Is This Thing On? “Review”

Release date: December 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: Bradley Cooper

Screenplay: Will Arnett, Bradley Cooper, Mark Chappell

Producers: Will Arnett, Bradley Cooper, Weston Middleton, Kris Thykier

Running time: 2h 4m

MPAA rating: R

Checked it out after seeing this is based on a true story. Let’s Discuss!

Without spoilers or wanting to come off as to harsh, this movie is just too long. I did fall asleep after the first hour as the pacing was just so slow. I expected something more inline with Song Sung Blue but sadly I left a little blue that this was mostly a 6/10 okay to fine movie at best for me personally.

What’s the story all about? Will Arnett (Playing Alex Novak) is facing an impending divorce. Juggling their personal lives with their friends & family ties. During this, Alex finds his purpose in New York within the comedy stand up scene. Maybe I missed the growth in the 20minutes I nodded off. But the ending was sweet, but didn’t have that emotional moving feeling like Song Sung Blue, or characters I connected with which empowered me to cheer on the character.

Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, hopefully you had that connection and magic that didn’t get cast on my viewing experience.

Thank you for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. While posting The Plague I realized I need to add some new categories to the site and thus 2026 can truly begin :D.

Happy Movie-Going fellow movie-goers :D.

January 9, 2026 0

The Plague “Review”

Release date: December 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Charlie Polinger

Producers: Joel Edgerton, Lizzie Shapiro, Lucy McKendrick, Derek Dauchy, Roy Lee, Steven Schneider

Nominations: Prize of Un Certain Regard · See more

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Independent Film Company

I thought The Plague was another zombie movie. WoW did I walk into something else.

I went through a couple of stages reflecting on this movie throughout my viewing experience. A coming of age kept coming to mind but mainly, without spoilers. The Plague is a dark window to viewers on the consequences of bullying.

A great group of young actors which should use this movie for their portfolio. It’s got good things going for it. As much as it’s not a zombie movie. I liked the lens being focused on this angle of dark consequences of bullying. It ramps up and keeps the movie concise. Even a bow tie of an ending? It’s a fine movie at a 6.5/10.

Solid performances from this group of actors. The Plague focuses on a group of young lads apart of a water polo camp. The social dynamics to Ben (Played by Everett Blunck) being new to this group are portrayed very well as the viewer is new to this world and environment. Eli (Played by Kenny Rasmussen) has some sort of infection and dubbed by Jake (Played by Kayo Martin) to have “The Plague”. Touch him and you’ll get it also.

This anxiety from the ruthless hierarchy of the water polo group spirals into psychological turmoil over the summer period. The horror elements or done in away of situational and environment. Something of an intrigue is the inclusion of music almost of that of Aztec in nature.

Thinking of checking out The Plague or already seen it ? Let me know in the comments below. Love to hear your thoughts. RT has it at a 100% believe it or not. IMDb at 7.2/10. Stay tuned for a continued batch of “reviews” as we dive next, into Is This Thing On?.

Thank you for coming by Popped! For your movie “Reviews”. Happy Movie-Going!

January 9, 2026 0

2025 Look Back – “Recap.”

Something Popped started in 2025 was an early & mid look into the year. Well, we’re now into the following year of 2026, so let’s look back and “Recap” the year of 2025.

Were my top 10 predictions correct? What surprises occurred? Misses, swings & hits. Let’s get into it!

Let’s start with my top 10 predicted vs officials.

Ouch! Let’s start with my misses! – Love Hurts, seriously hurts to see this on my top 10 list when I gave it a 4.5. Ballerina, sadly, I fell asleep, so I don’t have a review of it, and never re-watched it to catch the middle parts I missed. Jurassic World & Black Phone 2 were fine movies with a mixture of good & bad elements.

The remainder were good to great, with scores ranging from 7.5 to 8.5.

So what’s my actual top 10 for 2025: (Not Actually Listed 1 through 10)

Ranking 2025 – Top 10	Movie Title
1	Ne Zha 2 – 9/10* – #1 Oscar Animated Feature
2	Bring Her Back – 9/10*
3	Sinners – 9/10*
4	Better Man – 9/10*
5	Sarah’s Oil – 9/10
6	Song Sung Blue – 9/10
7	David – 9/10
8	The Life of Chuck – 9/10
9	F1 – 9/10
10	One Battle After Another – 9/10

Ne Zha 2 came out of no where. Like, wasn’t even on my radar and seriously loved this movie and watched the first & second movie over 3 times each. First one probably closer to 5/6.

