Ben & Matt's Marvellous Journey: Recent Episodes
Ben Phillips & Matt Waters
Ben Phillips and Matt Waters are on a journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What started as the run-up to Infinity War has since evolved into an annual check-in on the year that was for Marvel.
Each episode we visit Comic Corner for a summary of the books being drawn from, review the movie/show in question, assess the quality of the villain and decide if any actor belongs on our All-Marvel List.
Hey wait a minute, Guardians 3 wasn't the first MCU project of 2023, and it's not 2024 yet! Why is there a new episode of Marvellous Journey?
Well imaginary listener who is unrealistically invested on our sporadic podcast, the answer is we're kiiiind of bringing the show to an end and decided to go out on a high note. We did still discuss the rest of the 2023 films and shows but in a lightning-round fashion.
So for probably the last time lets discuss the villains, the ending and who the final entries on the All-Marvel List are as our beloved space-faring scumbags wave farewell and James Gunn heads over to DC.
Hey, you know that segment we do at the end of every episode where we debate if an actor belongs on our list of top performances? And you know how we never actually read the list out anymore because it's become too long? And you know how we've ended up with a BUNCH of spare picks this year? Well, it's time for some tidying up!
In which we discuss Ryan Coogler trying to thread one of the most difficult needles in recent film history, annoying white people, the degree to which the supporting cast stepped up to fill a tragic void, and Tenoch 'Too Big' Huerta.
In which we discuss Marvel's first 'Special', the complex comic history of two relatively obscure characters, commitment to the genre and get into an intense debate about whether Gael Garcia Bernal belongs on our All-Marvel list. Plus Ben REALLY wants you to read Nextwave.
In which we discuss the internet's favourite MCU show, Marvel's struggles with commitment to a genre, yet more dodgy CGI, the great version of this show hiding within and of course everyone's favourite horn-head (now with extra emphasis on the horn).
In which we discuss how things could change so dramatically when running it back with the same creative vision, the transparency of Marvel making things up as they go, the ongoing visual effects crisis, whether Christian Bale deserves an All-Marvel nod and the awkward fit of trying to tell two stories in one.
In which we discuss the monumental shift in how television works over the last 15 years, the twisty turny creator intent for Kamala Khan, the ways in which Marvel can't help but meddle with a good thing, and sing the praises of Iman Vellani.
Bouncing back from all the negativity that comes with Moon Knight, Ben & Matt are thrilled to be in more positive territory again as they step into Sam Raimi's Multiverse of Madness.
We discuss the troubled production, Raimi's return to the directing chair, the elaborate comic book inspirations, how it does (and doesn't) tie into WandaVision and Loki, Marvel's stunt casting problems and do our best to tackle the sticky villain situation.
Ben & Matt are back for another year and the vibes are absolutely rancid as they're forced to pick the bones of Moon Knight once again.
From their love of the character in the comics to the production's many baffling decisions, it's a pretty intense episode for sure... Welcome back everyone!
It's time once again for The Reel World's two superhero podcasts to cross the streams, as Ben, Matt, Jerome & Brian break down Phase 4 of the MCU and answer some burning questions.
Plus the ever-chaotic combined rankings of every movie and show. Enjoy the madness!
Although we've come to the end of the road, still I can't let go, it's unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you. Wait, that's something else.
Yes, it's time to complete the 2021 Volume of the Podcast with a dramatic shift in opinion of Spider-Man: No Way Home. We talk COVID struggles, bad CGI and the grim future of the MCU.
The last of Marvel's forays into television in 2021 of course means a discussion of Bumblebee, the Jeremy Renner App, Hawaiian Shirt Blastoise and a dog solving a murder.
It's only fitting that one of Marvel's weirdest movies would lead to one of our weirdest episodes as we set out to defend the much-maligned cosmic tale... only to criticise it for an hour. Can Ben argue Harry Styles onto the All-Marvel list? Can Matt convince Ben that Thena's arc is Actually Good? Let's find out!
