Category: Epic Movie – Rewatch/Blu-Ray

Godzilla Minus Zero “Review”

Release date: November 6, 2026 (USA)

November 6, 2026 (USA)

Director: Takashi Yamazaki

Takashi Yamazaki

Prequel: Godzilla Minus One

Running time: 2h 15m

Languages: Japanese, English

Cinematography: Kôzô Shibasaki

Producers: Kazuaki Kishida, Minami Ichikawa, Keiichiro Moriya, Taichi Ueda, Go Abe

Got to remember to minus one to get zero… yeah, that’s silly – Let’s jump in, shall we 😀

2026 still has movies releasing to battle out my top 10 list – Watched Minus One? Then buckle in! Haven’t seen the prequel but interested in Minus Zero? – Go get yourself a bucket of popcorn and marathon this epic saga!

Minus Zero picks up 2 years after Minus One, reintroducing us to our monster-battling squad and family! This time, it cranks up the age rating to R-rated (A first for a Godzilla movie), depicting the darkness of post-war Japan for our characters.

The epic visuals and soundtrack are back. No spoilers here. You’ll be playing the tune in your head after leaving the theater, I’m sure :D. Highly recommend watching Minus One first. You’ll come to understand the importance of the choices being made and the impact throughout this struggle to maintain peace after Godzilla was defeated…

A new catastrophic threat has awakened! Buckle up and get locked in for a fight for your lives as the evolution of this franchise is about to get cracked wide open :D. Stick around after the crawl for some terrifying sounds, but only audible sounds, nothing visual like an end scene.

Will we get a third movie? A fifty-fifty coin toss; that’s the most recent statement from Yamazaki, the director.

Regardless, these movies are easily 9/10 and belong on a top 10 list!

Greater than Odyssey? Some may say – Moments certainly felt worthy of a statement. Looking forward to seeing my top 10 list unfold towards mid to end of December :D.

Appreciate you taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “reviews”. Tomorrow I’ll be checking out Ramayana in Hindi with English subtitles. Before locking myself away once more to conquer Hyrule and return to the lands of Fire Emblem :D.

Next week – Possible Cat in the Hat “Review” along with Ebenezer.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going!

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Forgotten Island “Review”

Release date: September 25, 2026 (USA)

Directors: Januel Mercado, Joel Crawford

Producer: Mark Swift

Running time: 1h 49m

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

LPM = Laughs Per Minute – How many? OFF THE CHARTS! BRB. Let’s get into it!

We’ve got ourselves a new golden soundtrack and the newest catchy song – “A Parallel World”.

It’s still playing in my head as I sit down to write this “Review”. Welcome back, fellow movie-goers 😀 I have to be up in 4 hours, but I had to get this out there because I’m totally hyped from seeing this movie and want as many people as possible to check it out at the theatre this weekend!

Is it a contender for Best Animated Picture? TOTALLY! Does it knock Toy Story 5 off the podium for me personally? Sadly not. If TS5 didn’t pull on the series ‘heartstrings’, playing off my childhood and build-up with these fantastic characters, then Forgotten Island would have totally taken the crown. It’s a 9/10. The final act solidly locks that in!

The majority of the trailer comes from the first 30 minutes, which is awesome! There’s so much to explore and discover. Creating memories alongside our Wild Pack!…. Does that thing look infected? O.o! I’m sure it’s fine 😛 Any who, we’re set up within the intro, exploring the first memories of Jo & Raissa meeting one another for the first time. Creating an everlasting friendship that can withstand the test of time…but maybe not distance!?!

During their final party with one another, they stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali (A fantastical island – The Forgotten Island!). Awakening with a 12-hour missing time gap in their memory, it’s up to Raww, their Island Guide, to assist with filling in the blanks and getting them back home in time for Raissa’s flight to America.

This movie has so many laughs; I brought back LPM, and the score was off the charts! I went from laughing to tearing up to epicness to more laughing. The experience I had watching Forgotten Island will stay with me among my movie memories.

I won’t spoil anything but the cast ensemble – Freaking hilariously insane!

