Category: 2025 Movie “Reviews”

Elio “Review”

Release date: June 20, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Adrian Molina, Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian

Running time: 1h 39m

Story by: Madeline Sharafian; Domee Shi; Adrian Molina; Julia Cho

MPAA rating: PG

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Believe it or not. This is the better movie releasing this weekend! Disney should have pushed this over the live action Lilo & Stitch. Or pushed it for a fathers day movie. Anything than letting this beautiful Pixar movie get bombed at the box office and released later on Disney+.

Elio, the boy that sadly has lost his parents and along with them his place on planet earth. Feeling isolated and alone with no place nor purpose. Elio seeks out to be abducted by aliens thus conveniently having this opportunity through his Aunts workplace.

This film sadly wont be up there with a classic Toy Story tier of Pixar. But is definitely able to bring the feels and heart of Pixar well above a lot of their most recent works. (2nd Best since 2020 under Inside Out 2 – Didn’t see Elemental mind you but heard it was good).

The theatre I watched this is was applauding at the credit roll which was really nice to experience after this touching story. Both on the story of Elio’s friend and his father. Along with Elio finding friends and a place in the universe.

Keeping this one short as that’s pretty much it. Go experience this movie and give it a chance. Yea the development of this movie was dragged through several re-shoots and test screenings, but they have something special here worth checking out and worth of Pixar’s name.

Only request from little o me….. please bring back the shorts. Miss those Pixar shorts before the main feature. Thank you DreamWorks for picking this up with your most recent titles. With that said and done let’s give this a Popped score and wrap the batch up. 8/10 😀

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” movie goers :D. Maybe return tomorrow for something a little…different? With Bride Hard. I’ve seen a sneak at the review scores and wowzer I’m not sure if it’s worth my time….but Mission objective 100 movies is pulling me in 😀 haha.

Until next batch!

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28 Years Later “Review”

Release date: June 20, 2025 (USA)

Director: Danny Boyle

Prequel: 28 Weeks Later

Running time: 1h 55m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

It’s insane the first film released in 2002, absolutely amazing movie with a not so bad sequel…but you don’t need to know any of that for 28 years later… or do you? (At least watch the first even if it’s not required to enjoy the latest installment). Let’s discuss!

Want to avoid spoilers then just know. I enjoyed the film and looking forward to what’s to come next. Have fun and enjoy the sequel of 28 Days Later.

Want to know a little more with slight maybe medium spoiler? Then stick around. 28 years later takes us further out into the timeline of this rage virus outbreak to the point where England is in quarantine zone. Small islands / establishments have been setup to continue life in these new conditions but now development of this virus has created many variations like Alphas, Betas & Slow / Fast kinds of infected.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson playing Jamie is the introduction of this feature and leads us to 28 years later in his settlement with wife and child. Spike the 12 year old being played by Alfie Williams is taken out on his first skirmish to get his first kill on the main land. What awaits is to be enjoyed and witnessed :D. It’s pretty awesome despite some creative decisions with the cinematography that felt personally jarring at first before getting “used to it”.

The first half of this feature felt great and the world being created is one I’m very happy to see have a sequel in very soon from now in early 2026. The second half kind of lost me but that’s where I’ll stop to avoid spoilers. Least to say, the ending certainly wraps it up and I’m very excited to see what’s to come in the bone temple.

If this was to be stand alone. Id give a very good Popped score of 7.5. However knowing this is getting a sequel so soon and expanding on the world built in this title. It’s getting a weak great 8/10 :D. I could critique that second half but let’s discuss that in the comments away from those going in for the first time.

Thank you all for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’m excited to wrap this trio batch up with the last movie, Elio!

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Materialists “Review”

Release date: June 13, 2025 (USA)

Director: Celine Song

Starring: Dakota Johnson; Chris Evans; Pedro Pascal

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 49m

Distributed by: A24, Stage 6 Films, Sony Pictures Releasing

Went in with slightly lower expectations for a film starring Chris Evans & Pedro Pascal. So let’s discuss the outcome of checking out, Materialist!

Where do I start to discuss this title? Let’s break it down.

Characters

Materialists focuses around 3 characters. Dakota Johnson playing Lucy. A match maker with a pretty good success rate resulting in 9 marriages. Having some back story connection to Chris Evans character John, they meet during the 9th wedding that resulted in her match making. John works as catering for the event and thus is introduced to our third character. Harry Castillo played by Pedro Pascal, the “Unicorn” guy made very highly sort after in the match making dating game. Harry is brother to the groom getting married and is beyond invested in getting to know the woman that’s behind match making for a living.