Who wants to hear a surprising amount of talk about Iron Fist? Nobody? Well too bad! You also get to hear us gush about Tony Leung and open up the old wounds of Marvel's third act problem... So there's that!
Black Widow FINALLY came out after extensive Covid-delays but was simply too addicted to drama, giving your hosts a wealth to dig into. Not that there's much time after all the gushing about Florence Pugh...
At last, a television show that knows it's a television show. Bizarrely, we think it's better for it! Your hosts discuss the tight-knit cast, the consistent quality, the bombastic guest appearance and what it all means for the future.
Urghhhh. We all knew this day would come, but that doesn't make your hosts any happier about it. Gather around one and all to hear about the woeful handling of John Walker, the passivity of the leads and how ill-equipped the show as to tackle racism, as well as the few high points.
Their look back at 2021 begins with Marvel's first proper adventure into the medium of television, and boy is there a lot of television involved! They talk the gimmick, the cast, future ramifications and have a difficult call to make with their All-Marvel actors list.
Unfortunately, the show no longer works as originally designed, so it's time for an overhaul ahead of a full return. This episode acts as a primer on content changes and release schedule going forward.
Plus some shots fired at a certain 2021 MCU project...
(This is an episode of The Supehero Pantheon. Ben & Matt feature in the second half only)
Jerome and Brian discuss their final movie of season, the highest grossing film of all-time, Avengers; Endgame. They spend nearly two hours breaking down the different aspects of the film and its placement in the Pantheon should be little in doubt. The second half of the show features Ben Phillips and Matt Waters coming onto discuss their master list of the first 23 movies of the MCU. Please forgive Matt Waters in his wrongness. Despite this fact, he and Ben were great guests.
With the first three Phases of the MCU firmly in the books and nothing on the horizon until 2020, Ben & Matt close out this volume of the podcast with a look at the distant future, including the 11 projects announced as Comic-Con and more.
Black Widow: 14.17
The Falcon & The Winter Soldier: 20.54
The Eternals: 28.41
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: 35.57
WandaVision: 39.31
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: 43.14
Loki: 48.07
What If...?: 50.30
Hawkeye: 53.33
Thor: Love & Thunder: 56.11
Blade: 1:04.14
Phase 5, Fantastic Four and X-Men: 01:07.14
The Netflix Characters: 01:18.17
The Hulu Shows: 01:21.19
Future of the Podcast: 01:23.47
It's all been leading to this. What made us laugh? What made us cry?What made us angry? Who lived? Who died? Who made it onto the All-Marvel List? Find out now.
Ben & Matt go Higher, Further, Faster as they review Marvel's first female-led movie, and one of the pair is far more positive about it than the other.
That doesn't stop them from making outdated James Gunn references and breaking every last bit of the movie down in an effort to drain the fun out of it/inform and entertain.
The boys, girls and ants are back in town with about the least serious follow-up to the cliffhanger ending of Infinity War imaginable. We stan Evangeline Lily, lament the execution of Ghost and wish for far more Walton Goggins, as well as all of our usual segments.
Ben & Matt's Marvellous Journey and The Superhero Pantheon combine forces once again to preview the upcoming Avengers: Endgame. There are updated MCU rankings to discuss, a new wager to make and of course some burning questions about the movie and the future of Marvel and DC... as well as some spirited debate about the results of last year's bet.
It is with great displeasure that The Reel World presents Ben & Matt's review of Catwoman thanks to a wager about plot details of Avengers: Infinity War with The Superhero Pantheon. What did Ben & Matt do instead of watching it? How many interesting factoids could Matt be bothered to learn from a rudimentary internet search? How did they get 42 minutes of discussion out of it? You have to listen to find out. Actually, they HAD to review it, you don't HAVE to listen.
Finally! Finally we've reached Infinity War. We're talking deaths. We're talking fights. We're talking villains. We're talking beards. We're talking biceps. We're not sure about our sexuality anymore.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of Marvel Studios' first release, Iron Man, Ben & Matt take a look back at the rise of cinematic universes, superhero fatigue and the general ups and downs of the MCU over the last decade.
