Marvelling at the MCU

It’s time for the much-maligned Marvels, where Dave and Oli fail to understand the hate the film got when it was first released, discuss it’s place in the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe including Wandavision and Ms Marvel, and speculate about it’s relation to X-Men, Doomsday and Secret Wars.They also delve into some of the great lines and great performances, the less-than-great baddies, and Oli surprises Dave with a game of “Know Your Codenames.” PLUS: skipping rope playground games, terrible 90s songs and Dolph Lundgren. What’s not to love?!Listen to the end for a twist when it comes to what’s coming up next time. Hint: It’s not Nicepool. Chapters00:00:00 Introduction00:05:49 Film nerdery00:20:47 Comic geekery00:39:50 The breakdown01:15:35 Know Your Codenames!01:46:42 Kinda post-credits01:52:06 Summing up01:56:29 Up next: a twistIf you like our show it would mean a lot to us if you rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, it really does help us with the algorithm and reaching new audiences of people like you who might enjoy what we're doing.You can follow us on @MarvellingPod on Instagram, Threads, Tiktok and YouTube or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com.

Dave and Oli take a look at the 32nd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and dive deep into the pain of knowing what's coming, the joy of Will Poulter and the incredible ability for CGI characters to make you feel the feels.All that plus Oli expands on his theory that none of the Guardians actually knows how to pilot a spaceship and Dave goes super deep on a character with less than five minutes of screen time (because what else is a long-form podcast for?).CHAPTERS00:00:00 Introduction00:02:12 Film nerdery00:16:42 Comic geekery00:36:53  Breakdown00:51:37 Disgusting Orgocorp01:16:34 Guardians at the Arete01:37:22 Guardians can’t fly01:58:57 Closing thoughtsIf you like our show it would mean a lot to us if you rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, it really does help us with the algorithm and reaching new audiences of people like you who might enjoy what we're doing.You can follow us on @MarvellingPod on Instagram, Threads, Tiktok and YouTube or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com.

It’s Quantumania this week, a film that neither of the boys find themselves getting excited about. Dave gets disappointed at the wasted potential of Kang, Oli laughs about Jaws comparisons, and both of them try to pinpoint the main issues that make it one of their least favourite films of the MCU so far. Also listen out for: Dave making more Red Dwarf references, Oli making excuses for Kang’s future predictions, and both of them trying to decide which bits are going to get cut from the final ep (spoilers: not much - Ed)00:00:00 Introduction00:02:56 Film nerdery00:04:46 Kang Dynasty Detour00:08:43 More nerdery00:13:59 Comic geekery00:28:42 Loki & Homework00:37:32 Breakdown00:55:46 MODOC arrives01:16:21 Fastball special01:30:26 Should Scott be scared?01:33:58 SPOILER ALERT: FF First Steps01:34:29 END SPOILERS01:38:00 Changing our minds?01:41:32 Next time…If you like our show it would mean a lot to us if you rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, it really does help us with the algorithm and reaching new audiences of people like you who might enjoy what we're doing.You can follow us on @MarvellingPod on Instagram, Threads, Tiktok and YouTube or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com.

It’s another Wakanda week as the boys look at the 30th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and manage to disagree on most of the good and bad bits. They dive into (sorry, not sorry) a very long film with some new characters, discussing the adaptation of Namor from speedo-wearing comic Atlanian to trunks-and-chest-piece Talokanil. They also explore shooting underwater and dry-for-wet, breath holds, accidental puns, badly named ships, single-ship navies and a veritable deep-sea trench of other things. Oh, and Dave gets lambasted by Oli for dropping the H off ‘herb.’  00:00:00 Introduction00:04:12 Film Nerdery00:14.03 Comic geekery00:32:38 Breakdown00:46:42 Namor’s arrival01:11:08 Or we have suits01:31:47 I’m cleverFun fact: the episode contains the most extensive use of the Marvelling at the MCU bleep machine since the pod began! If you like our show it would mean a lot to us if you rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, it really does help us with the algorithm and reaching new audiences of people like you who might enjoy what we're doing.You can follow us on @MarvellingPod on Instagram, Threads, Tiktok and YouTube or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com.

