Cosmic Circus Podcasts

The Cosmic Circus
  • 5.0 (6)
  • FILM REVIEWS

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

  1. 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Season 1 Review with Vin & Drew

    4D AGO

    'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Season 1 Review with Vin & Drew

    Vin & Drew breakdown the first season of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" from the Game of Thrones universe. They also discuss the state of the franchise overall and what other media adaptations can learn from the success of the show. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro and spoiler warning 01:36 - Drew and Vin's histories with the Game of Thrones universe 05:15 - Initial impressions of A Knight of Seven Kingdoms in comparison with previous Game of Thrones series and House of the Dragon 08:38 - How would you pitch A Knight of Seven Kingdoms to someone who is not into GOT 10:00 - Excellent character work and writing, including great side characters 17:25 - This is a show that makes them excited about Game of Thrones again, after some of the negative discourse about previous series. 18:10 - Negatives about A Knight of Seven Kingdoms, and the challenge of keeping viewers engaged in what amounts to an anthology series. 21:00 - Still a lot of story to tell about Dunk and Egg for season 2 and beyond. 24:30 - What can House of the Dragon and other GOT spinoffs learn from this new series? 27:00 - A great foundation to work from for future seasons 28:50 - Lessons learned about good book adaptations 31:45 - What can other franchise media (Marvel, DC, Star Wars) take away from what this series did? 33:50 - Final thoughts and rating for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 34:35 - Outro For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus Find the video version of this discussion and much more on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus For more nerdy pop culture coverage, including movie and TV news, reviews, and interviews by The Cosmic Circus contributors, visit TheCosmicCircus.com

    35 min
  2. Stephen Murphy Talks Working on 'Primate' as Director of Photography in this exclusive interview!

    FEB 22

    Stephen Murphy Talks Working on 'Primate' as Director of Photography in this exclusive interview!

    In our interview with Stephen Murphy, he discusses his personal journey into the art of cinematography and his distinct vision for the film. Through shadows, darkness, vivid colors, and specific angles and shots, this cinematographer discusses how he shaped key scenes in the film to elicit specific emotions from the audience and what classic horror films influenced some of his work. Primate (2026) is currently available to rent or buy on digital, with a Blu-ray/DVD release scheduled for April 21, 2026.   Timestamps for our interview with Stephen Murphy about Primate 00:00 - Intro. What is the role of a Director of Photography in films and shows? 02:16 - What is his personal journey into cinematography? 05:30 - What was the overall visual philosophy used in Primate? 07:30 - On homages to past films in the genre in this film. 08:30 - Using light to create suspense instead of "jump scares." 10:50 - The process of setting up the scenes and collaborating with different directors 13:05 - On working on Heart Eyes (2025). 14:00 - The use of color in the visuals in Primate. (such as the pool scenes) 16:15 - Achieving a claustrophobic feel in the film using the lenses and environment.  19:15 - A shot that he's particularly proud of in the film. 19:40- Filming inside the closet 21:50 - What do you hope audiences take away from your work as cinematographer in Primate?

    23 min
  3. Jacob Elordi’s Monster Steals the Show in Netflix’s Frankenstein | Cosmic Circus Reviews

    11/10/2025

    Jacob Elordi’s Monster Steals the Show in Netflix’s Frankenstein | Cosmic Circus Reviews

    Hosts Vin and John break down Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 Frankenstein, assessing its faithfulness to Mary Shelley’s novel, standout performances (especially Jacob Elordi), and striking production design. They praise the costumes, music, and Elordi’s soulful turn, but criticize the film’s slow first hour, digital look, uneven pacing, and an ending that doesn’t fully land. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 01:15 - Intro to Frankenstein, talking about Mary Shelley's novel and what the story is about, as well as other film versions of this classic tale. 06:00 - Frankenstein (2025) film discussion with mild spoilers 08:40 - Jacob Elordi's performance 09:30 - Comparing the book to the 2025 film 11:35 - Positives and negatives about the film, and "the Netflix effect" 16:20 - The Monster's design, costumes and production design 20:30 - The ending and other overall thoughts 25:00 - Outro

