‘The Last of Us’: Full Season 1 Recap

Joel, Ellie, Tommy, the Fireflies, FEDRA. Who are all these people?

In case you’ve been waiting for it, Season 2 of “The Last of Us” is here! It’s been a while since we last encountered Clickers or Cordyceps creatures, or even delved into the human characters and their narratives. If you’re eager to jump straight into Season 2 without any prior knowledge, our latest video on “The Last of Us” can serve as a refresher.

In a concise manner, our video recap summarizes the key happenings of the nine episodes from Season 1 of “The Last of Us.” This brief yet comprehensive overview provides you with essential insights about the post-apocalyptic world and its inhabitants, ensuring you’re well-prepared for both the intense zombie action and intricate symbolism in Season 2. You can watch our complete video recap below:

If you enjoyed the video summarizing everything from Season 1 of The Last of Us, don’t forget to explore more videos beneath it! We have a variety of content, such as an analysis of Easter eggs in Season 2 Episode 1 of The Last of Us, an explanation on why The Last of Us is an outstanding TV show, and a discussion on the merits of the debated The Last of Us Part II video game. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel at ScreenCrush for future episodes! New episodes of The Last of Us air every Sunday on HBO and Max.

Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

35. Eternals

Initially, I wouldn’t have anticipated that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and adapted from some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in the least vital title for the company. Regrettably, Eternals failed to coalesce effectively. It generally adheres to Kirby’s fundamental concepts with minor yet bothersome alterations, such as transforming the villainous Deviants into unremarkable monsters devoid of objectives or motivations. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the main characters – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – find it challenging to convincingly portray their supposedly passionate relationship (a romance that spans 6,000 years, yet they appear as if they’re on their first awkward date). The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the links between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to forsake them in favor of routine battle sequences involving dull monsters. It’s challenging to conceive of a more tedious film about immortal extraterrestrial robots striving to prevent imminent apocalypse than this one.

34. The Incredible Hulk

The film feels poorly planned, hastily produced, and lacks aesthetic appeal, as if Marvel was taken aback when Iron Man became popular and quickly churned this out. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s supreme soldier is a casting blunder that even Loki himself could commit a crime for, transforming him into a massive bone-like creature resembling a turd monster. (Continue reading here.)

The movie seems rushed and unpolished, giving the impression that Marvel was taken off guard by Iron Man’s success and hastily produced this. The decision to cast Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate soldier is a grave mistake that even Loki might have trouble justifying; it results in a character transformation into a massive bone-like creature reminiscent of an unappealing solid waste. (Continue reading here).

33. Thor: The Dark World

Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, we ended up with a rather gloomy pursuit of a mystical MacGruffin, featuring one of the most tedious villains in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s any silver lining, it could be that this movie performing poorly might have encouraged Marvel to take more risks and make drastic changes as seen in Thor: Ragnarok (for further details, read more here).

32. The Marvels

This Marvel film, although not the poorest in the series, can be considered the most disorganized and intense. Three captivating Marvel characters (Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau) are thrown into a mix to thwart a Kree warlord determined to cause havoc for unclear reasons. The performers shine, but the plot, despite being concise, is chaotic and filled with perplexing decisions that lack coherence.

31. Captain America: Brave New World

In an alternate take, one might say: “The correct hero, the wrong plot. This sentiment seems apt for several underwhelming Marvel films (such as The Marvels) and is particularly true for Captain America: Brave New World, which grants Anthony Mackie’s charming Sam Wilson his own movie only to burden him with a dull antagonist and a narrative littered with unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk. (Yes, we were all on the edge of our seats waiting for news about Betty Ross, weren’t we?)

30. Doctor Strange

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that “Doctor Strange” showcases some stunning visuals, but it still feels like an upgraded version of “Iron Man 2 (with a touch of magic)”. The brilliant twist with Dormammu definitely deserves a thumbs up, but unfortunately, the wacky cape on Strange leaves me wanting more. For further thoughts, you can check out the full review here.

29. Iron Man 2

Despite being better than you might recall, it’s still not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skills can conceal many flaws, but not all of them. If 15 minutes of the setup for Avengers were trimmed, it could potentially be something truly impressive. (Continue reading here.)

28. Ant-Man

The film Ant-Man isn’t terrible, but it feels like a scaled-down version of what could have been the Edgar Wright movie we were expecting. Despite this, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the strongest non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read more .)

Ant-Man is far from terrible, but it leaves you with a sense that it could have been a much grander film, like Edgar Wright’s version might have been. However, Michael Peña’s portrayal of Luis makes him one of the most memorable and strong characters without superpowers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Read more .)

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, acknowledges that Scott Lang is in over his head. This massive disparity mirrors the film itself: The relatable, lighthearted world of the Ant-Man series, filled with dry humor and lovable characters, pales in comparison to the grandiose multiversal saga unfolding in Marvel Phase 5.

