The Critics Club by Ranting Media

What makes a great adaptation? The Critics Club crew dives into their Top 10 Adaptations, ranking the movies that brought books, plays, and even video games to life on the big screen. From classics like The Godfather and The Princess Bride to modern hits like Ready Player One and Crazy Rich Asians, we debate what worked, what didn’t, and why some stories thrive in translation while others fall flat.Join Geoff, Jim, and David as they break down fan favorites, argue over controversial picks (Ready Player Two, anyone?), and swap personal stories about how these adaptations shaped their movie-going experiences.Featured films & books:Ready Player One (Ernest Cline → Spielberg)Crazy Rich Asians (Kevin Kwan → Jon Chu)The Devil Wears Prada (Lauren Weisberger → David Frankel)Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (J.K. Rowling → Chris Columbus)The Godfather (Mario Puzo → Francis Ford Coppola)Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (J.R.R. Tolkien → Peter Jackson)The Princess Bride (William Goldman → Rob Reiner)Jurassic Park (Michael Crichton → Steven Spielberg)Edge of Tomorrow / All You Need is Kill (Hiroshi Sakurazaka → Doug Liman)Casino Royale (Ian Fleming → Martin Campbell)Plus: Tangents on kitchen appliances, Dick Cheney jokes, James Bond casting rumors, and why some novels should never become films.Visit RantingMedia.com for more episodes, reviews, and updates. Follow us on Bluesky for behind-the-scenes banter. Timestamped Chapters00:00 – Opening banter (Cheney jokes, food tangents, air fryer talk)04:30 – Introducing the “Top 10 Adaptations” theme05:25 – Ready Player One, Crazy Rich Asians, The Devil Wears Prada13:20 – Harry Potter, The Godfather, Lord of the Rings16:00 – The Princess Bride, Jurassic Park, Edge of Tomorrow18:10 – Casino Royale and the James Bond legacy20:00 – Bond casting rumors and future speculation23:08 – Hidden Figures, Fight Club, Jurassic Park (book vs. movie)28:00 – No Country for Old Men and The Princess Bride31:00 – American Psycho and The Shining34:00 – Battle Royale and dystopian adaptations38:00 – Adaptations that divide opinion (violence, tone, endings)44:00 – Shifts in tone: book vs. film expectations50:00 – Cultural impact of adaptations over decades56:00 – Controversial picks and debates01:02:00 – Comparing faithfulness: when movies outshine the books01:08:00 – Final adaptations discussed and wrap-up tangents01:15:00 – Closing thoughts on adaptation trends01:22:14 – Episode outro 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/ 

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 commentaryJapanese 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.comFollow us on Bluesky: RantingMedia.bsky.social💬 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 IntroGeoff welcomes Louis, and the duo set the stage for a spoiler-heavy conversation.05:00 – Initial ReactionsLouis 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 & ChemistryThoughts on David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult’s manic Lex Luthor.25:00 – The Standout MomentsThe emotional beats with Krypto, the fresh take on Superman’s humanity, and why the score sticks in everyone’s head.40:00 – Villains & VisualsThe metamorpho character design, Green Lantern’s debut, and perfect casting news—yes, Jason Momoa as Lobo comes up.55:00 – Plot, Themes & Gunn’s DirectionThey debate James Gunn’s tone, story choices, and how this Superman compares with Snyder’s version.1:10:00 – Future of DC FilmsWhat 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 ThoughtsA 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 Time00:00 – Intro & Ground RulesGeoff, 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 ScoresGeoff 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 ScoresJim 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 ScoresDavid 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 MentionsThe 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/ 

The Critics Club: Crashing Cannes 2025Geoff and Jim (with David off enjoying some well-earned PTO) decide to crash the Cannes Film Festival—metaphorically, of course. Why should the French have all the fun deciding what counts as "cinema"?From Spike Lee’s Highest to Lowest to Ari Aster’s pandemic-weird Eddington, the guys take you through their favorite (and least favorite) selections from this year’s festival. There’s plenty of film geekery, bold opinions, and maybe a rant or two about the Criterion Collection’s pricing model.Listen to all episodes at RantingMedia.comEpisode Breakdown00:00 – Intro & MotivationWhy we’re talking about Cannes, the French origins of cinema, and why David isn’t here (probably protesting berets).14:00 – So Many Categories, So Little ClarityWe untangle the madness: Palme d'Or, Un Certain Regard, Out of Competition, and more. Spoiler: some of them matter, most just sound fancy.28:00 – The Out-of-Competition DarlingsFrom Spike Lee’s neo-noir NYC thriller to Simon Pegg’s latest cinematic gamble, we cover the buzziest films that aren’t even playing to win.42:00 – In Competition: The Main EventA rundown of our top picks from the actual contest. It Was Just an Accident isn’t just a title—it’s an Iranian political thriller with real-world consequences.56:00 – Underdogs, Disappointments, and Debate FuelWho got snubbed, what got overhyped, and why The Phoenician Scheme might be Wes Anderson’s most Wes Anderson-y film ever (and not in a good way).70:00 – Wrap-Up & Future Film PlansGeoff and Jim yell about Criterion prices, dream about Fantastic Fest, and tease a new Critics Club mini-series that may or may not be called On the Spot. 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/ 

Tune into the Critic's Club on https://www.rantingmedia.com 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 Critic's Club has it's home at https://www.rantingmedia.com. Tune in for fresh reviews, new podcasts, and more! 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/ 

