Cinematic Universe

Joe, James & Rhys compare and contrast Barbarella and Barb Wire, two comic book adaptations released almost three decades apart but with some unique things in common. Starring the sex symbols of their era and aimed squarely at male audiences, how do these movies succeed, how do they fail, and what do we think about Marvel's comic book blockbusters being completely stripped of all their horniness?Email us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's the Cuppies! Our annual awards show where we pit everything we covered on the podcast last year, old and new, against each other for the famous Cuppies silverware (please note - awards not physical). Is Halle Berry's performance in Catwoman better than Margot Robbie's in The Suicide Squad? What has better costumes, Eternals or Batman 66? How many awards is Wandavision really going to win? Lets find out - arbitrary nonsense that lets us celebrate this genre we love so!If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Having successfully avoided catching Omicron over Christmas, Joe, James and Rhys have all seen Spider-Man: No Way Home (aka Spider-Man 8) and are back together to examine every detail of the movie. Apparently it's open-season on spoilers so if you haven't seen the movie we recommend you hold off on this one until you have - we promise it'll be worth the wait.Email us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's Hawkeye time as Joe, James and Rhys look at the latest of Disney+'s Marvel shows: Hawkeye! How did we feel about the big finale guest star? Is Marvel doing TV right? And where will we see the characters next? All that and more covered here.Email us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Joe, James and Rhys are joined by Josh Barton, host of the Til Death Do Us Press Start podcast (@TDDUPS) and self-professed Professor Videogames to discuss, well, video games! We're talking about Insomniac’s 2018 & 2020 video games Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, including all the various gubbins associated with both titles. We cover the swinging, the costumes (it really is mostly costumes chat tbh) and the idiosyncrasies of this separate Spider-Man story universe. They also discuss the latest comic book movie news, the latest episodes of children's TV show Bluey (don't ask) and everyone battles it out over the pitch.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; at the moment, Joe & James are doing a Hawkeye readalong ahead of the upcoming show. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch des

This week, Joe, James and Rhys are joined by frequent guest Caroline Siede (@CarolineSiede) and first-time guest Ned Baker (@NedNedNedNed), both of the glorious Role Calling Podcast (@rolecalling) to discuss the DIVISIVE Chloe Zhao's 2021 film Eternals. But how did this particular group divide? Did they feel more devious or eternal? More Kingo or Druig? More celestial or earthbound? Spoiler-free review starts at 41:00 and spoiler-filled at 1:05:00. They also discuss the latest comic book movie news, and everyone battles it out over the pitch.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; at the moment, Joe & James are doing a Hawkeye readalong ahead of the upcoming show. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @James

This week Joe & James (Rhys just couldn't handle all the carnage) discuss the second instalment of the oddest & funniest superhero franchise around (sorry Deadpool) - Andy Serkis' Venom: Let There Be Carnage. They cover all the movie's big lolz, Woody's Harrelson's somehow not-big-enough performance as Cletus/Carnage and try to define just what is the relationship between Eddie and that lovable goopy alien that lives inside him. They also cover the latest comic book movie news, although be aware this episode was recorded before the DC Fandome recap ep even though it's released after (time wimey).If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and op

While Joe is on holiday, James and Rhys look at the latest comicbook movie news, including everything interesting out of the latest DC Fandome!Email us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com. You can also find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Joe, James and Rhys are discussing a non-MCU Marvel movie sequel starring an edgy character that was big in the 90s played by an actor really going for it in the lead as both the human host and the twisted antihero he transforms in to - no no, not Venom 2, but Neveldine/Taylor's 2011 Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance! They also cover the just-wrapped What If? season 1, the latest comic book movie news, and Joe and James battle it out over the pitch.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, Joe, James and Rhys (belatedly) discuss the MCU's newest hero, and his debut film: Shang Chi! They discuss Tony Leung and his sexiness, Shang Chi and his fightiness, and the Ten Rings and their...ringness?? And loads of other stuff (dragons!). They also discuss the latest comic book movie news, including the Spidey trailer! And the Hawkeye trailer! And the Wolverine video game (admittedly, less exciting)! Too many exclamation marks in this description, I know, but c'mon I'm excited.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; at the moment, Joe & James are recapping What If....? Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHuntand @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, Joe, James and Rhys go to the dark side to talk James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, the sequelboot sidequel to 2016's heinous Suicide Squad. They discuss the film's nauuuughty tone, it's cheeeeeky characters and the Continued Adventures Of One Harley Quinn (they talk about loads of other stuff tbh, this is a 3+ hour episode). They also discuss the latest comic book movie news, including the Substack Gold Rush and the Pandemic's continued effects on our beloved genre.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; at the moment, Joe & James are recapping What If....? Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHuntand @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, Joe, James and Rhys are joined by frequent guest Caroline Siede (@CarolineSiede) to discuss the just-wrapped first season (spoilers) of the Disney+ series Loki. They go almost 3 hours, discussing every nook and cranny of the divisive series. They also cover the latest comic book movie news, and Joe, James and Caroline battle it out over the pitch.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; at the moment, Joe & James are, of course, recapping Loki! Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHuntand @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For the first time in over 2 (!) years, we have ourselves a brand new Marvel movie out - Black Widow, directed by Cate Shortland. Joe, James & Rhys get straight into it on the movie, although the first chunk is spoiler-free for those that haven't seen it yet. They talk about whether the time is right for a Black Widow movie, the new supporting characters & what their MCU future might be, and the success of the emotional arc for Natasha itself.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, in anticipation of Black Widow's imminent release, Joe, James and Rhys discuss two mid-noughties female superhero solo movies that time has forgotten: 2004's Catwoman, starring Halle Berry, & 2005's Elektra, starring Jennifer Garner. They talk about the interesting similarities between the two films, how they do and don't relate to Batman & Daredevil (respectively) and what they might have done to their stars' careers & the genre itself. They also cover the latest comic book movie news, James recommends some comics, and Joe and James battle it out over the pitch.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; at the moment, Joe & James are, of course, recapping Loki! Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rh

