Golden Gauntlet (film)

The Spectacular Gauntlet is the second film in the Mythic Cinematic Universe and the second entry of the Phase One films.

Summary
Amid diplomatic turmoil in the aftermath of the October Crisis, the CCP attempts to amass more territory in Northern Africa which results in war in Egypt. The United States deploys soldiers to hold down the conflict and prepare further war, but dispatched soldier Ryan Reeves duty in the conflict is quickly divided when he is hired by an eccentric band of archaeologists. The gig turns sour when he is trapped within a sand dune, alone with an ancient artifact and a mysterious voice.

Montage
The film opens with a montage of Reeves at war, with various heroics, until eventually showing him returning home to his family in Kansas. They have a picnic and celebrate his return, they are a true American family. The news shows that the United States has entered into the crisis in Northern Africa, Ryan's mother remarks that things haven't been the same since "what happened in Chicago."

Deployed
Ryan is deployed to Egypt, and during a jeep ride to the base there he is introduced to various other soldiers. One of them says that "you're not in Kansas anymore son". The jeep is ambushed by militants and Ryan throws away a grenade and then leaps in front of a fellow soldier, getting shot and blacking out in the process.

The Dune
Falling into the dune, Ryan cries out for help. An angel leads Ryan to an artifact, which imbues him with powers, which will "last as long as your humble heart rings true." Ryan is able to walk again, and climbs back out to his friends to their amazement.

The Final Battle
Kidnapping Amelia, Ryan and Shekelnose have a final battle in the dunes. Once Ryan shines a light on his transgressions, the artifact leaves Shekelnose and instead cripples him. Shekelnose is left alone in the sand, and tries to kill Ryan but is killed by his own hand.

Cast
Ryan Gosling as Ryan Reeves / Golden-Man, a spontaneous, undemanding and friendly soldier.

Adam Driver as Netanhayu Shekelnose / Doctor Glass (jealous and obsessed, Doctor Glass leaves the band and steals a ring from a museum, which makes Shekelnose manipulated by a ghost.

Amelia Eargle, Reeves' Montenegrin love interest.

Acts
Act 1: Simultaneous Arcs

Act 2: Star-Crossed Lovers

Act 3: List of Transgressions