Category: 2025 Movie “Reviews”

The Brutalist “Review”

Release date: December 20, 2024 (Canada)

Director: Brady Corbet

Budget: $9.6 million

Cinematography: Lol Crawley

Distributed by: A24, Universal Pictures, Focus Features

Languages: English; Hungarian

Hearing the buzz around this movie at it’s limited release and then getting nominated as a best picture for the up coming Oscars. I had to, and finally, checked out The Brutalist after finally releasing in my neck of the woods with such a slow role out in movie theatres.

Before we jump in, a small caveat. This film opens rather abruptly and fast. The subtitle text on screen is fast paced and at the bottom of the screen. I’ll have to rewatch this scene as I couldn’t enjoy what’s on screen while keeping up with the text. (I love watching SUB Anime so it’s not an issue with subtitles overall. Just the implementation in this movie.) Lastly some of the text is over hard to see areas like the sky which is hard to read. The whole movie isn’t in subtitles but when their used. It’s about 15% of the time it could be missed.

With that said, The Brutalist starts with a voice over of our leads wife as he’s escaping postwar Europe to New York prior to settling in Pennsylvania. Our lead, Laszlo Toth played by Adrien Brody is an extremely skilled architect that must rely on his visionary art to make it on his own while navigating the pressures of ambition and societal expectations. This film deep dives into Laszlo while introducing characters of his life throughout the film.

The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. The use of space and light mirrors the themes of isolation and beauty found in brutalist architecture itself. Every frame is meticulously crafted, drawing the viewer into a world that feels both cold and inviting simultaneously. The sound design complements this aesthetic beautifully, enhancing the emotional weight of key scenes.

This movie is long, its long and it’s long. Like long long. The first hour was the “Hardest” hour to get into. Mainly due to not knowing the intro due to the mentioned critique above and then working out what’s going on and connecting with the lead/characters. After this until the 15minute intermission was a blast and fast paced. I honestly wish certain scenes were cut to reduce the length down to 3 hours and skip the intermission. As much as a nice break, Wicked a 2 hour 40minute movie doesn’t feel long after watching it again. Adding 20minutes including the credits I could see do able (I’ll explain what I mean in the spoiler ish section below).

The performances are standout, particularly from the lead actor, who delivers a raw and nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with his demons. The supporting cast adds depth, with each character representing different facets of the protagonist’s psyche-doubt, ambition, and regret. Their interactions create a rich tapestry of human experience, making the film resonate on multiple levels.

While the pacing may feel deliberate at times, it serves to build tension and allows for moments of introspection that are crucial to the narrative. Some viewers may find the film’s artistic choices polarizing, but for those who appreciate a deeper, more contemplative story, The Brutalist offers a rewarding experience.

Due to the length, sadly like Dune Part 2, I can’t reward a 9 personally. This feature is visually stunning and thought-provoking that challenges the viewer to reflect on the intersections of art and life. It successfully balances its aesthetic ambitions with a poignant narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven cinema. With it’s compelling themes and striking visuals it earns a Popped score of 8/10.

Spoiler ish section

Spoilers

You’ve been warned!

There’s scenes in the film that were either cut or forgotten about as Laszlo relative had a scene on a river bank which seemed to allude to something awful a bout’s to occur. We’re left on the river bank and go back to Laszlo & his wife Erzsebet Toth played by Felicity Jones, where his relative (I believe it was niece (Can’t remember to be honest)) comes back adjusted her clothes. In the next/later scene when she appears, she’s with another individual and now appears pregnant.

Why was this river bank scene in here? For those that saw this movie please explain. Currently it’s scenes like this that could be cut from the film that didn’t lead anywhere and had no explanation later of what occurred.

Couple of scenes with Laszlo boss towards the end could also have used this time slot for better explanation because it just occurs and it’s over.

Otherwise I enjoyed this very long movie and probably will only watch it once again at a later date.

Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for the “Review” of The Brutalist. Stick around for another “Review” as we dive into the world of The Colors Within.

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Flight Risk “Review”

Release date: January 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Mel Gibson

Budget: $25 million

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films

Music by: Antônio Pinto

Production companies: Icon Productions; Davis Entertainment Company

I was curious to see how entertaining this movie would be, considering it’s mostly taking place on this plane and between 3 individuals. To my surprise it wasn’t all that bad. Good enough to say that it’s now created a new Popped rating tier of “Fine”.

Flight Risk is a movie focused around 3 individuals, a U.S Marshal played by Michelle Dockery, Winston our “Witness” protection fugitive played by Topher Grace, and lastly the guy that keeps this title entertaining and possibly even worth watching, our “Pilot” played by Mark Wahlberg.

