Marveling at the Movies

And now, a very special episode of Marveling at the Movies.

San Diego Comic Con 2022 brought a whole wave of announcements of MCU Phase 5 and Phase 6 in Hall H, and Matt and Alexis did not pay attention. Out of the kindness of his heart, Matthew catalogued all of the information and uses this episode to tell his friends all about all the cool things they'll be watching together in the future. And by that, I mostly mean we argue. That's why you listen to the show, right? To hear people that clearly like to record themselves getting into fights?

The Marveling at the Movies gang watch Ms. Marvel. And, look: I know what you're thinking. "Why is this episode so long?" And... If this is your first episode of the MATM podcast, yeah, OK, maybe this is not the best place to start if you don't like 2.5 hour long arguments. This podcast is longer than Thor: Love and Thunder!!! BUT, if this is not your first episode of MATM, then you will probably not be surprised why exactly the gang spends 30 minutes arguing about just one topic. It's honestly kind of ridiculous. But we don't really edit this show, we kinda just toss it all out there for you to absorb so... uh, have fun.

The gang goes to see Thor: Love and Thunder. It's an overall confusing experience; Matt and Alexis typically love Thor but aren't necessarily excited (which is weird), and Matthew knows too much about the movie not because of trailers or anything else but because he's read all the comics (which is unlucky -- but to be fair, when's the last time we did more or less a straight adaptation?). So maybe this is one of those "defy expectations" moments. Or maybe not. I don't know. No one reads this part, right? I'm kinda just vamping to fill out characters.

In the latest episode of Marveling at the Movies, the gang watches the new Doctor Strange movie. Also, they forget everything they said in the pre-show because the distance between recording the pre-show and post-show was really long this time and done for Matthew's convenience (because Matt and Alexis are hard to schedule -- sometimes you'll book Matt for a post-show right after the movie and he'll agree but then later ditch you because he wants to go watch horses race and wear fancy hats or whatever, so Matthew and Alexis have to go bowling and awkwardly dance around any discussion of the movie that might be content worthy!). Anyway, how about that Doctor Strange film, eh?

In the latest episode, the gang discusses all 6 episodes of Moon Knight. It's a character Matt has zero familiarity with and Matthew has way too much familiarity with, as well as one that Alexis kinda enjoys -- so where does everyone land on the enjoyment spectrum? The answers to that and more may surprise you.

In the last episode of 2022, the Marveling at the Movies crew watches all of Hawkeye. That's it. Not 6 individual episodes, just one (1) super long episode. Will this work? Is it too long? I don't know, you're the listener, you tell us. And besides, there's no new superhero anythings until March or May or whatever, so it's not like you don't have plenty of time to listen to a 2+ hour podcast.

The gang watches the last superhero movie of the year. And, look -- normally I feel like we wouldn't NEED to issue a spoiler warning, but just FYI this is a RECAP PODCAST so... y'know... spoilers abound.

After putting it off for a while since Alexis never ended up seeing the movie, we hit the inevitable point where we had to watch Black Widow... not because we finally convinced Alexis that she should, but, y'know, Marvel has their whole "connected universe" yadda yadda. So we did the only thing that made sense to do: put Alexis in the hot seat and gave Matt the week off. Does this count as a spoiler for this episode? I don't think anyone reads these blurbs I write up so I assume I'm safe to ruin what's "special" about the episode, but if you DID read this before listening and I ruined the surprise... uh, sorry. Email Matt and demand a refund.

Matt, Matthew and Alexis return for a chat about Eternals. The mood is tepid on this one in the pre-show, but who knows, maybe things turn around in the post show? But who knows with this group. At the very least, we will definitively answer: is this the worst movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, worse than Thor: Dark World? (Well, Matthew doesn't even think Dark World is that bad, so, looks like we're off to the races on this one.)

Finally, after 2 years, the podcast returns to its roots and talks about a superhero movie! This time it's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the newest superhero in the biz. As always, we talk about easter eggs, go through Matt's ineligible notes, and make lots of random jokes. Be honest, after all the Loki episodes, this is exactly the kind of content you want to hear on this podcast again. Yeah, this is the good shit.