No need to stick around for a post-credit scene, but if you’re digging the awesome soundtrack, continue creating memories with your friends and family as you reflect on the adventure you’ve just partaken in :D.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “reviews”. Super excited to hear your thoughts on this one.

Until next time though fellow movie-goers… BRB ;P

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Resident Evil “Review”

Release date: September 18, 2026 (USA)

Director: Zach Cregger

Budget: 80 million USD

Running time: 1h 37m

Executive producers: Victor Hadida, Robert Bernacchi

Producers: Zach Cregger, Miri Yoon, Robert Kulzer, Roy Lee, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan

Welcome to Racoon City, where padlocks are the real enemy!

Zach Cregger has done something truly amazing with Resident Evil. He didn’t just make a horror movie within the franchise. Cregger recreated that feeling of the video games through the medium of movies. Peering around corners was the greatest moment of this. Having to go upstairs, unknown to what’s up there. The worst part of Resident Evil games is continuing forward (For me (I’m terrified) :P). Here we get to see what’s next through our main character, which I absolutely loved!

The pacing and world-building were such a joy to behold. Starting your quest in a regular hospital to drop off a package at Raccoon General was a genius way to introduce Resident Evil newcomers to Raccoon City while still packing fun surprises for fans!

Fans of Weapons are going to love this movie. It pulls on all the suspense and horror, creating truly hold-your-breath moments while having comedy moments executed perfectly to ease tension or set up mechanics later on. The amount of setup for jokes, mechanics, or throwbacks was handled so well that I looked forward to watching this movie again for sure!

My wife was jumping so much and called this title her favorite Resident Evil movie yet!

I loved the first title in the original movie series, but honestly I would have to agree that this new edition to the movie franchise may possibly the best yet with plenty of avenues to explore if this becomes a multi part series.

There are so many cool designs, monsters, surprises, and creative story elements that the hour and 40-minute run time went by in a blink of an eye. Get yourself to your local movie theatre this weekend to watch this on the big screen. Popped score well deserved of a 9/10 :D. Going into my top 10 thus far for 2026.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Watched or thinking of watching Resident Evil this weekend? Let us know in the comments below. With this feature in my top 10, we are at the point where movies get bumped off going forward. I’ll review my top 10 and start placing them in some order, ready for the final 3 months of 2026!

Until next time, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going!

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Finding Emily “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Alicia MacDonald

Running time: 1h 50m

Producers: Olivier Kaempfer, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan

Production companies: Parkville Pictures, Focus Features, Working Title Films

Screenplay: Rachel Hirons

Thought this would be cute… never thought I’d fall in love with it 😀 Legit! Let’s Discuss!

I loved pretty much the entirety of this movie.

From the characters, their personal journeys, the connections between one another, from strangers, friends, and family, I absolutely loved it all. Owen (Played by Spike Fearn) sees Emily one night while at work and falls for her. Due to having to rush out of the club for a birthday party, she misses a number entering it on Owen’s phone, and thus the movie Finding Emily exists :D.

Emily Raine (Played by Angourie Rice) is an Emily but not the Emily. Aiding Owen in the search for Emily, even if it results in her own personal gains.

Along the way, we meet Owen’s family, which I freaking loved; the connection between Owen and his brother. We also meet several dozen other Emily’s which have their own motives, agendas, and journeys within the movie. This is such a feel-good movie, and I ate it up. Angus Thongs & Perfect Snogging may be the last movie where I didn’t touch my popcorn due to loving everything on screen.

I haven’t even mentioned the music yet! From start to end, the music track and selections/usage were superb! Stay to the end for a music video amongst the credits 😀 So good.

Popped score of 9/10 I seriously loved it!

Apologies for this week’s batch being rather large and uploaded in one day. WordPress was having issues… well, at least on my end. Found out the ad blocker was preventing the page from loading… never occurred before, but alas, I’m back :D.

Stick around for Buddy coming up next here on Popped!

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The Odyssey

Release date: July 17, 2026 (USA)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Producers: Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas

Music composed by: Ludwig Göransson

Adapted from: Odyssey

Story by: Homer

I’d love to chat more, but have ants to deal with… blasted!