Same with Bring Her Back – Watched this twice and thoroughly enjoyed it. Was surprised placing a horror movie into my top 10 but then Sinners feels so right in here :D.

Better Man I’ve watched twice and thoroughly loved the nostalgia of the story, setting & music.

True stories were big for 2025 and Sarah’s Oil & Song Sung Blue were incredible. Moved me emotionally and tales I’d re-watch again.

Life of Chuck is one of those movies you’ll sit and ponder. Reflecting and taking in what the movie meant to you individually. A lot can be broken down by this. Love to hear your thoughts.

One Battle After Another vs Sinners are my two best picture plays. Haven’t re-seen OBAA yet but Sinners, I loved even more the second watch.

Dark Horses of 2025:

Minecraft blew up with Chicken Jockey. Captain America came out same time as Ne Zha 2. You can read my thoughts on those in their respected “Reviews”. Mortal Kombat 2 got pushed to 2026 so let’s hope it actually releases this year. Once again in my Dark Horse but I’m backing Street Fighter based on their trailers.

Looney Tunes was a lot of fun but didn’t do great. Hopefully Coyote vs Acme performs this year. Until Dawn & M3gan 2.0 flopped. With Mickey 17 not being my cup of tea but did decent. Fantastic Four faired better than Captain America but I’m hoping Doomsday is worth this recent era of Marvel :S…..hopefully….

Here’s to a solid year of movies for 2026! Looking forward to seeing how wrong I am again :P. Honestly this year has so many good movies I’d be surprised not seeing my predicted list being a little closer than my 2025 list was :D.

Next Popped Date to be end of January when we discuss the Oscar Nominations! Snubs, potential winners & my disappointment for Ne Zha 2 not being nominated based on how it’s going with Critics Choice & Golden Globes.

Until next time though fellow movie-goers – Happy Watching 😀

January 4, 2026 0

2026 Early Look Ahead

Welcome, fellow moviegoers, this update will go over an early look at 2026. Currently scheduled as of 1.3.26, breaking down month to month what’s planned to be “reviewed”. Maybe some hidden secret gems. Some disappointments? We’ll review in 2026 December to see the outcome.

By each month in bold will be movies I’ll lock in a review of, all going well. The Italic number is either a polled or a surprise random movie watch to add to the month’s reviews. Most likely, based on 2025, I’ll be watching far more than what’s here. But these catch my interest early on.

January 2026 –5 | 7

I usually don’t cover movies released outside the theatre, but maybe 2026 will have exceptions? 2025 Didn’t really have any for me personally.

February 2026 – 8 | 3

March 2026 – 5 | 4

April 2026 – 4 | 2

May 2026 – 6 | 0

June 2026 – 4 | 4

July 2026 – 6 | 1

August 2026 – 5 | 3

September 2026 – 4 | 1

October 2026 – 5 | 3

November 2026 – 4 | 2

December 2026 – 6 | 0

This was using firstshowing.net on January 3rd, so I’m sure more releases get added toward the middle of the year, just as they did with 2025 by our Mid-Year “Review”.

62 Locked in movies with a possible 92 with the added 30. In 2025, the goal was 100 movies. We ended up reviewing 140 Movies! – Crushed the hopeful 75 that I had expected early 2025! Goal for 2026? Maintain that 100, but hone in on my Oscars Nominations earlier? Any thoughts on this year’s goal to set? – Love to hear your suggestions in the comments. Fingers crossed we get accepted into the Rotten Tomatoes Reviewer <3.

Top 5 from the above list? Will be:

Avengers: Doomsday | Dune 3 | Street Fighter | Spider Man | Super Mario Bros ?

My hopes of a top 10:

Narnia | The Odyssey | Toy Story 5 | Super Girl | The Mandalorian & Grogu

Dark Horse Shoutouts:

Love to hear your thoughts on this list – Anything stick out / Missing from the list? Let’s jump into 2026 with awesome movies ahead of us. Lots to be added, I’m sure, so keep an eye on future announcements or on this update tab :D. Happy Watching All!

