the Galaxy to the Avengers and the particularly formidable villain, Thanos. With breathtaking special effects, action-packed team battles and a gut-wrenching ending for some of the most beloved heroes, “Avengers: Infinity War” provides fans everything they could have asked for and more.

“Infinity War is not only one of the greatest MCU films, but it incorporated Marvel’s key themes and story with one big snap,” junior Annie LaRoche said.

“Captain America: Civil War”

Release Date: May 6, 2016

Directors: Joe Russo and Anthony Russo

Starring: Chris Evans (Captain America), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Anthony Mackie (Falcon), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes)

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Our Rating: A++

The final chapter of the “Captain America” trilogy definitely solidified Captain America as one of the more well-developed characters in the MCU. Arguably another “Avengers” film in its own right, “Captain America: Civil War” showcases the divide between the Avengers after several arguments by the public have been made in favor of dismantling the team due to their reckless destruction and costly actions. The story follows Cap on a mission of accountability and responsibility, while his relationship with the Avengers crumbles; he believes in protecting the world and Bucky Barnes, who was used as a super soldier for the terrorist organization Hydra. The movie has a strong storyline, a balanced juggling of several characters, and introduces Black Panther and Spider-Man to the universe. “Civil War” makes a strong case for being one of the best Marvel movies of all time.

“Iron Man”

Our Rating: A+

Release Date: May 2, 2008

Director: Jon Favreau

Starring: Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan), Gwyneth Paltrow (Pepper Potts), Paul Bettany (Jarvis), Terrence Howard (War Machine)

After the great successes exhibited by FOX’s “X-Men” and Sony’s “Spider-Man,” the MCU decided to start their own movie universe with “Iron Man.” The movie that started it all remains to be one of the greatest, even ten years later. The CGI and special effects are still considered to be remarkably advanced and the character arc of Iron Man has developed to be one of the more significant ones in the MCU. Following the story of Tony Stark, the man in the suit of armor, “Iron Man” was the seed for the MCU, and Tony Stark’s influence remains embedded in nearly every movie, especially those that await in the future.

“The development of Iron Man throughout his three movies and the Avengers movies was crucial to the story, and many feel his role as a central character will culminate with the second half of Infinity War. He has been extremely entertaining to watch over the years,” junior Christopher Brazda said.

Although the world mourns the loss of Stan Lee, his influence and values will live on for generations to come. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will continue to honor him through the transformation of his comics into blockbuster movies in the future. As for the near future, the MCU is scheduled to release “Captain Marvel,” an untitled Avengers 4 film, and “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” Excelsior!

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