No spoilers but what an epic of a film. From the incredible cast. Sound design. Scale / Scope of the story. This 3 hour movie despite feeling a little long at moments. Kept you engaged and entertained throughout.

With a serious bow tie ending. The Odyssey is a must-watch. I’m excited to jump back in again. Moments of exploration had me wanting to replay Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. By the end, I was banging my foot along. My audience was locked in and silent the entire ride.

Some story of what this epic tale is all about? A son’s search for his father. A father & husband embarking on a perilous journey home, returning from the Trojan War. Obstacles to be faced are an understatement. Such deadly circumstances await our characters that need to be seen on the biggest screen!

Easily a 9/10 – My joint first place #1 movie of 2026 thus far!

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” – I’ve got to dash but excited to return for Spiderman….hopefully with the ants dealt with :S.

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Toy Story 5 “Review”

Release date: June 19, 2026 (USA)

Director: Andrew Stanton

Prequel: Toy Story 4

Running time: 1h 42m

MPAA rating: PG

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Solid contender for best animated feature of 2026! Currently has my vote!

I’m calling this a beautiful generational movie. Watched Toy Story 1/2 as a child you’re going to love this. Watched the 3rd/4th coming in a little later you’re going to be attached to some characters if you’re watching the 5th :P. First time watching a Toy Story movie? You’re going to have a good time for sure.

When it comes to loving the characters within this franchise, growing and overcoming new challenges. You’re going to have a great time. So much humor across the board. Personally, having watched these movies since I was a child. I feel like this hits harder for those viewers like myself. I was honestly tearing up and had streaks down my face a good couple of times with all the emotions being felt :D.

Curious note: Why did Disney stop with the shorts before the movie? Did it mess with the short run time of movies? Not sure. Either way. Loved the intro to this movie! Freaking loved it! Stick around during the credits. There’s a mid-credit scene. Nothing is worth staying for to the very end, but there’s a little something if you have time. Mid credit was chef kiss!

What’s Toy Story 5 all about? Well, the gang’s back and beautifully tying in all the previous movies. Even though I disliked 4. The groundwork laid in 4 is moving the story forward into 5. By exploring the introduction of technology. The obsoleteness of older non-tech toys. Who’s going to keep Bonnie safe, introduce her to new friends, and look after her best interests? You’ll have to watch Toy Story 5 at your local theatre to find out. Popped scoring of 9/10. This movie was fantastic. I started off looking for critics, to find myself at a certain point. Loving & crying over this movie.

Planning to see this movie over the weekend? Or just come home from it? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Could they make a 6th? Leave it here? Let’s talk in the comments.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Lots are releasing this week so for the batch to come. Look forward to Girls like Girls, Death of Robin Hood & Leviticus, over this weekend.

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

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Pressure “Review”

Release date: May 29, 2026 (USA)

Director: Anthony Maras

Producers: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lucas Webb, Cass Marks

Screenplay: Anthony Maras, David Haig

Production companies: Working Title Films, StudioCanal

Executive producers: Anthony Maras, Ron Halpern, Anna Marsh, Joe Naftalin, Sheeraz Shah, Angela Moneke

Crazy statement coming up…. I need to see Saving Private Ryan in Full after watching this!

Yes! I honestly haven’t seen Saving Private Ryan in its entirety, and that needs to be corrected!

I’ve played the invasion of D-Day through games like Conker’s Bad Fur Day. I’ve seen the referenced footage and scenes from Saving Private Ryan. But after seeing this true story on the strategy that led to all the decisions and inner workings for that to be pulled off. I must watch it, as Pressure truly builds a spectacle to behold once we get there.

Between Brendan Fraser playing Dwight D. Eisenhower (who I learnt from this movie became the 34th President of the USA) and Andrew Scott playing James Stagg, a top-notch meteorologist for the Allied Invasion of Europe. I was introduced to this true story through actors I’ve known and loved for years.