The boys rattle through the 29th movie in the MCU, trying to find ways to be nice. They talk about the film’s comic origins as a major 616 storyline, the viability of early-stage rumours about the Mighty Thor, and flicking people’s clothes off. They also hit on God bombs, sentient weapons and full showman mode.CHAPTERS:00:00:0000:05:00 Film nerdery00:15:08 Comic geekery  00:41:16 Breakdown00:51:54 Involving the Guardians01:01:36 Janky Bifrost01:12:50 Yoink!01:25:20 Eternity’s painting power 01:32:38 Summing upIf you like our show it would mean a lot to us if you rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, it really does help us with the algorithm and reaching new audiences of people like you who might enjoy what we're doing.You can follow us on @MarvellingPod on Instagram, Threads, Tiktok and YouTube or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com.

As the boys break down the 28th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Oli and Dave swapping positions on terrible plot dumps, Oli going full grump on pointless backstory, and Dave dives into everything from the Wanda/Scarlet Witch contrast to the Young Avengers to the Illuminati. Plus, you can enjoy Oli's deep, gruff voice courtesy of a cold (which he maintains contributes to the grump, but we all know otherwise).CHAPTERS00:00:00 Introduction00:02:14 Film nerdery00:15:17 Comic Geekery00:30:03 Consequences of the blip.01:09:27 The Illuminati01:34:34 Zombie Strange01:40:51 America in control01:54:33 Summing upIf you enjoy our show it would mean a lot to us if you rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, it really does help us with the algorithm and reaching new audiences of people like you who might enjoy what we're doing.You can follow us on @MarvellingPod on Instagram, Threads, Tiktok and YouTube or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com

We’re up to film number 27 in the MCU and another exceptional instalment of Spider-Man with No Way Home. Dave and Oli discuss what was believed, leaked and known about the triple-threat Spider-Men, the closure this film give to Maguire and Garfield fans, and the sheer number of awesome moments and beautiful—often brutal (physically and emotionally)—sequences.They also talk bad language, evil besties and terrible life choices while trying not to keep their expectations high so they’ll never be disappointed.Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:02:29 Film nerdery00:12:26 Combined geekery 00:32:32 Breakdown00:43:05 On the bridge00:52:26 Inside out01:07:01 Brilliantly brutal01.26.24 Webshooters.01:36:59 Oli’s favourite moment01:53:43 Credits and post 01:56:42 Wrap upIf you like our show it would mean a lot to us if you rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, it really does help us with the algorithm and reaching new audiences of people like you who might enjoy what we're doing.You can follow us on @MarvellingPod on Instagram, Threads, Tiktok and YouTube or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com.

Oli gets wound up over rainforests, finger guns, opening crawls and (more reasonably) disabled representation, while Dave ploughs his way through the comic canon of the Eternals and what they (and the Celestials) mean to the comic and cinematic universes. No spoilers for what comes next following Areshem’s emergence, just lots of discussion about how good this film could have been.Chapters:00:00:00 Intro00:03:56 Film nerdery00:14:35 Epic comic geekery00:34:33 Breakdown00:49:46 The problem with Makkari00:59:44 The Breakup01:16:40 Back to the Domo01:46:54 Credits & mid-credits01:48:51 In-depth on the post-credit scene01:54:06 Summary & wrap up

Dave and Oli dive into the 25th film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, talking awkward history, ret-conned character adjustments and, naturally, they use their vast martial arts knowledge to rate the fights as they go along.They talk about the impact of the pandemic on production, the film's individual storytelling approach—particularly flashbacks and subtitles—and what the post-blip world looks like for the “normal” people of the Marvel universe.If you like our show it would mean a lot to us if you rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and you can follow us on @MarvellingPod on Instagram, Threads, Tiktok and YouTube or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com.

