The Ringer-Verse

Join video game expert Ben Lindbergh as he dives into the exhilarating world of 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'. He shares insights on Jim Carrey's comedic impact and the film's fresh character dynamics, especially Shadow's emotional journey. The discussion heats up as they compare Sonic's rapid cinematic evolution with the more measured approach of Mario's films. Lindbergh also teases exciting prospects for the franchise, exploring potential new characters and the emotional depth that keeps fans engaged. It's a lively celebration of Sonic's legacy!

The hosts dive into their reactions to the 2025 Superman trailer, brimming with enthusiasm for its fresh take on the iconic hero. They discuss the shift towards a more relatable Superman, examining his emotional depth and complex relationships. There's lively analysis of the trailer's visuals and musical style, along with humorous musings on celebrity culture surrounding the film. Balancing excitement with skepticism about the future of the DC Universe, the conversation is both insightful and entertaining, bringing nostalgic reflections into the mix.

The hosts dive into the thrilling adventures of 'Skeleton Crew,' praising its character development and humor. They debate the role of Jedi in storytelling, questioning their necessity in capturing audiences. Nostalgic anecdotes of college life add depth to their analysis, while the captivating chaos of children in space brings both thrills and risks. With playful banter about Hollywood's voice acting dynamics, the conversation remains fun and engaging, making complex themes accessible for fans and newcomers alike.

The hosts dive into the bizarre world of 'Kraven the Hunter,' humorously recapping its convoluted plot and family dynamics. They critique Sony's attempts at creating sympathetic anti-heroes, highlighting the disjointed storytelling compared to the MCU. The conversation takes a reflective turn as they analyze the legacy of Sony's Spider-Man villain films, sharing laughs over past missteps and expressing nostalgia for what could have been. They stress the importance of genuine storytelling and character depth in superhero narratives.

Join Jomi Adeniran, a savvy contributor known for his gaming and Marvel insights, and Arjuna Ramgopal, a podcast manager with deep expertise in video games, as they dive into the world of gaming. They discuss the success of the free-to-play shooter 'Marvel Rivals' and explore the captivating 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,' highlighting gameplay, nostalgia, and character evolution. The conversation heats up with reflections on the Game Awards, revealing excitement for major announcements and critiquing the charm and cringe of the event.

The Boys fill you in on all things 2024, giving you their naughty and nice list of the year (06:01). Then, they react to breaking ‘Star Wars’ casting news (1:27:43).Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Jonathan KermahProducers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve AhlmanAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daniel Chin, a Ringer staff writer with a keen eye on animation, joins Jomi and Steve for a vibrant discussion. They explore the premiere of ‘Creature Commandos,’ diving into character dynamics and James Gunn's storytelling prowess. The trio celebrates 2024's Animation Awards, highlighting standout animated films and series. Christian Linke, co-creator of 'Arcane,' shares insights on the show's impactful finale and its storytelling innovation. The conversation also touches on the evolution of animation and the nostalgic charm of beloved series.

Even after 30 years, 'Button Mash' is still not underestimating the power of PlayStation. Join Ben Lindbergh, Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Rob Mahoney as they assess the legacy and influence of Sony’s first game console, reminisce about their personal PlayStation experiences, and then draft the best games from the classic system across several categories (33:17).Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman, Matt James, and Rob MahoneyProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Boys are back to talk about the 'Skeleton Crew' premiere (12:11), including Chuck's and Van’s takes on plucky kids. Then they get into Shameik Moore’s viral tweet from the weekend after the news came out that his costar Hailee Steinfeld was engaged (1:03:34).Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducers: Aleya Zenieris, Chris Sutton, and Steve AhlmanAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mallory Rubin, co-host of House of R and a deep-dive expert on nerd culture, joins Jomi Adeniran, co-host of Mint Edition and a social media maven, to explore the latest in pop culture. They share top recommendations featuring the intriguing new season of 'Batman Unburied' and highlight nostalgic series like Outlander alongside engaging video games such as 'Life is Strange: Double Exposure.' The duo also delves into notable anime and comics with strong female characters, making this a must-listen for fans looking for fresh content.