Cosmic Circus Podcasts
We discuss movies, TV shows and streaming series, comics, and comic book movies (such as DC or Marvel Studios). Video versions of many of these episodes are on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus . If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting us on patreon.com/cosmiccircus . Benefits include a private Discord where you can talk about movies, shows, books, games and comics with other fans! For more from The Cosmic Circus, including links to articles, film, TV series, comics, books, and game reviews, visit thecosmiccircus.com Questions? Concerns? Suggestions? Please contact: podcasts@thecosmiccircus.com
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Episodes
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
John & Vin review Nickel Boys in preparation for the 2025 Oscars in March. Could this be our next Best Picture Winner? What makes this movie so special? Tune in to find out!
NICKEL BOYS (2024) - Directed by RaMell Ross - Screenplay by RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes - Based on The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead - Starring Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs, Jimmie Fails, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
A video version of this podcast can be found on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus
Did you enjoy this podcast? For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Find the video to the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
John & Vin review the latest Marvel Studios movie, Captain America: Brave New World, which feels neither brave nor new. They unpack the legacy of Sam Wilson and the Captain America title, the shortcomings of Cap 4, and the uphill battle facing the end of the Multiverse Saga.
Captain America: Brave New World (2025) Directed by Julius Onah Written by Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, Julius Onah, Peter Glanz Starring Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Tim Blake Nelson, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito Cinematography by Kramer Morgenthau Edited by Matthew Schmidt & Madeleine Gavin Music by Laura Karpman
A video version of this podcast can be found on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus
Did you enjoy this podcast? For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Vin and John talk about toxic relationships, ghosting, and the new horror flick The Dead Thing coming this weekend to streaming platform
A video version of this podcast can be found on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus
Did you enjoy this podcast? For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
The Dead Thing Directed by Elric Kane Starring Blu Hunt and Ben Smith-Petersen
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
In anticipation for Captain America: Brave New World. Vin & Vic discuss the comics history of Sam Wilson, from Falcon to Captain America! Including comics history, reading recommendations, and Sam’s journey from page to screen in the MCU.
Captain America Sam Wilson Reading Guide: https://thecosmiccircus.com/captain-america-sam-wilson-comics-reading-guide/
A video version of this podcast can be found on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus
Did you enjoy this podcast? For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
Timestamps0:00 Intro 4:14 1970s - Early Falcon Captain America (1968) #117-119, 133-134, 169-171 5:02 1998 - First time Sam Wilson became Captain America Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #8-9 by Mark Waid & Doug Braithwaite 5:30 2013 - Rick Remender's All-New Captain America Captain America (2013) #1-25 (esp #16-25) All-New Captain America (2014) #1-6, Special #1 ("HYDRA Ascendant") Collected in Captain America Sam Wilson Complete Collection Vol. 1 11:43 2015 - Nick Spencer's Captain America: Sam Wilson and Secret Empire Captain America: Sam Wilson (2015) #1-25 with Sam #22-25: Secret Empire (2017) #0-10 Collected in Captain America Sam Wilson Complete Collection Vol. 2 22:23 2017 - The Falcon & the Winter Soldier Falcon (2017) #1-8 by Rodney Barnes Falcon & Winter Soldier (2020) #1-5 by Derek Landy 24:40 2021 - Captain America again The United States of Captain America (2021) #1-5 26:08 2022 - Tochi Onyebuchi's Captain America: Symbol of Truth and Cold War Captain America: Symbol of Truth (2022) #0-14, 750 Captain America: Cold War (2023) 27:09 Captain America Isaiah Bradley Truth: Red, White and Black (2003) #1-7 28:03 Falcon Joaquin Torres Champions (2016) #16-18 Champions (2019) #1-6, 9-10 Champions (2020) #1, 7, 9 28:47 Thunderbolt Ross: Red Hulk World War Hulk (2007) Hulk (2008) #1-57 Thunderbolts (2013) #1-32, Annual #1 Hulk (2014) #6, 10, 13-15 Captain America (2018) #1-2, 5, 20-29 29:55 Final thoughts before Captain America: Brave New World 33:32 Outro
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
John & Vin share their reactions to the movie Bring Them Down, a new drama-thriller from MUBI! The film follows two men from neighboring families who get embroiled in a beef with catastrophic consequences for the community.
