Category: 2025 Movie “Reviews”

Christy “Review”

Initial release: September 5, 2025

Director: David Michôd

Starring: Sydney Sweeney; Ben Foster; Merritt Wever; Katy O’Brian

Producers: Sydney Sweeney, David Michôd, Teddy Schwarzman, Justin Lothrop, Kerry Kohansky Roberts, Brent Stiefel

Running time: 2h 15m

MPAA rating: R

This may be wild in comparison to other “reviews” out there, but I felt it, so it’s true to me.

First off, I didn’t know this was based on a true story until the very last scene. Secondly, after watching Smashing Machine, I had these two in comparison to one another, which was set in the ring after seeing it’s also based on a true story.

While watching this film I was an hour in when checking my watch having felt like I’d watched the movie and wondering if the ending is coming. I wasn’t bored. I was curious how this movie was going to wrap up. The next hour and 10 minutes blew my freaking mind. I wasn’t expecting what was to come. Absolutely insane, honestly, the content is such a spoiler it’ll be hard to discuss without spoilers, so let’s do this.

It’s not enough to bump off last breath from my top 10 list, but it gets the true story bonus from the 8’s to a 9 for me. Honestly, I cried. When that moment occurred, so many factors completed the puzzle in my mind of this movie experience.

Sydney Sweeney did such an incredible job with her acting that I was fully committed and into the character. Media about the movie may be displaying negative headlines on the worst opening, but honestly. This movie, along with Americana has shown me that Sydney Sweeney has so much range as an actress. She’s come a long way from Madame Web, and I’m super excited for The Housemaid coming up next month.

Acting in Christy was incredible from all the actors. Even in the most uncomfortable moments. I had story issues with character decisions….Then I found out it was based on a true story, and it hit me that this freaking happened! How can I have an issue with character decisions if it’s true? So my weak points were removed when looking at this film as a whole at the end of the story.

I won’t be swayed by seeing the reviews after giving it my Popped score. I’m going with a 9/10, and maybe that’ll be a miss for many. But it’s the experience I had come to the end of Christy.

Very curious to hear your thoughts on Christy after experiencing this story. Let us know in the comments below. Another potential miss is coming up with Die My Love. Let’s get into it :D.

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Predator: Badlands “Review”

Release date: November 7, 2025 (USA)

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

Starring: Elle Fanning; Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi

MPAA rating: PG-13

Running time: 1h 47m

Distributed by: 20th Century Studios

From Danny TRS to the incredible Director of the Predator franchise – Loving all his work!

The quick on Predator Badlands – I thoroughly had a great time. Solid 8/10 movie. Looking forward to watching again. Fantastic intro. Beautifully shot, love the majority of the characters and the story told.

Not going to touch spoilers -This is a solid popcorn movie. Action to the max and solid throughout. My caveat – Yeah, I got tired when the talking got going and a certain character was introduced. I didn’t like them, so I may have totally missed a connector piece. But outside of that, I totally loved the beginning and end of this title. Looking forward to checking it out again, and repeat viewings will be a blast.

This time, we’re seeing the story through the journey of the predator himself. A young and considered weakling of his people, Dek (Played by Dimitrius Koloamatangi). The only one who believed in him was his older brother Kwei (Played by Mike Homik). Dek heads out to prove to his father Njohrr, and honor Kwei, to bring back the trophy head of an enemy that even Njohrr is afraid of.

Elle Fanning plays Thia, which adds a buddy duo to Dek’s mission; you need to watch the scene to see how cool Dan Trachtenberg has shot this movie.

It’s mentioned at the top – Solid great movie of 8/10 – May go up on a repeat viewing but locking it in with the great movie tier for Popped.

I honestly need to rest but been busy between projects at work and life so eventually I’ll slow down haha. Main reason why these “Reviews” come out later in the weekend / week.

Holidays are upon us, so life’s only going to get busier from here. In the meantime, fellow moviegoers. We have plenty more solid movies to come. The next one, for sure, caught me off guard. 2 more remain in this batch. 2 More to come before the next week of movie releases.

Appreciate you all for coming by Popped, let’s continue on with…. Christy :D.