On the big screen as a Marvel adventure, it’s satisfactory. However, as a sequel within the Ant-Man franchise, it falls short of expectations. Unfortunately, if you were looking forward to seeing Michael Peña as Luis, you’ll be disappointed, as he does not appear in this installment at all.

26. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” excels when it emphasizes its compact nature, as Paul Rudd banters with his fellow actors, Michael Peña delivers humorous monologues, and a heartwarming, intimate family drama unfolds about a fractured family striving to mend itself. (Continue reading .)

25. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers is arguably the most potent hero, yet her film seemed to fall short on emotional depth. However, it remained engaging thanks to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos and Samuel L. Jackson (and his remarkable de-aging visual effects) as a youthful Nick Fury. (For further details, check out this article.)

24. Black Widow

2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited standalone movie, “Black Widow,” where she predominantly served as the straight character to a group of her witty Russian superhero family members, such as David Harbour’s self-absorbed Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, this film may not have been the fitting farewell for Black Widow that she deserved. However, it remains another strong Marvel production with remarkable action scenes and an intriguing villain in the form of Taskmaster, who can copy the fighting styles of any adversary he encounters.

23. Thor: Love and Thunder

Experiencing Taika Waititi’s second Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” seems somewhat like witnessing a magician performing the same magic trick twice in quick succession. The initial performance was mind-blowing. The subsequent one is still entertaining, but it lacks the element of surprise. Christian Bale portrays Gorr the God-Butcher with chilling precision, yet his intense and emotionally charged villain persona doesn’t quite harmonize with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his constant humor. Essentially, “Thor: Love and Thunder” retains the same components as Taika Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t blend together quite as smoothly this time around.

22. Deadpool & Wolverine

The camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is simply delightful, with their cameos being both unexpected and thrilling. However, the narrative seems to push the limits of how much background information a film can provide without becoming confusing. (Too many sad pasts for one character? This movie has at least two!) If you manage not to ponder anything on-screen for even a moment, you’ll have an enjoyable experience. The duo effectively portrays Deadpool and Wolverine reluctantly teaming up to protect the Fox X-Men universe. You might find yourself wishing that the writers, including Reynolds himself, had provided a slightly more coherent storyline.

21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The Unusual Version of Iron Man 2: More disappointing than you might recall, but it remains somewhat satisfactory. The advertising emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect too much, yet Anthony Mackie’s Falcon proves a wonderful enhancement to the series, and Chris Evans continues his steadfast performance as Captain America. However, I can’t help but express annoyance at Nick Fury, who is supposedly the world’s greatest spy, being unaware that everyone in SHIELD except for him and two companions were completely corrupt. Really, Nick? Wake up! (For more details, click here.)

20. Avengers: Infinity War

While this movie undeniably delivers on a grand scale with an epic ending, it seems there’s a certain depth lacking for some viewers. If you’re primarily seeking nonstop action and humorous quips, then you might find it satisfying. However, if you appreciate the character development and heartfelt moments amidst the battles, this film may not resonate as deeply with you. (You can read more here.)

19. Iron Man 3

The film was generally enjoyable, but its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe slightly diminished the experience. The plot culminates in Tony Stark deciding to leave his Iron Man life behind and ride off, only for additional films featuring the character to follow. Despite Guy Pearce’s underwhelming portrayal of Killian, Robert Downey Jr.’s exchanges with a clever youngster were top-notch. (You can read more about it here.)

18. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Initially: The climax, featuring dragons and monsters clashing within a thick layer of gray fog, is a chaotic jumble of poor CGI. However, prior to this, Shang-Chi could potentially be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting several thrilling and intricately choreographed fight sequences. The bus fight scene, in particular, is a joy to watch. Simu Liu delivers a standout performance as the lead character, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh providing depth to the Marvel universe with their nuanced supporting roles. Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina provide consistent comic relief throughout, with Kingsley’s portrayal of former Mandarin Trevor Slattery, once a less popular Marvel villain, now transformed into a delightful secondary character.

17. Thor

An extraordinary saga, stretching across the universe, predominantly unfolding in… the tiniest town of New Mexico? Despite its flaws, “Thor” stands out as the first Marvel film where exceptional acting and captivating portrayals managed to overshadow structural and script problems. These issues later became a distinctive feature of Marvel productions. (Continue reading .)

16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler encountered an immensely tough task while directing “Wakanda Forever”: Not only did he need to create a sequel worthy of its predecessor, “Black Panther”, but he had to do so without his captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, just as filming was set to commence. The film shines most when it seamlessly integrates Coogler and the cast’s grief over Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its monarch. Unfortunately, the remainder of the movie can be a bit disjointed; a blend of intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and an adversary, King Namor, whose motivations are somewhat unclear.

