If you didn’t already know, I am a huge MCU NERD. My son is actually named after a Justice League superhero, but we are, without a doubt, a Marvel family.
Growing up, I vaguely remember watching Christopher Reeves’ Superman with my parents. As a 10 year old, I remember tumbling in the living room every Saturday morning, complete with toy gun holstered in my underwear, as I watched The X-Men. That was the extent of my superhero knowledge. So, as the MCU movies released, every story was brand new to me. I knew very little about most of these characters and even less about Marvel. So I leveled up. I started reading the comics, purchased a Marvel Bible, and did hardcore Marvel character research.
It’s hard to explain how these films make me feel, but do you ever feel sad when a movie ends? I always feel sad. I feel sad that 1. The movie is over and the next release is usually a year away and I don’t know what to do with myself and 2. The characters don’t really exist. I wish, from the very pit of my soul, that they existed so I can be an Avenger and we can save the world together. That’s how these films make me feel. I am 110% emotionally invested in these characters. Who doesn’t love these movies? You don’t? What kind of person are you!? “I am Iron Man” – The last 10 seconds of Iron Man is better then an entire Justice League movie. The Hulk in Ragnarok? So funny! And let’s talk about Wakanda and the Black Panther movie..errr, I mean, movement. I’m not crying, you’re crying! And Yondu? C’mon man, best dad ever! -also still crying. Don’t even get me started on Gamora and Vision – yup, still crying. These emotion-packed movies make me a freakin’ HOT MESS. haha
Side note: During the off-season, I hope and pray that the next Justice League release is a win but I’m always utterly disappointed! I do have to admit, I genuinely enjoyed Wonder Woman and Batman vs. Superman, but JL films always fall a little (a lot) flat. I have high hopes for Shazam, though!
When Iron Man released in 2008, my son was three and from ages three to 10, he lived and breathed Iron Man. I didn’t even know what he looked like anymore because he spent all day in an Iron Man mask. After this, we were hooked. Year after year, together, we anticipated the next hero and now, eleven years later, this has become a solid family tradition. My family has watched nearly every MCU release, together, all of us! Can you imagine a group of more than 30 people, mostly kids, trying to navigate through a crowded theater? I don’t know how we did it, but we did! It’s definitely simple now, but when MCU first started, it was first come first serve seating. What the hell is that? How archaic! Haha We had to get there super early, wait in line, and run for seats as soon as the door opened; our older kids were the runners.
Run to the middle row, not too high and not too close!
Save 12 seats..No, make that 15.
Here, use my jacket. haha
Somewhere in the MCU timeline, we stopped having to wait in line. I don’t remember when this happened, but I’m forever grateful for online tickets and reserved seating!
Needless to say, when it comes to a Superhero movie, Marvel or Justice League, we don’t play around. For most movies, I’ve always bought coinciding apparel; Walmart always has an awesome selection! I’ve been pretty lazy in recent years and, well, it gets pretty pricey so we’ve put a rest to any hero-wear. Still, every release is a huge family ordeal and we LIVE for it!
Years before MCU, Stan Lee had already made his mark in the comic universe. I’m thankful his legacy (and Disney) leave us with these movies to share with our kids. Stories not only about heroes, but about family, friendship, love, and loss. You the man, Stan! What a ride! 11 years of my life! 11 years of excitement, tears, and badassery, wraps up with the upcoming Avengers: End Game. I.CAN’T.DEAL! I’m devastated that End Game also means an ending for some of our favorite heroes, but super excited for what’s to come. One thing is for sure, MCU never disappoints! Bring it on, Phase 4!
Excelsior!
Love, Nori
A Little about A Lot 