THIS IS IT. THE FINAL EPISODE OF THE SEASON. After a long slog for all, everything comes to end: the villain behind it all stands revealed and the plot has reached its apex. The only question left is: yes, this is the end of Loki, but is it the end of Marveling at the Movies as well?! After all, after 6 episodes of arguing about timelines and multiverses and variants and everything in between, Marvel's basically set the tone for everything that's about to come... so can Matt deal with this new plot thread without being angry all the time? Can Alexis get invested in any of this? And can Matthew put up with their behavior for another decade (if the length of the Infinity Saga is any indication of how long we might be doing this)? Tune in to to the shocking finale of Marveling at the Movies to find out.

In the latest episode of Marveling at the Movies, the crew once again cascades back and forth between Matt declaring everything to be dumb and horrible, but then also turning it into a discussion as to the nature of storytelling and giving purpose to moments in storytelling. It's either a really interesting discussion on the traps of sci-fi discussion, or it's a really aggravating rant of fanboyism. You decide! Also, Matthew breaks down and tells Matt a bit of his theory about the show to get him to shut up (it doesn't work) and Alexis closes the show out with the weirdest derail we've ever had.

In the latest episode of Marveling at the Movies, the gang delivers their best pre-show ever followed by a very on brand post show. Matthew just can't catch a break with Matt and Alexis, because one minute they're saying the episode was fine and the next minute as we go through it they get angrier and angrier at every little aspect of the concept. I mean, what's a guy got to do around here to just enjoy a multiverse? That alligator better be voiced by Nick Kroll or this show is about to get real annoying.

In the latest episode of Marveling at the Movies, Loki gets the highest possible praise from the Marveling Crew. There is a healthy debate about sci-fi nonsense, time travel tomfoolery, and the art of cinema. Also, Matt drops a theory that makes Matthew and Alexis both pause and say, "Holy shit. He's one of us. He's really finally one of us." But then he also skips over a seemingly important detail of the episode too, so who the heck knows.

In the latest episode of Marveling at the Movies, the gang's opinions on the episode may surprise you. There's a lot of healthy debate about this episode, what type of show this is, and whether or not time travel with rules is stupid. And once again, Matt shocks and awes in what he DOES know references to and what he DOESN'T know references to, because honestly, it's just straight up nonsense what kind of deep cuts he can do when he doesn't recognize widely known and super popular points of pop culture.

We're back, and this time with Loki! This is the show that Matt and Alexis have been asking for since Day 1. All of their hopes and dreams have finally come to fruition now that their favorite character finally has his own show! They literally couldn't be any more excited to be on this podcast to talk about Loki and time travel, which are both of their favorite topics (as you all obviously know, as faithful listeners to the podcast). Matthew is also present.Also, we still don't edit out the meows. Or the laundry beeps. It's just too much work.

In this final episode covering The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, our intrepid podcasters once again find themselves disagreeing about the show. Is the last episode good enough to redeem an otherwise meh TV experience, or is it just a mediocre ending to a mediocre production? Do any care of us care enough for a second season or a movie follow-up at this point, or are we all kind of burned out on this thread? And, ok, seriously guys where the flip was Mephisto and Reed Richards? This is getting really confusing...Also, what are Matthew and Matt going to spend 15 minutes about arguing this time? Is it something they've repeatedly argued about in other episodes? Probably, but you'll only be able to find out by tuning in to the latest episode!

After 4 episodes of super uneven storytelling and mostly confusing creative choices, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier finally produces an episode that everyone in the Marveling at the Movies gang enjoys! Wow!! The show's still incredibly uneven, but at least we can all finally talk about the things we like instead of just a 2 hour podcast about stuff we don't like.

