The Cosmic Circus

John & Vin discuss Control Freak, one of the most surprising new horror movies of the year so far. A powerful mix of anxiety, generational trauma, and body horror! Control Freak (2025) Directed & written by Shal Ngo Cinematography by Scott B. Siracusano Starring Kelly Marie Tran, Miles Robbins, Toan Le, Kieu Chinh Releasing on #Hulu March 13 For the video of this podcast visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaoWrr_e3kw&t=16s   FULL SPOILER DISCUSSION will be on Patreon after the film's release date. Sign up here:  https://www.patreon.com/cosmiccircus/membership   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

John & Vin react to the 2025 Oscars! From Conclave to Nosferatu, from Flow to Wild Robot, join the boys as they unpack an exciting year at the movies! They also discuss their personal predictions for the ceremony and crown a winner for the person with the most correct predictions!   For a video of this podcast visit our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus 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  

In the latest The Cosmic Circle episode, writers Anthony, Vic, and Vin talk about Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. What were their favorite callbacks? How does it hold up to other Spider-Man media? What do they want to see from the future of this series? Tune in to find out!   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      

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 #nickelboys #filmmaking #moviereview #moviereaction #academyawards #oscars #bestpicture #storytelling 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  

Vin and John talk about toxic relationships, ghosting, and the new horror flick The Dead Thing coming this weekend to streaming platform Find the video of this podcast on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus   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  

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    Find the video to the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus   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  

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/ Find the video version of this podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus   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  

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  Find the video version of this review on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thecosmiccircus   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  

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  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  

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  

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 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  

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 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  

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

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  

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  

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  

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 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

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

John & Vin discuss the history of #Nosferatu on screen. From F.W. Murnau's 1922 film to Robert Egger's 2024 film, with special mention of Werner Herzog's 1979 remake and other versions of Dracula as well! Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922) Directed by F. W. Murnau Screenplay by Henrik Galeen Based on Dracula by Bram Stoker Starring Max Schreck Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) Written and Directed by Werner Herzog Based on Dracula by Bram Stoker Based on Nosferatu by F. W. Murnau and Henrik Galeen Starring Klaus Kinski, Isabelle Adjani Nosferatu (2024) Written and Directed by Robert Eggers Based on Nosferatu by F. W. Murnau and Henrik Galeen Starring Bill Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp 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

Vic and Vin breakdown the new Superman (2025) trailer. The boys talk about some of their favorite pieces of inspiration they noticed, and what these story decisions could mean for the future of James Gunn's new DCU. #superman #superheromovies #supermancomics 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