John is attempting to make ends meet. Living with room mates and going out to a restaurant is considered a luxury occasion. While Harry is very well off. Money is no concern nor issue when paying for the tab at the most luxurious establishment.

Usually Dakota Johnson’s characters are very much the same. Expressionless & dull with no substance. The character of Lucy fits this acting so well that I actually found her to be half decent alongside Pascal & Evans.

Story

Choosing between love & a business deal when it comes to marriage and the person whom you’ll spend the rest of your life with. Do you struggle and make ends meet together despite hard times but knowing the love is true and for eternity. Or choose that of materialistic relationship with no worries nor cares to worry about anything that could potentially be a hardship.

I actually liked the story beats implemented that others critic the trailer for not showing or “misleading” the viewer into. I can’t go into much to avoid spoilers. So I’ll say some punches were held back but a focus point was made apparent and brought to the surface when it comes to dating / random match making with strangers.

Overall

I actually had a good time and enjoyed this feature. It’s a very good watch getting a Popped score of 7.5/10. I probably wouldn’t watch again but I had an entertaining time and enjoyed watching the credits to completion with some fun easter eggs :D.

Stick around for 2 more reviews to come as we dive into this coming weeks releases: 28 Years Later & Elio.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “reviews” and I’ll see you all, next time :D.

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The Life of Chuck

Release date: June 13, 2025 (USA)

Director: Mike Flanagan

Running time: 1h 51m

MPAA rating: R

Genres: Science fiction, Fantasy, Drama

Distributed by: Neon

A Stephen King movie :O The Horrors! The Spooks! The…Fantasy…Science Fiction…Drama… Nani! You sure it’s Stephen King! Nope, you’re right, my bad. Let’s dive in and check this out.. I mean discuss this title because I had no idea how good this movie was going to be prior.

Hype! Hype! Hype! Let’s calm it down now and temper temper temper….Tempered? Alrighty!

Haha I don’t want to inflate an experience but also get across how good this feature is. The ending sentence / line was what got it from a solid great 8 to a 9 for me personally. My friend at work even said he may buy it.

My wife just asked me what’s it about and without wanting to spoil I broke it down to this in a nut shell for y’all to enjoy :D. When globally, humanity is being hit with devastation. Natural disasters, famine, chaos etc. etc. No internet, no cell towers for phones communication etc. (I’d go on but honestly it’s very deep with how they set this title up.) A common character for everyone, despite not knowing him… is Charles Krantz aka Chuck played by Tom Hiddleston.

I wrote down a line from Tom’s prior works 😉 but stating that could be taken as a spoiler if you read into that and up to date with his works. Excellent cast in this feature. Karen Gillan, Mark Hamill, Matthew Lillard among many many more excellent actors. This feature is a must see. Everyone’s going to be affected by this title differently. It depends what you take from it. But honestly if anything. Those last words at the ending is the message that’s so golden.

If you’d like to combine this and the prior “Review” with messages of being on the right side of the coin between Hero & Villain while also making the most of life and making the right decisions within your heart and soul. These are very different titles with great combo watch 😀 With very different styles and genres but hey. That’s cinema for you.

Life of Chuck goes into my top 10 at an 9/10 Popped “Review” and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Neon at it again against A24 with another excellent title. Will this be the title to battle against The Materialist? I was going to skip it but let’s see what tomorrow brings.

Thank you all for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Read all of today’s batch? Firstly a massive thank you and appreciate you taking the time to do so. Secondly, don’t forget to subscribe to see movie “Reviews”. The goal for 2025 is 100 movies and we’re certainly on pace to crush it. With June being the middle of the year expect a Popped Date tomorrow with a run through of what’s come and to come for 2025 :D.

See you next batch! Happy movie going everyone!

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The Unholy Trinity

Initial release: October 12, 2024 (World Premier) USA Release June 13th 2025

Director: Richard Gray

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 33m

Distributed by: Roadside Attractions, Saban Capital Group

Box office: $559,610

This feature is insane! To see that critics gave it under 20% out of 100 :o. I’m not a fan of westerns. So why am I checking this out? The actors are awesome! Pierce Brosnan & Samuel L. Jackson from the trailer got me into the theater seat for this title.

