There and Back Again & Again

This week, we try not to go subatomic as Marvel goes small in Ant-Man, the heist movie that taught us that size doesn't matter. We talk Paul Rudd’s charming debut as Scott Lang, Michael Peña’s legendary storytelling, and how a film about ants and particles became one of the MCU’s funniest surprises. From shrinking tech to father–daughter feels, we explore how this pint-sized adventure proved that sometimes the smallest stories can carry the biggest heart.

Spider-Man finally swings solo in the MCU with Spider-Man: Homecoming, a high school comedy wrapped in superhero tights. We talk Tom Holland’s energetic debut, the perfect awkward balance of Peter Parker’s double life, and Michael Keaton’s grounded (and terrifying) Vulture. From decathlon drama to ferry disasters, we explore how this coming-of-age story nailed the heart of Spider-Man—and gave us a new generation’s friendly neighborhood hero.

The Guardians are back and more dysfunctional than ever in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. We talk Peter Quill’s very complicated family tree, Rocket’s struggle with connection, and why Yondu yelling “I’m Mary Poppins, y’all!” still makes us chuckle (or cry). From psychedelic visuals to the tear-jerking goodbyes, we explore how James Gunn's sequel cranked up the heart while keeping the laughs—and proved the Guardians were more than just a bunch of a-holes.

We take a mystical turn into Doctor Strange, the origin story that bent time, space, and a few city skylines. We talk Benedict Cumberbatch’s entrance as the arrogant surgeon turned sorcerer, Tilda Swinton’s Ancient One, and Marvel’s trippiest visuals yet. From the magical training montages to time-looped boss fights, we explore how this film literally expanded the MCU into new dimensions.

It’s the film that pitted Captain America vs. Iron Man, the movie that split the Avengers—and the fandom—right down the middle. We talk epic airport battles, ideological clashes, and the MCU debuts of Black Panther and Spider-Man. From friendships breaking to fists flying, we unpack why this film feels more like Avengers 2.5 to some and how its fallout shaped everything that followed. Team Cap? Team Iron Man? Or just Team Marvel?

The team is back together in Avengers: Age of Ultron—a movie packed with killer robots, Maximoff twins, and more quips than you can count. We break down Tony’s bad decisions, Vision’s big entrance, and whether this crowded sequel deserves more love than it gets. Plus, we celebrate our two-year podcast anniversary as we reflect on the movie that set the stage for Marvel’s biggest conflicts to come. From floating cities to Hulk lullabies and romances out of left field, we ask: was this messy middle chapter secretly essential all along?

The MCU takes a wild left turn into the cosmos with Guardians of the Galaxy—the movie that proved Marvel could get weird, funny, and heartfelt all at once. We talk about the unlikely breakout of a talking raccoon and a tree with a three-word vocabulary, Chris Pratt’s star-making turn as Star-Lord, and how James Gunn turned a ragtag bunch of misfits into one of Marvel’s most beloved teams. From killer needle drops to space dance-offs, we explore how this gamble paid off and why the MCU was never the same after.

We are so hyped for this one—Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the film that redefined what a solo hero story could be in the MCU. From elevator fights to political paranoia, Cap’s second outing trades the star-spangled nostalgia of the 2011 film for a pulse-pounding spy thriller that still stands out as one of Marvel’s best. We talk Hydra reveals, friendship tested, and why Steve Rogers’ idealism hits harder than any shield throw. This wasn't just a superhero movie—it was a game-changer.

Ta-da!! This week, we revisit Thor: The Dark World. Yes, the one often sitting near the bottom of MCU rankings. We test each other’s film knowledge, dive into what makes this cosmic sequel feel so forgettable, and debate whether it deserves its reputation as one of Marvel’s weakest. From dark elves and Aether confusion to surprisingly strong Loki moments, we sift through the shadows to find out if there’s more to love here than the critics gave credit for.

Tony’s back! And so are his emotional scars. In Iron Man 3, the first film of Phase Two and the most Christmas-y Marvel movie in the Infinity Saga. We talk Iron Man's post-Avengers PTSD, his touching friendship with a snarky, small-town, Stark-esque kid, and Shane Black’s deft mix of quips and explosions. From a fireworks display of exploding suits to that Mandarin twist, we unpack the leaps Marvel took, the moments that did and did not pay off, and why Tony’s journey here might be his most human yet.