Check back tomorrow for a look back at what I got right, way off, or fun surprises of 2025 in the next Popped! Update ❤

January 3, 2026 0

Song Sung Blue “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: Craig Brewer

Producers: Craig Brewer, John Davis

Running time: 2h 13m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Distributed by: Focus Features, Universal Pictures

Hearing Hugh Jackman saying he’s huge!….next level entertainment :p

I thought I was walking into a film like Better Man or A Complete Unknown. Then I found out this is actually about a Neil Diamond tribute band…..to find out at the end of the movie…..It’s a real freaking story! – 2025 – The year of true story / true story-based movies!

From the incredible acting of the entire cast. Hugh Jackman (Playing Mike Sardina), Kate Hudson (Playing Claire Sardina), Claire’s daughter Rachel Cartwright (Played by Ella Anderson), Claire’s Son Dayna Cartwright (Played by Hudson Hensley) & Mike’s daughter Angelina Sardina (Played by King Princess). Along with an excellent supporting cast. This family dynamic and their story through extreme highs, lows, and hardships had my emotions going through a rollercoaster.

Not only the fantastic acting and characters, but Song Sung Blue has incredible music and storyboarding elements. It has a beautiful bow-tie ending, and honestly, I was blown away. I was going to skip it. But WOW! I’m so glad I didn’t because this is going into my top 10 movies of 2025.

The hard decision is whether to drop Last Breath or Sarah’s Oil. Two incredible true story movies that moved me. When I look back and think of repeat viewings. It’ll probably take the place of Last Breath. It’s hung in there since February, and that experience was Awing.

Song Sung Blue is a gem of a movie that will have you in laughter, feeling the highs of joy and happiness. While next hitting you in the gut and tears running down your face as you’ve connected and built relationships with these characters. No Spoilers. But WOW! This is a great movie and wrapped up 2025 beautifully. Popped score of 9/10!

Thanks for coming by, Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Appreciate you taking the time to do so, and would love to hear your thoughts on Song Sung Blue in the comments.

With this “Review” that wraps up 2025, and if something technically limited release came out but releases wide in 2026. Just like Better Man, will be placed * into 2026. Unless the Oscars switch that up? We’ll find out within the month.

Next post will be a look back through 2025, followed by an additional post looking ahead into 2026. Look forward to those and see how right or wrong I was. Surprise hits and movies that weren’t even on my radar.

Lastly, I’ll calculate my total reviews for 2024 & 2025 and include that in the look back. I totally blew by 100, which is insane! My goal for 2024 was 50, then 2025 was 75. What # should we go for next year?

Looking at January, I already see 8 movies on my radar :D.

Until next time, though, fellow moviegoers. Happy Movie Going & Happy New Year!

December 30, 2025 1

Marty Supreme “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: Josh Safdie

Producers: Timothée Chalamet, Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush, Anthony Katagas

Cinematography: Darius Khondji

Screenplay: Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein

Running time: 2h 29m

Marty Supreme is a great movie! – I just watch too many movies. Let’s Discuss!

Let’s split this “Review” into two parts. The shorter, to-the-point, and the longer, which may touch upon spoilers, to explain the score. Shall we begin? 😀

Non Spoiler – “Review”

Timothee Chalamet playing Marty, set in 1950’s, Marty has a dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player. Enjoy a 2 and half hour journey to see if this dream comes true. It’s a great movie. Very entertaining and filled with incredible supporting characters.

Popped score of an 8.5/10 – I thought about the 9 all the way home once the credits began to play. I went out in the SoCal rains to check this feature out based on all the high praise and buzz. It didn’t disappoint. But when comparing it to other films. It had to be a .5. Shall we discuss below?

Potential Spoiler “Review” – the .5

I’ll use a couple of titles for examples for those interested in why it didn’t get the 9/10.

Sinners – A movie that intrigues at the start. Builds at a slower pace to set the stage. In a fantastic explosion of awesome! – Reveals the final stage for a spectacular second half that’s an insanely good watch, again and again.

F1 – A movie that had me on the edge of my seat. With no interest in Formula 1. Had me hooked and totally engaged with the sport and characters. Felt like there were stakes involved. *Marty Supreme* broke that immersion when I saw characters stand still and not return the ball when other shots were far harder to make.

