Category: 2026 Movie “Reviews”

You, Me & Tuscany “Review”

Release dateApril 10, 2026 (USA)

DirectorKat Coiro

ProducersWill Packer, Johanna Byer

GenresRomance, Comedy

MPAA ratingPG-13

Running time1h 45m

This movie was super cute, and a much-needed feel-good experience after the last 2 – Let’s discuss!

Yes, the start of the movie is very much like this: here’s everything you need to get to the destination. However, looking past that. The experience was totally earned by the feel-good, happy nature of this 1-hour and 45-minute journey.

Halle Bailey plays our main character Anna. Living the lives of others and never of her own. Dropping out of culinary school after her mothers passing she’s never gotten back to her goal. What she does have though is an unused ticket to Tuscany she had purchased for her mother.

Meeting Matteo (Played by Lorenzo de Moor) in her friend’s hotel bar. The ingredients are set to where in Tuscany to travel to. Marriage! Whaat! Yes, Anna finds herself in a situation that reveals to Matteo’s family that they’re getting married. From there, enjoy this fun journey with love, romance, comedy, and a full cast of characters I’d be happy watching again.

Some shout-outs are to the cab driver, Lorenzo (Played by Marco Calvani). The use of Anna’s friend Claire (Played by Aziza Scott) was very funny, and I loved their dynamic humor. Michael (Played by Rege-Jean Page), among many more, but lastly to Mrs. Dunn ( Played by Nia Vardalos), she was a total hoot! :D.

A solid 7 good movie. I’m placing a Popped score of 7.5/10 as I wouldn’t be made to watch this again if someone asked.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for this weeks batch of movie “Reviews”. I possibly may watch ChaO tomorrow before work but we shall see if time permits. Had a late night last night and back in tonight tonight so hopefully off on time to rest :D.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers – Happy Movie-Going! 😀

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Exit 8 “Review”

Release dateApril 10, 2026 (USA)

DirectorGenki Kawamura

Running time1h 35m

LanguageJapanese

Distributed byToho Co., Ltd.

Horror based on a video game made by Neon – Sign me up 😀

You receive a phone call while coming off your commuter train, and everything disconnects the moment you turn the corner. Exit 8 sign appears before you, a long corridor with a man walking towards you. Now watch that scene over and over again…. with a twist.

I wanted to give this a 7. Possibly, it could have been, with conversations that struck after the film ended between my wife and I. Is there more depth than first received? More layers to peel back with future viewings? I’m honestly not sure. But the repetitive nature of watching the same scene over and over would get tedious before the formula switched up. No spoilers here just my experience watching this movie with no experience of playing the game.

Okay here’s the rules to the game. Spot an anomaly, immediately turn back. Otherwise proceed to exit 8.

That’s pretty much it. It’s a fine/okay watch. Popped score of 6.5/10. Woke up this morning to see RT of 94% Critic Score :O. But they hated on Mario which was packed with fun scenes and adventure :s. No idea. Either way, love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Planning to check it out or curious?

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stay tuned for a much lighter feel good movie coming up next. You, Me & Tuscany.

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*Content Warning* Faces of Death “Review” *Content Warning*

Release date: April 10, 2026 (USA)

Director: Daniel Goldhaber

Producers: Greg Gilreath, Susan Montford, Adam Hendricks, Don Murphy, John Burrud

Distributed by: Independent Film Company

WOW – First Content Warning for Popped “Reviews” – Should warn people what’s to be discussed!

I went in blind, and wow, I wish I knew a little more….. but would that have changed my experience?

Before we dive in, this is the most R-rated movie I’ve seen in a VERY long time. It’s a shudder movie – If your stomach can handle extreme R-rated content adjacent to a snuff film, then stream it. Having this experience in a movie theatre was something totally different.

The types of content being shown aren’t held back. It’s not sheltered, it won’t hold punches back. You’re going to get very up close and personal with death. Do you enjoy this as entertainment, a laugh, or a light watch. Or the other spectrum of finding this deranged, messed up or an uncomfortable (Yet still a good watch). This will create a unique viewing experience for all. (Not to say I recommend this in the theatre. But I want all to know this content that will be displayed prior to going into a crowded theatre).

Just looking up the title I found out that this movie actually does exist from the movie being remastered in the film. Like holy shit! There’s even a freaking sequel to the 1978 movie released in 1981. For those around still then you’re truly brave. This film sits below A Serbian Film but just by literally saying that gives you context on WHY there’s a content warning on this “Review”.

This is all to say that Dacre Montgomery most recently known by myself from Stranger Things and Dead Man’s Wire. Did a solid job in his role and totally worth seeing this movie for his performance. (Remember I’m speaking to those that are prepared and know what there getting into here).

