Top 10 MCU Moments of 2022
#10: Zombie Strange Rises
Top 10 Zombie Moments
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022) When we heard that “Multiverse of Madness” would essentially be a superhero horror movie, people had doubts. Even with Sam Raimi at the helm, how far would Disney let him go? Further than expected, as the climax wouldn’t feel out of place in an “Evil Dead” movie. There’s even a supernatural book, which Strange uses to possess his counterpart’s dead body. The mix of prosthetic makeup and CG mold Zombie Strange into one of the film’s most twisted beings, which is saying a lot since demonic creatures swarm him. With help from good old Wong, Strange manages to save America Chavez, who helps Wanda see the light. Wanda might be this movie’s monster, but our hearts can’t help but break seeing her lose everything again.
#9: The Ultimate Fourth Wall Break
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“She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” (2022) The “She-Hulk” finale builds to a typical Marvel climax with a high-stakes battle, surprise cameos, and a villain who could’ve been better developed. This doesn’t seem right to Jennifer Walters, who uses her greatest power: Smashing… the fourth wall. Jen goes all in on the meta humor, busting through the Disney+ menu, sneaking onto the set, and confronting Kevin Feige himself. Well, sort of. The MCU’s all-seeing mastermind is actually an A.I. reliant on an algorithm, which… kind of makes sense. By the way, giving K.E.V.I.N. Infinity Stone-colored lenses is a nice touch. Poking fun at the MCU formula and raising questions fans have been asking for a while (X-Men anyone?), Jen takes control of her narrative in outrageous fashion.
#8: Shadow Realm Showdown
“Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022) If 2022 taught us anything, it’s that the MCU needs to shoot more projects in black and white. The Shadow Realm sequence is one example, which submerges our heroes in a haunting environment almost devoid of color. The few glimpses of color we do see are cleverly utilized to emphasize certain objects and characters. Ironically, Gorr the God Butcher, who’s usually the palest person in the room, suddenly sticks out the most against the dark backdrop. With our heroes walking right into Gorr’s clutches, the scene overflows with dread and atmosphere. Of course, there’s also room for action, complete with shadowy beasts, duels, and near fatalities. The whole set piece is reminiscent of “Sin City,” but with a mythological twist.
#7: School Battle
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“Ms. Marvel” (2022) “Ms. Marvel” naturally builds to an action climax. Considering the young age of our heroine and her allies, though, it’s appropriately given a John Hughes spin. While the high school setting has a “Breakfast Club” quality, the gang’s makeshift boobytraps give us “Home Alone vibes. As fun and lighthearted as the showdown can be, there is some real-world commentary to read into as armed authorities storm the school. When fire extinguishers and softballs no longer cut it, Kamala demonstrates the full extent of her powers in spectacular fashion, protecting Kamran. As satisfying as it is seeing Kamala save the day, it’s just as inspiring watching the community rally behind her to keep DODC at bay. There’s a hero in all of us… except for Deever.
#6:“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” (2022)
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#5: Shuri vs. Namor
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022) We went into “Wakanda Forever” with several questions, including who the next Black Panther would be. When Shuri finally suited up in the third act, another question was raised: will she follow in her brother’s honorable footsteps or pursue a vengeful path like her cousin? Since Namor was responsible for the death of her mother, Shuri leans toward the latter. Ryan Coogler stepped up the visual effects in this sequel, the climactic battle between the Wakandans and Namor’s people being a highlight. The real drama, though, boils down to our heroine and villain, who both possess identifiable motives. Shuri emerges victorious in a close call, but she chooses peace over revenge. Namor surrenders, but this alliance may spell trouble for the rest of the world.
#4: Werewolf Attack
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“Werewolf by Night” (2022) The decision to shoot this MCU special in mostly black and white was ingenious for a few reasons. For starters, it pays homage to the Universal Classic Monsters, ironically creating a better Dark Universe than the Dark Universe. Also, had “Werewolf by Night” been in color, the climax alone likely would’ve ensured a TV-MA rating. Without any red blood splattering on the camera, though, the TV-14 rating is preserved while still being surprisingly graphic. The special holds off on revealing Jack Russell’s werewolf form until the end. It doesn’t disappoint with a spine-chilling transformation in silhouette. The cage can’t contain the werewolf or Elsa for long, culminating in an all-out rampage. Oh, and if you thought Man-Thing would sit this one out, think again, Verussa.
#3: Wendy’s Shiva
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“Moon Knight” (2022) With mental illness being a key theme, there are moments in “Moon Knight” where the viewer forgets that they’re watching a superhero show. The penultimate episode delves into Marc Spector’s traumatic childhood when his brother Randall died. Marc’s mother Wendy pinned the blame on him and their relationship only soured from there. Marc thus created Steven Grant to cope with the pain inflicted by her. When Wendy dies years later, Marc becomes more reliant on his alter ego than ever. At her shiva, he can’t bring himself to get closer than from across the street. In addition to juggling multiple personas, this heartbreaking scene sees Oscar Isaac summon several emotions, from anger, to grief, to denial. Supernatural elements aside, this scene is a brutal reality check.
#2: Wanda Destroys the Illuminati
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“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022) This movie introduced Earth-838’s Illuminati, a standout being John Krasinski’s Reed Richards. Just as the audience starts to grow attached to Captain Carter, Black Bolt, and another Maria Rambeau, Wanda completely annihilates them all! On one hand, it’s sort of a bummer that these cool characters were taken out so quickly. Then again, this is a horror movie, and for the threat to feel legitimate, there needs to be a high body count. This was a smart way to raise the stakes without losing any essential MCU characters, especially with the multiverse. The sequence also unleashes Sam Raimi, who delivers several deaths that would be PG-13 material with just a little more gore. Nobody is safe from Wanda, not even Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier.
#1: The Team-Up We’ve Really Been Waiting For
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“Morbius” (2022) Intriguing is one way to describe this scene. We look forward to the Sinister Six movie that’s totally gonna materialize, right after “It’s Morbin’ Time.” Until then, it’s time to honor a legend for our real #1.
#1: T’Challa’s Funeral
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“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022) How do you continue a story when your lead actor dies? It’s an impossible question, but “Wakanda Forever” sadly had to answer it upfront. Unable to cure her brother, Shuri can tell from the look on Ramonda’s face that the King has passed. As devastating as T’Challa’s funeral is, it’s also a celebration of his life and a symbol of unity that brings Wakanda together. Where the funeral allows us to say goodbye to T’Challa, the Marvel logo provides a moment of silence for the actor who brought him to the screen, Chadwick Boseman. The ending leaves us with hope as we meet Toussaint, who shares the same Wakandan name as his father, T’Challa. His presence ensures a T’Challa will live on in the MCU.