    25 min
  4. Exclusive Interview: RJ Christian and Cassidy Sledge of 'Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern'

    10/31/2025

    Exclusive Interview: RJ Christian and Cassidy Sledge of 'Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern'

    Host Brian Kitson speaks with cast members from the North American touring production of Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern, RJ Christian and Cassidy Sledge! In this exclusive interview, these two discuss what drew them to the show and how it blends the elements we know and love of the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) into a stage show! Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern arrives in Detroit at the Fisher Theatre for one day only! So get your tickets for the Saturday, November 1st performances (2 pm and 7:30 pm) from Broadway in Detroit! Timestamps for Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern Interview: 00:00 - Intro, Cassidy Sledge and RJ Christian on their introduction to Dungeons & Dragons 02:45 - How they are bringing Dungeons & Dragons to the stage with The Twenty-Sided Tavern 06:30 - Playing with the audience as "the 4th player." 09:10 - How they have prepared for a show that requires a lot of improv 11:50 - Talking about guest stars they've had doing the show and making exciting things happen on stage 16:00 - Keeping on your toes during a performance and other skills needed 18:41 - All audiences can enjoy this show, not just D&D fans. 22:50 - Is it more fun to have a successful mission or one that fails during this show? 28:24 - Outro

    29 min
  5. Season reviews of Alien: Earth and Marvel Zombies, with bonus Peacemaker season 2! | Cosmic Circus Reviews

    09/29/2025

    Season reviews of Alien: Earth and Marvel Zombies, with bonus Peacemaker season 2! | Cosmic Circus Reviews

    Vin and Cam return to talk about season 1 of Alien: Earth and its finale as well as the new Marvel Zombies series, weighing bold ideas against messy execution. They discuss hybrid androids, underused xenomorphs, standout creature concepts, and pacing issues that left both shows leaning on potential rather than payoff. They also break down Marvel Zombies' highlights along with the lowlights and debate the need for Marvel Studios to go to tighter, more emotional storytelling and better season finales for their shows.  They finish up with a quick chat about Peacemaker season 2, which they have already reviews in a previous episode of the podcast.   Alien: Earth (2025) - Created by Noah Hawley - Starring Sydney Chandler, Samuel Blenkin, Timothy Olyphant, Babou Ceesay Marvel Zombies (2025) - Created by Bryan Andrews & Zeb Wells - Starring Iman Vellani, Elizabeth Olsen, Todd Williams, Simu Liu, Awkwafina Peacemaker Season 2 (2025) - Created by James Gunn - Starring John Cena, Jennifer Holland, Danielle Brooks Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 00:40 - Alien: Earth season 1 discussion with spoilers 13:54 - Ranking Alien: Earth with the films 16:10 - Do we want a second season? The state of the Alien franchise right now. 21:10 - Marvel Zombies discussion with spoilers 34:20 - How will Marvel Studios wind up The Multiverse Saga? 39:55 - Should there be a Marvel Zombies season 2? 41:14 - Peacemaker season 2 quick discussion (reviewed in a prior episode) 43:11 - Outro For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus Find the video version of this discussion on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus

    44 min
  6. Marvel Zombies: From Comics to the New TVMA Series | Cosmic Circus Comics

    09/24/2025

    Marvel Zombies: From Comics to the New TVMA Series | Cosmic Circus Comics

    Vin and Vic break down the Marvel Zombies franchise, covering the core comics (Marvel Zombies 2005, Dead Days, Marvel Zombies 2, Return) and detailing the infection storyline, and creator Robert Kirkman’s influence. They share personal reactions, comparing zombies to vampires, discuss the What If... adaptation and MCU tie‑in potential (Secret Wars), assess the TV‑MA animated series, and offer bonus reading and crossover recommendations, including the new Marvel Zombies Red Band miniseries. A video version of this podcast is available on our YouTube channel @TheCosmicCircus Timestamps 00:00:0 - Intros 00:01:00 - Exploring Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four 00:04:27 - The Council of Reeds 00:07:34 - Modern Meets Classic Villains 00:10:16 - Marvel’s Creative Choices 00:10:47 - Stan Lee & Jack Kirby, and The Coming of Galactus 00:15:20- 60 Years of Fantastic 4 Comics 00:16:18 - The Fantastic 4 in Multimedia 00:27:40- Outros

