Month: April 2026

Michael “Review”

Release date April 24, 2026 (USA)

Director Antoine Fuqua

Producers John Branca, Graham King, John Mackay

Screenplay John Logan

Running time 2h 7m

Budget 155 million USD

Is it tomorrow already, so I can watch it again!

Honestly, where to start: First, I wake up to see a 27% RT score by the critics. Ignore the critics. Do you like Michael Jackson’s music? If you just said yes! Then get yourself to the theatre and enjoy the music. Curious to learn about Michael himself and his childhood? Did you say yes? Well, get yourself to the theatre! Seriously! What’s with these critics? I can’t even read their reviews due to RT not liking my browser that blocks ads.

That being said, I had an absolute blast! I couldn’t keep still dancing to the music. The emotions I felt. There’s a villain in the story, Joe Jackson, played by the incredible Colman Domingo. Michael’s childhood with his dad was rough. I wish I had been born earlier to have done something to protect him. OMG, I just looked up when he was born! I thought he was 20 years older than me, not 31! Nonetheless! I loved his music when I was a child, and the only info I learnt about Michael was through South Park, of all things. So I’m very happy these films are being released to shed light on who Michael Jackson was.

I can’t wait to watch this again, and the sequel better come soon because I want more :D. From the hard past to his solo outbreak as the King of Pop – Michael is a treat and one that I’ll happily place on my top 10 list of 2026 thus far, 9/10 Popped Score.

I forgot to say how well the rest of the cast was! But of course, massive special shoutout to Jaafar Jackson playing the one and only Michael Jackson! Along with Juliano Valdi playing his childhood self, Incredible!

How about yourself? Did you enjoy the movie? Curious. Or going to wait for streaming. Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Review” of Michael. I heard a lot of these songs at first through World of Warcraft radio, with spoof songs. So now to listen to them once more, but the originals, as I just can’t get the songs out of my head.

Until next time though, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going 😀

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Normal “Review”

Release dateApril 17, 2026 (USA)

DirectorBen Wheatley

ProducersBob Odenkirk, Derek Kolstad, Marc Provissiero

Story byBob Odenkirk, Derek Kolstad

ScreenplayDerek Kolstad

Running time1h 30m

Well this is a normal movie :p Let’s discuss!

Bob Odenkirk is back with another action-type movie similar to that of Nobody, this time playing a Sheriff during an 8-week interim period for the county of Normal. A regular, normal town that he aims to leave in the same state that he arrived in. This small town is based in Minnesota, and as the movie opens and the poster states…. this small town has a big secret about it.

Personally, I prefer the style of Nobody 1, but I can see this being another good 1 time watch at the movies. Personally, being a weak 7 or dipping possibly into 6.5/10. It’s a one-time watch, but not bad at all. Sadly, the shortcomings for me personally came from the execution of creating a normal town so well that when things started to occur, it felt off for this world that had been created.

Hot Fuzz comes to mind, thinking along the lines of style change-ups for examples that I refer to. Hot Fuzz feels in the right place compared to this attempt.

That’s just my thoughts after watching Normal. Love to hear from yourselves after checking normal out.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Still to come in April is Michael, before we jump into May with back-to-back big releases from Devil Wears Prada 2, Mortal Kombat 2 & Mandalorian, with possible hidden easter eggs throughout. What’s the May movie you’re most looking forward to? Checking out Michael? Love to hear in the comments below.

Until next batch though, happy movie-going fellow movie-goers 😀

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Lee Cronin’s The Mummy “Review”

Release dateApril 17, 2026 (USA)

DirectorLee Cronin

ScreenplayLee Cronin

ProducersJames Wan, Jason Blum, John Keville

Story byNina Wilcox Putnam, John L. Balderston, Richard Schayer

Casting directorsTerri Taylor, Sarah Domeier

This isn’t Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy – Like the tagline states “Some Things are meant to stay buried”

Torn on this one but let’s do a 2 part “review”.

First, we’ll cut to the chase, then tear into it a little for those curious.