It’s all been leading to this: The Avengers (2012), the team-up that changed superhero movies forever. Join us as we revisit the moment Earth’s Mightiest Heroes actually became a team after some fun banter, astronomical arguments, Loki mischief, and one very tense helicarrier scene. We talk space portals, sad send-offs, Hulking out, and the now-iconic circle shot that made fans everywhere come back for more. Does it still hold up? Listen to find out!

We could do this all day! Grab your shield, your moral compass, and your best friend because we're heading back to WWII for Captain America: The First Avenger. We discuss Steve Rogers' transformation from scrawny kid with a dream to literal super soldier, and whether this old-fashioned origin story still hits as hard as a Brooklyn left hook. From Hydra's insanity to unmatched bravery, we salute the film that gave us Cap, Peggy, and the power of being just a kid from Brooklyn who doesn’t like bullies (no matter where they’re from).

We journey to Asgard and also to New Mexico for Marvel’s first film of 2011, Thor. Join us as we explore the god of thunder’s first swing of Mjölnir, the MCU’s plunge into myth and magic, and the subtle art of Shakespeare in space. From Loki’s mischief to Dutch angles galore, we unpack whether this cosmic tale sticks the landing or just kind of takes a dive off of the Bifrost.

This week, we suit up for Iron Man 2, the chaotic cocktail of father-son issues, government pressure, palladium poisoning, and a birthday party that truly rocks the house. We dig into the film that gave us a new Rhodey, severe Whiplash, a lot of Justin Hammer energy, and the unforgettable debut of Natasha Romanoff. Join us as we talk legacies, lasers, and the donut shop where Tony Stark gets Fury-ous.

In this gamma-radiated rewatch, Brendan and Sean revisit the MCU's green sheep of the family, 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. Join us as we unpack Edward Norton’s brief stint as Bruce Banner, debate whether this film deserves more credit (or less), and wonder aloud what the MCU was thinking during this period of Phase One. From the storytelling choices to the Harlem smackdown to Tim Roth’s Adomination, we explore where this installment fits in the Infinity Saga and whether it ever truly fit at all.

We built this episode in a studio! With a box of takes!! Join Brendan and Sean as they go all the way back to the film that started it all. From the somewhat controversial casting of Robert Downey Jr to the tone set by making Iron Man the first/central character of the MCU, the hosts unpack Tony Stark's arc from billionaire playboy to superhero. He is Iron Man.

Listeners assemble! This week, Sean and Brendan kick off their rewatch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: The Infinity Saga. From Iron Man to Endgame, they set the stage for what makes this 23-film saga a pop culture phenomenon. We share our thoughts on standout heroes, key story arcs, and how Marvel built a shared universe like no other. Whether you're a longtime fan or jumping in for the first time, this is the perfect place to start your journey through the MCU.

It’s our 100th episode! To mark the milestone, Brendan and Sean take on the ultimate challenge: ranking every Christopher Nolan film. From Memento to Oppenheimer, they discuss plot twists, time loops, mind-bending visuals, and what truly defines a Nolan masterpiece. Expect some hot takes, strong opinions, and plenty of love for one of modern cinema’s most influential directors. Whether you’re Team Interstellar or ride-or-die for The Dark Knight, this special episode is a must-listen for Nolan fans and movie lovers alike.

Houston, we have a podcast! This week, Brendan and Sean rewatch Apollo 13 and talk all things space race, Tom Hanks, and the real-life drama behind NASA’s most suspenseful mission. From unforgettable performances to Ron Howard’s gripping direction, they explore what makes this 1995 classic still launch-worthy today. Whether you’re a space buff or a fan of 90s cinema, don’t miss this nostalgic look at one of Hollywood’s most powerful historical thrillers as we lead up to the podcast's 100th episode!

If you listen to this episode... you'll be glad you did in 7 days. There is no denying that Gore Verbinski has made a name for himself in the film industry. But early in his directing career, he burst onto the scene by making moviegoers afraid to use VHS tapes anymore. Rewatch with us as we unpack one of the highest grossing horror remakes of all time!