Podcast: Monster Movie Podcast – Eps 50

Featuring Marvel Studios – Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, Captain American. The Avengers.

Welcome to the Monster Movie Podcast. This is episode 50 as Doc Rotten and Thomas Mariani celebrate the modern cinema juggernaut known as Marvel Studios. Iron Man. The Hulk. Thor. Captain America. The Avengers. Never before has a film company accomplished what Marvel Studios has in its universe building. Doc and Thomas look at each of these films, the upcoming films and the Marvel properties that are held at other studios: Spider-Man, X-Men and the Fantastic Four.

Monster Movie Podcast
Episode 50 – Marvel Studios
(127min, 58.64MB)
Direct Download

If you love horror films, it is likely that you have an affection for the modern super-hero sub genre as well. This week, coinciding with the release of Iron Man 3, Doc and Thomas delve into the films from Marvel Studios and those properties that got away (some of which have already returned to the fold). The ascention of what Marvel calls Phase 1 and the beginning of Phase 2 has audiences on the edge of their seat. Beginning with Iron Man, introducing Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, Marvel struck gold and have not stopped since.

However, before getting into The Avengers, Doc and Thomas take a look at the films from other studios using licensed Marvel properties. It began in 1998 with Wesley Snipes as Blade which is sold as a full blown horror film. The film launches a franchise with two sequels and a brief TV series. Then X-Men and Spider-Man arrive changing the face of superheroes in film. Both directors, Bryan Singer and Sam Raimi show they not only know the source material but they have great respect for it as well producing two of the best super-hero films to this day: X-Men 2 and Spider-Man 2. Then things start to wobble a bit as they cover Fantastic Four films, Daredevil, Ghost Rider and Punisher. Regardless, super-heroes are here to stay.

In 2009, Marvel Studios is born as they begin to steer their own properties (the ones that remain in their care) into movies of their own beginning with Iron Man. A little known property, compared to Spider-Man and Wolverine, Iron Man is a risky move, but the risk pays off. Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr. as its star, is a huge hit. The Hulk quickly follows. While not as big a hit as Iron Man, The Hulk solidifies Marvel Studios entry into film history. They also begin their unique brand of universe building, introducing the concept of Phase I. Iron Man 2 follows along with Thor and Captain America. While each stands on its own, they combine to build toward one of the highest grossing films in history, The Avengers. Doc and Thomas take a look at each film as well as Iron Man3 which begins Phase 2 leading up to the upcoming Avengers 2.

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