    30 min
  7. 'The Old Woman With a Knife' Movie Review: Stylish Korean Assassin Thriller | Cosmic Circus Reviews

    09/06/2025

    'The Old Woman With a Knife' Movie Review: Stylish Korean Assassin Thriller | Cosmic Circus Reviews

    Vin and John discuss The Old Woman With The Knife, a 2025 South Korean action film about an aging female assassin. They praise the film's visuals, score, performances, and action choreography but note the story's confusing timelines, a late emotional payoff, and an underdeveloped resolution. Overall, they find it stylish and promising, with room for improvement and franchise potential. John and Vin also discuss their love of action movies like Shaw Bros, Jackie Chan, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and the John Wick franchise. THE OLD WOMAN WITH THE KNIFE (2025) - Directed by Min Kyu-dong - Screenplay by Kim Dong-wan & Min Kyu-dong - Based on the novel by Gu Byeong-mo - Starring Lee Hye-young and Kim Sung-cheol Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - Details about The Old Woman with the Knife 03:00 - General thoughts on this movie, comparisons to Ballerina and the John Wick films, as well as other influential films discussed 17:00 - More on the comparisons with the John Wick films 21:34 - Spoilers for The Old Woman with the Knife review discussion 26:00 - Final thoughts on the film. Ideas for stars who might be able to be the American version of the "Old Woman" assassin/killer role, like a female John Wick. 28:21 - Outro and some action movie recommendations For more content and to support The Cosmic Circus and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus Find the video version of this discussion on youtube @TheCosmicCircus

    31 min
  8. 'Alien: Earth' is an Exciting Expansion of the Alien Universe | Cosmic Circus Reviews

    08/18/2025

    'Alien: Earth' is an Exciting Expansion of the Alien Universe | Cosmic Circus Reviews

    Cam & Vin share their reactions to the first two episodes of Alien: Earth, focusing on highlights and surprises in the new FX/Hulu series. The two talk about whether or not they'd like to see more than one season of this series, challenges to the series, parallels with Blade Runner, and how Star Wars handles film and show connections vs. how the Alien franchise handles it. Listen in to find out what they think of the series so far and see if it lines up with what you think or not! Find the video version of this podcast on YouTube @TheCosmicCircus Alien: Earth (2025) S1 E1-2  - Created for television by Noah Hawley - Starring Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Timothy Olyphant Timestamps  00:00 - Intro 01:25 History with the Alien franchise 03:57 - Intro to Alien: Earth premiere episodes recap 08:55 - Are feelings positive or negative on the new series so far? 10:00 - Blade Runner parallels and similarities 10:45 - Companies in Alien: Earth competing 12:09 - Pacing and other challenges for the series 13:08 - Expanding Ridley Scott's Alien franchise lore in this new FX/Hulu series 14:00 - Questioning the ethics of having children in adult bodies 15:33 - Vin's thirst for blood in the series 16:32 - What new things do you like in the show? 19:50 - Do we want multiple seasons of Alien: Earth? 21:20- Building consistency with films and other media. Star Wars vs. Alien handling of films and shows.  24:25 - Is this a good start to the series? 27:30 - Final thoughts on the premiere episodes of Alien: Earth, and Timothy Olyphant's weird blonde hair.  28:55 - Outro For more content and to support TheCosmicCircus.com and this channel please join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/cosmiccircus

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    The Cosmic Circus
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Cosmic Circus
  • Show Website
    Cosmic Circus Podcasts