Category: Epic Movie – Rewatch/Blu-Ray

Bring Her Back “Review”

Release date: May 30, 2025 (UK)

Starring: Sally Hawkins; Billy Barratt

Directed by: Danny Philippou; Michael Philippou

Producers: Samantha Jennings, Kristina Ceyton

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Stage 6 Films

By the creators of Talk to Me, we have their next horror film. Bring her back. Although the hype for Talk to Me disappointed my expectations. This feature, in my opinion, deserves it all. Let’s discuss.

With this being an early “Review” I’m going to keep spoilers away heavily. I’ll set the story up and go into the incredibly actors and some parrels before teasing you with my overall thoughts and score.

After tragically loosing their father and being placed in care of a new foster mother. Andy (Played by Billy Barratt) & Piper (Played by Sora Wong) step brother and sister have 3 months until Andy turns 18 and able to file for guardianship of his sister. Piper is blind which creates more of a protective nature for Andy to be there for his step sister.

Their new foster mother? Laura, (Played by the incredible Sally Hawkins) the person whom I feel is most similar to that of Hugh Grant’s character in Heretic. You never know during this feature if you’re safe or not. When situations can be trusted, and who can be trusted.

Bring Her Back deserves the saying “I was on the edge of my seat”. This title honestly got to me. I was literally cheering for characters, wanting people to die and beside myself on the options characters have within their situation. The actors and all those behind the scenes did an incredible job with the tension of this movie.

I often get asked. Was it scary. Scary is hard to define. For instant. Scary being jumpy? Creeped out? Un Nerved? Short of breath? How does one define someone’s meaning of scary. What I can tell you though. It sure had my feeling a lot of these emotions of scary. I mentioned at the start the hype for Talk To Me disappointed my experience of the movie as it didn’t reach those levels. I honestly hope that Bring Her Back does for you. It’s an easy 8/10 tier and worthy of re-watching if you can stomach it. To place this in at a 9 is pretty impressive for a horror movie. Then I thought. Well, the great horror films of my youth are Blu Ray worthy so why wouldn’t or couldn’t this be…..

Thus the score was settled. Popped gives Bring Her Back a solid 9/10 placing it in my top 10 list. Loved the ending which is where the solid throughout performance and directing of this movie is above that of Heretic. Placing it up there with Black Phone for doing a great job of getting into your psyche.

Want to know more? Then check out Bring Her Back in theatres opening May 30th.

P.S I’ve watched the trailers and even that didn’t prepare me for what unfolds in this feature. Buckle up and enjoy…. If you have the stomach for it.

With that fellow movie goers. Was our Horror feature batch from A24. A solid hit that I dread going back to watch and re-live it but alas I most likely will with my wife at the end of the month.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Review” of Bring Her Back and I’ll look forward to your thoughts in a couple of weeks time. Until then, come back Thursday with our “Review’s” of Lilo & Stitch along with Mission Impossible 8.

Until next batch, happy watching 😀

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The Surfer “Review”

Release date: May 2, 2025 (USA)

Director: Lorcan Finnegan

Starring: Nicolas Cage; Julian McMahon; Nic Cassim; Miranda Tapsell; Alexander Bertrand; Justin Rosniak

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 43m

Producers: Nicolas Cage, Leonora Darby, Robert Connolly · See more

Solid trailer got me in the theater to check this title out.

The Surfer had me mesmerized throughout. Let’s discuss 😀

Avoid spoilers at all costs, but also, if you were told what goes down in this movie. You probably wouldn’t believe them anyway. This is a good kind of bizarre and weird. The type of weird I’m happy to lose myself within for hours as I navigate the story and what’s going on.

The Surfer, staring Nicolas Cage (In what could be his best movie since 2020? I’ve missed a few since then but this is on another level) as The Surfer :p is a father taking his son to surf on an Australian beach in Cage’s childhood beach. This is until the locals “politely” let them know “Don’t live here, Don’t surf here” before you go on an adventure.

Story wise I’m leaving it here. Go explore. Try not get heat stroke and attempt to stay grounded. Reading some reviews online this is going to be very divided. Again, this is the type of weird and bizarre shit that I’ll shovel into my mouth for breakfast and be cracked out on sugar for the entire day. Loved it!

