Steffan and Gavia review the first good Superman movie since the Christopher Reeve era, a charming action-comedy from Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn. Leaning into zany comicbook antics, this reboot makes some vague attempts at political commentary - but it’s mostly about resetting Hollywood's vision of Superman as a lovable American icon.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan discuss Birds of Prey, Cathy Yan's cracking sequel to the disastrous "Suicide Squad," once again featuring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. They praise the film's visual style and Margot Robbie's bold performance, compare the current state of DC and Marvel films, and critique the film's handling of Ewan McGregor's queer-coded villain.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan discuss Damon Lindelof's new television adaptation of Alan Moore's classic comic series Watchmen, starring Regina King, Jean Smart, and Tim Blake Nelson. They compare it to Lindelof's previous work, analyze its treatment of politics and race, and contemplate its place in the changing television and superhero landscapes.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia finally tackle Todd Phillips' gritty comic book origin story Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix as disaffected loner-turned-criminal Arthur Fleck. They discuss the film's relationship to Batman comics and Martin Scorsese films, critique its perturbing treatment of race and mental health issues, and break down Phoenix's much-discussed performance.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan commiserate over the X-Men franchise's last gasp, X-Men: Dark Phoenix. They bemoan filmmaker Simon Kinberg's incompetent direction, marvel at the film's incomprehensible plot, reminisce about happier times, and wonder where it all went wrong.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan celebrate the fifth anniversary of one of Marvel's best films and their own personal favorite, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. They dissect its political commentary, its sensitive treatment of its central characters, assess its place in the larger MCU, and reminisce about the glory days of Captain America fandom c. spring 2014.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gavia weigh the merits (or lack thereof?) of Marvel Studios' first woman-led film, Captain Marvel. They evaluate it against other Marvel origin stories, critique its use of amnesia as a plot device, appreciate performances from Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn, and more.
Read MoreThis week, Morgan and Gav effuse over the best superhero movie in recent memory, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. They consider its position in the superhero canon, its relationship to comicbook structure and aesthetics, its remarkable visual style, and exciting voice performances by Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson.
Read MoreThis week, Gavia and Morgan discuss Tim Burton's Batman films, Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), starring Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and others. Topics discussed include how these Gothic movies stand apart from later cinematic Batmans, Burton's early-20th century cinema influences, the unique appeal of Keaton's Bruce Wayne, and the greatness of Pfeiffer's Catwoman.
Read MoreMorgan and Gavia return from a hiatus to discuss the blockbuster of the summer, Patty Jenkins' extended universe-saving Wonder Woman. Topics discussed include: how the film compares to other superhero origin stories, its refreshing earnestness, the pluses and minuses of the WWI setting, Gal Gadot and Chris Pine's winning charm, and the glorious sight of Robin Wright murdering a bunch of dudes.
Read MoreGavia and Morgan discuss X-Men: Apocalypse, the latest installment of the rebooted X-Men franchise. Topics include but are not limited to: makeovers, the new crop of teens, diversity (or lack thereof), villain issues, the most expendable family in recent blockbuster history, and a single tear.
Read MoreMorgan and Gavia have it out over Captain America: Civil War, which Gav enjoyed very much and Morgan hated. Who will come out on top? Is it possible to win an argument about a movie? You'll just have to listen to find out. Topics discussed include but are not limited to: narrative issues, Black Panther and character cross-promotion, and Marvel's most incredible "no homo" moment yet.
Read MoreBonus episode: Morgan and Gavia try to make sense of the first trailer for Doctor Strange, a task harder than it sounds.
Read MoreGavia and Morgan discuss Ta-Nehisi Coates' new Black Panther comic, delve into the history of the character, and speculate speciously on the character's potential role in Captain America: Civil War before going deep on what (doesn't) make a Marvel director, and how Creed's Ryan Coogler might break the mold.
Read MoreGavia and Morgan break in the podcast by diving into the fascinating disaster that is Batman v Superman, covering everything from Wonder Woman to DC's extended universe growing pains to the film's problems with violence, and Batman's killer workout routine.
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