Legend of the White Dragon “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Directors: Aaron Schoenke, Allen Harris

Running time: 1h 24m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Well Go USA Entertainment

Backed this Kickstarter twice – Successfully backed in May of 2020 – We finally have this on the big screen after a major hurdle, which is the sad passing of Jason David Frank – The Legend of the White Dragon, commonly known for his role in Power Rangers as the White & Green Ranger!

It’s been 6 years of development. It was kickstarted as a series. Got blown up with funding to equate to the epic movie now playing at your (Hopefully Local) theatre. Sorry for anyone who backed the movie who’s not near a theatre playing LotWD.

With this heavy toll of knowing we won’t be seeing Jason in any future projects they may have had/have planned. This movie ended on such a high note. Seriously, I can’t wait for the Blu-Ray to see all the behind-the-scenes and extra goodies packed into the creation of this movie. If you stick around throughout the credits, there’s a mid-credit scene for the film. Then a behind-the-scenes reel plays as they display all the Kickstarter patrons. That was pretty cool :D.

So how’s the movie? Well, understanding all the challenges behind the movie’s creation. I had a really good time. It felt like Power Rangers mashed with Arrowverse (Which I thoroughly love) – Mainly felt this way with some of the script and seeing David Ramsey in his role :D.

The start of the movie felt a little thrown in for the audience, but I enjoy storytelling that goes back and forth, introducing context and story points throughout the movie. The fire effects are pretty cheap, but this doesn’t have a big blockbuster-type budget to go off. Otherwise, the acting is solid. I enjoyed the characters and seeing David with his daughter Jenna Rae Frank in the movie; playing the role of his daughter was so emotional, as it reflected on screen to real life.

Personally, with the attachment and love for all that went into creating this movie and bringing it to the big screen, I’m giving LotWD a Popped score of 8/10. I’ll be following Bat in the Sun to see if anything comes further with this project but will totally be understood if this stays the finale to a legend. Rest in peace Jason Frank & Michael Madsen. Legends never die! So get out there this weekend and watch Legend of the White Dragon 😀 <3.

That’s the finale to this week’s batch, fellow movie-goers! Thanks for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Next week I may go a little lighter, but if a movie catches my eye. I’ll find a seat with my name on it :D.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going ❤

0

It Ends “Review”

Release date: August 21, 2026 (USA)

Director: Alexander Ullom

Running time: 1h 29m

Distributed by: Neon

92% This must be good!…..right?

4 friends driving down a straight road never found their turn-out. It Ends takes you on a dark purgatory story of what-if scenarios. Continuing forth is the only available route. To track backwards leads to dead ends. When people in the woods start to awaken from the car noise, acting like zombies screaming for help. What do you do other than continue to drive forward down the straight road?

I hope you enjoy these 4 characters because you’re locked in as much as they are with one another. There are some interesting ideas here, but do they ever really get developed or delved into to enrich the story? For me personally, it’s what dragged this movie down into the 7’s. When the formula ran stale, we got a change-up for both the viewer and actors. That’s sadly about where things didn’t change up and ended the movie with a weak 7 mostly; it’s a fine movie.

Just checked the audience score and seeing a 50%. Seems like I’m in the middle, so curious where It Ends lands with you all? Planning on checking it out on streaming? Let us know in the comments below.

Final “Review” to come of this weeks batch, The Legend of the White Dragon :D.

0

Buddy “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Casper Kelly

Cinematography: Zach Kuperstein

Distributed by: Roadside Attractions

Executive producers: Gideon Tadmor, Roberto Linck, Dexter Braff, Adam J. Wilde, Geoff Yaw, Kevin Flanigan

Genre: Horror

Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared, combined with Barnie….. Let’s discuss!

I had a good time with this one despite there being a potential rant for those interested :D. Alas, Buddy got a 7.5/10 Popped score, missing the 8 on it’s final acts.