So what’s my Popped score? Let’s discuss!

Henry Broadway played by Brandon Lessard finds himself in a dilemma set upon him from his father. Promising to revenge his father that was setup for murder. Henry seeks the sheriff of a local town to claim his life.

This is where the film takes several paths of depth to explore the statement. Villains & Heroes, don’t get yourself caught on the wrong side of the coin. To someone you’re a Villain and on the other side you’re the Hero.

Out for blood or for justice? The choice path is yours to walk. For a short hour and 33 minute feature I had a great time. Honestly a little more than The Phoenician Scheme thus placing this at a 8/10 great movie. Yea it’s higher than the average scores of 66% / 6.2/10 but hey, I had a much better time than the critics so make your own decision and choose your path of the coin :D.

I could dive into the story if you’d like but for a short movie. Where’s the fun in that hey :D. It’s a western. There’s murder, guns, shooting, fighting, saloons and all. Experienced characters and fresh adventurers to boot. Gangs and crooks along with hidden surprises. It’s a fun movie worth checking out, even if curious on the fence. Unless you took the pill that some critics did.

Shall we get to the best saved last? Let’s dive into the next feature of our trilogy batch. The life of chuck :D. Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “reviews” and as usual. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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The Phoenician Scheme “Review”

Release date: May 30, 2025 (USA)

Director: Wes Anderson

MPAA rating: PG-13

Screenplay: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola

Cinematography: Bruno Delbonnel

Running time: 1h 45m

Grab your popcorn as today we bring you a trinity of “Reviews” for the Popped.blog :D. Thought movies would be quite amongst the “mega” releases but save room for desert 😀 It may honestly end up being a treat.

The first of our trinity or trilogy of movie “reviews” is the latest Wes Anderson title. Back at it with the energy I felt from projects like The Grand Budapest Hotel which was over 10 years ago :O insane!

You’re greeted by a whimsical entry into the movie on a plane going down and unraveling the situation our lead finds himself without with a botched assassination attempt. Maybe you’re following the story maybe the gap was to big but someone’s got to pay for it….

Honestly just sit back and enjoy the random fun that’s to unfold. Explain this movie….never! But it’s a fun ride. Filled with fantastic supporting cast and maybe honestly I’d put Michael Cera up for supporting actor for his work in this feature as Bjorn Lund. Benicio del Toro as Anatole our main lead was excellent alongside Bjorn & Sister Liesl being played by Mia Threapleton.

Go in with popcorn and come out having had a good time. Even when the film is slower it’s not quite boring as something will pick the pace up or build to something of complete cinema greatness. I wish the moments of greatness was felt throughout but alas that’s why The Phoenician Scheme is getting a very good score of 7.5/10 from us at Popped.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “reviews”, stick around as we dive into the second of our trinity of movies with a worthy title …. did you guess it? The Unholy Trinity.

Leave your comments below with your thoughts of this feature and I’ll see you within the town of Trinity.

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How to Train Your Dragon (2025) “Review”

Release date: June 13, 2025 (USA)

Director: Dean DeBlois

MPAA rating: PG

Running time: 1h 56m

Producers: Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel, Marc Platt

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

While Disney takes their properties and makes changes for the live action adaptation. Universal’s DreamWorks re-creates the original in live action almost to a 1:1 translation. Question is? Who does it best? & Is it worth it? Let’s Discuss

2025 Live Action “Review”

Seen the original or not. This live action adaptation was really good. Fantastic casting across the board. One character that was mostly changed from the animated was still solid but less memorable with her lines. Not sure what translated differently without comparing the two.

From the performances, music & the story being re-told. This was truly solid. I’d watch again and love it. A 9/10? Not quite. If the original holds that then the live action sits within the great 8 tier. For me personally an 8.5/10 due to Gerard Butler (Stoick the Vast) & Mason Thames (Hiccup Horrendous) performances with one another got me in the feels. Top notch performance from Nick Frost playing Gobber. Surprise hit that I loved was Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thortston. Sadly Ruffnut was weaker (Bronwyn James) however still a solid performance. Nico Parker playing Astrid Hofferson was completely fine in this role and looking forward to what she does with the character going into the sequels. Lastly another slightly weaker character was Fishlegs Ingerman being played by Julian Dennison. Not bad at all. Just slightly different to animated.