Not sure how else to warn you than to check this out on Shudder or brace yourself for a 7/10 solid 1 time watch that may or may or not sit with you after the film lets out. How deep does the rabbit hole go? I don’t want to blooming well know haha.

With that said brave movie-goers. I’ll be back tomorrow with something a little different. Lighter, but still horror – Exit 8 :D. Now to watch an animated show and get back to the light 😛 haha.

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The Drama “Review”

Release dateApril 3, 2026 (USA)

DirectorKristoffer Borgli

ProducersAri Aster, Lars Knudsen, Tyler Campellone

ScreenplayKristoffer Borgli

Running time1h 46m

MPAA ratingR

Didn’t pay attention to the trailer. Enjoy both Zendaya & Pattinson, so had to check it out – Let’s Discuss!

Heard nothing but negative things about this movie. Possibly why my expectations going in were curious, which had me coming out actually liking it. I call it a morality play? Explanation – There’s heavy subject matter, especially in today’s current climate within America. Where do you stand or find yourself when met with The Drama’s scenario?

No spoilers here despite sitting on this “review” over the weekend/week. The performances for the actors I actually really enjoyed. I was behind the characters and empathized with the turning points, where I could understand where certain decisions and mindsets had developed from. Isn’t the point of “The Drama” to stir the pot and have a divide? Maybe the movie was too meta and created its own Drama?

Regardless, I thought it was a solid watch where I could watch it again, either with some time apart or for someone interested in checking it out. From us here at Popped, The Drama gets a 7.5/10 Good Solid Movie. 😀 – Again, no spoilers but a little tea for those curious themselves.

Zendaya & Pattinson are a week away from their wedding. A group setting leads to hard truths being revealed among friends. Creating some hard lines in the sand that cause great tension and…. The Drama :D.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stay tuned tonight for an unexpected “Review” – Faces of Death :O. As we dive into the early access to a movie I have no idea what it’s about other than the name and poster!

Tomorrow I’ll be back with Exit 8 and possibly over the weekend – You, Me & Tuscany….mebi!

Until next time though fellow movie-goers, Happy movie-going!

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The Super Mario Galaxy Movie “Review”

Release dateApril 1, 2026 (USA)

DirectorsMichael Jelenic, Aaron Horvath

Running time1h 39m

MPAA ratingPG

Distributed byUniversal Pictures

Based onMario; by Nintendo

Going to get 4 hours sleep before work but let’s split this “Review” up – Critic vs Fan!

Fan “Review”

Absolutely loved it! 9/10 Totally in my top 10 movies of 2026… thus far 😀

More universes, worlds, characters, and cameos (despite Nintendo spoiling some), there are still surprises! Love the Mario video games from Mario, 2, 3, All Stars, Odyssey, Sunshine, Galaxy, etc., etc. There’s so much to explore and see in this movie. Multiple viewings are needed to catch it all.

Toad hit it on the head with his line about Yoshi in the trailer – He’s now apart of the gang. WoW do they utilize him :D. As fan & critic alike – Movies too short. This is Jam PACKED. The Music! Insane! I wanted more Mario theme music and boy oh boy did they deliver.

Yes, the intro was SUPER kiddy. (Made sense for the character, but SUPER kiddy) ((Yes I know it’s a children’s movie)). But not long after, we get a beautiful introduction with Mario & Luigi living within this world. The WORLD is gorgeous and bursting with life. Nintendo is TOTALLY cooking up something in these Mario movies, and I’m awaiting that epic day :D.

Just like the first film, there’s a mid and end credit scene. Without spoilers from those that have seen the movie – What’s your guesses in the comments below your hopes of an end credit scene cameo?

OMG, I want to talk about what Nintendo revealed, but if you don’t know, then KEEP IT THAT WAY. Those scenes are among my faves and give me hope for teases to SMASH O.o ?!?!?!?! Maybe? ? I dunno! 😛

Critic “Review”

Movies so fast-paced you want them to slow down. Introduce/explore the setup of big characters a little more. Introduce and set up their dynamic within the party. Plot points are blasting you through scenario to scenario faster than the ships blasting through the galaxy.

You might want some Nintendo knowledge for this one as. Yes things get quickly explained but omg the pacing being so quick you’re going to get lost with the amount packed in.

Stories not the strongest, but there’s lore and context setting up greater things….right Nintendo…Right!?

Honestly, that’s about it for my critics – Where this 44% RT score is coming from is freaking insane. I’d go as low as 7.5/10. It’s a solid good 1 time watch at best people. Why are critics so against Mario movies? Did the original live action hurt them as a child? I actually liked that one also so what gives :S. Honestly I’d be in the 8’s for this movie if it wasn’t for my love of the franchise and loving all the gamer easter egg goodness packed full of yum yum deliciousness :D.