I’ll need to watch it again to connect more dots and dissect this feature but damn was it a Gooden. Buckle in for a trippy ride and either enjoy it or it seems totally hate it? No middle ground with this one. Socials have it from 45% on Fandango to 87 on RT.

For popped I’m placing this in with last years “Last Stop In Yuma County” with a 9/10 and entering my top 10 list for 2025 thus far.

Fantastic performance all around. Great pacing and tone. Loved the build up and pay offs along the way. Setups and all, loved this title. Can’t wait to watch again with others and discuss.

Speaking of which. Like to discuss this in the comments below I’d be curious your thoughts. Keep spoilers labeled and let’s have fun with it.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and we’ll see you next batch Thursday with a couple of interesting ones all going well. Fight in Flight & Clown in the Cornfield.

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Sinners “Review”

Initial release: April 18, 2025

Director: Ryan Coogler

Running time: 2h 17m

MPAA rating: R

Budget: 90 million USD

Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian

Kudos to Ryan Coogler on creating a trailer that teases what’s to come in this title while also not showing his hand like a few other movies we’ve had this year and prior.

If you know me you’ll know I like to speak code. So let’s speak code on this one to keep those cards sealed and in hand so your enjoyment of this title can be at its fullest.

The time period is 1932 and twin brothers Smoke & Stack being played by the incredible Michael B. Jordan return from Mississippi Delta after years of being away working in Chicago for Al Capone.

Using their $ they purchase a sawmill to start up their new business, a juke joint for the local black community. Their cousin Sammie is introduced as an aspiring guitarist, joining them despite opposition from his pastor father who warns that blues music is supernatural….

Now if you know, you know, and if you don’t, then avoid the trailer and go in blind for a pretty big reveal of this movie and why people are speaking so highly of it. The majority of this title is taking place over a period of a day leading to the events that start this movie with a whammy. (Don’t miss the intro scene, turn up on time).

I thoroughly enjoyed the build up and journey of these characters as the trailer reveals but that alone is a solid good watching experience. Then the aftermath and what comes next is what I’d watch this title again for. Despite how good the setup was. It’s what keeps this going into the 9 tier but sits solidly at 8.5 drawing this title out a little long but totally worth going out and watching this feature at least once.

I just watched this yesterday and looks like my wife wants to check it out today so I’ll be going back already, haha. Socials has this from a 8.2 to 98% so people are thoroughly enjoying Sinners.

Without going into spoilers. You may hear buzz about hope for a sequel. Stick around slightly longer during the credits. You’ll see why. Sinners will display and you can walk out the theatre then but you’ll know when it’s time to leave. Wanting more blues, stick around to the very end for that last scene but nothing story related if you want to save 5minutes.

For those that watched the trailer – Non Spoiler – After Second Watch

Just got out from second watch, OMG it’s incredible. Loved the pacing during second viewing. Go to bathroom before you get to the club otherwise you’re almost locked in or miss some of the best scenes. Music was insanely good and all the characters and actors do incredible! Maybe due to a couple chatting next to me in my first viewing but loved loved loved this second watch. My wife even gave the movie a 10/10 so bumping it to 9/10 and placing it on my top 10 list.

Enjoy 😀

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Did you enjoy Sinners? Want to discuss what could come next? Then let us know in the comments below.

Coming up this week we have The Accountant 2, Legend of Ochi & Until Dawn “Reviews”. Would anyone be interested in me “Reviewing” Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie or randomly On Swift Horses?

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Last Breath “Review”

Release date: February 28, 2025 (USA)

Director: Alex Parkinson

Budget: 22.8 million EUR

Producers: Stewart le Maréchal, Anna Mohr-Pietsch, Paul Brooks · See more

Distributed by: Focus Features, FilmNation Entertainment, Entertainment Film Distributors

Based on: Last Breath; by: Alex Parkinson; Richard da Costa

Missed this during my surgery week, glad I checked this out. WoW! Took my breath away…..

Honestly, maybe it was the intro or a combination of factors, but this movie got me good! From the starting few lines hearing that this is one of the most dangerous jobs and then hit with it’s a true story (Which somehow I missed during the marketing of this feature). I got connected to the characters pretty quickly.

