The Big Picture

We discuss the high-wire act that ‘Avengers: Endgame’ was trying to pull off—stitching together over a decade of films into one neat, fan-serviceable, creative ending—and if it ultimately worked (1:00). Then, we take a step back and look at some of the numbers ‘Endgame’ put up at the box office, and whether it spells total domination for the mid-budget movie (23:40). Finally, we look ahead to a summer full of non-Marvel movies and share which ones we’re most excited for (40:30).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mallory Rubin, a Marvel enthusiast and expert, dives into the emotional resonance of 'Avengers: Endgame,' exploring its culmination of character arcs and pivotal moments. The discussion intricately examines time travel's implications, especially in character dynamics, highlighting Iron Man's and Captain America's journeys. They also reflect on Hulk's evolution, heroism, and the film's deeper themes of sacrifice and redemption. With speculation about the future of the MCU, this conversation is a treat for long-time fans eager for what’s next.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ is just days away, and with that comes the final installment in our Marvel Month series: ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming.’ We discuss our relationships with Spider-Man as a cinematic figure, Tom Holland’s portrayal of a character who hadn’t been quite nailed down by other talented actors like Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, and where the character is headed as the Marvel story drifts further into space—decidedly different than the high school setting of this film.Host: Sean FennesseyGuest: Adam Nayman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We go over the week in the movie world: Beyoncé’s documentary ‘Homecoming,’ the Oscars happening two weeks earlier, and the movies we’re anticipating will enter the Best Picture conversation (1:40). Then Andrew Garfield joins the show to talk about his new film ‘Under the Silver Lake,’ an L.A.-based noir film that is a change of pace from his career arc thus far (33:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Andrew Garfield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the penultimate episode of our Marvel Month preview series, we sit down to discuss ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron.’ How does AI function as a villain in the Marvel universe? Does the movie jump from location to location too frequently? Is this movie better now than when it actually came out?Host: Sean FennesseyGuest: Micah Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As ‘Avengers: Endgame’ inches closer, we continue our Marvel month with one of the most effective, influential, and surprising movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: James Gunn’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ We review the original ‘Guardians’ comics, then examine the movie’s star-making ability, its use of music, and its long-lasting impact on the MCU.Host: Sean FennesseyGuest: David Shoemaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We go over some of the most iconic rock star movies ever made and review the recent slew of films in that vein—including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ ‘A Star Is Born,’ ‘Vox Lux,’ and more (1:30). Then, Elisabeth Moss and Alex Ross Perry join the show to talk ‘Her Smell,’ their recent installment in the trend (31:00).Host: Sean FennesseyGuest: Lindsay Zoladz, Elisabeth Moss, Alex Ross Perry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by Miles Surrey to assess the landscape of DC films after the breakout success of ‘Shazam!' (2:00). Then, 'Shazam!' director David F. Sandberg swings by to talk about how he turned his terrifying short, 'Lights Out,' into a feature-film career in Hollywood, the movies that inspired him, and his future in the DCEU (13:30).Host: Sean FennesseyGuests: David F. Sandberg and Miles Surrey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down Joss Whedon's 'Marvel’s The Avengers’—a landmark in the cinematic universe that established the rapport between the tentpole superstars and set the tone for the films going forward. How has the MCU changed our relationship with movie stars, and does that make Marvel the most important force in Hollywood right now?Host: Sean FennesseyGuest: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Harmony Korine’s latest film ‘The Beach Bum’ now in theaters, Sean, Amanda, and Rob take a look back through Matthew McConaughey’s mercurial career—including his breakthrough moments, peaks and valleys, and where his stardom stands today.Host: Sean FennesseyGuests: Amanda Dobbins, Rob Harvilla Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices