The Damned “Review”

Release date: January 3, 2025 (USA)

Language: English

Distributed by: Vertical

Production companies: Elation Pictures; Netop Films; Wild Atlantic Pictures; Ley Line Entertainment

A very enticing trailer hauntingly got into my mind. This drew me into watching this feature, which kind of came from nowhere until last month before popping up.

So where do I start before suddenly stopping the review. Without spoilers I wont just suddenly leave you in limbo confused / working out what just happened. Did it hurt the overall score? Yes! But worthy watch for anyone interested in putting in the work during lots of slow build up.

Enticed or not, let’s get into The Damned “Review”. 19th-Century widow is forced to make an impossible choice, during an extremely cruel winter where you’ve succumbed to eating not only your reserved food but also the bait in which to harvest the food. Seeing a ship sinking off the coast, do you save those that may cause risking what’s left of the village’s dwindling supplies?

Odessa Young, playing our main lead “Eva” does a very good job in establishing herself in this world and involving her cast and the viewer through these haunting scenes. The sense of bitter winds, faced against odds. Hope only comes from those within your family and unable to trust or allow trust from any unknown sources.

Game of Thrones – Rory McCann does an excellent job here with Odessa fleshing out the opening scenes and creating bonds between the viewer and this family that’s against all odds coming into the winter season.

If you’re able to give this feature a chance. Just know the pacing can be slow but deliberate. Intentional to create several feelings within you along the way. Are these characters slowly losing it? Have their decisions come to haunt them. Are these visions/horrors something of paranormal or physiological? This film will have you questioning yourself by the end and that journey will be what makes or breaks this experience.

Is this a good movie? A close miss? A mid-range like that of our first movie of 2024 Night swim? If Night Swim is to be our 5/10 average middle of the pack film. I feel like the cinematography and direction from Thordur Palsson sets this feature above the pack at a 6.5/10. An above-average title that had moments of solid goodness but depending on your takeaway, narrowly or massively misses the mark and keeps itself from getting out of this tier for a Popped review.

Not a bad start to 2025 and happy new year to all those returning to Popped. Blog for another year. I appreciate all those that followed us here throughout 2024 and I’m excited to see our top 10 list slowly come together as we navigate 2025.

A trial and error pilot episode of the official Popped.blog podcast is out with another episode to come later into the weekend ahead. We’ll be discussing this title a little more and breaking down what’s to come throughout January for Popped.

Check out The Popped Cast by clicking this link.

Don’t forget to cast your votes for January’s Poll on the top menu of the page. Decide on which Anime/Movie you’d like reviewed outside of the mentioned or announced ones currently spoken of.

Thanks again and see you in the next batch.

January 2, 2025 0

Nosferatu “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2024 (USA)

Director: Robert Eggers

Screenplay: Robert Eggers

Budget: $50 million

Distributed by: Universal Pictures, Focus Features

Adapted from: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, Dracula

Never seen the original and maybe I should check it out. This movie was so freaking good! Came for the spooky vampire. Got hooked by the tonal atmosphere and stayed for the incredible Nicholas Hoult whom is another “Movie Star” I’ve got my sights on.

Lily-Rose Depp (Playing Ellen Hutter) kick starts this movie with an intense opener communicating with Nosferatu played by Bill Skarsgard (As Count Orlok)

Her husband Thomas Hutter (Played by the awesome Nicholas Hoult) gets a job to travel to Transylvania to sell land to a prospective client, Count Orlok.

Shout out to this couples friends in the movie being played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kraven Lead) & Emma Corrin who play the Harding family with their 2 very cute daughters.

Some / Few people may find this movie to have a slow intro I’ve heard. Which blows my mind because the opener was so incredible of a hook I’m surprised you had time to think this way. The film most certainly ramps up and escalates however I never found it boring what so ever.

Looking for a beautifully shot movie that honors the original while freshening it up in a modern technology way of creation through cinematography and quality. This film did it spot on. Sometimes it felt like a black and white movie elevated on film. This was gorgeous and I have a hard time picking between this and The Substance when it comes to my Oscar Nomination in certain categories.