Bring Them Down (2025) - Directed & written by Christopher Andrews (feature directorial debut) - Story by Christopher Andrews & Jonathan Hourigan - Starring Barry Keoghan & Christopher Abbott
A video version of this podcast can be found on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus
Did you enjoy this podcast? For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Vin & Vic breakdown the new teaser for The Fantastic Four: First Steps from Marvel Studios. The comics lads discuss their favorite moments, parallels to the previous Fantastic Four movies, comics inspirations, and the future of the Fantastic Four in the MCU! They also discuss their expectations for Avengers: Doomsday and how their anticipation for the Fantastic Four reboot (July 25) compares to their feelings on James Gunn's competing DCU Superman movie (July 11).
Find the video of this podcast on our Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus
Comics recommendations mentioned: - Fantastic Four by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby (1960s) - Fantastic Four by Mark Waid & Mike Wieringo (2000s) - Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman (2010s) - Fantastic Four by Ryan North (2020s)
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Vin and John wrap up Sundance this year with a quick review of 11 films John screened. See the list with more info below! Be sure to check out our other reviews from Sundance Film Festival 2025 on this channel and on TheCosmicCircus.com
Find a video version of this podcast on YouTube https://youtu.be/Xib3gTFhXXE
Atropia - USA Directed & written by Hailey Gates Starring Alia Shawkat, Callum Turner Winner: U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury prize
Bubble & Squeak - USA Directed & written by Evan Twohy Starring Himesh Patel Sarah Goldberg Steven Yeun Dave Franco Matt Berry
Omaha - USA Directed by Cole Webley Written by Robert Machoian
DJ Ahmet - North Macedonia/ Czech Republic / Serbia / Croatia Directed & written by Georgi M. Unkovski Winner: World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision Winner: World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award
East of Wall - USA Directed and written by Kate Beecroft Starring Tabatha Zimiga Porshia Zimiga Scoot McNairy
André is an Idiot - USA Directed by Tony Benna Edited by Parker Laramie Winner: US Documentary Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award Winner: US Documentary Audience Award
Predators - USA Directed by David Osit Edited by David Osit & Nicolás Nørgaard Staffolani
Ricky - USA Directed by Rashad Frett Written by Rashad Frett & Lin Que Ayoung Winner of the Directing Award: US Dramatic
Seeds - USA Directed by Brittany Shyne Edited by Malika Zouhali-Worrall
Zodiac Killer Project - USA / UK Directed by Charlie Shackleton
Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore - USA Directed by Shoshannah Stern Edited by Sara Newens
Timestamps
0:00 Intro 2:39 Atropia - USA Directed & written by Hailey Gates Starring Alia Shawkat, Callum Turner Winner: U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury prize 6:07 Bubble & Squeak - USA Directed & written by Evan Twohy Starring Himesh Patel, Sarah Goldberg, Steven Yeun, Dave Franco, and Matt Berry 8:43 Omaha - USA Directed by Cole Webley Written by Robert Machoian 11:15 DJ Ahmet - North Macedonia/ Czech Republic / Serbia / Croatia Directed & written by Georgi M. Unkovski Winner: World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Creative Vision Winner: World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award 13:05 East of Wall - USA Directed and written by Kate Beecroft Starring Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, and Scoot McNairy 15:57 André is an Idiot - USA Directed by Tony Benna Edited by Parker Laramie Winner: US Documentary Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award Winner: US Documentary Audience Award 17:52 Predators - USA Directed by David Osit Edited by David Osit & Nicolás Nørgaard Staffolani 22:55 Ricky - USA Directed by Rashad Frett Written by Rashad Frett & Lin Que Ayoung Winner of the Directing Award: US Dramatic 23:05 Seeds - USA Directed by Brittany Shyne Edited by Malika Zouhali-Worrall 26:12 Zodiac Killer Project - USA / UK Directed by Charlie Shackleton 28:47 Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore - USA Directed by Shoshannah Stern Edited by Sara Newens 31:17 Twinless controversy 35:51 Wrapping up Sundance 2025 36:44 Outro
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Vin and John discuss 4 more films showing at Sundance Film Festival this year, which John says are all "bangers". Watch and learn more about these great films at Sundance 2025!
