Joining the discussion is Joanna Robinson, a film critic and co-host of House of R, who dives into her recent thoughts on the horror-comedy film 'Companion.' The hosts eagerly recommend standout shows and films from February 2025, including the heartfelt sci-fi romance 'The Gorge.' They also explore unique animated series like 'Ichi the Witch' and the innovative 'Common Side Effects.' The conversation is lively as they share insights on dark comedies and apocalyptic sagas, all while highlighting listener favorites in books, comics, and games.
The podcast highlights a diverse range of media recommendations, showcasing innovative projects like 'Companion' that blend humor and horror.
Listener contributions emphasize the growing appetite for gaming-related narratives, underlining the community's role in discovering unique content.
Deep dives
February Media Recommendations
A variety of media recommendations were shared, highlighting both well-known and lesser-known projects. For instance, the movie 'Companion' features a story about a woman who is a robot navigating a chaotic weekend, appealing to those who enjoy a blend of gore and humor in a short time frame. Additionally, the animated series 'Pantheon' has captivated audiences with its portrayal of uploaded AIs and their complex relationships, making it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking content. Lesser-known titles, like 'The Gorge' and 'Ichi the Witch,' were also recommended, showcasing a range of genres and styles that cater to diverse interests.
Standout Series and Films
Highlighted this month were notable series and films, including the unique adult animated show 'Common Side Effects,' which creatively mixes comedy and sci-fi themes. The plot revolves around a man with a miraculous mushroom that cures all ailments, drawing parallels to criticisms of the pharmaceutical industry. Another film, 'The Monkey,' directed by Osgood Perkins, offers a surreal storytelling experience filled with dark humor and intriguing visuals reminiscent of Stephen King's era. These selections exemplify the current trend of blending genres to create rich narratives that entertain and provoke thought.
Listener Recommendations and Honorable Mentions
Listener contributions featured this month shed light on various captivating media, including the audiobook of 'The Inevitable Ruin' and the graphic novel 'The Power Fantasy.' The second season of 'Solo Leveling' was recommended for its engaging plot centered around a gamer who transforms from the weakest hunter into a powerful warrior. The suggestions reflect a growing appetite for content that resonates with gaming culture and offers escapism through imaginative storytelling. Such interactions highlight the community's influence on shaping the listening experience by sharing unique finds beyond mainstream options.
A short month yields a long list of recommendations! Join your favorite Ringer-Verse and House of R hosts and friends as they gush about geek content in the latest installment of their monthly mini-pod about fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were (mostly) released recently but not yet covered in-depth on a full-length episode.
Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Steve Ahlman, Jomi Adeniran, Matt James, Arjuna Ramgopal, Charles Holmes, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan