Reading Between the Reels: Finding Meaning in the Movies You Love

RBR #115: "Spider-Man 3" (MARVEL before the MCU)

Spider-Man 3 is the ambitious but overstuffed conclusion to Sam Raimi’s trilogy that struggles under the weight of too many villains and subplots. As the 15th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series, the film was a box office success but ultimately fell short of the high creative bar set by Spider-Man 2.

RBR #114: "Ghost Rider" (MARVEL before the MCU)

Ghost Rider is an adaptation of the Marvel comic featuring Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze, a stunt motorcyclist who makes a deal with the devil and transforms into a fiery-skulled antihero. As the 14th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series, the film offers some entertaining action sequences and striking CGI effects. 

RBR #113: "X-Men: The Last Stand" (MARVEL before the MCU)

X-Men: The Last Stand is the third installment in the X-Men film series. The 13th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series revolves around the discovery of a "cure" for mutation, while simultaneously exploring the rise of the Phoenix, an uncontrollable and immensely powerful alternate persona of Jean Grey.

#StarWarsPodcastDay Bonus Episode: “Revenge of the Sith" (Re-Release)

For this year’s “Star Wars Podcast Day," we go back into the archives for one of our first deconstructions and revisit an early episode of “Coruscant Community College” in which we break down Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith.

RBR #112: "Fantastic Four" (MARVEL before the MCU)

Fantastic Four (2005) is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name. The 12th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series blends action, humor, and the challenges of newfound abilities while exploring themes of teamwork and identity.

RBR #111: "Elektra" (MARVEL before the MCU)

Elektra (2005) is a spin-off of Daredevil (2003) that follows the journey of the eponymous assassin played by Jennifer Garner. The 11th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series delves into themes of redemption, family, and self-discovery, as Elektra grapples with her role as both a protector and a killer.

RBR #110: "Blade: Trinity" (MARVEL before the MCU)

Blade: Trinity is a 2004 film written and directed by David S. Goyer and the third installment in the Blade film franchise. The 10th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series combines action, supernatural intrigue, and martial arts with a mix of intense combat and a touch of humor.

RBR #109: "Spider-Man 2" (MARVEL before the MCU)

Spider-Man 2 is the 2004 sequel to the highly successful 2002 film featuring the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The 9th entry in our “Marvel before the MCU” series explores themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and the weight of heroic duty, earning critical acclaim for its emotional depth and thrilling action sequences.