Not going to ruin this for you by breaking down all that occurs. Just sit back, grab some popcorn and enjoy this spooky awesome movie that disserves a place in my top 10 as I’ll be giving Nosferatu a 9/10.

With that concludes 2024 movie “reviews” from me Prowen for Popped.blog

Next couple of posts will be a transition to 2025. Some looking back while others look ahead at my hopeful/most anticipated movies of next year. Some changes to come with the site going forth but until then. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a massive Happy New Year to you all :D.

December 28, 2024 0

A Complete Unknown “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2024 (USA)

Director: James Mangold

Producers: Timothée Chalamet, James Mangold, Bob Bookman · See more

Budget: $60–70 million

Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures

Based on: Dylan Goes Electric!; by Elijah Wald

Not going to lie, this film if it wasn’t for all the buzz around Oscar nomination. I probably would have skipped it. Well I’m glad I didn’t. What a great movie! Fun, entertaining and educational.

A complete unknown starts us of with Timothee Chalamet (Playing Bob Dylan) getting out a taxi in New York 1961. In search for his hero Woody Guthrie (Played by Scoot McNairy) who just got sentenced to hospital. With a lot of luck or extreme coin sequences, he meets up with Pete Seeger (Played by Edward Norton) who takes him in and pretty much places Bob Dylan on the map when he later gets introduced / plays after Joan Baez (Played by Monica Barbaro).

The film did a good job to entertain and educate me on the history of Bob Dylan while keeping me engaged. I was never bored despite, again, not having any interest in checking this movie out, outside the Oscar discussions.

A switch was flicked on once at entered 1965 and the gears started to really turn for Bob Dylan in several ways. It was awesome seeing Bob become his own musician rather than recording other peoples tracks. A line hit me when his girlfriend Sylvie Russo (Played by Elle Fanning) said that someone has to create the classics (As he was recording music deemed as classic), this got me as it’s true. Without someone today creating new songs the future wouldn’t have the classics of the 2000’s as nothing would have been created from the first existence of music.

This got me thinking of older actors and the newer generation of movie stars. Timothee Chalamet is for sure on my “Movie Star” list. He’s been fantastic in all his works and I’m excited to see more. (The next review also has an actors I’ve enjoyed for quite some time and would include here also).

Honestly if you’re on the fence then check this title out. If you loved/enjoyed the music from this era then you’re going to have a blast revisiting it all again. Great actors across the board.

Great movie a well deserved 8.5/10

December 28, 2024 0

The Order “Review”

Release date: December 27, 2024 (UK)

Director: Justin Kurzel

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios

Based on: The Silent Brotherhood; by: Kevin Flynn; Gary Gerhardt

Box office: $2 million

Cinematography: Adam Arkapaw

Finally got to sit down and watch The Order, mainly drawn in by Nicholas Hoult and a great trailer. This is such a good watch and some what educational being that it’s based on true events.

The story follows two opposing fronts, one led by an FBI agent (Terry Husk – Played by Jude Law) with his supporting officer (Jamie Bowen – Played by Tye Sheridan) against the other side, a white supremacist group with their groups lead (Bob Mathews – Played by Nicholas Hoult).

The acting was top notch, story telling was gripping and grasped my attention instantly. From a walk into the woods at night setting up plot points later on. To a bank robbery which pulls back the curtain to setup our two fronts.

Since the movie is based on true events I want you to go into this not knowing all the info I hold now. Create your own thoughts and opinions on how this all wraps up and how events unfold still to this day. It’s kind of wild how history can repeat itself.

With that being said I’ll keep story points and reveals very light. You’re going to see into the eyes of a white supremacist group as they form together, recruit, assemble and execute their groups plan to overthrow the federal government.

Have you checked out The Order yet? Dug deeper down the rabbit hole that the film’s ending messages leaves you with? Love to hear your thoughts below and with that we enter our final week of 2024 and a possible 3? movies left to review before we close this chapter.