Train Dreams - USA Director(s) Clint Bentley Screenwriters Clint Bentley Greg Kwedar Starring Joel Edgerton Felicity Jones Kerry Condon William H. Macy
The Things You Kill - Turkey Director(s) Alireza Khatami Screenwriter Alireza Khatami
The Perfect Neighbor - USA Director Geeta Gandbhir Editor Viridiana Lieberman
Plainclothes - USA Directed & written by Carmen Emmi
Timestamps
0:00 Intro 2:27 Train Dreams - USA Director: Clint Bentley Screenwriters: Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar Starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, and William H. Macy 7:20 The Things You K ll - Turkey Directed & written by Alireza Khatami 11:43 The Perfect Neighbor - USA Director: Geeta Gandbhir Editor: Viridiana Lieberman 18:05 Plainclothes - USA Directed & written by Carmen Emmi 23:04 John's top recommendation 24:55 Outro
Find the audio version of this podcast here or most places podcasts are available: https://the-cosmic-circus.castos.com/ For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
John & Vin discuss the first batch of films from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. An exciting, emotional, and exceptional group of films to launch the biggest indie film festival in the United States!
Find the video of this review on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus
Middletown Directors & Writers Amanda McBaine & Jesse Moss
Rains Over Babel - Spanish Director Gala del Sol Screenwriter Gala del Sol
Life After Director Reid Davenport Editor Don Bernier
Sally (Sally Ride documentary) Director Cristina Costantini Writers Cristina Costantini & Tom Maroney Editor Kate Hackett, Andy McAllister
The Virgin of Quarry Lake - Spanish Director Laura Casabé Writer Benjamín Naishtat Based on "El carrito" and "La virgen de la tosquera" by Mariana Enríquez
Timestamps
0:00 Intro 1:56 The Virgin of Quarry Lake - Spanish Director Laura Casabé Writer Benjamín Naishtat Based on "El carrito" and "La virgen de la tosquera" by Mariana Enríquez 4:52 Middletown Directors & Writers Amanda McBaine & Jesse Moss 7:56 Rains Over Babel - Spanish Director Gala del Sol Screenwriter Gala del Sol 11:40 Sally Director Cristina Costantini Writers Cristina Costantini & Tom Maroney Editor Kate Hackett, Andy McAllister 15:34 Life After Director Reid Davenport Editor Don Bernier 26:12 Outro
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
In preparation for Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Vic & Vin discuss the multiverse of Spider-Man origin comics! From the Amazing Spider-Man in 616 to Bendis' Ultimate Spider-Man in 1610, Hickman's 6160, and Marvel's multiverse onscreen, join us as we dive deep into the Amazing and Spectacular Web of Spider-Man!
Find the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus
Main comics reviewed: Ultimate Spider-Man Omnibus by Brian Michael Bendis & Mark Bagley
Death of Spider-Man (Ultimate) by Brian Michael Bendis & Sara Pichelli
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus by Nick Spencer & Ryan Ottley
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #1 by Christos Gage & Eric Gapstur
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
This week at Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker Gala del Sol will premiere her ambitious film Rains Over Babel. The movie has a vibrant aesthetic combining all the influences of her home, Colombia; this is felt in the fashion, the dancing, and the character designs of the film. Adding to this, the movie explores interesting themes involving the LGTBQ experience, prejudice, God or Gods, and the importance of love. The Cosmic Circus was lucky enough to catch up with del Sol to discuss her latest film and how the ideas behind Rains Over Babel took shape. During the interview, we discussed a variety of subjects, including the weight and fear of the COVID-19 pandemic and the spiritual journey she went through in her youth, from wanting to be a nun to becoming a theater-loving adult, all thanks to the encouragement of family.
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Vin reviews Companion, a new sci-fi horror film from BoulderLight Pictures starring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid.
The movie is best watched without any story details at all, but the basic pitch is: What happens when a sexbot goes rogue? The brilliant science fiction premise mixes a breakup story and a sick sense of humor with a ruthless horror bonanza. If this sounds up your alley, then you will absolutely love Companion!
