‘Daredevil’ Recap: What You Need to Know Before ‘Born Again’

The “Daredevil: Born Again” series marks a fresh start for the character without fear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it can be considered as a continuation, following on from the events of the “Daredevil” series that were broadcast on Netflix between 2015 and 2018. The show brings back both its principal characters: Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk.

If you haven’t seen the original Daredevil TV series or find yourself struggling to recall its details due to the abundance of movies and shows, worry not! Our latest Marvel video has got you covered. It condenses all 45 hours of every season on Netflix’s Daredevil into just 20 minutes. Need a refresher on Daredevil, Kingpin, and their place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (including Spider-Man, Hawkeye, and Echo’s realms)? Look no further than our comprehensive recap below:

If you enjoyed our previous video discussing the Netflix Daredevil series prior to Daredevil: Born Again, feel free to explore more videos we’ve created! For instance, there’s a video about how Captain America: Brave New World sets up Avengers: Doomsday, and another one that tackles the plot holes and unanswered questions in Brave New World (and offers explanations for them). Additionally, there’s a video on all the Marvel Easter eggs hidden within Captain America: Brave New World. You can find even more videos over at ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our future episodes. The highly anticipated Daredevil: Born Again will debut on Disney+ on March 4.

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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 one of the least crucial titles for the company. Regrettably, Eternals didn’t quite gel effectively. It generally adheres to Kirby’s primary concepts with a few minor but bothersome alterations – such as transforming the villainous Deviants into unremarkable monsters lacking objectives or motivations. The ensemble boasts some solid supporting acts from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the main characters – Gemma Chan’s Sersi and Richard Madden’s Ikaris – struggle to convey their passionate relationship convincingly (their romance spans 6,000 years, yet they appear as if on their first awkward date). The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes regarding the relationships among superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to abandon them repeatedly for a string of uninspiring fight sequences featuring dull monsters. It’s challenging to imagine a less captivating film about immortal alien robots striving to prevent cosmic annihilation than this one.

34. The Incredible Hulk

The production of this film feels so haphazard, it seems Marvel was taken aback by Iron Man’s success and hastily produced it. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s supreme soldier is a decision that Loki himself might find more criminal than any act he’s ever committed, given that this character transforms into a rather unattractive, bony creature. (For further details, see here.)

33. Thor: The Dark World

Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, what we ended up with was a rather gloomy pursuit of a mystical MacGruffin starring one of the most uninteresting villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A silver lining could be that this movie didn’t flop as badly as it might have, allowing Marvel to take more risks and drastically change things up with Thor: Ragnarok (for more details, check out the article here).

What we almost got was Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, but instead, we were served a dreary chase for a mystical MacGruffin featuring one of the least captivating villains in the entire MCU. However, if there’s a positive side to this, it could be that without this film bombing as severely as it possibly could have, Marvel may have been more open to taking chances and shaking things up significantly with Thor: Ragnarok (for further information, see the article here).

32. The Marvels

This Marvel film, despite not being the weakest among them, can be quite disorganized and intense. It features three captivating Marvel characters: Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau. These heroes are thrust together to prevent a Kree warlord from causing havoc for unclear reasons. Although the actors deliver impressive performances, the plot is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that often lack coherence.

31. Captain America: Brave New World

In a different script perhaps, the movie might have shone brighter. This sentiment applies aptly to many recent Marvel films, including The Marvels, and is particularly relevant to Captain America: Brave New World. Despite showcasing Anthony Mackie’s captivating Sam Wilson in his solo film, it unfortunately features a dull villain and a story riddled with unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk – moments like the rekindling of curiosity about Betty Ross left us hanging on the edge of our seats.

30. Doctor Strange

In a nutshell, the surreal visuals are impressive, but “Doctor Strange” seems like an upgraded version of “Iron Man 2,” with a magical twist. The positive aspect is the smart conclusion involving Dormammu; however, the odd cape worn by Strange could use some improvement. (For further reading, click here.)

The cool visuals make “Doctor Strange” enjoyable, but it feels like a magic-infused “Iron Man 2.” I liked the clever ending with Dormammu, but the cape worn by Strange is a bit weird. (For more information, check out this link.)

29. Iron Man 2

Although it’s better than you may recall, it’s still not exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skills can hide many flaws, but not all of them. By trimming 15 minutes of setup from the Avengers, it could potentially be quite impressive. (Continue reading here.)

28. Ant-Man

Ant-Man isn’t bad, but it feels like a scaled-down version of what could have been a larger Edgar Wright film. Despite this, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the most compelling non-superpowered characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (You can read more about it here.)

Ant-Man isn’t perfect, but it lacks the grandeur of what could have been a bigger movie directed by Edgar Wright. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis is one of the most memorable non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (More details can be found here.)