The latest episode finds our team divided. One basically hates the show, one thinks this was the best episode yet, and the other is stuck squarely in the middle because this should've been a movie and not a TV show! But which one is which? Is this perhaps the most divisive and transformative our favorite podcasters have ever been on this show? Are we going to have to rethink the entire production so everyone can assume their new roles? Only time will tell, but in the meantime, yeah this was probably the best The Falcon and The Winter Soldier episode so far. Thanks, incredibly low bar!

In the latest episode, the gang finally starts to agree that -- well, this should be better. Whether it's new backgrounds, too much exposition or the overall predictability of it all, Falcon and Winter Soldier doesn't seem to be hitting the mark for your favorite podcast crew. For Thor's sake, at this point we're just praying for Mephisto to show up so something surprising might happen!

In the latest episode of Marveling at the Movies, the gang tackles the second episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The show finally gives them what they want, yet no one seems particularly excited! Two episodes in, and the show we all assumed we'd love the most still isn't hitting the right notes... Did Zack Snyder's Justice League truly make a superhero experience beyond compare, thus rendering all future superhero programs dull and ineffectual, or is Malcolm Spellman's Russo impression just really kinda meh?

Marveling at the Movies is back, and on time, and hopefully with a normal release schedule! Mostly because Matt actually wants to watch this show! Listen in amazement as the gang actually watches the episode together and reacts to things in real time, without two of the hosts trying to not nudge the other in a certain direction while also trying not to say "Mephisto."

For the final episode of WandaVision, the Marveling at the Movies team watches the last two episodes together and discusses. Matt argues about all the things that annoyed or underwhelmed him, Matthew argues back that all the things that annoyed or underwhelmed him are the things he normal likes or are the things he specifically requested, and Alexis believes that there are very good arguments on both sides. In other words: it's a normal day in Westview for us.

In the latest episode of Marveling at the Movies, the gang finally has to watch an episode in real time instead of binge watching it for Matt. There are some arguments around the big moments of this week's episode as differing opinions fly about what is or isn't interesting, but what do you expect after 54 episodes? (Jesus... we've done 54 episodes? And there are how many episodes left WandaVision? And how many other shows? And movies? Oh god... oh no... who's doing this to us? Who's doing this to us?!)

In our latest episode, the Marveling at the Movies gang ACTUALLY talks about theories. Yes, most of the ones you probably know. Sure, maybe a couple you don't. No, we don't have any grand insight or crazy revelations. As always, we mostly just have surprise betrayals, inane rants about whether stories having meaning and the Matts bully each other. Y'know, the usual.

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In our latest episode, the gang dives further into the mysteries of what the heck is going on in WandaVision! Matt takes notes and pulls a magic trick, and Matthew and Alexis open up a little bit more to actually talk about what they're watching versus just making coy comments. Also, we talk a lot about other TV shows for some reason. Like, a whole bunch. It's nonsense.

The Journey into Westview continues! For the first time ever, Matt decides he doesn't need to take notes! How does THAT work out? Spoiler alert: not well. Join us as we watch Episode 3 and, uh, stuff happens???

And we're back! Surprise! After a year of not doing the podcast (and a few missed movies), Marveling at the Movies has reconvened to do Marvel's Phase 4, starting with WandaVision! All your favorite bits are back, from Matt not caring about anything to Matthew trying to be coy about what he does or doesn't know and Alexis wondering how she puts up with the two of them. Join us as we start watching the episodes Matthew and Alexis have seen, and see if they can convince Matt that it was worth it to bring the show back!(And before you ask, no, we probably won't do episodes for Birds of Prey, New Mutants or Wonder Woman 1984 or other movies we missed. But we're here now, and that's what counts? Maybe?)

In what is our second longest episode ever, the gang sees "Dark Phoenix." Heated debate ensues: who hated it? Who loved it? Who thought it was just fine? And why are there so many arguments about it? If you listen to one podcast about Dark Phoenix it might as well be this one. Also, fun fact: this episode is only 17 seconds longer than our Last Stand episode! Mostly because Matt's favorite character is Jean Grey.

