‘The Last of Us’: Every Season 2 Premiere Easter Egg

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The long-awaited return of “The Last of Us” is upon us with the debut of Season 2, and it’s not just bringing back the series, but also offering a sneak peek at its interpretation of the video game “The Last of Us Part II”. Certain segments of this season opener are directly lifted from the game itself – such as a scene involving sniper rifles, which was inspired by a tutorial for handling that weapon in the game. What an impressive way to reuse the source material!

Here’s one example of the numerous subtle references, hidden treasures, and minor details you might have overlooked in the first episode of The Last of Us Season 2. We’ll delve into some alterations in the dynamics among the main characters from the game, focusing on Joel and his brother Tommy, as well as analyze the symbolism behind the giraffes. Check out our complete analysis video below:

If you enjoyed the video about Easter eggs in Season 2 Episode 1 of The Last of Us, don’t forget to explore more of our videos below! You might find one discussing why The Last of Us is an outstanding TV show, another highlighting the merits of the much-debated game The Last of Us Part II, and a comparison between it and The Walking Dead. Additionally, you’ll discover even more videos at ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe for future episodes! New episodes of The Last of Us air weekly on Sundays on HBO and Max.

Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

35. Eternals

Initially, I wouldn’t have foreseen a Marvel film helmed by an Academy Award winner and adapted from some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics ending up as the studio’s least crucial production. Regrettably, the movie Eternals failed to coalesce effectively. It generally adheres to Kirby’s central concepts with a handful of minor but significantly disappointing alterations, such as transforming the antagonistic Deviants into run-of-the-mill monsters devoid of objectives or motivations. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting acts by Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, yet the main characters – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – struggle to convincingly portray their supposedly passionate love affair (a relationship spanning 6,000 years, they appear as if it’s their first date and things are going disastrously). The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the links between superheroes, mythology, and religion, only to repeatedly forsake them in favor of repetitive battle sequences featuring uninteresting monsters. It is challenging to conceive of a more tedious film about immortal extraterrestrial automatons striving to prevent universal annihilation than this one.

34. The Incredible Hulk

In a rather disorganized, unrefined, and unsightly manner, it seems Marvel was taken aback when Iron Man turned out to be a blockbuster hit and hastily produced this. The casting of Tim Roth as the world’s supreme soldier, who transforms into a large bony creature resembling a turd, is a decision Loki would never make, given his criminal record. (Continue reading here.)

33. Thor: The Dark World

Almost had Thor directed by Patty Jenkins, but ended up with a rather dull chase for a mundane MacGruffin, featuring one of the most uninteresting villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If there’s any silver lining, it’s that this movie didn’t flop as badly as expected, which might have encouraged Marvel to take bigger risks and create the unique and exciting storyline for Thor: Ragnarok. (Read more here.)

32. The Marvels

This Marvel film isn’t the worst – it surpasses three others on the list – but it’s arguably the most disorganized and intense. Three captivating Marvel characters (Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau) are haphazardly combined to thwart a Kree warlord determined to cause harm for unclear reasons. Despite the actors’ strong performances, the plot, though thankfully short, is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that make very little sense.

31. Captain America: Brave New World

In a nutshell, “The right character, the wrong plot” could summarize several recent Marvel films that have underperformed (such as The Marvels), but it’s particularly applicable to Captain America: Brave New World. This movie, which marks Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson with his long-awaited solo film, unfortunately features a dull villain and a plot riddled with unnecessary references to The Incredible Hulk (leaving fans puzzling over the fate of Betty Ross).

30. Doctor Strange

Visually striking scenes are a plus, but “Doctor Strange” still struggles to shake off the sensation that it’s essentially “Iron Man 2 with Magic.” The finale where he battles Dormammu is definitely commendable. However, his peculiar cape leaves much to be desired. (You can read more about it here.)

29. Iron Man 2

Surprisingly better than you might think, but it’s not a masterpiece by any means. Sam Rockwell’s dancing helps conceal some flaws, yet not all of them. By trimming 15 minutes of background storyline from Avengers, the movie could potentially become much stronger. (Read more .)

28. Ant-Man

Ant-Man is decent, but it feels like a smaller-scale version of the expanded Edgar Wright film we could have had. Despite this, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the best non-superhuman characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (You can read more about it [here].)

Ant-Man is okay, but it seems like a smaller version of what could have been a bigger Edgar Wright movie. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis is one of the best regular characters in the Marvel movies. (For more information, check this out.)

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 facing an opponent beyond his class. This seemingly insurmountable contrast mirrors the movie itself: The relatable, low-key universe of the Ant-Man series with its humorous touch and well-liked human characters struggles to keep pace with the grand, multiversal narrative unfolding in Marvel Phase 5.

As a standalone Marvel film on the big screen, it’s satisfactory. However, as a follow-up to the Ant-Man saga, it falls short of expectations. Unfortunately, if you were expecting to see Michael Peña’s Luis in this installment, you will be disappointed as he does not appear at all.

26. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it emphasizes its tiny aspects, as Paul Rudd playfully interacts with his fellow actors, Michael Pena delivers heartfelt monologues, and a touching, intimate story unfolds about a fractured family seeking to heal and reunite. (You can read more here.)

25. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers could arguably be the strongest hero, but her movie seemed to fall short in emotional depth. However, it remained engaging due to standout performances from two exceptional actors: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with his remarkable de-aging visual effects, portraying a younger Nick Fury. (Read more here.)

24. Black Widow

2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing from the Avengers, where she predominantly served as the straight character among her witty Russian superhero team, including David Harbour’s self-absorbed Red Guardian and Florence Pugh’s captivating Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow didn’t quite deliver the fitting farewell the character merited. However, it remains another strong Marvel production, boasting some impressive action sequences, and an intriguing antagonist in Taskmaster, who has the ability to copy the fighting styles of anyone he encounters.

23. Thor: Love and Thunder

Experiencing Taika Waititi’s sequel to Thor left me with a sense of déjà vu, much like witnessing a magician performing the same trick twice. The initial performance was mesmerizing, but the second time around, while still captivating, it lacked the shock value. Christian Bale delivers a chilling portrayal of Gorr the God-Butcher, yet his intense and deeply emotional villainy seems somewhat at odds with Chris Hemsworth’s ever-joking Thor. In “Love and Thunder,” Waititi replicates many of the elements that made “Thor: Ragnarok” a success, but they don’t quite harmonize as effortlessly this time around.

22. Deadpool & Wolverine

In this movie, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have an incredible camaraderie that’s pure delight. Their cameos are surprising, sometimes even startling. However, the plot pushes the limits of how much backstory a film can handle without becoming incomprehensible. (One character could probably do with fewer tragic pasts! This movie seems to think two is just right.) If you manage not to think too hard about what’s happening on screen for even a moment, you’ll find it enjoyable enough. And Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver the dynamic duo of Deadpool and Wolverine, reluctantly teaming up to save the Fox X-Men universe. You might wish, though, that the writers (including Reynolds) had provided a slightly more coherent storyline.

21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

As a seasoned movie critic, I must admit that my initial viewing of this film felt more like “The Twisted Tale of Iron Man 2”: Less impressive than you might recall, yet still maintaining a certain level of appeal. The promotional hype focused excessively on the conspiracy thriller aspects, but Anthony Mackie’s portrayal of Falcon proved to be a valuable asset to the franchise. Chris Evans once again embodied Captain America with his usual strength and reliability.

However, one persistent issue remains: Nick Fury, the world’s foremost spy, seemingly oblivious to the fact that everyone within SHIELD except for him and his two companions were utterly corrupt. It’s a plot hole that leaves me scratching my head – come on, Fury! Widen your perspective! (For further insights, you may want to delve deeper into here.)

20. Avengers: Infinity War

While this film certainly delivers in terms of grandeur and an unforgettable finale, it seems to lack a certain depth. If you’re primarily seeking non-stop action and witty remarks, then it might just meet your expectations. However, if you prefer character development, camaraderie, and tranquil moments amidst the battles, this film may not resonate with you as much. (For further discussion, check out the link provided.)

19. Iron Man 3

The film was generally enjoyable, but its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe somewhat detracted from it. The movie’s plot culminates in Tony Stark retiring as Iron Man and departing, only for him to appear in several subsequent films afterwards. Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, fell short of expectations, but Robert Downey Jr.’s frustrated encounters with a bright child were top-notch. (For further details, you can read more [here](your_link_here).)

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

Initially: The climactic scene featuring dragons and monsters clashing amidst thick gray fog leaves much to be desired in terms of CGI. However, prior to this point, Shang-Chi could potentially stand as Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intense and intricately choreographed fight sequences. The bus fight scene is particularly entertaining. Simu Liu heads a cast that offers one of the deeper explorations within the Marvel universe, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering impactful supporting roles. Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently provide comic relief, with Kingsley’s portrayal of Trevor Slattery, the former Mandarin, evolving from a less popular Marvel villain to a delightfully endearing secondary character.

17. Thor

Experience a sweeping, interstellar saga primarily unfolding in the tiniest New Mexican town? Despite some flaws, Thor stands out as the first Marvel film where exceptional acting and captivating performances managed to overshadow structural and script problems – issues that later became characteristic of Marvel productions. (Read more here.)

16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I must admit that Ryan Coogler confronted an incredibly tough predicament with “Wakanda Forever.” Beyond crafting a sequel worthy of the phenomenal success of the original “Black Panther,” he had to do so without his captivating lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away in the summer of 2020, mere months before production commenced. What Coogler managed to create resonates most profoundly when it intertwines the cast and his own grief over Boseman into the narrative of a mourning Wakanda. Unfortunately, the rest of the film can be somewhat disjointed; a whirlwind of intriguing concepts, an excess of characters, and a somewhat unclear antagonist, the enigmatic underwater ruler Namor.

15. Captain America: Civil War

The plot of the movie doesn’t withstand a moment’s examination, and it appears to be constructed primarily for the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me tell you: Wow, that airport battle between them is incredibly thrilling! (Read more here.)

14. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, its quality is similar to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share a common flaw of being crammed with numerous villains. However, on the bright side, this film effectively portrays and embodies the charm of Peter Parker as a character, someone who persistently strives for success despite frequent failures. It also introduces the multiverse into MCU films in a significant manner, making it a landmark event in the ongoing storyline.

Or, more informally:

Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man film is much like Sam Raimi’s third one – they both have too many bad guys! But on the bright side, this movie really gets what makes Peter Parker tick – he may fail often, but he never gives up trying to do better. It also brings the multiverse into the MCU in a big way, marking an important turning point in the story.

Or even more casually:

Watts’ third Spider-Man flick is similar to Raimi’s – both are packed with villains! But hey, it nails Peter Parker’s character perfectly – he keeps trying to make things right even when he fails. Plus, it brings the multiverse into the MCU in a big way, which is a major deal!

13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

15 years since I last dabbled in the realm of Marvel heroes, it was a thrill to be back with director Sam Raimi and his exhilaratingly zany journey that hinges on the survival of the multiverse. Much like my previous Spider-Man films, Raimi seamlessly blended his quirky humor, maniacal zombies, and heart-stopping scares into the familiar Marvel mold. For a more detailed account, you can check it out here.

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite some criticisms, such as it being less impressive than the initial Avengers film and issues with Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, I found the climactic sequence in Sokovia where the Avengers collaborate to rescue every remaining soul truly emblematic of Marvel at its best. (Read more .)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The film, with at least four lengthy post-credit segments, is overly prolonged, yet it’s hard to ignore the audacity of transforming Marvel’s lightest franchise into a sequel with a significant downer ending. It’s the only Marvel production that manages to make me shed tears and also includes humorous references to divine alien phallic symbols. In my opinion, this unique blend is a recipe for success. (For further reading, please see here.)

The movie, featuring no fewer than four post-credit scenes, is overly lengthy, yet the bravery of transforming Marvel’s most humorous franchise into a sequel with a somber ending can’t be ignored. It’s the only Marvel film that makes me cry and also pokes fun at celestial deity genitalia. I consider this an exceptional combination. (For more information, please visit 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 second Spidey film by Marvel, starring Tom Holland as the remarkable Spider-Man, the movie takes a slight dip compared to its predecessor yet remains packed with romance, action, humor, and emotion. Although no one utters “with great power comes great responsibility,” the film Far From Home still strongly emphasizes this concept, as Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, grapples with his feelings for MJ (the wittily humorous Zendaya) while also being tasked by Nick Fury (a humorously irritable Samuel L. Jackson) to defeat a group of elemental villains.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn skillfully wraps up his Guardians trilogy with a film that perfectly blends the Marvel essence: Thrilling action sequences, quirky science fiction visuals, and deeply emotional characters who capture our hearts profoundly. (By the finale of Vol. 3, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a marginal Marvel character to one of their most intriguing and tragic heroes.) Following a series of average films, Gunn effortlessly makes it seem simple. It’s unfortunate that he’s moving on to manage DC.

7. Avengers: Endgame

A significant leap from “Infinity War” and arguably the second-greatest Avengers film, boasting grand action sequences, numerous comedic 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 movies that are hard to resist rewatching, this one boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man (which he performs). Aren’t you enthralled? (Continue reading here.)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

At the halfway mark of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the initial “Guardians” movie played a significant role in making Marvel less serious and demonstrated that their brand had enough pull to draw audiences towards characters with minimal mainstream popularity. Before James Gunn took over, the Guardians were practically an afterthought, but he transformed them into a massive hit. It’s undeniable that Rocket is the best among the Guardians – so don’t even try to dispute it; just acknowledge this as truth. (Read more .)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

Despite some issues with the narrative flow, as the entire war is condensed into a montage, Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America in this film stands out as one of the most compelling adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This movie transformed a character often criticized for being too bland or outdated into a dynamic, charming, and complex individual embodying basic human values. A must-watch when you need a boost of inspiration. [Source: Read more here.]

3. Black Panther

In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for intricate ties with the cosmic realm, “Black Panther” demonstrates the merit of a self-contained narrative. At the film’s conclusion, as Black Panther decides to reveal Wakanda to the global community (and its characters to future appearances), it is intended as a joyous resolution. However, if this move signals a more dispersed sequel filled with numerous guest appearances, one could argue that it might not be ideal after all. [Read more here.]

2. The Avengers

To this day, following the events of “Infinity War“, the original “Avengers” movie continues to amaze as if it were an unbelievable feat. Each character is skillfully crafted, the dialogue is concise, and the epic Battle of New York in its entirety remains one of the most impressive action scenes of recent history. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

To this day, no other movie has surpassed its initial brilliance. Looking back, it’s clear that being unbound by a broader universe allowed for a more compelling film experience. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, tests his armor and subsequently takes flight for the first time, perfectly encapsulate the excitement of superpowers better than any other movie, be it from Marvel Studios or another studio.

The original has yet to be equaled in greatness. In retrospect, not being tied to a larger universe made the film more engaging, and the sequences featuring Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark testing his armor and flying for the first time better conveyed the thrill of superpowers than any other movie, whether it’s from Marvel or another studio.)

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2025-04-14 17:56