One Battle After Another – Being slightly longer than Marty Supreme. I didn’t feel the length of time, unlike I had with Marty. Despite there being a solid score at times. Within OBAA, that score fueled you with energy. Energizing you through multiple long scenes that went by in a flash, for being so engaged and hooked. I’ve only seen OBAA once. Within that showing, I had a couple talking the ENTIRE time. Despite that experience. I was fully engaged and locked in. Marty Supreme sadly had slowed down, which, little things within the audience did distract, pulling me out of the experience.

Challengers – A previous year movie, which was my #1. Just like this year’s F1. The momentum. Engaged energy. Music & Characters back and forth. Presented a perfect performance for me personally, which I could honestly say is maybe my 10/10 film. I haven’t seen it more than once. However, based on that one showing. I had a 10/10 experience.

Marty Supreme – Offers slightly below the levels of the aforementioned movies. It’s a great movie and totally deserves the praise it’s getting. But comparing it to, for me personally. Popped score of an 8.5/10.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Read the short or longer version I appreciate you taking the time. Love to hear your thoughts on Marty Supreme in the comments below.

I loved Sinners even more the second viewing. Specially the second half with the couple not talking. I’ve yet to see ABAA a second time without people talking. I mention them as currently they are my two contenders for 2025 Movie of the Year :D.

Any ideas what yours is yet? Love to hear it in the comments. Fingers crossed, Ne Zha 2 gets a nomination at the Oscars. Based on the Golden Globes, I’m rooting for Demon Slayer! For #1 Animated movie of 2025.

December 26, 2025 0

Anaconda “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: Tom Gormican

Producers: Tom Gormican, Andrew Form, Bradley Fuller, Kevin Etten

MPAA rating: PG-13

Running time: 1h 40m

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Sometimes a movie doesn’t need a storyline….Anaconda

When the cast is having fun. I actually had a laugh with Anaconda. For a short movie, this did feel long, and at 6 minutes to the end, I did check the time. Sometimes a story isn’t needed, cutting that out, this movie could have gotten to a 7….

Alas, this is an okay movie at best. a 6/10 for this “Unofficial Official sequel reboot of Anaconda”. If you haven’t seen headlines. There are surprises in this feature, which were fun. Especially for those of the original.

Otherwise, a lot of the beats the trailer covers, including a lot of the funny scenes.

The bar was so low on this one, a potty humor joke was my first laugh, believe it or not :S.

Popped review for Anaconda, going in at a 6/10. If you were one of the few laughing your ass off in my performance. I’m glad you had a fun time :D.

I appreciate you taking the time to come by and see our movie, “Reviews”. What did you think of Anaconda? Let me know in the comments below. Stick around, though, as coming up next is Marty Supreme’s “Review”.

See you in the next one, fellow movie-goers!

December 26, 2025 0

We Bury the Dead “Review”

Release date: January 2, 2026 (USA)

Director: Zak Hilditch

MPAA rating: R

Producers: Grant Sputore, Kelvin Munro, Ross M. Dinerstein, Joshua Harris, Mark Fasano

Running time: 1h 34m

Distributed by: Vertical, Umbrella Entertainment

Secret Movie time and despite thinking it was Primate – Dice landed on We Bury The Dead!

This feature will make for a solid streamer. One of those movies you see raved about on social media with high scores, but honestly, it’s just an okay movie with a unique offering in the zombie genre.

Daisy Ridley plays Ava Newman, a wife on a mission to find her missing husband. After a catastrophic military disaster occurs on the island, Ava joins a military organization of civilian volunteers that bury the dead & maybe uncovers far more than advertised.

Honestly, cut 15 -20 minutes off this movie, and it may have been a fine to good movie. But without getting into spoilers. The ending is rather weak & doesn’t hold well for the writers on this one. Good streamer if you’re looking for something unique in the zombie space, but otherwise a 6/10 Popped score.

It’s neat being able to watch a mystery movie that you’re unaware of what could be until it’s playing on screen. Sometimes that’s a hit. Other times a unique tale was told. But alas we still have Anaconda tomorrow to check out and sometime this weekend – Song Sung Blue / Marty Supreme to wrap up the year of 2025.