You start within a kids’ show (Barnie of sorts or Blue Clues), watching episodes with a narrative focus before resetting with a song of loving Buddy. That’s until you get to see the behind-the-scenes of the show and expand on what occurs with Buddy when the cameras aren’t on him. Creating cracks within the seams that continue to grow each episode, affecting those who saw.

This had the inner makings of creating something epic on the scale of Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared. Sadly, they focused on adding some trigger-warning scenes for some viewers, which, within the setting of a kids show (yes, despite it being R-rated horror), felt really unnecessary and could have better been spent on setting up more of the lore / behind the scenes of how this all came to be. Possibly set up for sequels if popular, but I really would have preferred that over (Spoilers Rant).

Regardless, this was a good time with a 7.5/10. I can see it doing well on streaming for sure.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie Reviews!. We just hit 10k views on the site since starting this project :D. Appreciate you all taking the time! Stick around as we’re just halfway through this week’s batch of movie “Reviews”.

0

Finding Emily “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Alicia MacDonald

Running time: 1h 50m

Producers: Olivier Kaempfer, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan

Production companies: Parkville Pictures, Focus Features, Working Title Films

Screenplay: Rachel Hirons

Thought this would be cute… never thought I’d fall in love with it 😀 Legit! Let’s Discuss!

I loved pretty much the entirety of this movie.

From the characters, their personal journeys, the connections between one another, from strangers, friends, and family, I absolutely loved it all. Owen (Played by Spike Fearn) sees Emily one night while at work and falls for her. Due to having to rush out of the club for a birthday party, she misses a number entering it on Owen’s phone, and thus the movie Finding Emily exists :D.

Emily Raine (Played by Angourie Rice) is an Emily but not the Emily. Aiding Owen in the search for Emily, even if it results in her own personal gains.

Along the way, we meet Owen’s family, which I freaking loved; the connection between Owen and his brother. We also meet several dozen other Emily’s which have their own motives, agendas, and journeys within the movie. This is such a feel-good movie, and I ate it up. Angus Thongs & Perfect Snogging may be the last movie where I didn’t touch my popcorn due to loving everything on screen.

I haven’t even mentioned the music yet! From start to end, the music track and selections/usage were superb! Stay to the end for a music video amongst the credits 😀 So good.

Popped score of 9/10 I seriously loved it!

Apologies for this week’s batch being rather large and uploaded in one day. WordPress was having issues… well, at least on my end. Found out the ad blocker was preventing the page from loading… never occurred before, but alas, I’m back :D.

Stick around for Buddy coming up next here on Popped!

0

Idiots “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Macon Blair

Casting directors: Chase Paris, Tara Feldstein, Mark Bennett

Cinematography: Guillermo Garza

Distributed by: Independent Film Company

Editor: Dane McMaster

I’m excited for Dave Franco in Forgotten Island, but let’s not be harsh in the opener…

Idiots focuses on 2 adults who, due to their idiot decisions, are let go of their jobs and find themselves working together transporting a delinquent kid to a behavioral school. Dave Franco plays Mark, a character quite similar to that of the kid being transported, Sheridan (Played by Mason Thames). Davis (Played by O’Shea Jackson Jr.) having been let go by the church for taking kids to an NR (Not Rated) movie finds himself being partnered with Mark on this transport gig.

There were moments/scenes I got legitimately into and had a great time. Sadly, they were long-lived and felt extremely long in between. Get yourself a good drink from your theatre’s bar and enjoy an okay-to-fine movie with Idiots playing this weekend at your local theatre. Popped score of 6/10.

You know what else arrives this weekend? A mega release of movies! Coyote vs ACME, The Dog Stars, Buddy, Finding Emily, It Ends & The Legend of the White Dragon. It’s going to be an insane wide release of movies, and I’m excited to experience the majority of these and come back and share my thoughts :D.

Planning on seeing any of these at your local theatre? Seeing Idiots? – Let me know in the comments below. Appreciate you coming by Popped, for your movie “Reviews”.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going!