(Direct Non-Spoiler “Review”)

This movie is mostly okay, 6/10 Popped score. It follows two stories. One is an overly loud, grotesque “horror” movie, while the other has all the lore and storyline pushed to the back end for the grotesque storyline.

Little story setting for The Mummy. Katie is taken from her family to be found years later in extremely poor shape. What happened to her? Watch Lee Cronin’s The Mummy to find out.

Well thanks for coming by Popped for Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Movie “Review”. Interested to hearing a little more. Then stick around for a larger batch :D.

Otherwise, happy movie-going fellow movie-goers 😀

(Lee Cronin’s The Mummy “Review” Spoilers?)

The last 30 minutes had me wanting to walk out, and I’d been okay with it. The storyline / intriguing story felt pushed to the back to create sequels. Which is where I’d say 3/10 wait for streaming.

If you’re into overly loud, grotesque horror, then maybe check it out. Otherwise, there’s nothing really all that special about this movie. Wait and hope for a sequel, or watch all the other good horror movies releasing earlier in 2026 and still to come in 2026. There’s always plenty of it these days.

I’d love to have seen a shorter movie. Or removed some of the grotesque scenes to add plot or dive deeper into creating substance in this entity in the second half of the movie. Honestly, if they chose to hold off just for sequels, I hope this movie was cheap enough to re-coup; otherwise, they sunk money into a sinking ship.

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ChaO “Review”

Release date April 10, 2026 (USA)

Director Yasuhiro Aoki

Running time 1h 30m

Language Japanese

Distributed by Toei Company

Went in with the poster image, came out having thoroughly enjoyed ChaO 😀

Imagine being a journalist in a world where Mer people coexist with humans. Being told the stories of how it all came to be, and then coming face to face with the guy from the original story that you’ve read the storybooks on since your youth. ChaO takes you through this journey, living through the first human and mermaid couple’s tale.

At first, I couldn’t not think of One Piece, with the princess, but then started to fall in love with the characters, its lore, and the art style independently. This film cooked by the end. Showing so much depth between the characters and a story I’d honestly love to re-watch some time again.

Solid good time, great even, from us here at Popped 8/10. We’d love to hear your thoughts on ChaO. Plan to watch it? Curious? Already seen? Let us know in the comments below.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. This coming weekend, we have Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, along with Normal, releasing. I’m planning to check them both out. Any smaller titles releasing in theatres I should keep my eye on before Michael drops the following week?

Let us know in the comments below and until next time fellow movie-goers, happy Movie-Going! 😀

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You, Me & Tuscany “Review”

Release dateApril 10, 2026 (USA)

DirectorKat Coiro

ProducersWill Packer, Johanna Byer

GenresRomance, Comedy

MPAA ratingPG-13

Running time1h 45m

This movie was super cute, and a much-needed feel-good experience after the last 2 – Let’s discuss!

Yes, the start of the movie is very much like this: here’s everything you need to get to the destination. However, looking past that. The experience was totally earned by the feel-good, happy nature of this 1-hour and 45-minute journey.

Halle Bailey plays our main character Anna. Living the lives of others and never of her own. Dropping out of culinary school after her mothers passing she’s never gotten back to her goal. What she does have though is an unused ticket to Tuscany she had purchased for her mother.

Meeting Matteo (Played by Lorenzo de Moor) in her friend’s hotel bar. The ingredients are set to where in Tuscany to travel to. Marriage! Whaat! Yes, Anna finds herself in a situation that reveals to Matteo’s family that they’re getting married. From there, enjoy this fun journey with love, romance, comedy, and a full cast of characters I’d be happy watching again.

Some shout-outs are to the cab driver, Lorenzo (Played by Marco Calvani). The use of Anna’s friend Claire (Played by Aziza Scott) was very funny, and I loved their dynamic humor. Michael (Played by Rege-Jean Page), among many more, but lastly to Mrs. Dunn ( Played by Nia Vardalos), she was a total hoot! :D.

