Stellar Picks

Below find reviews of all the best movies, shows, books, games, and more according to Cosmic Circus contributors and writers.


ReviewsStellar PicksTV/Streaming Series & Specials Reviews

What to Watch: ‘Delicious in Dungeon’ on Netflix

Be warned: this is going to be one of those articles where I get down on my hands and knees and beg you to watch a show. If you have not watched Delicious in Dungeon, I have only one question: why? It’s one of the best anime airing right now, and one of the best of the year in general. Do

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ReviewsStellar PicksTV/Streaming Series & Specials Reviews

True Crime Meets ‘Sesame Street’ in Netflix’s ‘Eric’

While I’m not a parent, I can empathize with the fear of things happening to your children that are out of your control. I have four nephews that I’m close with and worry about on a daily basis, so I can only assume that worry is ten-fold for parents. How do you let your children go to school or walk out

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ReviewsStellar PicksTV/Streaming Series & Specials Reviews

‘Jurassic World: Chaos Theory’ Raises the Bar for an Already Excellent Animated Saga

The Nublar Six are back! Despite a satisfying and seemingly conclusive ending to Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, Netflix announced in November 2023 that the niche animated masterpiece would receive a sequel series. And now, a mere seven months later, it’s finally here: Jurassic World: Chaos Theory. The entire first season of 10 episodes debuted on Netflix on May 24. [Warning: some

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News & RumorsPodcastReviewsStellar PicksTV/Streaming Series & Specials ReviewsWhat I Heard

‘X-Men ’97’ Season 1 Podcast with Anthony, Uday & Alex (Cosmic Circle Ep. 55)

It’s been a wonderful yet sad couple of weeks without new episodes of X-Men ‘97, the revival of the animated TV series that introduced many of us to the merry band of mutants. It was a breakout hit, and ushered in new fans to the classic Saturday morning cartoon, that had so many elements of these iconic comic book characters. The

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Comics & CollectiblesComics ReviewsReviewsStellar Picks

DC Showcase: ‘Superman Smashes the Klan’ Comic Review

Superman Smashes the Klan is a three-issue miniseries from 2019, written by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by Gurihiru. The first Superman comic from a creative team entirely of Asian descent, it is an intentionally refreshing retelling of the Superman origin story. And being outside from canon, it’s easily accessible for new readers as well. The resonant themes and lovable art

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Movie ReviewsReviewsStellar Picks

Guy Ritchie’s Latest Gem: ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’

Guy Ritchie is one of my favorite directors, who makes movies with a real passion, and a unique Brit-humor. He made Sherlock Holmes, The Gentlemen, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and many more movies that people are still talking about. So when the trailer for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare came out, I knew wanted to watch it as soon as I

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Movie ReviewsReviewsStellar Picks

Review: ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the tenth entry in the Planet of the Apes film franchise and the fourth entry in the reboot series, following the release of War for the Planet of the Apes in 2017. This summer sees Wes Ball (producer and director of the Maze Runner film adaptations) sitting in the director’s chair and Josh

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Book ReviewsBooksStellar Picks

‘The Book of Japanese Folklore’ by Thersa Matsuura

As an American fan of Japanese anime, I’ve sometimes found myself amazed by the creative styling of some creatures and monsters I see in my favorite series. Just look at shows like Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen, and you’ll find some crazy looking monsters that I don’t think I’ve ever seen in Western animated projects. I’ve also always been quite fascinated

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Movie ReviewsReviewsStellar Picks

Review: ‘Abigail’ is a Crowd-pleasing Bloodbath

In the movie Abigail, Radio Silence filmmakers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett continue to make a specific type of horror film that harkens back to a bygone era. While horror has always been rich with great films, many recent efforts have been more serious and challenging to rewatch, such as Midsommar and The Witch. It’s been a while since directors have

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Movie ReviewsReviewsStellar Picks

‘Challengers’ is Zendaya’s Artistic Tour de Force

Last week, I attended a Challengers press screening at the Amazon MGM Studios headquarters in Beverly Hills, California. Luca Guadagnino’s latest film spotlights three characters tangled in messy relationships amid a backdrop of tennis championships. Anchored by stellar performances from Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor, Challengers is a true tour de force for everyone involved. Haunted by her failed professional

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Movie ReviewsReviewsStellar Picks

Dev Patel’s Full of Rage and Revenge in ‘Monkey Man’

After a while, all action films begin to feel the same: car chases, hand-to-hand combat, and lots of blood. For many films in this genre, it’s style over substance, with cool action sequences that take precedence over well-written storylines and impeccable acting. This has been one of my biggest complaints about action films for years. I appreciate movies that can balance

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