0

Coyote vs. Acme “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Dave Green

Story by: James Gunn, Samy Burch, Ian Frazier, Jeremy Slater

Producers: James Gunn, Christopher DeFaria

Screenplay: Samy Burch

Running time: 1h 43m

Thank you, Ketchup Entertainment, for saving yet another Looney Tunes movie! Take that ACME 😉

ACME is going to be kicking itself for benching this feature for a tax write-off. Seriously! Thank you, Ketchup, for saving this film. As a huge fan of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Coyote vs. Acme felt so good to watch. Whenever our favorite Looney Tunes characters were on screen, I was having such a blast!

No hate to the film’s cast. They did a good job. I just wasn’t feeling the scenes without Coyote when watching Will Forte. Luckily, his supporting cast were a lot of fun, with Lana Condor & Martha Kelly working at his law firm in the Coyote vs Acme suite. 😀 OMFG I just looked up why Martha Kelly sounded so familiar – She voices a character in the epic show Common Side Effects 😀 My fave show of 2025…. any who. Let’s continue haha.

On the other side of the lawsuit, I absolutely loved John Cena & Jeff Bergman. Although John Cena’s name is on the poster. I didn’t see him in the movie ;). This movie was so much fun, ramping up the laughs and character reveals as it progresses. No spoilers here, so you’re safe. Coyote VS ACME releases this coming weekend, so turn up and support this feature and prove to ACME why shelving this title was a bad mistake. Shoutout to Ketchup Entertainment for saving this feature. Go have a blast this coming weekend; I’ll be watching it again for sure. More of this, please! Love this world and thoroughly enjoy the live-action blend with Looney Tunes goodness :D. (Miss you, Roger Rabbit!)

Popped score of 8.5/10 – This was a great watch and looking forward to revisiting and finding more easter eggs :D.

Appreciate you coming by Popped, for your movie “Reviews”.

Come back tomorrow all going well for my “Review” on Idiots!

Until then, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going! 😀

0

The Magic Faraway Tree “Review”

Release date: August 21, 2026 (USA)

Director: Ben Gregor

Producers: Pippa Harris, Jane Hooks, Danny Perkins, Nicolas Brown

Running time: 1h 50m

Distributed by: Entertainment Film Distributors, Vertical

Almost skipped this but the 83% critic score got me in the seat….glad it did 😀

Depending on the connection you build with this family, I was between a 7.5 and 8. Honestly, the touching and emotional story with its beautiful whimsical vibes got this to an 8 without spoilers.

The worlds and set designs- I can see why they chose the creation team behind Wonka. There’s a specific scene in the trees that created a ha moment 😀 I’d love to have seen more worlds, but maybe that’s for a potential sequel? The story being told was perfect with all that they used.

The land of goodies had my childhood candy store memories hitting hard when penny sweets were a thing :D. Loved that world, remember not to be greedy ;). Either way, the two / three stories being told I loved. For the parents, their children, and for those living in the Magical Faraway Tree.

I could get lost in these worlds and be totally fine with it (Minus 1 :P). There’s a small scene before the crawl, but otherwise, unless you’d like more wine. You don’t need to stick around. Unless it’s to continue being immersed in this feature’s beautiful music. Have fun dancing and jigging along after this beautiful story :D.

Appreciate you all coming by. Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Possibly more to come throughout the week but stay tuned for next week as so many movies drop next weekend!

Until next time though, happy movie-going fellow movie-goers :D.

0

Insidious: Out of the Further “Review”

Release date: August 21, 2026 (USA)

Director: Jacob Chase

Running time: 1h 46m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

2026 is jam packed with horror so let’s keep it going in August with Insidious (6?)..

Horror rarely scares these days anymore. But this entry’s intro has some solid tension and a scene that got me :P. Sadly, the remainder of the movie doesn’t keep that same energy. But there are moments for sure :D.

Out of the further felt like a second phase or saga of the Insidious franchise. Going from the established traveler to now introducing carriers, individuals who were able to bring things to and from the material plane from the further.

The story focuses on a family over a 20-year generational timeline. The intro sets up some rewarding scenes that I appreciated in this latest installment. Some old favorites return; however, it mostly felt like filler.

That’s all dependent on the franchise’s next direction, based on the ending without spoilers. Popped score of 6.5/10. It’s almost good, but that ending could have been epic. Discuss that further in the comments after you’ve experienced this latest edition.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”.

Stick around for the “Review” on The Magical Faraway Tree.

0

All Wishes Come True! “Review”

Release date: August 14, 2026 (USA)

Director: Zhengyang Mu

Running time: 2h 24m

Production Companies:

Pearl Studio & CMC Pictures

Poster caught my eye, then I heard it’s for those that enjoyed Ne Zha… well enough said, I had to check it out 😀

I need to learn my lore because I felt like we visited areas that were in Ne Zha 2, but this is taking place in its own space. For those that enjoy the Monkey King & Ne Zha, there’s lots of fun easter eggs in this title for you.

That being said, these 8 immortals were so fun to be around and explore throughout this 2-hour 24-minute movie. The main brothers have such a rich history and character plot that I’d love to see more. There’s less action than Ne Zha, but there are some incredible action scenes. Chase scene early on and the most fantastic heist that’s going to make this long movie well worth checking out.

I mention the length as it does feel long. The first hour felt long (Not boring, just jam-packed with goodness that I felt the movie had played longer than it had.) Then some slowdowns draw out the run time but pick momentum up towards that last 30/40 minutes, making such a fun movie. Totally worth the watch to be surrounded by this beautiful movie.

8.5/10 for Popped score – All Wishes Come True! Playing in theatres right now. Stick around for a mid-credit scene. Nothing at the end of the credit crawl. Plan to check out All Wishes Come True? – Let us know in the comments below!

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Come back tomorrow for our Insidious “Review” and potentially – The Magic Faraway Tree. Anything else releasing this weekend I should be checking out? Let me know in the comments.

Until then, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going 😀

0

The End of Oak Street “Review”

Release date: August 14, 2026 (USA)

Director: David Robert Mitchell

Producers: David Robert Mitchell, J.J. Abrams, Hannah Minghella, Matt Jackson, Jon Cohen, Tommy Harper

Cinematography: Mike Gioulakis

MPAA rating: PG-13

Genres: Science fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Mystery

I wasn’t prepared for how good this movie was going to be!

Ever wondered how life would be, transported millions of years to the past, surrounded by Dinosaurs and having to survive alongside your family which has cracks and fractures but now you’re banding together to survive or die?

Yea, The End of Oak Street is going to setup and explore this family amongst the first 30 minutes. Setting up our characters, their dynamic and side characters that we’ll experience along this hour and 40 minute movie. No need to stick around until the end of the credits but you may find yourself doing so. Either in aww of how good this movie was or finally being able to relax after this actually pretty intense movie that for me personally, has come out of no where.

Loved Anne Hathaway (Playing the mother Denise) & Ewan McGregor (Playing the father Greg). They had great chemistry and the dynamic between Greg and his children really hit hard with the dynamic of their mother during the movie. Maisy Stella plays Audrey Platt while Christian Convery play the son Brian. Loved this family along with Starbuck their loyal companion dog. (I’m not saying nothing about Starbuck, you’ll have to watch the movie to find out).

Pretty quickly I locked this feature into an 8. I didn’t expect the movie to have my mouth wide open with such intensity. I even jumped at a scene which horror movies barely are able to do these days. This aspect totally caught me off guard and wow did I have a great time. If it wasn’t for a couple of details I’ll leave out for spoiler reasons I’d have given this movie a 9/10. Alas, due to that with some insane scenes in the second half of the movie. The End of Oak Street Popped “Review” score is an 8.5/10.

Also bumping up Spider-Man Brand New Day to a 9 as I shouldn’t have compared it to No Way Home while giving it it’s score. Either way I’ll update that on my second viewing and focus on Oak Street’s 8.5 for now. I had a blast and excited to hear your thoughts over this weekend in the comment below.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. What surprise hits await us for August/September? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Until next time though fellow movie-goers. Happy movie-going 😀

0

A WordPress.com Website.

Up ↑