From the first scene, I was hooked. Captivated by the score choice to impact the visuals being displayed on screen. The narrative text setting up the film was very impactful and hit close to home when hearing that Group Captain James Stagg was relocated to forecasting operations in Dunstable. (My grandparents’ hometown.)

Spoilers on a true story are hard to avoid here, but the story was educational and, as a movie, very moving. Honestly, all the pieces and strategy that led to Eisenhower delaying D-Day were an insane combination of believing in his Meteorologist, over the military process from those around him wanting to act fast. The movie’s ending line from Eisenhower even impacts the truths and importance of meteorologists in today’s world. “We had better meteorologists than the Germans.” It was an extremely vital role and something I’d love to watch Saving Private Ryan in full and know this information going into that scene.

Last comments on Pressure. I loved that they panned between the strategic points of the boardroom meetings, then to the soldiers and their situation. Including that and letting it build throughout the film, really hit when the D-Day scenes played out. I was cheering, rooting in my seat. Feeling the feels and clasping my mouth. It’s a powerful scene! Going in as a 9/10 Popped score and onto my top 10 list thus far for 2026.

As always, fellow movie-goers, thank you all so much for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. As a fun personal side project to track movies watched. I’ve seen so many of you interacting and checking out the site over the years. I may not have heard back from Rotten Tomatoes. But that’s okay! I love watching movies and getting to experience all these stories. Good, bad or the ugly side of them. I love being able to experience them, the emotions created and shared amongst all of you. From this website, to socials or at the theatre!

We’ve entered the final month of the first half of 2026. I’m excited for the mid-way “Review”, how right or wrong I was from the beginning of the year. Looking forward to what’s to come for the second half. Along with some shoutouts and a review of my top 10 thus far, comparing them to the movies that released prior to 2026.

Until next batch with Scary Movie & Masters of the Universe, happy movie-going fellow movie-goers!

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Obsession “Review”

Release date: May 15, 2026 (USA)

Director: Curry Barker

Budget: 1 million USD

Running time: 1h 49m

MPAA rating: R

Language: English

Be careful who & what you wish for! Let’s discuss!

Non Spoiler

To avoid any type of spoiler for those avoiding the trailer, let’s discuss a little and then go in a little more with a spoiler-ish segment afterwards :D.

Bear (Played by Michael Johnston) uses a “One Wish Willow” for his best friend and love interest, Nikki (Played by Inde Navarrette), to make her love him more than anyone else in the entire world.

He’ll soon discover the dark and sinister price of making this wish. A one-hour and 50-minute experience that I was locked in for (No post-credit scene, which, according to a Google search, stated there was). Usually I’ll have popcorn to keep me awake, but I had placed it down pretty early on as I was completely on the edge of my seat, locked into these characters and story.

A $1 million budget is insane. The profit on this one will be easily come by. Honestly, I’m locking this into my top horror of 2026 thus far, 9/10. Inde Navarrette was never on my radar, but after Obsession. I’ll be keeping an eye on her next film. (More on that during the next section – Short end – I’d nominate her for an Oscar).

Spoiler-ish

What got Obsession into my 9’s and repeated horror viewing was the incredible acting and scene atmosphere created. You never know when a situation or scene could be relaxed in or be on edge. The tension and unease was spot on. To say ramped up would undercut the earlier setups and scenes.

The subject matter, consequences, underlying, and straight-up in-your-face decisions being made had you locked into these characters and their stories. We can discuss that more in the comments. Supporting characters and cast sold their roles and characters perfectly. It allowed Nikki or Inde Navarrette to truly soar high as an actor and allowed her to commit to this role/s.

I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.

Otherwise, good luck, have fun, and be careful for what or who you wish for 😀 9/10.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”.

Next Thursday is my birthday, looking forward to watching, or at least intrigued by how The Mandalorian & Grogu does next weekend. I may return earlier than this, however, with Is God Is sometime this weekend, potentially. Depending on whether I get time tomorrow, as I’ll be busy celebrating my wife graduating this weekend! 😀 WOOT WOOT! :D.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers. Happy Movie-going 😀

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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 😀

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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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