A solid 7 good movie. I’m placing a Popped score of 7.5/10 as I wouldn’t be made to watch this again if someone asked.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for this weeks batch of movie “Reviews”. I possibly may watch ChaO tomorrow before work but we shall see if time permits. Had a late night last night and back in tonight tonight so hopefully off on time to rest :D.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers – Happy Movie-Going! 😀

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Exit 8 “Review”

Release dateApril 10, 2026 (USA)

DirectorGenki Kawamura

Running time1h 35m

LanguageJapanese

Distributed byToho Co., Ltd.

Horror based on a video game made by Neon – Sign me up 😀

You receive a phone call while coming off your commuter train, and everything disconnects the moment you turn the corner. Exit 8 sign appears before you, a long corridor with a man walking towards you. Now watch that scene over and over again…. with a twist.

I wanted to give this a 7. Possibly, it could have been, with conversations that struck after the film ended between my wife and I. Is there more depth than first received? More layers to peel back with future viewings? I’m honestly not sure. But the repetitive nature of watching the same scene over and over would get tedious before the formula switched up. No spoilers here just my experience watching this movie with no experience of playing the game.

Okay here’s the rules to the game. Spot an anomaly, immediately turn back. Otherwise proceed to exit 8.

That’s pretty much it. It’s a fine/okay watch. Popped score of 6.5/10. Woke up this morning to see RT of 94% Critic Score :O. But they hated on Mario which was packed with fun scenes and adventure :s. No idea. Either way, love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Planning to check it out or curious?

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stay tuned for a much lighter feel good movie coming up next. You, Me & Tuscany.

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*Content Warning* Faces of Death “Review” *Content Warning*

Release date: April 10, 2026 (USA)

Director: Daniel Goldhaber

Producers: Greg Gilreath, Susan Montford, Adam Hendricks, Don Murphy, John Burrud

Distributed by: Independent Film Company

WOW – First Content Warning for Popped “Reviews” – Should warn people what’s to be discussed!

I went in blind, and wow, I wish I knew a little more….. but would that have changed my experience?

Before we dive in, this is the most R-rated movie I’ve seen in a VERY long time. It’s a shudder movie – If your stomach can handle extreme R-rated content adjacent to a snuff film, then stream it. Having this experience in a movie theatre was something totally different.

The types of content being shown aren’t held back. It’s not sheltered, it won’t hold punches back. You’re going to get very up close and personal with death. Do you enjoy this as entertainment, a laugh, or a light watch. Or the other spectrum of finding this deranged, messed up or an uncomfortable (Yet still a good watch). This will create a unique viewing experience for all. (Not to say I recommend this in the theatre. But I want all to know this content that will be displayed prior to going into a crowded theatre).

Just looking up the title I found out that this movie actually does exist from the movie being remastered in the film. Like holy shit! There’s even a freaking sequel to the 1978 movie released in 1981. For those around still then you’re truly brave. This film sits below A Serbian Film but just by literally saying that gives you context on WHY there’s a content warning on this “Review”.

This is all to say that Dacre Montgomery most recently known by myself from Stranger Things and Dead Man’s Wire. Did a solid job in his role and totally worth seeing this movie for his performance. (Remember I’m speaking to those that are prepared and know what there getting into here).

Not sure how else to warn you than to check this out on Shudder or brace yourself for a 7/10 solid 1 time watch that may or may or not sit with you after the film lets out. How deep does the rabbit hole go? I don’t want to blooming well know haha.

With that said brave movie-goers. I’ll be back tomorrow with something a little different. Lighter, but still horror – Exit 8 :D. Now to watch an animated show and get back to the light 😛 haha.

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The Drama “Review”

Release dateApril 3, 2026 (USA)

DirectorKristoffer Borgli

ProducersAri Aster, Lars Knudsen, Tyler Campellone

ScreenplayKristoffer Borgli

Running time1h 46m

MPAA ratingR

Didn’t pay attention to the trailer. Enjoy both Zendaya & Pattinson, so had to check it out – Let’s Discuss!

Heard nothing but negative things about this movie. Possibly why my expectations going in were curious, which had me coming out actually liking it. I call it a morality play? Explanation – There’s heavy subject matter, especially in today’s current climate within America. Where do you stand or find yourself when met with The Drama’s scenario?

