Among the most successful and beloved films in the expansive Marvel Studios catalog, Guardians of the Galaxy was initially seen as a bit of a risk due to its offbeat character designs and obscure source material. However, because of strong performances, a fun array of needle drops, and storytelling that judiciously balances humor and heart, a sci-fi movie about a sentient tree and a talking space raccoon made over $700 million at the international box office and was soon spun off into a multimedia franchise.

Ryan is joined by Cheryl and Toby for a close look at this rollicking, humanistic crowd pleaser. Talking points include the film's emphasis on character over plot, the weird indifference that the MCU has for action scenes that are supposedly the main selling point for movies like this, and how Guardians of the Galaxy is a uniquely personal mutation of special effects-driven popcorn spectacles of past decades.