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Stitch Head “Review”

Release date: October 29, 2025 (USA)

Director: Steve Hudson

Producers: Sonja Ewers, Mark Mertens

Production companies: Wild Bunch, Gringo Films · See more

Distributed by: Wild Bunch, Briarcliff Entertainment

MPAA rating: PG

I’m often asked why I watch so many movies. My reply? – “You never know when you’ll find a hidden gem”. So how’s Stitch Head? – One of those hidden gems ;D.

When a freakish carnival group comes rolling through town in attempts to make some money. They find themselves dissapointed that their competition is that of the actual monsters living in the castle up on the hill.

Mean while within that castle. A mad scientist is creating his newest creation. “Creature” – Stitch Head never knowing love and longing for a place to be loved by. Finds himself having unknowingly created a family with the monsters. While finding his place with a different group of humans – The Carnival crew!

Is Stitch head truly safe? Will Creature be the best-est best friend to find a way to save Stitch Head from the humans? Come on down and buy yourself a ticket to a hidden gem of a cute full of heart movie.

I’d honestly love to watch again. Seeing that there are 6 books in this series, I’m ready for a sequel with these characters. Popped score of 8/10, honestly, I had a fun time. Maybe most would be in the 7s, but I loved Stitch Head & Creature. Some laugh-out-loud moments are worth checking out.

What a fun surprise watch I found myself in :D. Thank you all for taking the time to come by Popped for this “Review”. We had quite a few new followers join us this week and I greatly appreciate you for following Popped.

Checked out or curious about Stitch Head? Let us know in the comments below :D. Thanks again, everyone. Until next batch though, – Happy Movie Going Everyone!

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Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc “Review”

Release date: October 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Tatsuya Yoshihara

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 40m

Story by: Tatsuki Fujimoto

Adapted from: Chainsaw Man

Waited to watch with my wife, but as she’s busy went to check it out tonight!

It’s been a while since I’ve seen season 1. That being said, I loved the intro and was solidly back in with Denji and the crew. This includes some new faces also. Yea the trailer showed off the enemy so my rage goes on against trailers! We only need 1 at this rate studios. Why reveal so much in your trailers!

Anywho, that aside. Loved the relationship between Denji and this new cutie! Fan of the show – You’re going to watch this, I’m sure. But for those with little ones. This is R-rated. There’s a lot of adult material in this one. Demon Slayer may go with blood and demons. This is raunchy AF. As a heads up ;).

Combat was cool, but I was falling asleep by this point and missed a few lines. So another viewing is in order with my wife at some point before season 2 drops. (Yeah, I need to rest and stop watching so many movies haha. I also have to re-watch episodes for the same reason of falling asleep while watching at night).

It’s a pretty short movie at an hour and 40minutes. Had a lot of fun and going with the 8/10 great movie for Chainsaw Man. Love the 9’s on social media but this isn’t as good as Demon Slayer. Sorry Denji.

Stick around for a cute end scene of him though, after the credits roll have wrapped up.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Played catch up a bit on this weeks batch. However next week is looking mighty promising. Christy & Predator: Badlands should do well with some supporting movies I’m going in blind – Die My Love | Sarah’s Oil (Saw Trailer) | Unexpected Christmas | Maybe… Nuremberg.

Week after has Keepers | Now You See Me: Now You Don’t | The Running Man.

Then the 2 week double whammy – Wicked for Good & Zootopia. Supported by Rental Family | Sisu 2 & Eternity.

See you all there in the next batch as we enter the two final months and prepare for Oscar Nominations of 2025 :O.

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Bugonia “Review”

Release date: October 31, 2025 (USA)

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Running time: 2 hours

Producers: Emma Stone, Yorgos Lanthimos, Ari Aster · See more

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Universal Pictures, Focus Features, CJ ENM

Loved the trailer & Poor Things – Had to check this feature out!

Quick “Review” – Loved the second half. The trailer was pretty much the first hour extended. 7.5/10 Looking forward to checking this out again with my wife. Go in watching nothing if possible. It’s not quite the same as Abigail, but….

Longer “Review” – Watching the trailer may impact your first hour experience. It builds more than the trailer shows, obviously. But certain scenes are shown which reveal the direction of the first hour during your viewing experience. Emma Stone as Michelle Fuller – Jesse Plemons as Teddy & Aidan Delbis as Don are your trio cast for this feature.

Solid movie which I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and that second hour I can’t wait to revisit either on streaming or in theatres if time allows.