No spoilers here despite sitting on this “review” over the weekend/week. The performances for the actors I actually really enjoyed. I was behind the characters and empathized with the turning points, where I could understand where certain decisions and mindsets had developed from. Isn’t the point of “The Drama” to stir the pot and have a divide? Maybe the movie was too meta and created its own Drama?

Regardless, I thought it was a solid watch where I could watch it again, either with some time apart or for someone interested in checking it out. From us here at Popped, The Drama gets a 7.5/10 Good Solid Movie. 😀 – Again, no spoilers but a little tea for those curious themselves.

Zendaya & Pattinson are a week away from their wedding. A group setting leads to hard truths being revealed among friends. Creating some hard lines in the sand that cause great tension and…. The Drama :D.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stay tuned tonight for an unexpected “Review” – Faces of Death :O. As we dive into the early access to a movie I have no idea what it’s about other than the name and poster!

Tomorrow I’ll be back with Exit 8 and possibly over the weekend – You, Me & Tuscany….mebi!

Until next time though fellow movie-goers, Happy movie-going!

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The Super Mario Galaxy Movie “Review”

Release dateApril 1, 2026 (USA)

DirectorsMichael Jelenic, Aaron Horvath

Running time1h 39m

MPAA ratingPG

Distributed byUniversal Pictures

Based onMario; by Nintendo

Going to get 4 hours sleep before work but let’s split this “Review” up – Critic vs Fan!

Fan “Review”

Absolutely loved it! 9/10 Totally in my top 10 movies of 2026… thus far 😀

More universes, worlds, characters, and cameos (despite Nintendo spoiling some), there are still surprises! Love the Mario video games from Mario, 2, 3, All Stars, Odyssey, Sunshine, Galaxy, etc., etc. There’s so much to explore and see in this movie. Multiple viewings are needed to catch it all.

Toad hit it on the head with his line about Yoshi in the trailer – He’s now apart of the gang. WoW do they utilize him :D. As fan & critic alike – Movies too short. This is Jam PACKED. The Music! Insane! I wanted more Mario theme music and boy oh boy did they deliver.

Yes, the intro was SUPER kiddy. (Made sense for the character, but SUPER kiddy) ((Yes I know it’s a children’s movie)). But not long after, we get a beautiful introduction with Mario & Luigi living within this world. The WORLD is gorgeous and bursting with life. Nintendo is TOTALLY cooking up something in these Mario movies, and I’m awaiting that epic day :D.

Just like the first film, there’s a mid and end credit scene. Without spoilers from those that have seen the movie – What’s your guesses in the comments below your hopes of an end credit scene cameo?

OMG, I want to talk about what Nintendo revealed, but if you don’t know, then KEEP IT THAT WAY. Those scenes are among my faves and give me hope for teases to SMASH O.o ?!?!?!?! Maybe? ? I dunno! 😛

Critic “Review”

Movies so fast-paced you want them to slow down. Introduce/explore the setup of big characters a little more. Introduce and set up their dynamic within the party. Plot points are blasting you through scenario to scenario faster than the ships blasting through the galaxy.

You might want some Nintendo knowledge for this one as. Yes things get quickly explained but omg the pacing being so quick you’re going to get lost with the amount packed in.

Stories not the strongest, but there’s lore and context setting up greater things….right Nintendo…Right!?

Honestly, that’s about it for my critics – Where this 44% RT score is coming from is freaking insane. I’d go as low as 7.5/10. It’s a solid good 1 time watch at best people. Why are critics so against Mario movies? Did the original live action hurt them as a child? I actually liked that one also so what gives :S. Honestly I’d be in the 8’s for this movie if it wasn’t for my love of the franchise and loving all the gamer easter egg goodness packed full of yum yum deliciousness :D.

Just like that, the Mario Galaxy Movie “Review” has come and gone, and I’m off to bed before work. Can’t wait to watch this again and purchase it on Blu-ray :D.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’ll see you all next time.

P.S, watched Project Hail Mary again but in Cine Capri. Tomorrow I’m changing my 8.5 to a 9. I’ll include this and that into my top 10 movies thus far tomorrow after work.

Now for Rosalina to read me a bedtime story 😀

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