Happy Holidays to all fellow moviegoers! I’ll see you in the next batch 😀

December 23, 2025 0

Avatar: Fire and Ash “Review”

Release date: December 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: James Cameron

Running time: 3h 17m

Budget: 400 million USD

Sequel: Avatar 4

Story by: James Cameron, Amanda Silver, Josh Friedman, Shane Salerno, Rick Jaffa

It’s the third installment, so I’ll have a short and spoilers ash “Review”

Short 8/10 “Review”

Well, I was going to link my “Review” of Avatar 2 buuuut, I started this blog after that year :S So, let’s recap quickly and get to it. Hated the first movie. Was a big hater of this series until checking out Avatar 2 in 3D. WoW! Totally won me over – LOVED IT! Would have been a 9/10 for me personally.

We’re back again with what feels like a Part 2 of the second movie with the third installment. Had a great time. Felt long but didn’t feel like 3 hours 17minutes, despite it being daylight when I went in and totally dark when I came out haha.

Would recommend checking this installment out on the big screen if you enjoyed the second movie. It’s literally that movie again, but characters have a lot to resolve from the ending of the second movie, and lots of growth to have across the 3-hour journey.

This time, I checked it out in 3D HFR. Although still not for me personally, I had to give it another try after my last attempt with the Hobbit films. Will continue to watch in 3D as the world is beautiful, and it’s the best way to experience this series on the big screen. 8/10.

Spoiler ash “Review”

Wicked Part 1 had all the songs, the story, characters, and fun times. Wicked Part 2 had to deal with the ramifications of the first movie. A darker tone/style and had to navigate what just occurred in the previous installment, while balancing the story and journey ahead with the peaks of epic that just occurred towering above expectations for the sequel.

It’s hard to obtain that feeling again. Despite having a great time. Especially the final hour. The overall feel for Avatar 3 had the second installment towering above expectations. I felt like this go-around couldn’t live up to the story being told. (Enough of that until we discuss story spoilers in the comments.)

I’m excited to see what’s to come in the 4th installment with a potential time jump once more. I loved connecting with the family in the 2nd installment, and unfortunately, as it is for the characters in this movie. Despite their growth, the ending of the previous movie did leave our characters in a darker place, which was hard to get into at the start of the movie for me personally.

Want to discuss more Avatar? See you in the comments below!

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. As usual, don’t want to touch spoilers. Specially for a 3rd installment movie being this deep into the series you’d think you’d know if it’s for you or not. But alas some viewers do enjoy waiting to binge the lot no matter how many years that may take. 2029 & 2031 for the 4th & 5th installment. Will we get KH4 by then? We’ll have to wait and see.

Few movies left to end the year, but I’m honestly surprised by what’s not making it onto my top 10 list to end the year off. How are your lists going? Love to hear them in the comments.

Until next time, fellow moviegoers. Happy Movie Going and Happy Holidays!

December 20, 2025 1

The Housemaid “Review”

Release date: December 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: Paul Feig

Genres: Thriller, Psychological thriller, Mystery

Language: English

Story by: Freida McFadden

MPAA rating: R

Avoid the spoilers – Enjoy what awaits!

For the majority of this movie. It was fine. Had some good elements to it, but I wasn’t all that interested in the build-up…. I wasn’t prepared for what build-up meant! The trailers don’t prepare you for what’s to come. Even though it appears to show a lot. Avoid the spoilers. Enjoy what awaits! Honestly those last 40 minutes got this thriller mystery from 6.5 to a solid 7/10.

I was excited to see Sydney Sweeney in action but another star gave her a run for the money. Amanda Seyfried is playing Nina Winchester. Fantastic performances from both. Sweeney plays Millie Calloway, the live-in housemaid. The husband, Andrew Winchester, played by Brandon Sklenar, also offers a fantastic performance, creating a must-watch movie without spoilers this holiday season.

It’s very R-rated if you’re thinking of bringing the kids or your parents :P.

From the ending, there’s potential for sequels in this universe. Seeing it’s based on a novel series. I sure hope we get to see them on the big screen.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. This time with The Housemaid. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below.

Until the next batch – Happy movie-going, fellow moviegoers!

December 19, 2025 0