Cosmic Circus Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Sundance Film Festival 2025: Omaha, Bubbles & Squeak, Twinless controversy, and more | Cosmic Circus Reviews Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

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

Sundance Film Festival 2025: Train Dreams, Perfect Neighbor, Plainclothes, & more! | Cosmic Circus Reviews Feb 02, 2025

Show notes

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

Sundance 2025: Life After, Sally & Middletown Documentaries, Rains Over Babel, and more! | Cosmic Circus Reviews Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Comics: Origins and Multiverse | Cosmic Circus Comics Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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

Sundance 2025: Interview with Gala del Sol (Rains Over Babel) | Cosmic Circus Interviews Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

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

Companion Movie Review: Sophie Thatcher STUNS in Drew Hancock’s new AI Horror | Cosmic Circus Reviews Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

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

How WOLF MAN compares to Leigh Whannell’s past films (Upgrade, Saw, Invisible Man) | Cosmic Circus Reviews Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

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

Sundance Film Festival 2025: 10 Films to Watch For | Cosmic Circus Reviews Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

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

Flow Animated Film Discussion | Cosmic Circus Reviews Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

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

Nosferatu on Film: Our Cinematic Vampire Journey | Cosmic Circus Reviews Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

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

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