This week, Dave and Oli dive into the 24th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and admit that their minds have been changed by re-watching a film neither of them were looking forward to. Dave explains the history of mind control, Oli waxes lyrical about Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh and they both attempt to curb their disappointment with the final half hour of the film.Chapters00:00:00 Intro00:02:29 Film nerdery00:10:13 Comic geekery01:34:30 Summing upLet us know what you think by hopping over to our social channels: you can find us @MarvellingPod just about anywhere you care to look: ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠.If you enjoyed the show and you’d be willing to leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, that would mean a huge amount to us both. It really does help us reach more people who love the MCU as much as we do.

After reaching the end of the Infinity Saga and before diving into the less-nostalgic Multiverse Saga, Dave and Oli take a look back and look forward to what we understood of the Sagas before we really knew anything of the Multiverse beyond what the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) had mentioned in Dr Strange. Where did things stand, what did we know of the films to come and, crucially, do we feel we're up to the task of needing to watch Eternals again?If you enjoy our show, we'd love you to tell just one other person about it. Text them, email them, go round to their house at one in the morning and shout at them until the neighbours swear at you, however you want to do it we'd be thrilled.You can follow our show @MarvellingPod on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com

Dave and Oli discuss the 23rd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the (official) final film in the Infinity Saga. From call backs to the very start of the MCU to Shakespearean references, ridiculous villains to mentions of the multiverse, the guys dive into it all.00:00:00 Introduction00:08:46 Comic background00:27:02 The Breakdown00:37:35 Peter tingle00:48:22 Edith arrives01:09:02 Peter and MJ01:23:23 The musical callback01:40:28 The best thing about Spider-Man01:49:42 Summing it upIf you like our show it makes a massive difference if you rate and review us in your favourite podcast app. If you'd be willing to share the episode on your socials as well, we'd love you forever. You can follow our show @MarvellingPod on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, or email us on geeks@marvellingpod.comThanks for listening!

We’re finally here! Dave and Oli dive into Endgame from its gut-punching opening to its curtain-call ending, nothing is missed. Except possibly your favourite bit, because that’s always how these things go. Oli talks about the three things (one tiny, one small, one big) that make this not a perfect movie, Dave revels in the glory of finally getting that moment and they both wax lyrical about Mjolnir’s role. It doesn’t get much better than this.00:00:00 Introduction00:07:50 Breakdown00:19:28 Five Years Later00:28:30 The New Tony 00:38:47 PTSD For A God00:50:06 New York 201201:03:51 Thor’s Mum01:08:13 Stan Lee!01:14:30 Vormir 01:23:12 Smart Hulk Snaps01:51:38 I Am Iron Man02:08:10 CodaIf you like our show, we'd love you to share it on your socials. It makes a huge difference to us because that's where we pick up most of our listeners. You can tag us @MarvellingPod on Insta, TikTok and YouTube. If you have any thoughts, comments or feedback, you can also email us on geeks@marvellingpod.com

Thanks for sticking with us while we've been away, and we're sorry to have left you on an Endgame cliffhanger! That episode is coming next week, but here's just a little taste of what to expect over the next few weeks as we cross the threshold into the Multiverse Sage of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.Let us know what you think in the comments on Spotify or by hopping over to our social channels: you can find us @MarvellingPod on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠.

We’re back from our extended break and can’t wait to bring you the latest instalment as we look at the 21st film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Dave and Oli dive deep into the comic roots of all the characters, how they’re portrayed and how old they both feel know that this is a “period” movie that’s set in the 90s when they were both teenagers. Aside from their own aging, they also touch on Altavista search, map-folding psychopaths and access to the internet in rural Louisiana. In other words, same old same old. Chapter markers:  00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:14 Oli’s movie notes 00:15:05 Dave’s comic notes 00:45:39 Breakdown 02:10:31 Summary Enjoy! And if you love it even a little bit, throw a little of that love our way by sharing this or your favourite ep with the world on your socials. You’ll find us @MarvellingPod in all the usual places, and you can email us geeks@marvellingpod.com

Hello fans! We've been away for a few weeks, but we're very much hoping to be back next week with Captain Marvel, leading to our big episode on the end of the Infinity Saga (depending on your view of Spider-Man: Far From Home), Avengers: Endgame. Thanks for listening, thanks for being patient, and thanks for all of your feedback. We'll see you next week!

