Since 2008 there have been two phases, eleven films, and countless superhero characters introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So naturally, it’s going to be more than a little hard to keep up with the stuff that’s been shown on screen over the past seven years. Thanks to this handy video we’re about to show you, however, you shouldn’t have any problems going to see Avengers: Age Of Ultron with the minimum of knowledge gaps.
Vulture is to thank for this comprehensive guide that not only covers those eleven films, but also recaps the major developments from the ensuing "62 television episodes (to date), 31 comic book tie-ins, and five DVD-only short films." We’ll wait a moment while you either scramble to identify what you’ve missed, pre-order/reserve what you need to catch up, and/or exclaim to Asgard how in the world you’re supposed to keep up with all of this media. Welcome back. Now that you’ve gotten all of that prep out of the way, we can continue.
The video provides a really good recap of the events from all of the tie-ins they’ve specified, and keeps the comedy and snark to a minimum. What it lacks in humor, it makes up for in concise information capsules for each of the films that exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That doesn’t mean the video doesn’t get a couple minor jokes in here and there, courtesy of some snappy captions, but the meat and potatoes of this video is all of that Marvel knowledge you need for this weekend’s throwdown. Hell, they even tell you to ignore certain films, regardless of their quality, as they aren’t really all that important to the story at hand in Age Of Ultron. Sorry Iron Man 3 and Guardians Of The Galaxy.
Even better, the video covers some of the stuff that Avengers: Age Of Ultron actually cuts from the back story for two of its new characters: Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. Apparently, the footage we’ve seen in the trailers of their protest activities ties into the fact that they’re raging against the machine that is Sokovia’s shitty government. Before you can say, "Hail Hydra," the Twins have volunteered for medical experiments under Baron Strucker. Where’s all of this in the actual movie? We’re guessing this is one of those scenes Joss Whedon saved for the rumored Extended Edition we might get for the home video release.
So there you have it, the Marvel Cinematic Universe in an Infinity Gem-sized nutshell. This video is perfect for while you’re waiting in line for Avengers: Age Of Ultron to start up. Or, if you’re at a Double Feature/Mega Marathon event, you’ve just re-enforced all of the raw data you’ve been absorbing for however long your seat has been absorbing your imprint. So, you’re probably uber ready for Avengers: Age Of Ultron, which premieres as early as 7 PM this evening in your local time zone. Excelsior, dear readers, and enjoy the flick.