We're BACK with our Top 10 Movies of the 2010s! Buckle up as Jim, David, and Geoff dive headfirst into a decade packed with cinematic brilliance. From the stylish swagger of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to the neon-soaked visuals of Tron: Legacy and the relentless drive of Whiplash, this list has it all. Will their picks match yours, or are they completely off the mark? Only one way to find out!Welcome to The Critics Club, the podcast where friends meet monthly to discuss their favorite movies, TV shows, video games, and more. Expect lively debates, fun disagreements, and passionate discussions that dive deep into the decade’s greatest hits.🔔 Don't miss an episode – Subscribe now!👍 Like and share if you enjoyed the video!💬 Comment below with your top movies from the 2010s!Check out more at Ranting Media.#2010sMovies #Top10Movies #OnceUponATimeInHollywood #TronLegacy #Whiplash #TheCriticsClub #MovieReview #BestMoviesOfThe2010s #FilmDiscussion #MoviePodcastFriends gather monthly at The Critics Club to discuss their favorite movies, TV shows, video games, and so much more. Some opinions hit harder than others, but that’s half the fun. Join Jim, David, and Geoff as they battle it out over their latest picks. 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/ 

Welcome to The Critics Club! This time, we’re counting down our Top 10 Films of the 1970s—from cinematic game-changers to beloved cult classics. Join Jim, David, and Geoff as they reveal their picks, explore what makes these films unforgettable, and discuss why they’ve stood the test of time. Hint: expect everything from the galaxy-spanning epic of Star Wars: A New Hope to the iconic drama of The Godfather and the campy charm of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.Each month, The Critics Club takes on movies, shows, games, and more. Tune in for thoughtful debates, differing perspectives, and passionate film talk.🔔 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe now.👍 Enjoy the discussion? Like and share.💬 Share your favorite 1970s films in the comments—did any of them make our list?Find more episodes at Ranting Media.#TopFilms #1970sMovies #StarWars #TheGodfather #RockyHorror #TheCriticsClub #FilmDiscussion #ClassicCinema #FilmPodcastFriends meet once a month at The Critics Club to discuss their favorite movies, TV shows, video games, and 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. 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/ 

Welcome to The Critics Club. This Halloween, we’re counting down our Top 10 Horror Movies of All Time—from the eerie classics to unsettling modern thrillers. Join Jim, David, and Geoff as they reveal their picks, dive into what makes these films unforgettable, and discuss the subtle horrors that stay with you long after the credits roll. Hint: expect everything from Hitchcock’s chilling mastery to the raw tension of Get Out.Each month, The Critics Club takes on movies, shows, games, and more. Tune in for thoughtful debates, differing perspectives, and passionate film talk.🔔 Don’t miss an episode—subscribe now.👍 Enjoy the discussion? Like and share.💬 Share your top horror picks in the comments—do any make our list?Find more episodes at Ranting Media.#TopHorrorMovies #HalloweenPicks #HorrorClassics #GetOut #TheCriticsClub #FilmDiscussion #HorrorPodcast 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 Movies of the 2000sWe're BACK with our Top 10 Movies of the 2000s! Join Jim, David, and Geoff as they reveal their favorite films from the decade. Can you guess which movie we all agreed on? Hint: There's a bit of Shrek, some Hot Fuzz action, and even a taste of Inglourious Basterds in the mix.Welcome to The Critics Club, the podcast where friends meet monthly to discuss their favorite movies, TV shows, video games, and more. Join us for lively debates, fun disagreements, and passionate discussions.🔔 Don't miss an episode – Subscribe now! 👍 Like and share if you enjoyed the video! 💬 Comment below with your top movies from the 2000s!Check out more at Ranting Media.#2000sMovies #Top10Movies #HotFuzz #InglouriousBasterds #Shrek #TheCriticsClub #MovieReview #BestMoviesOfThe2000s #FilmDiscussion #MoviePodcast 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/ 

🔔 Don't miss an episode – Subscribe now! https://rant-on-by-ranting-media.simplecast.com 👍 Like and share if you enjoyed the video!Check out more at Ranting Media: https://www.rantingmedia.com   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/ 

https://www.rantingmedia.com  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/ 

Geoff and David dust off their old show the Reel Reporters once again to talk about the new Fallout TV series. There's a lot of spoilers, so if you haven't watched the show yet--tune away. So grab your Nuka-Cola and strap on your Pip-boy, we're heading out into the very vivid and fun wasteland that is one of the few video game adaptations that doesn't suck. Does this mean Reel Reporters is back? Maybe. If we find something else we like... 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/

I...Have no more words after what happened in this episode. 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/

We did one of those fashionable 2023 Year in Review podcasts (but you know, actually AFTER 2023 ended, because doing these in November is just plain RUDE to the last two months of the year) with a slight peek into 2024. We're back after a hiatus (!) and no promises on when the next episode will come out but another one...soon? 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/

Three weeks have been passed and this was stuck on Geoff's Desktop cuz he's lazzyyyyyyyyy Enjoy 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/

WE ARE BACK! The guys talk WWDC and Summer Game fest 2023! Does anyone really care about a $3K headset? Let us know! 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/

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/

BUT THE MONEY, DUTCH! Enjoy our deep dive into Red Dead Redemption 2 and how it's now Jim's favorite game of all time. 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/