This week Joe, James and Rhys discuss a very recent comic-book adaption that they didn't cover at the time - 2020's The Old Guard, starring Charlize Theron and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. They talk about what changes were made from the source material, whether the action scenes succeed viscerally and emotionally, and if you buy the characters as having lived for hundreds (thousands?) of years. They also cover the latest comic book movie news, James recommends some comics, and Joe and James battle it out over the pitch.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; at the moment, Joe & James are, of course, recapping Loki! Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, you can find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out

A peek behind the paywall! We're releasing the first episode of the just-started Loki recap show from behind the Patreon paywall to give non-patrons a taste; new episodes drop every week. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe for just $3 a month at https://www.patreon.com/cinematicuniverseA new Disney+ show means Joe and James are once again burdened with glorious purpose, by which we mean back on the weekly post-episode round-ups! Here we discuss our reactions to the first episode of Loki, what we liked, what we didn't, as well as where we think it's all going, comics references, TV show influences, and a lengthy diversion about how great The Adjustment Bureau is.Email us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com. You can also find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joe, James & Rhys are joined this week by freelance film critic Stephen Carty (@TheNakedPun) to discuss Zack Snyder's career-defining fantasy epic 300. They discuss the movie's politics, it's visuals, the Frank Miller of it all, and of course good ol' Gerry Butler. They also cover the latest comic book movie news, James recommends some comics, and Joe, James & Stephen battle it out over the pitch.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; this week Joe & James are doing a comics readalong of Loki: Agent Of Asgard, which is said to influence the upcoming Disney + show. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the 300. You can also find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out i

Joe and James are joined this week by Empire Magazine Contributing Editor Amon Warmann (@AmonWarmann) and freelance film journalist Limara Salt (@yourturnheather) to discuss the recently wrapped The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series in its entirety. They discuss the show’s themes, how it fits into the MCU canon as a whole, and where it leaves it’s characters. They also cover the latest comic book movie news, James recommends some comics, and producer Rhys chimes in with the pitch for this week.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; this week Joe & James are looking at season 1 of Invincible on Amazon Prime Video. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the TFatWS. You can also find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys.  

This week Joe, James and Rhys tackle one of the most adapted, influential and divisive comic creators of the last 20 years - Mark Millar. Taking 2008's Wanted as a starting point, the group discuss Millar's other adapted work, what attracted Hollywood to his voice in the first place, and what his future might be as the industry shifts. They also cover the latest comic book movie news, James recommends some comics, and Joe and James battle it out over the pitch.Please be aware that this episode contains discussion of sexual assaults as implied or otherwise depicted within the movies and comics being discussed.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; at the moment Joe & James are recapping every episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, we'd love to hear your thoughts. You can also find our comic book movie themed merch d

Joe, James and Rhys slide down the pod-pole into the pod-cave this week to discuss one of the earliest superhero films ever - 1966's Batman: The Movie. They discuss the cultural impact of the TV series that birthed it, how it affected Batman's later adaptations, and how the film plays watching it today. They also cover the latest comic book movie news, James recommends some comics, and Joe and James battle it out over the pitch.If you enjoy the show, consider backing us on Patreon! Among other perks, backers get access to an exclusive bonus episode every week; at the moment Joe & James are recapping every episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Further details at patreon.com/cinematicuniverseEmail us at podcast@cinematicuniverse.com, we'd love to hear your thoughts on Batman '66. You can also find our comic book movie themed merch designs at Redbubble, and follow us on Twitter @cine_verse, @JoeCunningham14, @JamesHunt and @Rhys.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.