Spoilerish? – Alien or not? Find out within this two-hour feature between a CEO & Two conspiracy-obsessed men who kidnap her!.

Crazy? Insane! Messed up? Wild! – You decide on this one. Enjoy Bugonia and appreciate all that has come by Popped for this “Review”. – Last one to wrap the batch up? Finally caught up on last week’s release of Chainsaw Man. – Let’s get into it!

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Anniversary “Review”

Initial release: October 29, 2025

Director: Jan Komasa

Producers: Paula Mae Schwartz, Steve Schwartz, Kate Churchill, Nick Wechsler

Running time: 1h 51m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films

Got busy this weekend, so catching back up – Ready for this week’s batch?

When re-uniting with your siblings for your parents Anniversary. Tension gets high when new partner Liz (Played by Phoebe Dynevor) to Josh (Played by Dylan O’Brien) meet with Josh’s parents. His mother, Ellen (Played by Diane Lane) remembers Liz from a heated school political debate which also causes ripples in the family along with her husband Paul (Played by Kyle Chandler).

This feels in the realm of The Handmaid’s Tale. Which is perfect because one of the three daughters Anna (Played by Madeline Brewer) is incredible in her role of Anniversary. Supporting Birdie (Played by the incredible Mckenna Grace) & Cynthia (Played by Zoey Deutch).

This is a slow-roasting turkey that requires time to build. Awesome ending but sure takes awhile to get there. I’ll leave you there with this awesome cast with a Popped score of 6.5/10.

It’s a fine movie. Has some good content within, but its an investment to get there. Did you check it out? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. October wasn’t the best month. But we had some fun times with a few films. November is sure to turn up the heat for Oscar nominations. So with that said. Let’s roll forth with Bugonia up next.

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Shelby Oaks “Review”

Release date: October 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Chris Stuckmann

Producers: Chris Stuckmann, Ashleigh Snead, Cameron Burns, Aaron B. Koontz

Screenplay: Chris Stuckmann

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 42m

Trailer intrigued me – Then found out who wrote & directed this movie – Chris Stuckman!

The film starts off almost like a mockumentary style – the Last footage of Riley (Played by Sarah Durn) being alive. One of 4 members of a paranormal show called Paranormal Paranoid. As they’ve all gone missing and news spreads across the area around Shelby Oaks. We get introduced to Riley’s sister Mia (Played by Camille Sullivan) being interviewed by the news before this style of intro gets flipped on its head and enters an actual cinematography film. Done superbly, mind you. Both from the intro to the switch, this movie had captivated me from here on out. (Despite being mega tired from a close open shift, I forced myself to stay awake to not miss a second.)

I made big praise to Chris Stuckman as I used to watch his movie reviews on youtube awhile back. Now I’m a returned subscriber but also a fan of his movies from here on out :D.

As usual, I won’t get into spoilers. So with the above, and with Mia going to find out what happened to her sister Riley. I will let you know this movie creates tension. Scares across several layers of depth. Not just jump, sound, presence etc. This is a well executed and produced movie which I’d watch again if asked. I can see this being huge on streaming.

Thoroughly enjoyed the movie with some slight weakness for the last act. Ending saves it? You decide. But honestly a well worth watching movie at a Popped score of 7.5/10.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. A triple dose batch of worthy watches for someone across the board. Sadly holding out to watch Chainsaw Man on Monday for a sub version. Local theatres near me has majority Dub which I’m not a fan of to be honest.

If spoilers are something to avoid with Chainsaw Man and the Dubs are not bad, then let me know in the comments below.

Until next time, though, fellow moviegoers. Happy movie watching 😀

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Regretting You “Review”

Release date: October 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Josh Boone

Story by: Colleen Hoover

Producers: Anna Todd, Robert Kulzer, Brunson Green, Flavia Viotti

MPAA rating: PG-13

Running time: 1h 56m

Loved the trailer stayed for McKenna Grace & Mason Thames… let’s discuss!

Won’t get into spoilers, as I didn’t know this occurred after watching the trailer (Unless I missed it). Quick “Review” – As mentioned above. Love those above for playing characters Clara Grant & Miller Adams. Their relationship was beautiful and so sweet. Honestly got my rating from a 6.5 to a 7/10.