This is an emotional experience so I wont break down the story. Just know that you’re going 1000 FT down into the darkest depths of the ocean for a job. Circumstances change and you must abort mission, when the worst outcome occurs. Your life line is snapped and you’re left alone in complete darkness to survive.

The use of lighting was so impactful in many scenes in the depths of the ocean. You connect with Chris Lemons played by Finn Cole whom does an incredible job alongside his wife in hitting home on those emotions.

Woody Harrelson played Duncan Allcock & Simu Liu plays David Yuasa. They also do a great job in this title. Simu Liu was a little harder to get into due to the hardness of his character however just keep watching.

Not only were these three fantastic in making me shred several streaks of tears down my face ;p but the supporting crew did incredible and were so vital in this mission. Which reminder, is a true story! They even hit you harder with real footage of these characters/people. INSANE!

Maybe the emotion and true story was a factor hear getting it from a 8 great tier into a 9 but honestly this got me good! I’d watch again but place it in the category of Grave of the Fireflies due to making me cry haha. That movie destroys me despite it being so good of a movie, it’s hard every time.

With that being said. Last Breath gets a Popped score of 9/10 and despite looking at overall scores on other websites. It definitely got me harder than others that felt this is just good to great title.

Tomorrow night I’ll finally get to check out Mickey 17 and stay tuned for the remainder of the week where we “Review” the next batch of movies from Looney Tunes, Black Bag & Opus. Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’ll see you next batch.

Let me know if this movie got you like it did myself or recommend checking out a title I may have missed from late February early March. Thanks again everyone :D.

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Ne Zha 2 “Review”

Release date: February 14, 2025 (USA)

Director: Jiaozi (Yang Yu)

Budget: $80 million

Based on: Investiture of the Gods by Xu Zhonglin

Distributed by: Beijing Enlight Pictures CMC Pictures (Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canda)

Box Office: US $1.40 Billion

I’m so happy to have watched the 1st feature yesterday and now be apart and won in by this franchise. From streaming in the background to less than half way getting fully engaged and falling in love with a new franchise. Let’s dive into the sequel, with Ne Zha 2.

If you’re coming into this “Review” unaware of this franchise then let’s discuss the over-view rather than the sequel. If you’re coming into this “Review” to read about the sequel knowing and enjoying the first title…. then hear this. The sequel of Ne Zha makes the 1st title look like a okay movie. With 5 times the action, family development, friendship, emotion, lore, world building, epicness, humor, Villians, Heroes, etc, etc 😀 you’re going to love it.

If you read the previous “Review” you’ll know that I’m locking this feature into my 2025 best animated feature Oscar spot. Unless something comes out and totally surprises me. Animated titles for 2025 have an extremely hard battle ahead of them to dethrone this epic cinema master piece.

The Ne Zha franchise is based on a Chinese mythological character, focusing on the story of a young boy named Ne Zha who is born as a demon child. Destined to bring destruction, but fights against his fate to protect his village and defy the established order, often battling powerful deities and challenging the heavens with his supernatural abilities; the narrative explores themes of rebellion, self-determination, and overcoming prejudice against one’s perceived destiny

Anime enjoyers out there could relate to this with Naruto as Ne Zha. Also for the fighting and powers/abilities. Those into Dragon Balls Z and similar animes would get behind this franchise.

The animation is very well done and event improves with the sequel. Will there be a third title? Think, will there be a 4th,5th and 6th haha. The amount of lore and world building established in the sequel is insane where this franchise will take it.

My spoon is ready and my desert is before me 😀 Let’s get to eating good.

I’m super pumped to watch this again including that of the original. Popped Score for Ne Zha 2 is an easy top score of 9/10 going into my #1 spot of 2025 thus far and into my #1 spot for best animated feature.

Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for your newest batch of movie “Reviews”. This is a epic masterpiece and I’m excited to hear from yawl on this title / franchise.

See you back here Sunday night with Nickel Boys and my overall thoughts with the Oscars.

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The Colors Within “Review”

Release date: January 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Naoko Yamada

Distributed by: Toho Co., Ltd.

Box office: $2.1 million

Japanese: きみの色

Music by: Kensuke Ushio

Other than an Anime Movie and directed by Naoko Yamada who directed A Silent Voice. I had no idea what this title was about. Well, that was short lived because not long into this movie I had met our cast of characters and fallen in love.

