Marvel

120 movies, 1 book, 1 interview in this series

The Marvel movie universe is vast... and Now Playing Podcast has reviewed them all! From the earliest TV experiments and low-budget oddities to the glossy blockbusters that built a cinematic universe. We’re talking the made-for-TV Captain America and Hulk films, the ’80s and ’90s misfires, Dolph Lundgren’s Punisher, Howard the Duck, Elektra, and every major theatrical release through the rise and dominance of the MCU.

Hits, misses, cult favorites, and outright disasters. Decades of shifting tones, studio deals, and creative swings that paved the way for today’s superhero landscape.

Our hosts examine the entire Marvel movie legacy to see how we got from rubber ears and shaky fight scenes to billion-dollar team-ups.

Movie Reviews

Spider-Man 2

Go get it, tiger!

Reviewed Jun 29, 2012
Peter Parker is going through a major identity crisis. Burned out from being Spider-Man, he decides to shelve his superhero alter ego, which leaves the city suffering in the wake of carnage left by the evil Doc Ock. In the meantime, Parker still can't act on his feelings for Mary Jane Watson, a girl he's loved since childhood. A certain anger begins to brew in his best friend Harry Osborn as well... Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Superhero, Theatrical Release

Blade: Trinity

Dracula returns to show all-new ways to suck!

Reviewed Sep 13, 2011
For years, Blade has fought against the vampires in the cover of the night. But now, after falling into the crosshairs of the FBI, he is forced out into the daylight, where he is driven to join forces with a clan of human vampire hunters he never knew existed—The Nightstalkers. Together with Abigail and Hannibal, two deftly trained Nightstalkers, Blade follows a trail of blood to the ancient creature that is also hunting him—the original vampire, Dracula. Genres: Action, Horror, Science Fiction, Superhero, Theatrical Release

Fantastic Four (2005)

Doom's so vain I bet he thinks this podcast's about him.

Reviewed Jul 19, 2011
During a space voyage, four scientists are altered by cosmic rays: Reed Richards gains the ability to stretch his body; Sue Storm can become invisible; Johnny Storm controls fire; and Ben Grimm is turned into a super-strong … thing. Together, these "Fantastic Four" must now thwart the evil plans of Dr. Doom and save the world from certain destruction. Genres: Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Superhero, Theatrical Release
Brown Arrow

Ghost Rider

It's Valentine's Day, so we review this love story!

Reviewed Feb 14, 2012
In order to save his dying father, young stunt cyclist Johnny Blaze sells his soul to Mephistopheles and sadly parts from the pure-hearted Roxanne Simpson, the love of his life. Years later, Johnny's path crosses again with Roxanne, now a go-getting reporter, and also with Mephistopheles, who offers to release Johnny's soul if Johnny becomes the fabled, fiery 'Ghost Rider'. Genres: Action, Fantasy, Superhero, Theatrical Release, Thriller

Punisher: War Zone

Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart try to piece this one together...

Reviewed Nov 22, 2011
Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle sets his sights on overeager mob boss Billy Russoti. After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias: Jigsaw. With the "Punisher Task Force" hot on his trail and the FBI unable to take Jigsaw in, Frank must stand up to the formidable army that Jigsaw has recruited before more of his evil deeds go unpunished. Genres: Action, Crime, Superhero, Theatrical Release

Punisher: War Zone

The final word on parkour

Reviewed Dec 8, 2008
Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle sets his sights on overeager mob boss Billy Russoti. After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias: Jigsaw. With the "Punisher Task Force" hot on his trail and the FBI unable to take Jigsaw in, Frank must stand up to the formidable army that Jigsaw has recruited before more of his evil deeds go unpunished. Genres: Action, Crime, Superhero, Theatrical Release
Now Playing Approved

Iron Man 2

Demon in a podcast

Reviewed Apr 17, 2012
With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark faces pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, with Pepper Potts and James 'Rhodey' Rhodes at his side, must forge new alliances – and confront powerful enemies. Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Superhero, Theatrical Release

Iron Man 2

Stop! Hammer time!

Reviewed May 13, 2010
With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark faces pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, with Pepper Potts and James 'Rhodey' Rhodes at his side, must forge new alliances – and confront powerful enemies. Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Superhero, Theatrical Release

Book Reviews

Interviews