The Consultant

Dir: Leythum

2011

***

The first of the Marvel One-Shots, The Consultant bridged a gap between films, made clear what had happened in the background of Iron Man 2 and helped introduce the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. into the Avengers Universe. Marvel explained that it was a way of experimenting with some of the smaller characters and help interweave plots, which is very true, but the reality is that they formed what is a very clever marketing campaign. You have to buy the following Marvel film on DVD or BlyRay in order to see these One-Shots, which is fair enough as nothing is free, but therein lies their real purpose. It is what it is but The Consultant is good fun, kept the fans keen and let the writers stretch their legs somewhat and have a bit of fun. Clark Gregg's Agent Coulson is a very likable character and vital component in the Marvel universe and The Consultant was the first time we really got to see him doing what he does best for longer than a couple of seconds. The writing is sharp and quick and led the way in the films and in the subsequent TV series. It really did help set an important tone and I believe the later films are better because of the One-Shots. Maybe it’s a nerd thing, I'm a nerd and I appreciate them. While it is nothing special as its own standalone film, it's still likable and enjoyable.