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
John & Vin discuss the new Universal monster movie Wolf Man. They also explore the filmography of writer/director Leigh Whannell and the potential future of a career that launched with hits like Saw, Upgrade, and Invisible Man.
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
John & Vin preview 10 films they're most excited for from Sundance 2025. From time travel and goofy comedies to documentaries and tense thrillers, join us as we take a look at the newest batch of films from one of the world's biggest independent film festivals.
Bubble & Squeak - USA Director(s): Evan Twohy Screenwriter: Evan Twohy Starring: Himesh Patel, Sarah Goldberg, Steven Yeun, Dave Franco, Matt Berry
The Things You K ll - Turkey Director(s): Alireza Khatami Screenwriter: Alireza Khatami
Serious People - USA Director(s): Pasqual Gutierrez & Ben Mullinkosson Screenwriters: Pasqual Gutierrez & Ben Mullinkosson Starring: Pasqual Gutierrez
Train Dreams - USA Director(s): Clint Bentley Screenwriters: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar Starring: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, William H. Macy
By Design - USA Director(s): Amanda Kramer Screenwriter: Amanda Kramer Starring: Juliette Lewis
Endless Cookie - Canada Director(s): Seth Scriver, Peter Scriver Screenwriters: Seth Scriver, Peter Scriver
Luz - Hong Kong/China Director(s): Flora Lau Screenwriter: Flora Lau
The Wedding Banquet - USA Director(s): Andrew Ahn Screenwriters: Andrew Ahn & James Schamus Starring: Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You - USA Director(s): Mary Bronstein Screenwriter: Mary Bronstein Starring: Rose Byrne, A$AP Rocky, Conan O'Brien
Rabbit Trap - UK Director(s): Bryn Chainey Screenwriter: Bryn Chainey Starring: Dev Patel
Timestamps
0:00 Intro 7:16 Bubble & Squeak - USA Director(s): Evan Twohy Screenwriter: Evan Twohy Starring: Himesh Patel, Sarah Goldberg, Steven Yeun, Dave Franco, Matt Berry 8:24 The Things You K ll - Turkey Director(s): Alireza Khatami Screenwriter: Alireza Khatami 9:15 Serious People - USA Director(s): Pasqual Gutierrez & Ben Mullinkosson Screenwriters: Pasqual Gutierrez & Ben Mullinkosson Starring: Pasqual Gutierrez 11:30 Train Dreams - USA Director(s): Clint Bentley Screenwriters: Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar Starring: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, William H. Macy 12:31 By Design - USA Director(s): Amanda Kramer Screenwriter: Amanda Kramer Starring: Juliette Lewis 13:45 Endless Cookie - Canada Director(s): Seth Scriver, Peter Scriver Screenwriters: Seth Scriver, Peter Scriver 14:54 Luz - Hong Kong/China Director(s): Flora Lau Screenwriter: Flora Lau 15:47 The Wedding Banquet - USA Director(s): Andrew Ahn Screenwriters: Andrew Ahn & James Schamus Starring: Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran 17:43 If I Had Legs I’d Kick You - USA Director(s): Mary Bronstein Screenwriter: Mary Bronstein Starring: Rose Byrne, A$AP Rocky, Conan O'Brien 18:52 Rabbit Trap - UK Director(s): Bryn Chainey Screenwriter: Bryn Chainey Starring: Dev Patel 19:45 What to expect from Sundance 23:26 Outro
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com
Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
John and Vin review Flow, a groundbreaking animated film from Latvia. Set after a mysterious apocalyptic event, animals explore the Earth in a post-human world. The 85-minute film contains no dialogue and was rendered entirely on Blender, a free animation software. How does it compare to The Wild Robot? Is this better for kids or adults? Join John and Vin as they break down this monumental achievement in their preparation for awards season. Now a Golden Globes 2025 winner!
FLOW (Straume, 2024) Directed by Gints Zilbalodis Written by Gints Zilbalodis, Matīss Kaža Music by Gints Zilbalodis, Rihards Zaļupe
For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit https://www.thecosmiccircus.com Follow us on social media @mycosmiccircus or visit the Linktree to find us: https://linktr.ee/cosmiccircus