Marvelling at the MCU

Dave and Oli talk about great adaptations, booby costumes and where superheroes get changed as they look at the 13th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Also in this episode: Oli rants about VFX while Dave ignores him, Oli learns that some clunky dialogue comes direct from the comics, and Dave gets wildly over-excited. If you enjoyed this episode, it makes a massive difference to us if you'...

Dave and Oli find themselves disagreeing more than they ever have before as they examine the 12th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this episode, they discuss clunky exposition, the genius of Michael Peña and the differences between the Pym and Lang Ant-Men in the comics (and the film). They also talk about biggening and smallener weapons, creative sound design, and debate the relative me...

Dave and Oli are back for the second part of their mammoth look at the 11th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They discuss great action, great visual effects and finally resolve their argument about where the Sokovian castle was. As if that wasn't enough, they also cover everything from pep talks to parting moments and all the things in between.

Dave and Oli are back after a brief house-move hiatus with a special two-part look at the 11th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They discuss the ins and outs of Ultron’s depiction on screen vs the comics, missing Hank Pym, and the clever vs clunky way new characters are introduced. Plus we find out why Lizzie was told to look at James’s balls. With far too much to fit into a single episode,...

Dave and Oli take an in-depth look at the 10th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the one that Dave has been waiting for because he gets to talk about the multiple and myriad Cosmic Characters across the Marvel Universe (cinematic and otherwise). The boys dive into who the Guardians are, their history in the comics and how they’re portrayed in the film, as well as ragging on Ronan, raving a...

Dave and Oli discuss the ninth movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They get lost in Scarlett Johansson’s performance, Oli enjoys Thunderbirds launch sequences and Dave dives into the changes from comic stories (and characters) as his favourite story is turned into his favourite movie. They also talk about creative partnerships, practical stunts and effects, and whether or not not Falcon should...

Dave and Oli discuss the eighth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including why Malekith was so disappointing as the Big Bad of the movie, how well the writers shaped the comedy in the story, and how weirdly easy it was for something buried “deep where no one will find it” gets discovered by accident by a random human. You will also hear both men discuss being English and watching a film made...

Dave and Oli discuss the seventh film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first film in Phase 2. They hit on confusing character dynamics, the surprising and high-risk choices around the use of The Mandarin and why the other "twists" in the film don't have the same impact. Have friends you think would love the show, too? We'd love it if you shared it with them – even better...

In Part Two of their special two-part look at Avengers Assemble Dave and Oli talk about unexpected stunt work, seamless VFX and how to make teamwork work. Picking up on tiny details, almost-invisible references and sharing stories of the making of the film, this is our most complete look at one of the MCU films yet. If you enjoy our show, it makes a massive difference if you're willing to shar...

Dave and Oli present the first in a special two-part look at the sixth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which contains so much cool stuff there was no way to fit it into a single regular-length episode. In Part One they discuss how unique this film was when it was first released, why it may be Nick Fury's flick and the total lack of humour in DC films. Picking up on tiny details, spottin...

Dave and Oli discuss the fifth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Dave learns the depths of Oli's love for British character actors, Oli learns the depths of Dave's obsession with Tommy Lee Jones and they both agree it's safer not to bother visiting Tønsberg. Bonus points in this episode if you can spot the point at which Dave was forced to turn down his excitement due to the incre...

Dave and Oli discuss the fourth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which Dave was destined to love and Oli was destined to wish he had loved. As per usual, their discussion ranges wildly from Maid Marion to Shakespeare references, missing pieces to quotable lines. 00.00.00 Introduction 00.01.59 About the film 00.05.53 Relationship to the comics 08.37.05 Breakdown 00.28.50 Introducing the comed...

Dave and Oli take an in-depth look at Iron Man 2, the third movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this episode, we discuss the blend of Whiplash and Crimson Dynamo (apparently it's all in the armour), the introduction of Natasha Romanov (and awkward butt shots), and Oli finally learns why Dave was so excited about Rhodey's "Next time, baby" in the first Iron Man film. And yes, he agrees that...

Dave and Oli dig into the oft-forgotten second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: The Incredible Hulk. In this episode we discuss our disappointment in the VFX, why Betty is such a confusing character and the frustration Tim Blake Nelson must feel at not being included in the rest of the MCU (yet). Time stamps 00.00.00 Introduction. 00.02.00 The unique distribution deal. 00.04.39 Alignment wit...

Dave and Oli start in the same place the Marvel Cinematic Universe did with a breakdown of Iron Man. In this episode we discuss why director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr were brave choices by Marvel Studios, why the blend of both special and visual effects help the film hold up so well, and why Iron Man was the perfect choice to kick-start a long-term project for a bold new movie studio....

As we prepare our weekly watching – starting with Iron Man next week – here's a little get-to-know-you ep with comic book geek Dave O'Hara and film nerd Oli Lewington. On this show you'll hear about (amongst other things) our favourite Marvel characters, our favourite Marvel Cinematic Universe characters and which of the films of the MCU we're most looking forward to re-watching. Y...