In the second version of this episode, Ben & Matt are STILL two middle class white guys talking about Afrocentricity in a superhero movie. Interested? Of course you are!
In a special bonus episode of Ben & Matt's Marvellous Journey, The Reel World crosses over with The Superhero Pantheon to preview Infinity War. 4 voices, 3 time zones, 2 podcasts, 1 high stakes bet. Let's do this.
In an episode of many minor errors and too much reciting of jokes, Ben & Matt do manage to find some time to discuss the themes, behind the scenes trivia and background behind one of Marvel's most wholly successful movies. Just.
Originally slated to be a 20 minute bonus episode, Matt's concerning adoration for Spider-Man ballooned this by an hour and threatened to consume the entire world.
Still, how good are Tom Holland and Michael Keaton?!
Just when you thought all the crazy colours were done for your pals Baby Groot and Trash Panda are heading to the darkest reaches of space. We also learn more about Drax's nipples than we might like and even meet Peter Quill's dad!
The game is afoot and Sherl... oh, sorry, wrong thing.
The Doctor will see you now! Yes, Benadict Cumberbatch throws his hat into the magic circle as Stephen Strange, ushering in the age of psychedelia to the MCU. Everybody turn on your blacklights and let's take a journey into mystery together.
It had all been building to this... The battle lines are drawn and one of the greatest superhero movies of all time ended up coming out the other side. Whose side are you on? Cap's obviously, because you're not an inhuman monster.
Ben & Matt tried their hardest to keep this one under an hour... but just about failed. Curse you, dramatic behind the scenes issues!
Marvel's messiest film of course led to Ben & Matt's messiest podcast, with talking points flying all over the place, from Joss Whedon's reported burnout to Thor playing in a cave to the controversial Hulk/Black Widow romance and much, much more, we've got it all here for you, folks. All hail Robert California.
Can ya boys, Ben & Matt, produce their usual amazing audio content without the aid of Matt's extensive preplanning? Well grab your cassette tapes and find out, Guardians fans.
Despite some audio issues and a format that really got away from them, your favourite duo were able to review one of the best received Marvel movies to date and even weigh in on the 'Who is the best Chris?' debate for good measure.
Yaaaawn. That's right, despite a few amazing isolated moments, this film is a bit of a drag, but Ben & Matt will do their best to keep you awake throughout. Featuring background on the tumultuous production, some fun musings and looks forward and back. Thor!
Prepare yourself for the greatest defence of this movie ever mounted. That's right, the two annoying Brits LIKED the third Iron Man. You know what else? They LOVED the Mandarin stuff! What a world.
What can be said about one of the highest grossing films of all time that hasn't been already? Let's all find out together shall we?
What more objective source to talk about a symbol of America than two young Brits? Ben & Matt are here with a tonne of notes about the tumultuous history of Captain America on film, a brief history lesson on the character's interesting background in comic books and a TONNE of praise for the cast as per usual.
Cap is a sub.
Featuring notes and opinions on one of the more divisive films in the MCU. Matt has definitely chosen his bridge to die on. Also, full disclosure, there's a pretty poor edit in this episode inserting material recorded separately. If you spot it you win the no prize.
Featuring notes on Marvel's first sequel as well as their first major recasting. There's even a script this time! Ben & Matt wax lyrical about the MCU's first truly great villain... also Mickey Rourke is here. Last one to invent an element is a rotten egg!
Featuring background on Marvel's decision to reboot The Hulk, the Edward Norton drama, a brief history of The Hulk in comic books and of course a tonne of thoughts and info about the film itself. Plus Matt totally mistakes Black Widow and Scarlet Witch. What a fake geek boy.
Featuring background on Marvel's formation of its own film studio, the state of superhero movies in 2008, the history of Iron Man in comic books and of course a tonne of thoughts and info about the film itself. Plus niche quotes from beloved cancelled sitcoms!