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the epic battle between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself, portrayed by the formidable Jonathan Majors, acknowledges that Scott Lang is biting off more than he can chew. This seemingly unfair fight serves as a symbol for the movie itself: The charming, low-key world of the Ant-Man series with its clever humor and lovable characters struggles to keep pace with the grand, universe-shaking drama of Marvel Phase 5.

On the big screen, it’s an adequate Marvel adventure. However, as a part of the Ant-Man series, it falls short of expectations. Unfortunately, if you were anticipating the return of Michael Peña’s beloved character Luis, you will be disappointed as he is nowhere to be found in this film.

26. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The film “Ant-Man and the Wasp” thrives when it emphasizes its compactness, featuring Paul Rudd’s humorous interactions with his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt monologues, and a intimate family drama revolving around a fractured family aiming to mend their relationships once more. (For further details, click here.)

25. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers stands out as one of the most powerful heroes. However, her movie didn’t quite deliver the emotional depth that it could have. Despite this, it remains engaging thanks to two standout performances: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos and Samuel L. Jackson (as well as his impressive de-aging visual effects) portraying a younger Nick Fury. (For more details, check out the link provided.)

24. Black Widow

In 2021, Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited standalone film, “Black Widow,” was released. However, instead of showcasing an independent adventure, she primarily acted as a supportive character amidst her wisecracking Russian superhero family, which included David Harbour’s narcissistic Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, “Black Widow” may not have been the fitting farewell the character deserved. Nevertheless, it remains another well-executed Marvel blockbuster, boasting impressive stunt sequences and an intriguing villain in Taskmaster, who possesses the ability to copy the combat styles of any adversary he encounters.

23. Thor: Love and Thunder

Experiencing Taika Waititi’s second “Thor” film is somewhat like witnessing a magician performing the same trick twice in quick succession. The initial performance left you awestruck. The repetition, while still impressive, loses some of its shock value. Christian Bale portrays Gorr the God-Butcher effectively as a menacing villain, but his intense and emotional character seems incongruous with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his constant humor. “Thor: Love and Thunder” retains all the components of Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t harmonize as smoothly this time around.

22. Deadpool & Wolverine

The camaraderie between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in this movie is simply fantastic. Their cameos are unexpected, even startling. However, the plot, while testing the limits of how much information a film can convey without becoming confusing, unfortunately still leaves much to be desired. (One might wonder if too many tragic pasts are necessary for one character; in this case, at least two!) If you manage to not think about anything happening onscreen for even a moment, you’ll likely have an enjoyable experience. Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver the anticipated dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine, despite their reluctant team-up to save the Fox X-Men universe. You may find yourself wishing that the writers (including Reynolds) had maintained their end of the deal a bit more effectively.

21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

More forgettable than you might recall, but still acceptable. The advertising emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect too much, but Anthony Mackie’s Falcon proves to be a valuable asset for the series, and Chris Evans continues to embody Captain America’s solid and reliable character. However, it’s hard to believe that Nick Fury, the world’s most accomplished spy, was unaware of the fact that every other member of SHIELD, apart from him and his two associates, were utterly corrupt. It just doesn’t add up, Nick! (For further reading, check out here.)

20. Avengers: Infinity War

While this film undeniably delivers on grand scale and a memorable climax, it seems there’s a certain emotional depth lacking. If you’re primarily seeking high-octane action with witty quips, then this might just hit the spot. However, if you appreciate character development and heartfelt camaraderie, along with moments of tranquility amidst the battles, this movie may not resonate as deeply for you. (For further discussion, click here.)

19. Iron Man 3

The film was enjoyable overall, but its quality was somewhat diminished by being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie culminates in Tony Stark choosing to end his Iron Man career and departing into the sunset. However, he went on to star in several more movies afterwards. Although Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, fell short of expectations, Robert Downey Jr.’s scenes with a clever child were exceptional. (For further details, see [here](…)).

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

Initially speaking: The climactic scene featuring dragons and monsters fighting amidst thick gray fog is visually displeasing due to poor CGI. However, prior to this, Shang-Chi could be Marvel’s finest action movie, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. For instance, the one on a San Francisco bus is quite enjoyable. Simu Liu heads a cast that offers depth, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering substantial supporting roles, and Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently providing comic relief. Interestingly, Kingsley as the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery may not have been the most beloved Marvel villain initially, but Marvel has successfully transformed him into a delightful secondary character.

17. Thor

In an unexpected twist, a sweeping, universe-encompassing tale primarily unfolds in the tiniest hamlet of New Mexico. While Thor may have its flaws, it stands out among Marvel productions as one where stellar acting and captivating performances managed to surmount structural and script problems, a trait that later became characteristic of Marvel films. (Continue reading here.)

16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

In the task of directing “Wakanda Forever,” Ryan Coogler confronted an enormously tough predicament: Not only was he required to create a sequel that matched the excellence of the original “Black Panther,” but he had to accomplish it without Chadwick Boseman, our captivating lead actor who tragically passed away in the summer of 2020, just as production was set to begin. The film excels when it seamlessly incorporates Coogler and the cast’s profound grief for Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its monarch. Unfortunately, the remainder of the movie can be a bit disjointed; it’s filled with intriguing concepts, numerous characters, and an antagonist, Namor, whose motivations are somewhat unclear.

15. Captain America: Civil War

The narrative of the film is questionable and lacks credibility, but the climactic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport is remarkably impressive. To put it simply: WOW, THE AIRPORT BATTLE IS TRULY AMAZING! (Read more here.)

14. Spider-Man: No Way Home

As a movie critic, I must admit that Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man flick feels remarkably similar in scope to Sam Raimi’s third installment. Both films seem to be bursting at the seams with a multitude of villains. However, where it truly shines is its portrayal of Peter Parker as a character. He’s a guy who consistently falls short yet perseveres with an unwavering determination to set things right in the future.

Moreover, this movie boldly introduces the concept of the multiverse into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) on a grand scale, making it a significant landmark in the ongoing saga.

13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Following a 15-year absence, director Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe with this thrilling, eccentric tale of a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Similar to his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi skillfully incorporated his unique style and motifs – such as witty humor, maniacal zombies, and startling surprises – into the conventional Marvel template. (For further details, please see here.)

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite some criticisms that it’s not as great as the first “Avengers” and has issues with Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, I find the climactic scene in Sokovia where the Avengers unite to save everyone truly embodies the essence of Marvel. (You can read more about it here.)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The sequel to Marvel’s lightest franchise features an excess of post-credit scenes, numbering at least four. Yet it’s impressive how they managed to turn a jocular series into a film with a significant downer ending. It’s the only Marvel movie that manages to make me cry and also includes jokes about divine alien phallic symbols. In my opinion, this unique blend of emotions and humor makes it an exceptional movie. (For further reading, click 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 my opinion, Marvel’s second Spider-Man movie, starring Tom Holland as the incredible web-slinger, is only slightly less amazing than the first. It offers an enticing blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. Although no one explicitly utters “with great power comes great responsibility,” this film resonates deeply with that theme just like any other Spider-Man story. In this movie, Peter Parker (played by Holland) grapples with the tug-of-war between his longing for romance with MJ (Zendaya’s charming and witty portrayal) and the commands from Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson in a hilariously exasperated role) to thwart a group of elemental menaces.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that delivers the perfect Marvel blend: Thrilling action sequences, quirky science fiction visuals, and compelling characters we grow deeply attached to. (By the end of ‘Vol. 3’, Rocket Raccoon evolves from a Marvel B-lister into one of the company’s most captivating and heartbreaking heroes.) Following a series of average films, Gunn effortlessly makes it seem effortless. Unfortunately, he is now moving on to work with DC.

7. Avengers: Endgame

A significant leap forward from “Infinity War” and arguably the second-best Avengers film, boasting massive action sequences, numerous laugh-out-loud moments, and potentially a record number of Easter eggs across all cinematic universes. (Read more .)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most enjoyable films boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man (which he performs). Aren’t you hooked? (Continue reading here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

At halfway through the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far, the first “Guardians” movie was instrumental in making Marvel more relaxed and demonstrated that their brand had enough appeal to draw audiences to projects with minimal mainstream popularity. Prior to James Gunn’s direction, the Guardians were merely a minor detail, but he transformed them into an unexpected hit. It is indisputable, without debate, that Rocket is the superior Guardian. (Continue reading here.)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Although the plot could use some tightening (as an entire war is condensed into a montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America in this film stands as one of the most impactful character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie transformed a hero often criticized for being uninteresting or outdated into a dynamic, endearing, multi-layered individual embodying classic human values. Perfect for when you need a boost of motivation. [Read more here.]

3. Black Panther

As a film enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated Marvel films for their intricate connections with the cosmos. However, what sets Black Panther apart is its strategic seclusion, which I believe contributes to its unique charm. In the closing scenes of the movie, when Black Panther decides to share Wakanda with the world and its characters with other storylines, it’s meant to signify a triumphant conclusion. But if this decision paves the way for a sequel that becomes more sprawling with numerous guest appearances, perhaps it isn’t such a joyous ending after all. [Read more here.]

2. The Avengers

After the events of “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie remains a remarkable feat that seems almost unbelievable. The characters are expertly balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York is undeniably one of the outstanding action sequences of recent years. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

To this day, no other film has surpassed its initial greatness. Looking back, the freedom from having to adhere to a broader universe enhanced the quality of the movie. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, tests his suit and takes flight for the first time, more effectively convey the excitement of superpowers than any other film, whether produced by Marvel or another studio.

Reference(s):
[https://www.slashfilm.com/iron-man-best-superhero-movie-ever-made/]

2025-02-28 23:25