Dave & Oli dive into the sweetness, lightness and comedy of the 20th film of the MCU, discussing the impossible difficulty of following Infinity War, how cleverly the vital plot points of Endgame were seeded, and the joy of Michael Peña. They also talk awkward marital age gaps, crashing cars and (yes) clunky exposition. Plus, they make sure to continue ensuring the word “embiggen” makes its way into the English lexicon when discussing Ant-Man’s weapons. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:49 Movie intro 00:06:50 Comics intro 00:19:56 Breakdown (Act One) 00:41:21 Act Two 01:07:04 Midpoint 01:14:40 Act Three 01:40:35 Wrap-up 01:48:09 Outro You can follow our show on X, Instagram, TikiTok and YouTube @MarvellingPod (two L’s) or email us your thoughts on geeks@marvellingpod.com If you enjoyed the show and you’d be willing to leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, that would mean a huge amount to us both. It really does help us reach more people who love the MCU as much as we do.

This week, Dave and Oli finally dig in to the 19th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We discuss the mixing and melding of characters from disparate parts of the universe, blending comedic moments with the gut punches, and Dave rants about Thanos taking his armour off. We’re finally here, at the start of the epic two-part culmination of the MCU’s Infinity Saga and it’s no understatement to say we got swept up in the excitement. There is so much to love in this film that we even had to leave some of our favourite pieces on the cutting room floor in an effort to keep the episode at least somewhere near two hours! Let us know what you think by hopping over to our social channels: you can find us @MarvellingPod just about anywhere you care to look: ⁠Twitter/X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠.

This week, Dave and Oli present a reminder of everything you could ever want or need to know about the 19th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ahead of our full breakdown next week, we talk about the long process of developing, writing and shooting the two epic features that wrap up the Infinity Saga, and cover the stories and comic runs that provided inspiration for what we see in the finished film, including Dave’s short history of Infinity Gems. Then we turn our attention to the who, what, where and when of the stones and characters as things stand going into the movie. What do each of the stones we’ve seen so far actually do (compared to what they did in the comics)? Where are they right now? When did we last see each of our heroes, and which ones are we waiting to see? Basically, we’ve put together the essential primer we wish we’d had walking into the cinema six years ago. Everything in this episode is timestamped below, letting you jump ahead or flick back to the bits you want to listen to or remind yourself of. CHAPTERS: (00:00:00) Introduction. (00:02:49) Writing an epic. (00:18:06) Netflix & MCU canon. (00:26:40) Shooting an epic. (00:38:46) Comics: where it all began. (00:52:25) Infinity Gems: A History. (01:02:13) Infinity Stones: A Recap. (01:16:25) Where are the heroes? (01:21:56) Infinite nostalgia: the first watch. (01:25:02) Wrap up. While you’re jumping around, don’t forget to hop over to our social channels to let us know what you think! You can find us @MarvellingPod just about anywhere you care to look: Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook.

Dave and Oli are joined by two special guests to discuss the first ten years of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including favourite moments, best memories and the characters we wished we’d seen. It’s a geek’s nerdy delight as a collective group of geeky nerds who love comics and films get stuck in to what makes the MCU so special. What was your favourite part of the first 10 years of the MCU? Let us know what you think @MarvellingPod on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. If you enjoy our show, we’d love you to share it with your friends—telling just one other person can make a massive difference, helping us grow our audience of people like you who like (love?) listening to two random British blokes talk rubbish about Marvel movies.