Category: Epic Movie – Rewatch/Blu-Ray

Michael “Review”

Release date April 24, 2026 (USA)

Director Antoine Fuqua

Producers John Branca, Graham King, John Mackay

Screenplay John Logan

Running time 2h 7m

Budget 155 million USD

Is it tomorrow already, so I can watch it again!

Honestly, where to start: First, I wake up to see a 27% RT score by the critics. Ignore the critics. Do you like Michael Jackson’s music? If you just said yes! Then get yourself to the theatre and enjoy the music. Curious to learn about Michael himself and his childhood? Did you say yes? Well, get yourself to the theatre! Seriously! What’s with these critics? I can’t even read their reviews due to RT not liking my browser that blocks ads.

That being said, I had an absolute blast! I couldn’t keep still dancing to the music. The emotions I felt. There’s a villain in the story, Joe Jackson, played by the incredible Colman Domingo. Michael’s childhood with his dad was rough. I wish I had been born earlier to have done something to protect him. OMG, I just looked up when he was born! I thought he was 20 years older than me, not 31! Nonetheless! I loved his music when I was a child, and the only info I learnt about Michael was through South Park, of all things. So I’m very happy these films are being released to shed light on who Michael Jackson was.

I can’t wait to watch this again, and the sequel better come soon because I want more :D. From the hard past to his solo outbreak as the King of Pop – Michael is a treat and one that I’ll happily place on my top 10 list of 2026 thus far, 9/10 Popped Score.

I forgot to say how well the rest of the cast was! But of course, massive special shoutout to Jaafar Jackson playing the one and only Michael Jackson! Along with Juliano Valdi playing his childhood self, Incredible!

How about yourself? Did you enjoy the movie? Curious. Or going to wait for streaming. Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Review” of Michael. I heard a lot of these songs at first through World of Warcraft radio, with spoof songs. So now to listen to them once more, but the originals, as I just can’t get the songs out of my head.

Until next time though, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going 😀

0

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 😀

0

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!

0

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die “Review”

Release date: February 13, 2026 (USA)

Director: Gore Verbinski

Screenplay: Matthew Robinson

Producers: Gore Verbinski, Oly Obst, Denise Chamian, Robert Kulzer, Erwin Stoff

Production companies: Blind Wink Productions, Constantin Film, 3 Arts Entertainment

Running time: 2h 15m

5 minutes shorter than Crime 101 but vastly my type of movie being the first 2026 to enter my top 10 list 😀

Sam Rockwell (Playing Homme Du) a man announcing himself to be from the future! To an audience of patrons at an LA diner, searching for a crew of unlikely heroes in hope to help him save humanity.

This movie is totally wild and tells a tale in my favorite style (Like that of Weapons), having an over arching story with back and forth reveals to our heroes throughout to introduce them throughout the intro of the film. Loved the cast and characters in GLHFDD. It’s solidly a great movie. For me personally that ending got the 9, even if a little weaker of a 9 it’s the first movie of 2026 going onto my list :D.

Michael Pena (Playing a substitute school teacher – Mark) along with his partner and colleague Janet (Played by Zazie Beetz) had the most stand out scene for me personally that I loved! Setting the tone and creepiness of the world being established.

This movie gets bonkers and honestly just grab some popcorn and check it out. While many checked out Crime 101 over this feature. I feel once GFHFDD hits digital/streaming the audience that resonates with it will fall in love as a niche movie to live on :D.

Ingrid was awesome also with a great story (Played by Haley Lu Richardson). There’s many good stories here but the story I’d love to hear is from yourselves. Did you check it out? Curious? Love to hear from you in the comments below.

9/10 – Lock it in for my top 10 list for early 2026. Let’s see how long it stays in for the year :D.

That’s our second of four movies in this weeks batch. Thanks for coming by Popped for movie “Reviews”. Not sure if there’s anything I’ll check out this weekend? However Scream is around the corner, WoW Expansion 😀 & Project Hail Mary which I’m very excited for! THEN MARIO GALAXY YA-HOO :D.

0

Song Sung Blue “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: Craig Brewer

Producers: Craig Brewer, John Davis

Running time: 2h 13m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Distributed by: Focus Features, Universal Pictures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1

David “Review”

Release date: December 19, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Phil Cunningham, Brent Dawes

Running time: 1h 55m

MPAA rating: PG

Music composed by: Joseph Trapanese

Distributed by: Angel Studios

I enjoyed King of Kings and the story of David vs Goliath – So had to check this one out!

During the trailers, they showed a sing-along version of David, releasing in theaters on December 31st. I was honestly surprised seeing this as I had no idea it was a musical….. well after that experience I’m going back for another viewing for sure :D.

When David, our shepherd, is announced as the next king. David’s journey with the current active King is set up as his trial and challenge. There are two movies in one here, and I loved each part of the tale. Unexpectedly, the music, the characters, and the story being told were so powerful that I honestly cried. Locking David in as a 9/10 and bumping off the Surfer from my top 10 list.

David is a fantastic movie to bring the family to for Christmas. Currently, there’s a BOGO promotion which allows more family for cheaper to experience this movie for cheaper. Why wait to check this out at the theatres this coming weekend?

Apologize for going short on these “Reviews”. I’m taking some more medicine and heading back to bed. Thank you all for coming to Popped. blog for your movie “Reviews”. Stay tuned for SpongeBob | House Maid, | Avatar 3 coming up this weekend / next week.