The Order gets a solid 8/10 Popped scoring :D. Watched Wild Robot again yesterday by the way and totally loved it! Solid top 3 movies for 2024. Maybe it beats challengers when I re-watch that for a second time.

Until next time with – Nosferatu | A Complete Unknown | Baby girl

December 25, 2024 0

Sonic 3 “Review”

Release date: December 20, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jeff Fowler

Adapted from: Sonic the Hedgehog

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Box office: $1.4 million

Music by: Tom Holkenborg

Sprinkle some chaos energy on this review to temper expectations if you’d like. I’ll be going in on this “Review” however mind you being my most anticipated movie of 2024 I maybe wearing my rose tinted glasses.

If you’re unsure on what Sonic 3 will be about or what to expect. Maybe go watch the first two movies and the Knuckles Paramount + Show. It’s literally a turn your brain off and have a good time type of movie.

From the first title, to now. I’ve loved the world that’s being created for the Sonic Universe. Yes the human storylines are the weakest and continue to be, however I just love it when both Sonic and his gang are on screen as well as Jim Carrey himself playing as Doctor Eggman…..but wait a minute, now there’s two! Of him playing different characters in a movie by the same actor O.o.

Sonic 3 picks up with our trio of heroes as we discover it’s Sonic’s first bEarth Day when he met his human family back in the first movie. I honestly wished they left the humans here but alas…

Oh btw prior to the above we start this feature off with some nice action and introduction to Shadow himself. 😀 – I’ll tease and setup but wont go into spoilers. You know me by now ?

Human character shoutouts go to Krysten Ritter who plays the Director of Gun. Was very cool seeing her in this movie. Keanu Reeves was awesome playing Shadow, despite sounding like brain from pinky and the brain haha.

Loved Loved Loved! Jim Carrey playing both Doctor Eggmans. Loved him since the Mask, Dumb & Dumber & Ace Ventura. The same energy still exists today with his role playing these characters and I’m excited to see what’s to come next. – Press the Button 😉

Again no spoilers, but the overall plot of this title is overcoming Shadow the Hedgehog. If you know you know. If not, enjoy getting to learn more about the Sonic Universe that covers story from the video games. (Specifically Sonic Adventure 2)

Sit back and enjoy this very crazy adventure. Learn more about the characters and their back stories. New and Old characters get introduced, Developed and have their own moments to enjoy and behold.

Lots of epic 90’s nostalgia, specially for those into Sonic/Sega or that played video games during that period of time. keep watching to the end. A mid credit scene and a final end credit scene – BOTH WORTH STICKING AROUND FOR. – Very Juicy 😉

I can’t believe in 4 years we’ve gotten 3 Sonic Movies! – Insane! – Nintendo hurry up with Mario Bros and other franchises. I must get a Metroid & Ness movie so Smash Bros can be a thing.

You already know it’s a 9/10 from me for a Popped “Review”. If I had to be harsh maybe somewhere in the 8’s like an 8.5 but honestly I had such a blast and just love every scene with Jim Carrey and Team Sonic :D.

Here’s to looking forward to 2026? For the next installment. Maybe time to play some games and dive into the animated series?

Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for your “Review” of Sonic 3. Happy Holidays if I don’t return by next week and enjoy your festivities. ❤

Stay tuned toward new year on my 2024 break down and 2025 hopes and nopes.

December 19, 2024 0

Kraven the Hunter “Review”

Release date: December 13, 2024 (USA)

Director: J. C. Chandor

Budget: $110–130 million

Story by: Richard Wenk

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Based on: Marvel Comics

WoW! That’s a lot of $ to waste on this movie Sony. Maybe learn from WB and write it off on taxes rather than announce that this series is going no where and you’re done with your Spiderman less spin off movies.

Well, we’re counting down to the main event for the game awards so lets discuss the pros and cons. Or even the potential and wasted opportunities that Kraven the Hunter could have setup before Sony announced it’s going nowhere.

I’d like to start with some positives. The most positive is that this is a watchable movie and not awful like Morbius & Madame Web.

Loved the opening scene which they released online. I see why as it’s the best scene\s of the movie. Lots of good action worth checking out on the big screen. Honestly an entire could be cut from this feature to save 30 minutes would have gotten this back to a 7. I started at an 8 from the opening which quickly dropped with the backstory.

Loved Aaron Taylor-Johnson whom plays Kraven the Hunter. It’s a little odd seeing how he’s the “Good” guy of this title after playing Spiderman 2 video game. However! I loved the opportunity this movie sets-up to have an Amazing Spiderman 3 which bounces off this movie, the video game and the ending of Amazing Spiderman 2.

Maybe that’s why I ended up giving this a 6/10 because of the potential to have these characters in an actual amazing spiderman movie….Buuuut I have no idea what Sony is cooking up now. Will they start from scratch? Jump off where Marvel currently is? Try and salvage these spin-off movies but now include Spiderman? Love to hear your thoughts on that in the comments.

Calypso by the way was the character I’d cut from this movie. I’m not sure her origins from the comics but in this movie she’s not needed. Kraven’s brother Dimitri played by Fred Hechinger which you may remember most recently from Gladiator 2 would be my almost cut from the film but offered enough where I’d like to see his character more in an Amazing Spiderman sequel.

Loved Kraven’s dad being played by Russell Crowe. Sadly the storyline that played out wasn’t the one setup in my head from the start which was unfortunate. Still had lots of awesome worth watching scenes and I enjoyed where he took the story of Kraven toward the end of the movie to jump from into what’s going to come next? If anything comes from it at all :S.

I’d place Kraven probably 2nd best Sony Spiderman movie of the spin-off movies. 1st place going to Venom 1 of course. I did enjoy this more than Venom 2/3* (Overall – 3 Had some good scenes still) and way more than the previous mentioned Morbius & Madame Web.

I’d love to get the video game Kraven from these actors in a sequel but who knows what Sony is doing next with these properties.

From a 8/10 down to a 7 then eventually a 6. I gave Kraven the Hunter an above average 6/10 rating and with that, we wrap up the spiderman less spiderman movies from Sony. Let’s give them lots of good feedback for their new direction.

With DC resetting, Marvel? Rethinking their direction?, now Sony resetting? I’m excited to see if Comic Book movies can come back and be done right again.

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog – Enjoy the Game Awards and I’ll see you next time with potentially Sonic or ??? an unexpected viewing of The Order maybe?

December 12, 2024 0

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim “Review”

Release date: December 13, 2024 (USA)

Director: Kenji Kamiyama

Adapted from: The Lord of the Rings

Story by: Jeffrey Addiss; Will Matthews; Philippa Boyens

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Budget: $30 million

For someone who watched LOTR once back in the day and then the Hobbit trilogy once, before watching the first film’s extended cut last year (Which I loved and became invested in the series unlike my first viewing), I probably wouldn’t have had this on my list of movies to watch. After my experience last year, I’m even more grateful to have watched it, as I’d have missed out on such a cool anime movie of LOTR’s.

As much as I didn’t like Wulf and his sudden switch in perspective on events that occur in the setup of this movie. I really enjoyed all the characters. Wulf and his dad just completely suck (Wulf’s Dad sucks for his actions while Wulf himself sucks for his poor writing).

The war of Rohirrim comes to be due to our main female lead, Hera refusing to marry and supported by her father and older brothers would have a war break out with Wulf and his people that leads to bigger stakes than just a rejected proposal.

This tale goes back almost 200 years from the original series where Frodo comes into contact with the ring. Here we get some sprinkled easter eggs. Delicious lore setup and exploration. Along with extra character history that I’m hoping leads to future movies that tie nicely in with this series.

The music is rather nostalgic to the original series. Even if a little reworked/tweaked, I was delighted to hear a familiar tune as we come into, through, and out of this movie.