Just like that, the Mario Galaxy Movie “Review” has come and gone, and I’m off to bed before work. Can’t wait to watch this again and purchase it on Blu-ray :D.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’ll see you all next time.

P.S, watched Project Hail Mary again but in Cine Capri. Tomorrow I’m changing my 8.5 to a 9. I’ll include this and that into my top 10 movies thus far tomorrow after work.

Now for Rosalina to read me a bedtime story 😀

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They Will Kill You “Review”

Release dateMarch 27, 2026 (USA)

DirectorKirill Sokolov

CinematographyIsaac Bauman

Distributed byWarner Bros. Pictures

EditorLuke Doolan

Executive producersKirill Sokolov, Alex Litvak, John Schoenfelder, Russell Ackerman, Carl Hampe

Awesome Trailer – Maybe to awesome….. let’s discuss!

The movie sets up on a very different tone than the trailer. But just you wait. This movie gets insane! Over-the-top campy horror with tons of blood. Cheesy liners and action. Packed so full of cheese your spouse is gonna walk away loving it while you’re sitting there being like….WTF did I just watch?

Honestly, when it was being its over-the-top self, I was having a fun time. But the movie kept flip-flopping between making a movie with one tone, then flip-flop to over the top crazy, no ceilings too high to go crazy with. From a 7 to an okay 6/6.5 out of 10. This is the first 2026 movie getting the….So Bad it’s Good? Rating.

Thinking between this and Ready or Not 2… go check out Ready or Not 2 in theatres. They Will Kill You on streaming or during downtime between now and Mario’s release.

There’s a lot of fun to be had with this one, if only they cut out the serious tonal parts and made this a sub-1-hour feature. For an hour and a half, this felt long and got boring. Even the crazy, over-the-top nature was making me numb to it. Pinch of salt, though, my wife, sitting next to me, was loving it.

Going to check out They Will Kill You this weekend? Love to hear from you all in the comments below!

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Next week is the epic! Super Mario Galaxy. With bonus movie Drama. Very exciting!

Until next time, fellow movie-goers – Happy Movie Going! 😀

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The Pout-Pout Fish “Review”

Release dateMarch 15, 2026 (USA)

DirectorsRicard Cussó, Rio Harrington

Running time1h 31m

MPAA ratingPG

ProducersKristen Souvlis, Nadine Bates, Madeira Ginley, Cyma Zarghami

Story byDeborah Diesen

This was a cute movie – No Goat/Hoppers but something that offers many lessons to little ones.

There were so many characters packed into this movie, which was a delight. Sadly, I didn’t care for the annoying Sea dragon Pip. But she did offer a lot of lessons for our main Mr. Fish, the Pout Pout Fish.

Personal shout out faves were the Star Fish organization and Cuttle Fish storylines. Had me laughing allowed for those scenes. Storyline – Our two main characters are looking to make a wish to save their homes by searching for the (Whisper) Shimmer (Whisper).

Along their journey to find the … (Whisper) Shimmer (Whisper), they create friendships with many of the other sea inhabitants. It has the ingredients for a 7.5 but I’m giving the Pout Pout Fish a good one time watch of a 7/10. Watch it with your lil ones and unpack the lessons throughout the film after the ending wraps.

Don’t forget to stick around for a mid credit scene prior to the crawl. That was a funny scene worth checking out :D.

Week and a half away from Mario everyone so let’s get to watching all the movies prior to April now :D. Still to come next week is. They Will Kill You. Which I’m very excited for.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”.

Until next batch though, Happy movie-going fellow movie-goers 😀

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Ready or Not 2: Here I Come “Review”

Release dateMarch 20, 2026 (USA)

DirectorsTyler Gillett, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin

ProducersJames Vanderbilt, Tripp Vinson, Brad Fischer, William Sherak

Running time 1h 48m

Distributed bySearchlight Pictures

It’s been HOW LONG!? Ready or Not released in 2019 :O That’s insane – Let’s Discuss!

I was asked coming out of the theatre if it’s as good as the original. I sadly don’t remember the experience of the first to give it as good, better, or worse. But I remember really enjoying it. I also really enjoyed the sequel. So it’s as good as the original? I’d watch it again happily, thus an 8/10 Popped score.

Samara Weaving returns as Grace Le Domas, joined now by her sister Faith MacCaullay played by Kathryn Newton. Their dynamic was a joy to explore throughout this man…woman hunt 😀 It’s in the rules and the game of Ready or Not isn’t over yet. Plenty of depth to unfold and I’ll leave it there for you all to enjoy.

This time around, the game has expanded to include families, each with its own unique style and weapon of choice for killing the MacCaully sisters. Sarah Michelle Gellar joins the cast as Ursula Danforth alongside her twin brother Titus Danforth played by Shawn Hatosy. Elijah Wood is the Danforth’s lawyer and adds so much fun to this new installment.