1

Sarah’s Oil “Review”

Release date: November 7, 2025 (USA)

Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh

Producers: Zachary Levi, Cyrus Nowrasteh, Jon Erwin · See more

Production companies: Kingdom Story Company, Wonder Project

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Running time: 1h 44m

Another true story inspired movie ready to affect my heartstrings – Where do I sign up? 😀

Honestly, I wasn’t sure if checking out this title was going to be possible this week. Seeing that 98% on Fandango, I couldn’t pass that opportunity up.

Sarah’s Oil is an incredible story about the young girl in the poster (Sarah Rector – Played by Naya Desir-Johnson) who is given an allotted land within Indian Territory back in the early 1900’s. Sarah comes to find, through God, that there’s oil in this land which sets her on an extremely difficult path to maintain control of this land and oil.

2025 really was the year of true story-inspired/based movies, and this one may actually be the best yet…or close to Last Breath, which is my current #1. Need to rewatch and see who gets it.

Zachary Levi tapped into his Chuck persona, which is the side of him I fell in love with (Playing Bert Smith). This got me in the feels for sure. Maybe didn’t shed tears like Christy. But held bigger emotional punches throughout that had me rooting for Sarah & her family.

Incredible performances throughout, and honestly, a beautifully envisioned and shot movie.

This will knock off Colors within from my top 10, and with that, Popped score of 9/10.

Thanks for coming by, Popped everyone for your movie “Reviews”. We have Nobody coming up next, but not the Nobody you may be thinking of 😀 Which makes it hard to find the breakdown of director, etc., but I’ll do my best to pull accurate info for the next “Review”.

Coming up this weekend, we have a triple whammy – Keeper, Now You See Me & Running Man.

1

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.

0

Soul on Fire “Review”

Release date: October 10, 2025 (USA)

Director: Sean McNamara

Executive producers: John O’Leary, Gregory Poirier, Terry Schnuck

Producers: Sean McNamara, David Brookwell, J. Todd Harris, Margaret French-Isaac

Running time: 1h 51m

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Trailer had my interest, but the 99% RT had my curiosity that I couldn’t pass up. Let’s Discuss!

Didn’t catch prior to entering that this was based on a true story. So many movies recently based on a true story is insane! But I love the inclusion of adding real life footage of the people and moments that their re-creating and capturing on screen for the movies retelling.

So from the top, you see it’s a 99% on RT (Now 98%). What’s this movie even about? We start with John O’Leary (Played by Joel Courtney) I believe in the year 2003 being asked to speak at a girl scout group with his inspirational story. This leads John being asked the question “If you could go back to the moment he burnt his families house down, would he?”

The movie takes you on a gut-wrenching journey of emotions through the childhood of this young boy, reliving the moments leading up to being caught on literal fire, all the way through to current-day moments. The movie has some jarring scenes of awful CGI graphics but insanely makes up for it with so much heart and emotion.

Without spoiling, describing the scene of his sister running back into a burning building to save his life had me in tears. So many moments of love and triumph had me in the feels. It’s a great watch despite some awful CGI and 1 jarring scene that took me out of the movie. I get the context and it lead to a beautiful ending without going into spoilers.

For a non-religious person, this movie had me in the feels. Solidly told and with some fantastic characters and actors doing stellar performances in their roles.

Popped score between an 8.5 or 9 but honestly, I think it has the Last Breath effect, being that it’s a true story, brings it to a 9 for me personally, but not enough to get into my top 10 list.

Did you check out Soul on Fire? On the fence? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Appreciate you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” :D.

Until the next batch, happy movie going all 😀

0

Eleanor the Great “Review”

Release date: September 26, 2025 (USA)

Director: Scarlett Johansson

Producers: Scarlett Johansson, Keenan Flynn, Jessamine Burgum · See more

Production companies: Wayfarer Studios, These Pictures, Pinky Promise, Dauphin Films, Maven Screen Media

Executive producers: Justin Baldoni, Steve Sarowitz, Jamey Heath · See more

Running time: 1h 38m

loved June Squibb in Thelma and had heard this was maybe Oscar-worthy, let’s discuss!

Eleanor spends 70 odd years with her best friend Bessie, who’s a holocaust survivor. After setting us up with a beautiful connection the film moves Eleanor to New York City to live with her grandson and daughter. Here Eleanor is alone and without a friend which her daughter sets Eleanor up in a group activity putting her on a path to finding new friendship and connection within a holocaust survivor support group.

I’ll leave story points to the above and let you experience and pulled back the veil of story that’s to be told. Through deep connections, personal stories that could very well be based on true events. This film will take you on a ride that could vary your experience depending on those connections.

The friendship that blooms between Eleanor (Played by June Squibb) & Nina (Played by Erin Kellyman) is a total joy. I also very much loved the performance of Bessie (Played by Rita Zohar), which could be in my supporting actress nominee for the 2025 Oscars.

Within this hour and 38 minute feature you’ll experience and learn about handling loss, grief and how to build connection when feeling alone.

Popped scoring of 8.5/9 out of 10. A feature I very much enjoyed, loved spending time with these characters.

Campaign 4 of Critical Role starts soonish so going to rapid fire this weeks batch. Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stay tuned for Anemone & Good Boy coming up next :D.

0

A WordPress.com Website.

Up ↑