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 overshadowed by later entries?

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 gems that make it worth a second look?

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's witty dialogue, deconstruction of the hero, and whether its handling of trauma holds up. Tune in to explore why this black sheep of the MCU remains one of its most debated entries.

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 spectacle - and explore why this billion-dollar gamble still stands tall as a landmark in superhero cinema.

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 to “I had a date,” they explore why this earnest origin still stands tall in the MCU canon.

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 sense of wonder. Is Thor a foundational classic or an overlooked gem in the Infinity Saga?

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 legacy land as strongly as they should. Is it a worthy follow-up or just a stepping stone to something greater?

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’t, and why this film might deserve more credit than it gets.

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 franchise to come.