The movie just goes, quickly showing us Winston for moments cooking his cup noodles before the doors come crashing down with our U.S Marshall taking him into custody. Apparently he’s been avoiding them quite some time and been quite a nuisance to catch up to.

Introductions into the film brief as they were it would have been nice to learnt more about them prior to setting up this interaction before getting to our In Flight Entertainment for the next hour and a bit. For an hour and half feature. They did a good job keeping the viewer somewhat entertained.

Despite some questionable actions from the U.S Marshall which made me feel like she wasn’t well trained to be a field agent. The cast did fairly well outside of Markie Mark. Just like with Presence, having this be a shorter movie I wont go into spoilers even if shown in the trailer.

What little enjoyment there is outside of the trailers setup, I’ll allow you to experience that fresh. We had 1 guy clap for this movie upon entering the credits but no one joined in. Make of that as you will haha.

With all this said I’ve painted a picture of my experience but I’d love to hear how your movie going experience was. At a 6.5/10 I feel as I need to create a tier between above average and good. Thus the “Fine” tier will be born :D. I’ll slowly convert the 6.5’s to the fine tier going forward but now I must rest as tomorrow holds a big day of movie going enjoyment.

The Brutalist, The Colors Within, along with a mystery secret movie all await :D. Going to be a journey, but a journey I’ll take in order to experience this beautiful industry of creating movie magic. Even if the magic on the tin sometimes comes with an expired warranty.

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Presence “Review”

Distributed by: Neon

Budget: $2 million

Music by: Zack Ryan

Produced by: Julie M. Anderson; Ken Meyer

I’m writing this at 1:18am so let’s hurry this along so it doesn’t play on my mind haha. You know what they say about 3am :S. Without further ado, Presence “Review”.

Presence takes place in the POV of “Casper” the “Friendly” ghost as we don’t fully know who this presence is. I’m going to name it Casper for this “Review”. The film starts of almost to floaty as we navigate around this home. Never leaving while always looking out. Our “Happy” family comes for a house tour to setup the stage for this feature prior to making a purchase and living there for the remainder.

I’m not going to get deep with this one to avoid spoilers / the journey. For such a short film I’ll leave the door open for the experience while giving my impressions of the film. (Maybe a small segment to end with a slight spoiler).

Picture Paranormal Identity photography style of filming for this title set within this home. Focused on this family of Mum & Dad with their Son & Daughter. I hated the Mum & Son while became attached to the Dad & Daughter. This title is rather slow and can be boring if not “attached” or connected with a character in the film. Without that connection I can see this movie having little to nothing for you as a viewing experience.

It’s Paranormal Activity with little to light Activity and more Paranormal Presence with a Family Drama being viewed from the sidelines.

I’d say its not a bad movie. But the ending did keep it from getting a good rating for a Popped score of 6.5/10. It’s unfortunate as I was interested in this story / journey. It’s just a shame that ending kind of fell apart. (More in the spoilers segment below).

Spoiler ish Segment

Beware!

Let’s Begin.

It’s established early ish on that this Presence is able to interact with objects in the real world. Then is able to be felt / be known to certain individual/s. Soooo how comes the ending threw that aside to deliver such a jawing outcome O.o.

Also, a character sets up a clue to be solved by stating a Window that cannot be opened…..the window I’m assuming they allure to at the end was never mentioned being unable to be opened… Sooo, why drop that “Clue”.

I’m sure you can break into some more than that but I’ll leave it there and await your thoughts below.

Spoiler ish Segment Fin

Thanks for reading and coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” :D. Stay tuned for the next batch coming at you real soon.

Tomorrow night planning for Flight Risk. Monday I’m planning for The Brutalist, Colors Within & A Secret Movie :O :D. Wednesday & Thursday have some surprises instore also so stay tuned for a jam packed movie week.

We’re thus far OnTrack to 4x our 2024 January watched numbers :O which is insane!. 300 Movies in 2025 if we kept up that pace haha. I kid I kid, 100 is a pretty reasonable goal for 2025. See you tomorrow night!

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One of Them Days “Review”

Release date: January 17, 2025 (USA)

Director: Lawrence Lamont

Producers: Issa Rae, Sara Rastogi, Deniese Davis, Poppy Hanks, James Lopez

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Budget: $14 million

Production companies: TriStar Pictures; Hoorae Media; ColorCreative; Big Boss; MACRO

Mainly watched this movie due to seeing Morgan Peter Brown in the trailer for this feature. It may have taken almost 45 minutes to see him but loved! That he was in a big screen title :D.

I’m not going to lie, this movie wasn’t for me. The humor wasn’t hitting with me and I’m probably just not the audience for this feature as younger movie goers were loving it.

