The Quantum Realm: An MCU Review

11. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

The Avengers accidentally unleash a malevolent A.I. into the world. All is not well. This modern day Frankenstein tale feels chillingly relevant as we watch artificial intelligence play more and more of a role in our lives. Let's talk about the Maximoffs(!!!), the tension between Banner and Natasha, and why this movie needed to deviate from the comic book storyline. Also: Steve Rogers... worthy from the start? We present both sides of the "Hammer Debate," and pick a side. Artist Eduardo De Jesus cohosts!

10. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

A cosmic band of misfits, including a warrior tree, a wisecracking raccoon, and Kevin Bacon's biggest fan, save the galaxy to the tune of a "stellar" 80s soundtrack! Katie and Jacob break down ALL the feels, the introduction of the Power Stone, chime in with our own thoughts on the Awesome Mix, and tell some fun stories of our personal connections to this movie. We are Groot!

9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Ask an MCU fan to list their top ten favorite movies, and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER almost consistently shows up on this list! Steve and Jacob break down the pop culture list, the big reveal of the Winter Soldier's identity, musings on how Star Wars is experienced by MCU characters, and how this movie functioned as a "1970s political thriller." Plus, Project Insight targeted some interesting names, and we HAVE to talk about who was introduced in the mid-credit scene... (Spoilers follow for AVENGERS: ENDGAME.)

8. Thor: The Dark World (2013)

THOR: THE DARK WORLD is perhaps one of the least-liked films by the collective MCU fandom, as well as the critics! Google the title, and the search results will suggest that you ask, "Is Thor: The Dark World necessary?" Katie and Jacob are here to unpack the film, its reception, and hopefully shed light on this dark world! We discuss what went wrong with Malekith, Tom Hiddleston's stellar return as Loki, the first mention of the Infinity Stones, and our feelings toward broccoli and cauliflower! Plus, how many Mjolnirs existed on the set of this movie? Even if you tend to skip THOR: THE DARK WORLD in your MCU marathons, don't skip our recap on The Quantum Realm!

Multiversal Detour #1: X-Men (2000)

For the first time, we branch off the "sacred timeline" to visit Marvel pre-MCU! Corey and Jacob discuss the enduring appeal of the mutants and how they were featured in Twentieth Century Fox's first X-Men (2000) film. How does this hold up over 20 years later? What are some of our "fan casts" and theories about how this might play out in the MCU? And finally, what does happen to a toad when it gets struck by lightning? (There's some fascinating background on this line...) Spoilers follow for Wandavision, Ms. Marvel, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.