Lots of good action is sprinkled into this 2-hour feature. Some extremely long credits of roughly 8 minutes and no end scene. This was a fun title to watch. Maybe I’ll watch it again as a recap for the entire series but otherwise, this is a solid 7/10 good watch movie.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and look forward to Kraven potentially tomorrow. Next week Sonic 3, maybe another 1/2 movies before the years out but Sonic 3 is my most anticipated movie of 2024 and I’m so hyped to sink my teeth into it :D.

December 12, 2024 0

September 5 “Review”

Release date: January 9, 2025 (Germany)

Director: Tim Fehlbaum

Producers: Tim Fehlbaum, Sean Penn, Philipp Trauer, Thomas Wöbke, John Ira Palmer, John Wildermuth Jr.

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures, Constantin Film

Cinematography: Markus Förderer

Music by: Lorenz Dangel

Got to watch an early access screening of September 5 the other day. With a limited release this kind of hits 2024/25 but I wont be long with this one.

September 5 is set in 1972 during the Munich Olympics. An American sports broadcasting crew finds themselves thrust into covering a hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes.

Before I go into my thoughts, however brief. This is based on true events. Several people after the showing were discussing with myself and some others that they actually lived through this and remember it well. They came away enjoying this title so I wanted to start with that before the later half.

When it comes to my experience. I warn those that are tired, to rest before this feature. Going into this tired with its slow pacing, dated, yet intended for the time period can have you dozing off. Unlike that of Conclave I didn’t find myself compelled to stay awake to see what’s happening as the pacing was just so slow and none of the characters, cinematography, visual beats was enough to grab my attention in such a tired state.

That was my experience, but I hope that if you went to check this title out. That you came away having had a good time and maybe learnt something of historic events.

It’s not much of a “Review” but a pin in the calendar for watching and scoring this for the year. The trailer was good to lure me in but sadly the film in my tired state wasn’t enough.

6/10 – Above Average

December 12, 2024 0

Moana 2 “Review”

Release date: November 27, 2024 (USA)

Directors: Dana Ledoux Miller, Jason Hand, David Derrick Jr.

Story by: Jared Bush; Dana Ledoux Miller; Bek Smith

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Box office: $109.6 million

Music by: Mark Mancina; Opetaia Foaʻi

Enjoyed the first one back in 2016! WoW I had to check that to confirm it’d been almost 10 years since then. INSANE! Wasn’t all that into watching the sequel but glad I went.

If you’re coming back for dem feels then Moana 1.5 is the place to be. I’m calling this title Moana 1.5 as I heard this was meant to be a Disney + Series however released as Moana 2.

Sadly, as much as I had a good time, this felt like a TV Series converted to a movie. With no real villain or antagonist, some world-building, and revisiting characters we know and love, this felt like an outstanding 1.5 series.

Maybe it’s due to Red One souring my taste these days for Dwayne Johnson. I felt like the best parts were coming from Auliʻi Cravalho whom voices Moana. Maui was cool and all and had one of the better forgettable songs but the supporting characters and Moana’s sister were what stole the show here.

Speaking of the songs, they felt good in the moment but nothing WoW! Incredible! That will stay with you after you leave the theatre. Honestly, everything felt great but doesn’t match that of the original. I’m hopeful for the sequel of Moana to bring this home.

Discussing that of the theatre and the experience. Massive shoutout to everyone at Harkins putting in solid hard work. Y’all crushing it and putting on a stella experience.

Studios pivoted to the streaming model during 2020 while theatres had to find ways to survive. With Disney + Shows like Moana 2 coming to the big screen and doing so well. I really hope other studios continue to bring their content to the theatre as that’s the greatest experience to behold such a spectacle.

When I began this “Reviewing” journey back in January 2024 I thought to myself. I’ll watch the movies I miss in the theatre on a digital platform. In attempts to do that multiple times, I don’t get that movie-going experience at home. I find myself distracted with other options or wanting to play World of Warcraft these days haha. While at the theatre I’m connected with the movie on screen with no other distractions. I’m able to fully immerse myself with what the title is offering me.

It’s for this that I recommend you go out and watch Moana 2 in theatres. Enjoy the emotions, the story and the characters that couldn’t be experience while at home watching Disney + in the background.