Took 40minutes before I genuinely laughed to give you context going in on my experience. It’s an okay movie personally. I prefer the Friday movies & Dude Where’s My Car for buddy duo’s getting up to crazy events in their daily lives.

Keke Palmer playing Dreux & SZA playing Alyssa are our buddy duo as they come to find themselves in a bit of trouble having 9 hours to pay their rent or get evicted. Coming up with ways to both find and earn the money had its charm. I enjoyed certain characters over others. It’s mainly just the jokes weren’t hitting for me which was hard to get through some scenes.

Where I sat in the theatre was mostly quiet but maybe this is for the younger crowd? I have no idea. Check it out if you have time. I wanted it to be on par with Wolf Man slightly under but the amount of time for a short hour and 37 minute title that I felt mid just getting through the scenes / checking my watch waiting for Morgan Brown to turn up was to much to say this id slightly above average at best with a 5.5/10 Popped Score.

I hope you enjoy the jokes and all but it wasn’t for me. I’m hoping for a better experience next week with Flight Risk & Presence? Possibly The Brutalist if I’m able to find somewhere close to watch it for last years potential best picture? The Colors Within would be nice to see also if the theatres near by get booked.

However, until then, expect to see some Anime “Reviews” coming soon. Sakamoto Days, My Happy Marriage Season 2, and potentially Solo Leveling Season 2. Thanks for coming by Popped. Blog and enjoy your movie going week.

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Wolf Man “Review”

Release date: January 17, 2025 (USA)

Director: Leigh Whannell

Budget: $25 million

Adapted from: The Wolf Man

Producers: Ryan Gosling, Jason Blum

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

I had low expectations going in. I had some moments that I enjoyed, moments that I appreciated, and a whole lot of mid-moments. Shall we begin?

The trailers didn’t entice me to watch this. Just the dangling hope for that Universal Horror-Verse coming after Black Phone 2 for Blum house features. Will this be selected for that Universe?

Wolf Man introduces us to a child version of Blake going hunting with his father before skipping 30 years into the future. I rather enjoyed this setup and loved the characters being introduced and the lore setup along with it.

Then the time skip happens. I didn’t like the dynamic of this family from the trailers. As much as I enjoy Julia Garner from Ozarks whom plays Charlotte, Blakes wife. I didn’t connect to their chemistry. The daughter was just fine with her mother but had much better chemistry with her father. Matilda Firth did just fine as Ginger.

Overall this title felt like a monster movie of the week. It’s just a fine movie with elements of being good. Something that sets this slightly above is the unique perspective of Blake changing into the Wolf Man and his wife Charlotte having different outlooks on the situation. Sadly this didn’t occur enough but I appreciated this attempt.

There was tension during this movie, even when the enemy was shown on screen, which is usually lost after the main “Scary” villain is shown. I enjoyed some story aspects that this movie had. It’s just a fine movie. I’d like to have seen a different ending but it’s just fine.

If you enjoy your monster movies then have a blast otherwise. An above-average movie at best. 6.5/10 Popped Score.

You can’t always have a Better Man of a Good time but it’s not a Borderlands bad time 😀 Thanks for reading and checking out Popped. Blog for your movie “Reviews”.

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Better Man “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2024 (USA)

Director: Michael Gracey

Music by: Batu Sener (score); Robbie Williams (songs)

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures, Entertainment Film Distributors

Budget: $110 million

Cinematography: Erik A. Wilson

I wasn’t hyped or anything about this title. To be honest, if it wasn’t for my experience in A Complete Unknown I probably wouldn’t have checked this out. WHAT A HUGE MISTAKE that’d have been if I had missed out on this experience. I won’t keep you long unless you’d like to hear more. I FUCKING LOVED THIS TITLE!. Yes, this will be PG13 / 15 Rating “Review” so be warned.

My Emotional Take

Better Man is the tale of British pop superstar Robbie Williams in his meteoric rise, dramatic fall & remarkable resurgence. I knew of Robbie Williams growing up and wasn’t all that into pop myself so although I heard this music back then. I wasn’t all that a fan but damn did those songs hit now like 20 years later hearing them.

Robbie or Robert Williams back then in 1974 was born in Stoke on Trent. A city I’d go to visit myself around his age when this movies roughly kicks off in 1982. Robbie Williams is 15 years older than I and hearing and seeing his story being told gave so much weight behind his life. The music he created and the moments in history that I heard those songs growing up.

It was mentioned at the start with Robbie Williams being British. I flipped Robbie & Robin Williams’s name all the time growing up. I LOVED! Robin Williams he’s an inspiration and idol of mine and shaped my youth. I had a life turning point around 14-16 years of age which could be why the weight of this feature, the songs and its storytelling hit me so much harder than it may others.

