Once Upon a Franchise

Manel and Ren shrink down to dissect Marvel’s attempt at a superhero palate cleanser, Ant-Man and the Wasp . They break down whether this low-stakes adventure successfully provides a lighthearted breath of fresh air after the emotional devastation of Avengers: Infinity War , or if it ultimately settles for a formulaic, non-urgent narrative structure that functions more like an inconsequential fill...

Manel and Ren embark on a historic cosmic journey to dissect the massive cultural phenomenon that is Avengers: Infinity War (2018). They break down how Anthony and Joe Russo masterfully execute an unprecedented ensemble balancing act, turning a sprawling superhero crossover into an intense, planet-hopping war film where the antagonist takes center stage.

Manel and Ren journey to the hidden kingdom of Wakanda to discuss the cultural phenomenon that is Black Panther (2018). They break down why Ryan Coogler’s film remains a pivotal cornerstone of the MCU, balancing grand superhero spectacle with an intimate political drama about sovereignty and responsibility. From the breathtaking world-building and the sonic landscape of Ludwig Göransson’s score to...

In this episode, Manel and Ren dive into the neon-soaked, synth-driven "personality transplant" that is Thor: Ragnarok . They break down how director Taika Waititi stripped away the God of Thunder’s Shakespearean stiffness to reveal Chris Hemsworth’s comedic brilliance, while introducing the MCU's most captivating new addition, Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie. From the "buddy cop&quot...

Pack your bags for Queens because this week Manel and Ren are suiting up for the wall-crawler’s definitive solo debut in the MCU: Spider-Man: Homecoming ! They're diving deep into why Tom Holland’s awkward, hopeful energy makes him the ultimate Peter Parker, the brilliant "blue-collar" villainy of Michael Keaton’s Vulture, and the complex — often debated — mentorship dynamic with Tony Stark.

Join Manel and Ren as they explore the heart and the "hiccups" of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 . From the sophisticated thematic layering of the Gamora-Nebula fallout to the divisive MCU’s "humor problem", they’re breaking down why this messy, gorgeous sequel remains the emotional anchor of the cosmic franchise. "Daddy" issues, the brilliance of a narcissistic plane...

Join Manel and Ren as they open their minds to discuss Doctor Strange (2016), the MCU’s mind-bending foray into the mystical arts. They dive into Stephen Strange’s journey from arrogance to enlightenment, Benedict Cumberbatch’s seamless transformation into the Sorcerer Supreme, and the film's philosophical exploration of time and mortality. Jump in as they explore the stunning visual effects,...

Join Manel and Ren as they pick their sides to discuss Captain America: Civil War (2016), the high-stakes political thriller that fractured the Avengers. They explore the dense themes of accountability and vengeance, the masterclass introductions of Black Panther and Spider-Man, and why Zemo remains one of the franchise’s most effective villain. Jump in as they defend the film's grounded visua...

Join Manel and Ren as they shrink down to discuss Ant-Man (2015), the MCU’s refreshing palette cleanser. They dive into its unique heist-movie structure, the passing of the mantle from Hank Pym to Scott Lang, and Paul Rudd’s undeniable charm. Jump in as they explore why this smaller-scale story works so well, its creative visual effects, and how it proves that sometimes, less really is more.

Join Manel and Ren as they tackle Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), debating whether it’s a misunderstood deconstruction of heroism or a victim of its own ambition. They dive into Tony Stark’s god complex, the introduction of the Maximoffs and Vision, and the heavy themes of legacy vs. obsolescence. Jump in to discuss if this "darker" chapter is a top-tier sequel or just a bridge to the fu...

Join Manel and Ren as they analyze Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), discussing why James Gunn's film represents the peak of MCU humor and visual originality. They focus on the powerful central theme of redemption, exploring how a group of morally ambiguous outcasts find an unforgettable, imperfect family through shared trauma. Jump in to talk about the film's soundtrack and why its celebrat...

Manel and Ren tackle the MCU's landmark political thriller, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). As they dissect the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D., they debate the film's biggest strengths (the phenomenal hand-to-hand combat, its massive ripple effect on the franchise) and... lack of weaknesses? Does this stand up as one of the MCU's very best installments, or is its influence overshadow...

Manel and Ren dive into one of the MCU's most maligned sequels, Thor: The Dark World (2013) . As Thor is forced to team up with Loki to fight the forgettable Malekith, they debate the film's biggest strengths (Loki's arc, Frigga's funeral) and weaknesses (the convoluted plot, Jane Foster's role). Is this cosmic adventure just skippable "filler," or are there hidden ge...

Tony Stark is stripped down to the man behind the suit in Iron Man 3 (2013) , the divisive and personal epilogue to his trilogy. Join Manel and Ren as they dissect Shane Black's unique take, which pits a PTSD-ridden Tony against the enigmatic terrorist known as the Mandarin. From the controversial villain twist to the spectacular "House Party Protocol" finale, they unpack the film&#3...

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes finally unite in The Avengers (2012), the MCU’s first crossover spectacle. Join Manel, Ren, and special guest Paul Klein as they revisit the film that brought Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye together against Loki and the Chitauri. From the iconic “circle shot” to “Puny god”, they unpack the film’s sharp banter, team dynamics, and enduring sp...

From Brooklyn’s alleys to Hydra’s fortresses, Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) tells the story of a hero who was one long before the serum. Join Manel and Ren as they revisit Steve Rogers’ transformation from “skinny kid” to living legend, unpacking the film’s heartfelt sincerity, its throwback war-movie style, and its mix of timeless character beats and dated VFX. From Erskine’s wisdom t...

The rainbow bridge is open, the family drama is Shakespearean, and the MCU goes cosmic for the first time. Join Manel and Ren as they revisit Thor (2011), Kenneth Branagh’s mythic take on the God of Thunder. From the breathtaking vistas of Asgard to the heartfelt campfire moments in New Mexico, they unpack Thor’s redemption arc, Loki’s layered villainy, and whether the MCU ever recaptured this sen...

The suits are shinier, the egos bigger, and the MCU connections louder. Join Manel and Ren as they dive into Iron Man 2 (2010), a sequel that juggles world-building, rogue inventors, and Tony Stark’s growing identity crisis. From the slick Monaco Grand Prix sequence to the chaotic birthday brawl, they unpack what this entry gets right, what feels like déjà vu, and whether its themes of control and...

The journey through the MCU continues with the often-forgotten second chapter — The Incredible Hulk (2008) . Join Manel and Ren as they revisit Bruce Banner’s explosive standalone outing, discussing its place in the franchise, the grounded action, and whether Edward Norton’s take on the character still holds up. From sonic cannons to monster transformations, they break down what works, what doesn’...

Welcome to the very first episode of Once Upon a Franchise ! Join Manuel and Ren as they kick off the journey through the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with the film that launched it all — Iron Man (2008). From Tony Stark’s iconic origin to the seeds of a shared universe, they break down what made this film a game-changer, how it holds up today, and what it tells us about the franchis...