The jokes, executed with perfect timing, were a total hoot and are going to offer the audience a barrel of laughs and plenty of fun action to behold. Check it out this weekend or the following weekend if Project Hail Mary is taking up this weekend for most movie-going attendees.

Thanks for coming by Popped for this week’s “Reviews”. Checking out or checked out Ready of Not 2? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Stick around though as I was also able to check out The Pout Pout Fish that was a cute delight.

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Project Hail Mary “Review”

Release dateMarch 20, 2026 (USA)

DirectorsPhil Lord, Chris Miller

ProducersRyan Gosling, Phil Lord, Andy Weir, Chris Miller, Amy Pascal, Aditya Sood, Rachel O’Connor

ScreenplayDrew Goddard

CinematographyGreig Fraser

Running time2h 36m

Potential Oscar Nominee for 2026? Question? or Statement! 😛

Avoided the trailers/marketing or not – No spoilers coming from us here at Popped! So let’s get into it!

Waking up, alone, on a spaceship, with little to no memory – Going to be a mind-bend & lonely place. Well, welcome to the exploration phase of Project Hail Mary, as the audience enters this universe trying to understand how we all got here. Through various scenes, we’ll experience memories as they return of Dr. Grace (Played by Ryan Gosling). In what could be my favorite role of his since Ken, honestly, with no hate on Fall Guy, which I’m pretty sure I rated 8.5/9 out of 10. I quite like Ryan Gosling movies :D.

Story summed up without spoilers – Dr. Grace is being recruited to solve the riddle behind a mysterious substance that’s causing the sun to die out. Only a critique… It’s a long movie, but mainly the first hour, in my opinion. Now I watched it at midnight and let out shortly before 3am, having been up since 3:30am. Having an additional hour and 40 minutes to go, I loved it! There are so many scenes from the last hour and 40minutes I’d love to re-watch.

On a rating, I’m between an 8.5 and a weak 9/10. A repeat viewing will be in order, but honestly, the characters were what I loved most, along with the visuals. I’d love to discuss that….but that’d be revealing the magic behind the story and what’s to unfold. We had someone in the audience who had read the book. It’s identical and highly praised; they also thoroughly enjoyed it. SO, Project Hail Mary, plan to watch it? Curious? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Until next time, though. Happy Movie Going, fellow Movie-Goers – Statement! 😀

Thanks for coming by, Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stay tuned over this weekend for Ready or Not 2 along with maybe Pout Pout Fish for a fun bonus. I’m going to get some sleep before my morning shift. Maybe tomorrow night I’ll check out Project Hail Mary once more with my wife depending on her schooling.

Couple weeks till Mario Releases 😀 So excited!

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Undertone “Review”

Release dateMarch 13, 2026 (USA)

DirectorIan Tuason

LanguageEnglish

Running time1h 33m

MPAA ratingR

Budget500,000 USD

Got to love small budget horror movies – The creativity can far surpass that of a big budget production

Despite advertising as the scariest movie ever heard. The visuals add a lot to this film in creating an unsettling horror experience. Let it cook is literally this movie summed up. You may want your ice cream before it melts, but you may have filled up on your cake before getting to it 😉 :D.

What’s the setting of Undertone? Well, it’s the name of the podcast being hosted by two individuals. You’ll be following the story through one of the hosts who is taking care of their dying mother. Speaking of visuals – Some of the freakish scenes were with her mother. No spoilers here, but your eyes will either be playing tricks on you, or the complete subtlety of the visual settings and scenes is so well done that something is in the background while you’re experiencing the audio messages playing.

Messages? The podcast Undertone is recording its latest episode with 10 audio clips sent in from an anonymous sender. Diving into these clips is where the scares truly begin as the narrative unfolds. Good Luck, Have Fun & Don’t look away as you may have experiences playing tricks on you like a few of us did attending the early showing at midnight! Multiple people saw things that didn’t happen, and a lot of visual settings and an uncomfortable atmosphere were felt. Make of that as you will, but have fun 😀 Happy Horror watching. The closest experience is probably watching Paranormal Activity for the first time.

Planning to check out Undertone this weekend? Love to hear from you in the comments below. From me here at Popped – Undertone is getting a very good watch score of 7.5. That ending cost a potential 8, but it’s worth checking out in theatres. Especially for those with great speakers. Watching this at 3am is a must for those watching at Home streaming.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Next posting will be for the Oscars as they broadcast this coming Sunday the 15th. Good luck to all those that participate in voting and happy viewing for those tuning in to see who wins best picture of the year. I’ll be live updating during the broadcast for all to follow along.

Until then though, happy movie going fellow movie-goers! 😀

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