15. Captain America: Civil War

The plot lacks credibility from the very start, and it’s clear that the film is structured to culminate in the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me tell you: Oh my goodness, the battle at the airport is absolutely incredible! (Continue reading here.)

14. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find similarities to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both films are filled with numerous villains. However, on a positive note, this production effectively portrays Peter Parker as a character – a person who may stumble but never gives up on correcting his mistakes for future success. Moreover, it significantly introduces the concept of the multiverse into MCU movies, making a significant mark in the ongoing storyline.

The third film by Jon Watts, like Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film, has a comparable feel, with both being packed with various villains. Nonetheless, it excels in its portrayal of Peter Parker as a character – someone who may falter but keeps striving to rectify his errors for better outcomes next time. Additionally, this movie notably expands the multiverse into MCU films, marking an essential milestone in the saga.

13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

15 years later, filmmaker Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe, delivering an exhilaratingly chaotic tale centered around a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi skillfully incorporated his unique elements – such as slapstick humor, deranged zombies, and shocking surprises – into the conventional Marvel narrative structure. (For additional information, please refer to here.)

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite some criticisms, such as it not being as great as the initial Avengers film and the confusion surrounding Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, I find the climactic sequence in which the Avengers unite to save everyone in Sokovia to be a perfect embodiment of Marvel’s essence. (You can read more about it [here](link here).)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The sequel of Marvel’s lighthearted franchise, with an excessively high number (at least four!) of post-credit scenes, is surprisingly somber in its ending. Yet, it showcases an audacious move to bring such a shift, making it the only Marvel film that leaves me teary-eyed and chuckling about alien deity phallic humor. In my opinion, this unique blend of emotions makes for an unforgettable experience. (Read more here.)

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

In the sequel of Marvel’s Spiderman movie, starring Tom Holland as the acrobatic hero Spiderman, the film slightly falls behind its predecessor yet still offers a blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. Despite no one explicitly stating “with great power comes great responsibility,” the film Far From Home strongly embodies this concept, as Peter Parker (Holland) grapples with his feelings for MJ (Zendaya, who brings a witty charm to her role), while also obeying Nick Fury’s (Samuel L. Jackson, portraying a rather irritable character) instructions to combat a group of destructive elemental beings.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that strikes the perfect Marvel balance – it’s packed with thrilling action, quirky sci-fi visuals, and characters we deeply care about. By the end of Volume 3, Rocket Raccoon, who was once considered a minor character in Marvel, has transformed into one of the most compelling and tragic heroes in the company. After a series of less impressive films, Gunn makes it seem effortless. Unfortunately, he’s now moving on to manage DC.

7. Avengers: Endgame

A significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second finest Avengers film yet, it’s bursting with colossal action sequences, numerous jokes, and potentially more Easter eggs than any movie in the entire history of cinematic universes. (Read more .)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most enjoyable films, it boasts captivating characters, thrilling web-slinging action, and an unexpected street vendor requesting Spider-Man to perform a flip (which he does). Aren’t you enthralled? (Continue reading here.)

I tried to keep the essence of your original text while making it more conversational and easy to read.

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

Halfway through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) timeline, the original “Guardians” movie played a significant role in making Marvel seem less rigid and demonstrated that the studio’s reputation was robust enough to attract viewers to relatively unknown properties. Prior to James Gunn’s direction, the Guardians were merely an afterthought, but he transformed them into an unexpected blockbuster hit. It’s also indisputable that Rocket is the finest among the Guardians; this is a fact that requires no debate or contention. (For more details, please refer to [this link](http://exampleurl)).

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Although the plot could use a bit more depth (as it seems an entire war was summarized in a montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America is arguably the most impressive character adaptation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film transformed a hero often criticized as bland or outdated into a compelling, charismatic, multidimensional individual embodied by human virtues. A great choice for when you need a boost of inspiration. (Read more here.)

3. Black Panther

As a movie buff, I’ve always appreciated how Marvel films strive for cosmic links, but “Black Panther” demonstrates the power of a self-contained narrative. In the finale, when Black Panther decides to share Wakanda with the world and allows its characters to appear elsewhere, it’s meant to be a joyous conclusion. However, if this move leads to a future sequel that becomes more scattered and filled with cameos, perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea after all. (Read more here.)

2. The Avengers

Despite Infinity War, the original Avengers movie remains an extraordinary achievement that seems almost unbelievable. Every character is skillfully crafted, the dialogue flows seamlessly, and the epic Battle of New York at the end ranks among the finest action scenes of the 21st century. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

The original movie remains unsurpassed in quality. Looking back, not being tied to a larger universe allowed it to excel, and the scenes featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark testing his suit and flying for the first time convey the exhilaration of superpowers more effectively than any film ever made by Marvel or anyone else on this subject. (Read more here.)

Read More

2025-04-14 18:26