Longer “Review’ – Morgan Grant (Played by Allison Williams) with her partner Chris Grant (Played by Scott Eastwood) find themselves expecting a little one. Forward 17 years, we have Clara. Sister to Morgan is Jenny (Played by Willa Fitzgerald), who has a child with Jonah Sullivan (Played by Dave Franco) which have an interesting relationship that we get to peel back throughout the movie.

I’m not sure if it’s the writing of the novel or the movie for Dave Franco’s character, but he was in and out of his scenes so fast I wasn’t able to really connect/learn about his character until much, much later on. This made the movie feel long, but totally saved by the younger couple. I did enjoy Allison Williams playing the mother and totally got behind her feelings & emotions throughout this feature.

It’s a touching watch worth checking out. As mentioned at the top. It’s mostly a fine movie with lots of good scenes/moments. If you’re connected, you’ll be in the 7’s. Otherwise, probably in the 6’s. I have no idea what the critics were smoking when scoring it in the 30%’s over on RT.

Did you read the book or check out the feature? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. With that, let’s head to our 3rd title of the batch – Shelby Oaks.

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Blue Moon “Review”

Release date: October 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Richard Linklater

Screenplay: Robert Kaplow

Producers: Richard Linklater, John Sloss, Mike Blizzard

Running time: 1h 40m

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics, Sony Pictures

Trailer had me intrigued. That intrigued was not ready for this unique experience, let’s discuss!

First things first – If you’re not digging this movie 20/25 minutes in. This probably isn’t a movie for you. It doesn’t pickup. Move scenes or do some crazy action scene, chase, etc. You’re enjoying a conversation between…leads..extras? You decide, within a bar for an hour and a half.

It’s a bloody good conversation. Enjoyable and had several tonal changes, undertones, and inflections. But you’re not leaving that bar without a drink or two…or three :D.

Ethan Hawke has taken a moment away from Black Phone to play Lorenz Hart. Set in 1943, Hart confronts his shattered self-confidence in a bar as his former collaborator, Richard Rodgers (Played by Andrew Scott, whom I know mainly from Sherlock), celebrates the opening night of his groundbreaking hit musical “Oklahoma!”.

Stella performances across the board. Loved Eddie (Played by Bobby Cannavale, who, from the trailer, I thought was Robert from Everybody Loves Raymond) & Elizabeth Weiland (Played by Margaret Qualley).

Personally a Popped score of 6.5/10 it’s a fine movie. I can see why others are giving high praise looking at other scores of 72% up to 88%.

Appreciate you taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. This is the first of 3 within this week’s batch. Stay tuned for the next “Review” – Regretting You :D.

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Black Phone 2 “Review”

Release date: October 17, 2025 (USA)

Director: Scott Derrickson

MPAA rating: R

Prequel: The Black Phone

Running time: 1h 54m

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

My most anticipated movie of 2025…. so how’d it go? Let’s Discuss!

Loved the first title back in 2021. Some big shoes to fill, that’s for certain.

Mason Thames is back after training a dragon earlier this year as Finney. Grown up and haunted by Ethan Hawke as The Grabber he’s the tough kid in school that now smokes cigarettes :O.

Madeleine McGraw, playing Finney’s sister Gwen, has also grown up but now has more severe and extreme dreams than before. These dreams share a connection with their mother, which sends them on a path to a religious campground to do battle with The Grabber once again.

Followed Popped since the first review (Night Swim). You’ll see that I mentioned the Blum house Universe being supposedly created after the events of this movie…. well, I have my theories if this is the path being taken still.

*Spoilers* – I think focusing on the daughter Gwen, could align with the next movie of Blum House, FNAF… let me know what you think? *Spoilers*.

Popped score of 6.5/10, some good scenes, but don’t let it fool you into thinking this was actually a good movie. It’s a solid streamer. The bar was set way too high for it to come anywhere near the first film. Sadly, we may have the M3GAN effect. Changing the tonal shift and psychological aspects to more paranormal may have lost what many like myself, thoroughly enjoyed about its origins.

Thank you all for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Next week we have a very nice feast of all sorts. :D.

From Chainsaw Man, Regretting You, Shelby Oaks (Maybe Springsteen) & Bugonia…. all going well, we have a good time. Potentially a solid week, but only time will tell. Wondering about the Oscar noms yet? Me too!

Let’s discuss that the end of October as we near Halloween and the winter movie slate cooks for release! 😀 See you next batch & happy movie going everyone.

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