Honestly, it’s a shame that not many in the States will see or hear this because it’s so incredible. I was the only one in the first showing premier of this feature. INSANE! It’s incredible. Directed by Michael Gracey who did The Greatest Showman (And finding out about the sequel & the live-action NARUTO MOVIE – I’M SO HYPED AFTER SEEING THIS). This was a true spectacle.

From the incredible songs, the story and the visual choice to be a monkey? Like that of Piece by Piece choosing to have lego style. This TOTALLY! Worked. I love an underdog story and this got me in the feels.

Talk about Bow Tie endings by the way 😉 I can honestly just go on and on but go check out this feature. The last song before the last song OMFG Naruto is going to be amazing! – The last song will have you in tears of how beautiful this completed the story. From the first song to the last. This was visually and audibly breathtaking. At first I felt like an 8/10 maybe checking it out again. But by the first big song number with the Take That band I was so WoW it was in the 9’s but by the end this is in my top 10 for 2025 and will be hard to be knocked off for quite some time. WE’RE ONLY IN JANUARY FOR PEET SAKE! Incredible.

My “Review Take”

Want to hear a little more about the feature then let’s break it down:

We’re introduced to Robert Williams in 1982 in Stoke on Trent a very Chavvy place mind you. (Apologize if this is offensive but it’s mentioned at the end being a Chav). Being a Chav myself back in these days the language used was very nostalgic haha.

Inspired by the love to entertain and sing with his father, Robert’s passion to be something and make something of himself grow each and every moment in his life. When his father leaves to failing school. Robert who goes on to be named Robbie when he joins Take That was driven by so much and supported by so few.

His Nan & Mother were his greatest rocks growing up which really supported him through it all. Despite loving his Dad, his Dad wasn’t there for Robert but more so only there for Robbie. This film did an excellent job showing the viewer and audience the inner dialogue of Robbie Williams like that of Gollum from the Lord of the Rings series Smeagol.

This cinematic display of his depression and self-hate while having so many screaming fans was heart wrenching to see him go through this while pushing people away who did stand by him like his girlfriend and his only friend. This movie even offers a helpline and ways to reach out if self-harm is something you’re struggling with and need someone to be there for you.

I wondered why this was R-rated in America. Well other than the language, alcohol, drugs, nudity, and all. There’s also a raw side of depression and the depths and darkness that this path takes you. So maybe have that conversation with your children if taking them to see this title. – I mentioned this above but I’ll state it here. When the second to last song is displayed. The visuals and use of this inner struggle were insane to watch and when you see it on screen you’ll see what I mean by the hype now created to see Naruto done this way.

Totally amazing film, a must-see honestly. Even if you maybe don’t connect on the level that I did. I think the story, music, and visuals are so worth seeing and exploring. With a beautiful and emotional bow tie of an ending, this easily gets a 9/10 for me and goes up there as the first top 10 feature to kickstart 2025.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one if you plan to or now plan on checking it out. Did I overly hype this title? Learned a little more about me through this? Love to hear your thoughts. What an experience for 2025. I’m so excited to see what other hidden gems come along in 2025.

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Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl “Review”

Release date: 3rd January 2025 (Netflix)

Directors: Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham

Distributed by: Netflix, BBC

Music by: Lorne Balfe; Julian Nott

Production company: Aardman Animations

This guy above us was what intrigued me to watch this title. I remember episodes being shorter, I thought 40mins tops but back then Wallace & Gromit episodes were 24 to 30 minutes long. This was perfect in my youth…. so how’s it now? Being 3 times the length and on Netflix?

Just like how Mufasa played the Nostalgia play. Vengeance Most Fowl certainly pulled all the punches to get you in the feels. From the music, imagery and their relationship. It had it all…. and sadly some bloated stuff to boot.

Sorry Norbot but I’d have cut most of your scenes out to relive Wallace & Gromit The Wrong Trousers as a reboot. Shoot I’d love to see that updated with these graphics and go right into this sequel rather than watch 40minutes of bloat to see its sequel.

I’m being harsh to be honest but it’s mainly due to wanting to talk about the next title 😀 which was SO GOOD! haha. Honestly though its not bad. It’s just not great like what came before it.

Wallace & Gromit Vengeance Most Fowl has a popped score of 7/10. It’s good. But just good. Condense the episodes and stick to a concise plot and I’ll be back. Otherwise it’s a streaming film and there’s a reason why Cinema / Theatre has a different caliber than streamers.

Thanks for coming to Popped.blog, whether you came due to the Popped Cast or a fellow movie goer that enjoys reading these “Reviews”. I appreciate having you here. Check out the next “Review” where I plunge into the movie Better Man. Which was incredible. I’ll explain why over there :D.

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The Damned “Review”

Release date: January 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Thordur Palsson

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.

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