Despite the 1:1 translation from animated to live action. I had to remember this has live actors performing :P. If you closed your eyes you’d honestly be able to fit both versions in and have them play side by side. Fantastic. So what kept it in the 8 tier?

The Dragons are too close to the animated versions. I love the models. But would have honestly loved a realer version of the Dragons. Maybe practical effects over CGI could have set them apart while holding true to the original? Something to give the live action it’s own identity set apart from the live actors and sets.

The other thing keeping it back was just a couple of scenes that felt like green screen. Only happened a couple of times but was a little jarring and bringing me out of the experience.

2025 Live Action VS 2010 Animated Original “Thoughts”

It’s almost perfect. So close to being so that I’ve made references in the stand alone thoughts above. I haven’t seen the original in quite some time but looking back at pictures and all, you’re not getting the abomination that Lilo & Stitch was when comparing.

Ruffnut was slightly changed in appearance. Maybe some different lines? or something that I still prefer the animated version better. However her twin brother Tuffnut was spot on and loved it!

Would I advise from watching the Live Action to the Animated? NO, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve never seen the animated and maybe want to check it out to compare or re-watch the series in wait for Live Action #2 :D.

Wrap up

Little to critique is looking promising for this coming weekend. RT has this feature sitting at 79%, IMDb at an 8.1/10 and for some odd reason, Metacritic sits at 60%. Here on Popped however, staying with the higher score of 8.5/10 and looking forward to news of the sequel.

Maybe one day I’ll find my way to Epic Universe and experience the park/rides.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your “Review” of How to Train your Dragon. I may or may-not “review” Ballerina as currently I don’t feel right reviewing it. Having gone in so tired, I missed roughly 40minutes asleep. Currently it’s a fine 6.5 to good 7/10 but I’d like to re-watch / fill in the gaps before we discuss that one.

Until next time though, happy movie going!

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Karate Kid: Legends “Review”

Release date: May 30, 2025 (USA)

Director: Jonathan Entwistle

Running time: 1h 58m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Producer: Karen Rosenfelt

Distributed by: Sony Pictures

Been awhile since visiting the Karate Kid franchise. Never saw Cobra Kai but checked out all the movies. How’s this gap in time affect my experience of Legends? Let’s discuss.

Maybe it’s the low expectations. Maybe my bias for Joshua Jackson playing Victor in this feature. (Massive fan of Dawson’s Creek & Fringe) I had a good time honestly despite the mid to low reviews.

The pacing of story telling can feel rushed. But the story being told in rather entertaining. I included the poster with the other two characters as it’s these 3 that are our main stars. Our two paths of the same tree legends are there for some montage and setup but otherwise not properly focused on.

My main critique of the movie is not being long enough. I loved the story that was told. Connecting with Li Fong (Played by Ben Wang), seeing the relationship of his older brother. His mother which was sadly supporting behind the curtains (The amazing Ming-Na Wen) Li Fong’s teacher Mr. Han (Played by Jackie Chan). Sadly this wasn’t all to flushed out for the supporting characters even though Li Fong was.

Like the mentioned bias. I loved getting to know Victor & his daughter Mia (Played by Sadie Stanley). This trio was awesome and very entertaining. Throwing in the ” Bad Guy – Connor Day ” (Played by Aramis Knight) gave me vibes of the original Karate Kid bully.

If we’re to see more from Legends then I’d love to see what future Li Fong has planned. If Mr. Han & Daniel LaRusso (Played by Ralph Macchio) teach future legends or if this is it for the franchise? I did enjoy seeing the O.G Mr. Miyagi from the first movie in the opening of legends. Maybe it’s time to revisit the series and include Cobra Kai as now I’m curious to watch it.

With all this said I did enjoy Karate Kid Legends. It’s short enough to get in and out so Popped scoring of 7/10. – Good Movie.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. What did you think of Karate Kid? Love to hear in the comments below. Don’t forget that a new horror movie dropped officially today. Bring Her Back – This topped my top 10 and I’m excited for others to discover this feature.

Switch 2 Drops Thursday the 5th – Let’s see if I can watch John Wick 1-4 before the upcoming release of Ballerina!

Until then, happy movie going 😀

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Friendship “Review”

Release date: May 2025 (USA)

Director: Andrew DeYoung

Running time: 1h 40m

MPAA rating: R

Genre: Comedy

Distributed by: A24, Paramount Pictures, Republic Pictures

Finally releasing in my neck of the woods. Friendship, it’s an interesting one but does it intrigue as much as The Surfer? Let’s discuss.

