Welcome to Critics Club: Deep Cuts — a new series where we take a more focused dive into a single film. This time, it’s the haunting, unforgettable Japanese horror classic: Audition (1999), directed by Takashi Miike.

What happens when a grieving widower looks for love... through a fake movie audition? Jim and Geoff walk through the film’s surreal structure, disturbing tonal shift, and ambiguous ending. They tackle questions about trauma, manipulation, and whether the film's most horrifying moments were hallucinations, metaphor, or something even more sinister.

Along the way, they share:

Personal horror stories of poblano pepper accidents

Root canal commentary

Japanese cultural context and misogyny critiques

Film comparisons to Promising Young Woman, I Spit on Your Grave, The Ring, and Evil Dead II

Key Timestamps:

[00:04:59] – Introducing “Critics Club: Deep Cuts”

[00:05:55] – Why Jim thought they were watching Battle Royale

[00:06:05] – A primer on Takashi Miike’s filmography

[00:08:02] – Early 2000s J-horror boom context

[00:12:01] – The ethics of a fake audition plot

[00:21:08] – Asami's trauma and the film’s layered horror

[00:30:00] – The infamous sack scene

[00:35:11] – Paralysis, needles, and piano wire terror

[00:40:01] – Dream vs reality: dissecting the ending

[00:50:48] – Surprise! It was marketed as a romance in Japan

🔗 Links:

Read reviews and listen to more episodes at RantingMedia.com

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💬 Whether you’re a longtime horror fan or cautiously curious, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in films that challenge your expectations and leave your stomach in knots.

Friends come and meet once a month at the Critics Club to discuss their favorite movies, tv shows, video games and much more. Some are more right than others, but that’s half the fun. Join Jim, David and Geoff as they duke it out over their latest opinions.

Tune in to our podcasts and read our lovely reviews at https://www.rantingmedia.com/

The Critics Club: Superman Review (With Special Guest Louis)

Geoff and Louis dive deep into James Gunn’s Superman, breaking down everything from the casting of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan to Lex Luthor’s darker edge. They debate how this version stacks up against Man of Steel, gush over the film’s standout score, and discuss the impact of new characters like Krypto. Plus, the duo looks ahead to the future of the DC Universe—Clayface, Supergirl, Lanterns, and more.

00:00 – Welcome + Guest Intro
Geoff welcomes Louis, and the duo set the stage for a spoiler-heavy conversation.

05:00 – Initial Reactions
Louis convinces Geoff to give Superman a fair shot after his skepticism, tracing back to Man of Steel and Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

15:00 – Casting & Chemistry
Thoughts on David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult’s manic Lex Luthor.

25:00 – The Standout Moments
The emotional beats with Krypto, the fresh take on Superman’s humanity, and why the score sticks in everyone’s head.

40:00 – Villains & Visuals
The metamorpho character design, Green Lantern’s debut, and perfect casting news—yes, Jason Momoa as Lobo comes up.

55:00 – Plot, Themes & Gunn’s Direction
They debate James Gunn’s tone, story choices, and how this Superman compares with Snyder’s version.

1:10:00 – Future of DC Films
What comes next: Supergirl, Brave and the Bold, Swamp Thing, and why Batman 2 and Clayface could set the tone for the next era.

1:20:00 – Final Thoughts
A heartfelt moment about introducing Superman to the next generation—and what the film means to them.

Friends come and meet once a month at the Critics Club to discuss their favorite movies, tv shows, video games and much more. Some are more right than others, but that’s half the fun. Join Jim, David and Geoff as they duke it out over their latest opinions.

Tune in to our podcasts and read our lovely reviews at https://www.rantingmedia.com/

The Critics Club – Top 10 Film Scores of All Time

00:00 – Intro & Ground Rules
Geoff, Jim, and David set the stage: what counts as a great score, who gets to decide, and why The Dark Knight might be overrated (or not).

10:00 – Geoff’s Top 10 Film Scores
Geoff opens strong with emotional heavyweights and big cinematic moments—1917, Up, and The Social Network all make appearances.

42:00 – Jim’s Top 10 Film Scores
Jim mixes genre with mood, diving deep into There Will Be Blood, Drive, Gojira, and even Seven Samurai. Vintage meets synth.

60:00 – David’s Top 10 Film Scores
David goes orchestral with sweeping, iconic soundtracks like Gladiator, E.T., and Jurassic Park. Don’t worry—he brings the nostalgia too.

85:00 – Final Thoughts & Honorable Mentions
The guys compare notes, defend their wildest picks, and admit what got left out (Inception, anyone?). Let the debates continue.

Friends come and meet once a month at the Critics Club to discuss their favorite movies, tv shows, video games and much more. Some are more right than others, but that’s half the fun. Join Jim, David and Geoff as they duke it out over their latest opinions.

Tune in to our podcasts and read our lovely reviews at https://www.rantingmedia.com/