Eternals and the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Quality Analysis and Reception

With the recent release of Eternals, the MCU has faced significant scrutiny regarding its creative direction and quality. In this article, we will delve into the opinions of a seasoned SEO professional, discussing the director's choices, especially in CGI and character development, and comparing it to other notable MCU films.

Overview of Recent MCU Releases

Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that I haven't yet had the chance to see Shang Chi, despite the film's long release date. As an erstwhile user of DP, I've been slightly lagging in my viewing updates. However, I enjoyed Black Widow quite a bit, albeit with some notable issues.

Black Widow: Character Development and Writing

My primary problem with Black Widow was the lack of significant character development for the Red Guardian and the way the character of Taskmaster was written. While the overall action sequences were enjoyable, the plot and character arcs felt somewhat underdeveloped. This seemed to be a common theme in the review of Eternals, as well.

Eternals: The Conundrum of Religious Context and Character Relationships

Eternals was a mixed bag, with its biggest downfall being the overt and persistent deconstruction of religious themes. Specifically, the overuse of Christian and other religious texts to evoke certain ideals bothered me. I am a Christian, and the use of such texts felt highly suggestive of the underlying principles of religion, which can be crucial for many viewers. The writing of the movie wasn't terrible, and the plot generally made sense, but the character interactions, particularly those between Kingo and Sprite, were less appealing. I appreciated the look of the Deviants and the unique way each character looked while using their powers. Musician characters like Makkari and Gilgamesh, especially Gilgamesh and Thena, had a compelling on-screen chemistry compared to some underperforming characters like Kingo and Sprite.

Is the MCU Losing Quality?

Despite criticisms, I don't believe the MCU is losing quality. Instead, I think the times are changing, and with these changes, my own interests and biases might be adjusting as well. While the action scenes are still engaging, and the plot remains a familiar Disney-MCU formula, there are subtle variations that can be exciting. The MCU is forging its own path, and it's a mixed bag of successes and missteps, much like any creative endeavor. What's crucial to acknowledge is that the public, and in particular, Disney's target audience, continues to be enthusiastic about these films.

Eternals: A Critical Analysis

Eternals is widely considered incredibly flawed, with major fundamental and minor superficial issues that become apparent upon closer inspection. The plot relies heavily on contrivances, and the characters are underdeveloped and unlikable in several instances. The world-building is criticized as the worst ever seen, with the Celestials plot raising numerous questions. The film makes a token effort at social commentary but fails to develop it meaningfully. The themes of homosexuality, climate change, mental health, government interference, and fate vs. free will are not explored through the film's structure. The CGI is not considered too bad, with notable aesthetics like the Deviants and Eternals' powers. When compared to other final battles in the MCU, Eternals is neither worse nor better than Black Panther, Shang-Chi, WandaVision, and Black Widow.

MCU Quality Over Time: A Critical Look

When evaluating the quality of the MCU from the perspective of its current phase, it is clear that there are more "bad-terrible" entries than "good" ones. Starting from Civil War to the present, the good films include Civil War, Homecoming, Guardians 2, and others. The bad and catastrophic releases include Captain Marvel, Endgame, Black Widow, What If..., and more. The MCU storylines are often more about teasing future projects rather than telling coherent, interconnected narratives. This shift in focus might have come at the expense of overall storytelling quality, as evidenced by the critical reception of some of the recently released films.

Conclusion

The MCU is undergoing a period of transition, and while the SEO perspective might adjust according to new trends, it is undeniable that there are challenges. The public's continued enthusiasm for the MCU is rooted in its familiarity and the iconic characters it brings to life. However, to maintain its status as a high-quality franchise, the MCU needs to strike a better balance between continuity and innovation, storytelling depth, and character development.