Isn’t it fascinating how a connection can be formed over a wrong address delivery. That’s how Craig Waterman (Played by Tim Robinson) & Austin Carmichael (Played by Paul Rudd) meet for the first time and end up forming a friendship.

I mentioned The Surfer above and for this I’ll attempt not to ruin, but give you the overall feeling this movie gives off without spoilers. As this friendship forms you get to learn more and more about Craig Waterman. The relationship between his wife Tami Waterman (Played by Kate Mara) & his son Steven (Played by Jack Dylan Grazer). You start to feel / see that something is off here and the intrigue kicks in.

It’s a good movie. Worth seeing for sure. But sadly for me personally, the intrigue and pay off doesn’t quite hit, like it did for my in The Surfer. This maybe a short “Review” but honestly going in deeper would take away from your viewing experience within this adventure for friendship.

Curious to know more? Maybe check out The Surfer review to see the levels of layers in that feature. It doesn’t go as deep sadly but it’s a worthy good watch. Popped scoring of 7.5/10.

Go check it out and see how deep the journey takes you one lick a pop? O.o ? Intriguing! 😛

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Going to be a busy week ahead so I’ll be locked in at work for roughly a week. See you next week? for Karate Kid all going well. If not, see you in June 😀 Switch 2 release is 2 weeks away!!

Did you check out any recent movies? Love to hear what you’re watching in the comments. What movies are you looking forward to in Summer of 2025?

See you next batch – Happy movie going! 😀

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Lilo & Stitch (2025) “Review”

Release date: May 23, 2025 (USA)

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

Running time: 1h 48m

MPAA rating: PG

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Adapted from: Lilo & Stitch

Okay just got out the theatre and placed the O.G in background as I write this. WoW I prefer the original more. 23 Years gap does a number on the memory. Let’s discuss shall we 😀

As far as making a live action version, it does it’s job. It’s entertaining, maybe even get into your feels. But we’re dealing with a different beast. The merge between CGI & Live Action (And Changes to source material).

Divided they were completely fine. Humans were awesome, loved them. CGI was awesome, loved all there scenes within the CGI environments. Outside of Stitch & Pleakley the other characters felt cheap and out of place in the real world.

Sorry Zach Galifianakis, your voice for Jumba was to high pitch. It’s the reason I put the original one on, was to see if memory served me correctly. But he’s way deeper which kept putting me off the character. Billy Magnussen was spot on however 😀 with Pleakley.

They hit the story beats…mostly….but it’s missing something. The charm of the original maybe? The timeline or focused events? As mentioned from the top. It does it’s job of being live action. But for those wanting to share this series with their little ones should check out the original. I’ve laughed so much at these scenes already and the feels / emotion of story hits better in the storytelling with the O.G.

You know what’s also missing…. Captain Gantu. Why’d he get cut? He’s literally Stitch’s antagonist. The scripts already written from the original so why change so much. Even Jumba was changed to be the Antagonist in the live action when he doesn’t want to hurt Stitch. He’s his experiment and knows his capabilities, wanting to design him into something else.

I don’t want to get into a rant. Like I said, it’s good. Entertains enough. Just misses some vital aspects to why I enjoyed the original more. More Elvis! Gantu! Human costumes! Don’t change the characters! The more I’m seeing of the O.G they changed the sister a lot!

It’s the storyboarding and changes that will make or break your experience. Watched the original? you’ll be entertained but wanting what was. First time watching this, you’ll be entertained and should check out what was.

7.5/10, it’s entertaining, may get you in the feels, but the product was better in the original. From the sister’s dynamic together to the aliens storylines. That being said, the changes they did make work for the live action to some degree. The final act is honestly what I’d prefer to have stayed the same. But to have that, you need Captain Gantu and thus had to be changed.

Well there you have it. The first movie I was thinking would be a $1 Billion movie of 2025 is out. I’m not so confident having watched it but hey that’s just my thoughts on the 2025 Lilo & Stitch.

Happy watching everyone and let me know your thoughts in the comments :D.

Next up for this week. Friendship. Possibly coming to you tomorrow. Now back to watching the O.G Movie. P.S Nothing bonus after the credit crawl occurs. Scenes before that though were very fun.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Until next batch. Happy movie going.

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