Maybe that works for Red One which is a disappointment. But for experiences of good content you need to feel emersed at the theatre rather than being at home. I was surrounded by so many people enjoying this title along with me. That feeling of connection to other movie going enjoyers like myself and future “Reviewers” watching their first movie was such a delight and something special.

With all that, I’m giving Moana 2 a Popped score of 8/10, a great watch. Could rewatch this film again in preparation for the sequel or even as a continuation after watching the first film once more.

Happy Holidays everyone! Hope you’re all doing well out there and enjoying time with family and loved ones. I may not remember any songs but sing a favorite song in your head as you head to your nearest theatre to experience Moana 2 or any movie this holiday season. Say thank you and give your cashier or theatre staff member a smile. Some say it’s contagious :D.

November 29, 2024 0

Wicked Part 1 “Review”

Release date: November 22, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jon M. Chu

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Adapted from: Wicked, The Wizard of OZ

Budget: $145–150 million

Cinematography: Alice Brooks

I enjoyed the play many moons ago pre-COVID. I’ve watched and enjoyed The Wizard of OZ several times. So it’s awesome to finally be in a timeline where Wicked has been created into a theatrical movie.

I’d like to start by reminding people that Wicked is a musical. I just didn’t want anyone to be surprised when going in to watch this movie. Although comparing the length of this movie to Joker, this felt to have the same or slightly less music. (I’d like to have had more music, which I’ll get into later.)

The Wicked movie is told from the perspective of our two witches, Elphaba (Played by Cynthia Erivo) & Galinda (Played by Ariana Grande). Setting up the movie we start with Galinda, Munchkin Land, and the death of the Wicked Witch of the East. The story begins by highlighting the fact that Dorothy has arrived in OZ. This story travels back to prior times introducing Elphaba from conception, her childhood including introducing her sister, and then how Elphaba & Galinda became friends with one another in school.

You’re watching a musical so let’s begin with that, shall we? It’s awesome! Countless good songs throughout this 2-hour and 31-minute spectacular (Skip the non-post-credit scene crawl unless you’re enjoying the music). My most remembered songs going into the film were fantastic and knocked each performance out of the park. I may even lock this title in for the Oscars for Best Production & Costume Design. Some of the music was elevated by these two categories making the scene/s stand out and worth re-watching.

As usual, I’ll keep story spoilers away and touch on brief topic matters despite being based on the Wicked Broadway play. This theatrical release incorporates a book that I never read.

I found it fascinating the history on animals and how much this played into the storyline of Wicked. Maybe I missed this while watching the play but it gave so much grounded development to Elphaba and strengthening her decisions and choices that leads her to become who she is later on.

I’m a real underdog supporter in movies so to incorporate this, I was totally enthralled. I have so many notes to discuss however I just want you to go out and experience this movie for yourself. (Caveat – You’re watching a musical remember. Don’t want any surprises like Joker now) If you’re not a fan of musicals this maybe a hard watch despite the incredible performances from the entire cast.

Something that stands out early is the chemistry felt between Elphaba & Galinda, something truly magical and that captivates throughout. I had a moment of emotional swirl get me during a scene, helping with the long run time. When you start to feel the movie length you’re heading into the final act which feels to go by in an instant due to how good it is. I’m ready to re-watch again and could have sat another 3 hours watching Part 2.

I’m not sure about movie of the year however do checkout my top 10 list which has shifted somewhat with this release. I may have to re-watch Dune 2 as it’ll be bumped off the list which doesn’t seem right but it’s a strong 8.5 almost 9 so we’ll see by year end.

With that giant hint, I’m giving Wicked Part 1 a Popped score of 9/10. Worthy of a Blu-ray purchase and definitely a multi-re-watch.

Out of the big 3 to end November I’d say this is the clear winner. (Despite not seeing Moana 2 yet so let’s see next week if that stance changes) – Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “review” and looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.

Did you check out Wicked yet? What’s your top 10 looking like in comparison? Let us know before the next popped batch of “Reviews”.

November 21, 2024 1