For today's episode, the gang watches Logan! Matt has some interesting predictions, Matthew drops a few personal fun facts, and Alexis remains in a relatively philosophical place due to anxiety brought on from watching HBO's "Ice On Fire" documentary about how the world is basically over. Also, we learn a surprising yet obvious correlation between length of episode and Matt's enjoyment of the film (so look forward to Dark Phoenix next week!).

For today's episode, the gang watches X-Men: Apocalypse. Matt meets the new Jean Grey (and doesn't like her any more than the old Jean Grey), and it seems like all hope is lost for him ever having even the mildest appreciation for the X-Men as a whole. That doesn't mean Matthew won't try and defend it, though, or that Alexis won't also be there to tell both of them they're wrong. Also, we get oddly experimental. Necessity is the mother of invention.

For today's episode, the gang makes the mistake of watching the extra long version of a movie that's already pretty long in Days Of Future Past: The Rogue Cut. Matthew (who had never seen the Rogue Cut) regrets the decision, Matt (who had never seen the movie) also regrets the decision, and Alexis regrets inviting them over to her house because at that point the movie is so long and she just wants to go to bed without having to deal with an extra hour and a half worth of rambling. The rest of the movie was still good, though!

For today's episode, the gang watch The Wolverine! Matthew says that the movie is good, Matt doesn't believe him, Alexis says the movie is good, Matt believes her, and discord is sewn between the gang. How does this play out? Is Matthew right? Is Alexis right? Is no one is right? Tune in to find out!

We go back in time to watch X-Men: First Class! Matthew starts the episode off on a bad note, Matt starts the episode with a gross note, and Alexis openly contemplates why she ever agreed to join this troupe. Also, we watch an X-Men movie.

A very special bonus episode of Marveling at the Movies, featuring content pulled from the Multiversity Comics Podcast Network Archives!

Just in time for Multiversity Comics' 10th Anniversary (almost as if done on purpose), the gang watches X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Matthew defends the movie, Matt gets confused by the timelines, Alexis bans the mention of a certain mutant from the show, and there's also a lot of Hey Arnold discussion for some reason.

What a journey it's been! After starting this podcast on a goofy idea, Matt, Alexis and Matthew go see Endgame a year later. Who died? Who cried? Find out all this and more in this VERY SPOILER-Y episode of Marveling at the Movies.

Matt, Alexis and Matthew dive into one of the biggest disasters of a film of all time (which Roger Ebert gave two thumbs up). Matthew delivers an excessive amount of fun facts about the film, Matt gets incredibly frustrated and Alexis watches the chaos unfold. Kitty Pryde finally shows up, and we also pay tribute to Brandon Lemos, Matthew's favorite person when he was 19.

Matt, Alexis and Matthew sit down to watch the best superhero film of 2003, X-Men 2: X-Men United. Matt discovers that Jean Grey is definitely his favorite character, Alexis introduces a new bit by accident, and Matthew finds a reason to go watch Spongebob Squarepants.

Matt, Alexis and Matthew sit down to watch the 2000's X-Men. The history of superhero films are discussed, a whole stupid debate happens around the term "Omega Level Psychic," and there's a sick Hawkeye burn somewhere in there too.

In the inaugural episode of Season 4 we see if Matt knows anything about the X-Men, and try and set better expectations than we did for Season 2. You can also tell this was recorded a little while ago by the fact we call it Season 3, even though Season 3 was the Matrix! Oops! Either way, things are gonna get weird.

In the latest episode of the Marveling gang actually watching Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, we see Captain Marvel aka a Nice, Fun, Palette Cleanser. We talk about the movie, how we love cats (every kind of cat), how all men are dumb, and also freak out about how good Samuel L. Jackson looks (with apologies to Paul Giamatti).

In the latest addition to the DCEU season, the Marveling gang goes to see DC's Captain Marvel film. There are a lot of complaints about the lack of talking tigers, but then a lot of dialogue about talking worms. You win some, you lose some. We also didn't have access to our upgraded microphone, so apologies for the distortion -- but, to be fair, we assume most of our listeners at this point understand that quality is not this show's forte.