Summary
- Moana 2 is a hit: sequel showcases a more confident and strong Moana as a hero, impressing audiences.
- Lucius Verus Aurelius shines in Gladiator 2: compelling performance, heart, action, intense character portrayal.
- Deadpool in MCU a success: Reynolds brings cheekiness, violence, and unique vibes without overshadowing other characters.
Movie heroes are the characters everyone cries for and believes in, providing viewers with hope as they watch. They can be action stars with amazing fighting qualities, like the Marvel heroes of Deadpool and Wolverine, or they can be there to provide moments of warmth, like Joy in Inside Out 2.
If they are memorable enough, these are the characters that audiences tend to remember and talk about for years. A great hero can elevate a movie to another level, and fortunately, 2024 was filled with plenty of great examples that did exactly that.
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Moana Proved To Be Just As Popular In Her Sequel
Moana is one of the most popular Disney movies of all time, and the decision to release a sequel proved to be a major hit at the box office. While the journey to the movie’s creation was unique due to the story initially being set for a Disney Plus television series, it ended up being a commercially wise decision on Disney’s behalf, proving the draw that Moana still has as a character.
Moana 2 might not be as strong as the original movie, but when it comes to her as a character, she’s arguably even more well-rounded and solid as a hero. In this film, it’s not about learning about her lie or being slightly naïve; it’s about showing Moana in a more confident and calculated manner. Dwayne Johnson’s Maui does not overshadow her at any stage, and that’s because Moana, as a hero, ended up being a much stronger character this time around.
Lucius Verus Aurelius Managed To Make Gladiator 2 Equally As Compelling
Audiences wondered whether Gladiator 2 would be capable of maintaining the same standard as the original, especially without Maximus Meridius being involved. However, Paul Mescal more than stepped up in the lead role and provided a breathtaking performance that brought both heart and action in the perfect mix. Audiences were hooked by his character and the journey of him trying to take revenge on General Acacius.
The movie has some engaging and enthralling fight scenes that people were entertained by, while Mescal delivered a performance that audiences were gripped by because of how intense the character was. He clearly understood the assignment in the lead role of this movie and looked to give something just as iconic as Russel Crowe, and while it wasn’t quite to that level, it was undoubtedly impressive. Fans were left entertained by the action that took place as Gladiator 2 provided some of the greatest fight scenes of the year that didn’t shy on violence and intensity, which helped to make the movie even more compelling.
Furiosa Was A Powerful And Headstrong Character
The world of Mad Max can often be complex due to its nature. The landscape is difficult, and many of the characters are put through straining circumstances, and Furiosa certainly went through that. Having to witness some horrific situations happen to her own family while being adopted by Dementus, her lift is a tough one that features few moments of positivity and happiness until she takes circumstances into her own hands in what becomes the focal point of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
Anya Taylor-Joy provides a fantastic performance throughout the film, and audiences are gripped by her every decision and action. People get drawn into her journey and the hardships she has to battle through to improve her circumstances. She might make decisions that lead audiences to question her motives. Still, she is a powerful and headstrong hero that moviegoers want to see succeed in her overall plot.
Deadpool Provided Something New To The Marvel Cinematic Universe
Deadpool has always been a beloved character by comic book fans because he brings something completely different to anyone else. That was clear in the first two movies, but many people were nervous about seeing Ryan Reynolds take the character to the MCU. Audiences weren’t sure what to expect from the Merc with the Mouth with the MCU restrictions regarding swearing and certain jokes. However, it ended up working out perfectly, as the fit felt seamless to people.
Deadpool & Wolverine was a hit for Marvel Studios, performing well at the box office and in the eyes of critics and fans alike. He brought the cheekiness and attitude that people were hoping for, while Deadpool’s violent nature still existed throughout the film. His connection with Wolverine worked well but didn’t overshadow him as a character or the story that was being portrayed. Reynolds’ charisma shone brightly in every scene, ensuring that audiences would never forget what he was doing. The fact that it was so different from any other MCU film helped to make this one feel unique, allowing Deadpool to shine.
Deadpool & Wolverine marks Ryan Reynolds’s take on the Merc with a Mouth’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. Together, the two embark on a universe-hopping, R-rated adventure that’s sure to change the MCU forever.