Fallen in love you say, that’s pretty strong no? Haha yea it’s strong, BUT TRUE! 😀 I honestly loved all the characters, supporting characters and the title! Colors within is literally our main lead Totsuko Higurashi voiced by Sayu Suzukawa seeing the auras of individuals through color. The use of color with emotions and expressions is beautifully breath taking before they make you fall in love when adding the music to that combination.

Totsuko during her dodge ball?(I believe it was) P.E lesson is caught off guard by the beauty of Kimi Sakunaga (Voiced by Akari Takaishi) during her throw of the ball prior to getting smacked in the face. Kimi leaves school due to (Reasons you’ll have to experience) which sends Totsuko on a search for her through beautiful scenes and exploration.

Did I say how much I enjoyed this title 😀 Well during this exploration we come to a book store (With CATS!) and meet our other lead friend Rui Kagehira voiced by Taisei Kido. It’s here during some light fun conversation that Rui asks if the others are in a band. Thus their band is formed and from here I fell in love.

I needed to use the bathroom SO FREAKING BAD after watching The Brutalist it caught up to me and I was so hooked into The Colors Within I didn’t want to leave and miss anything…..well I missed the last 3 minutes of the film returning during the credits rolling :(. Sadness, I must rewatch this film for that last scene. But it was worth the wait so I could see the performance.

Captivated is under selling it. I fell in love with this title and thus it’s going up on my top 10 list of 2025. Is Better Man a 2024 title? I believe it is right? Sooo does that make The Colors Within my first top 10 movie of 2025? Or my second? 9/10 Popped score. Go check it out and fall in love… or don’t I wont be hurt by that it’s cool and all :P.

Coming up next on this batch of movie “Reviews” the reveal of a secret hidden movie that I was able to check out early…despite writing the review a couple days later :s I’m Sorry!

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Better Man “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2024 (USA)

Director: Michael Gracey

Music by: Batu Sener (score); Robbie Williams (songs)

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures, Entertainment Film Distributors

Budget: $110 million

Cinematography: Erik A. Wilson

I wasn’t hyped or anything about this title. To be honest, if it wasn’t for my experience in A Complete Unknown I probably wouldn’t have checked this out. WHAT A HUGE MISTAKE that’d have been if I had missed out on this experience. I won’t keep you long unless you’d like to hear more. I FUCKING LOVED THIS TITLE!. Yes, this will be PG13 / 15 Rating “Review” so be warned.

My Emotional Take

Better Man is the tale of British pop superstar Robbie Williams in his meteoric rise, dramatic fall & remarkable resurgence. I knew of Robbie Williams growing up and wasn’t all that into pop myself so although I heard this music back then. I wasn’t all that a fan but damn did those songs hit now like 20 years later hearing them.

Robbie or Robert Williams back then in 1974 was born in Stoke on Trent. A city I’d go to visit myself around his age when this movies roughly kicks off in 1982. Robbie Williams is 15 years older than I and hearing and seeing his story being told gave so much weight behind his life. The music he created and the moments in history that I heard those songs growing up.

It was mentioned at the start with Robbie Williams being British. I flipped Robbie & Robin Williams’s name all the time growing up. I LOVED! Robin Williams he’s an inspiration and idol of mine and shaped my youth. I had a life turning point around 14-16 years of age which could be why the weight of this feature, the songs and its storytelling hit me so much harder than it may others.

Honestly, it’s a shame that not many in the States will see or hear this because it’s so incredible. I was the only one in the first showing premier of this feature. INSANE! It’s incredible. Directed by Michael Gracey who did The Greatest Showman (And finding out about the sequel & the live-action NARUTO MOVIE – I’M SO HYPED AFTER SEEING THIS). This was a true spectacle.

From the incredible songs, the story and the visual choice to be a monkey? Like that of Piece by Piece choosing to have lego style. This TOTALLY! Worked. I love an underdog story and this got me in the feels.

Talk about Bow Tie endings by the way 😉 I can honestly just go on and on but go check out this feature. The last song before the last song OMFG Naruto is going to be amazing! – The last song will have you in tears of how beautiful this completed the story. From the first song to the last. This was visually and audibly breathtaking. At first I felt like an 8/10 maybe checking it out again. But by the first big song number with the Take That band I was so WoW it was in the 9’s but by the end this is in my top 10 for 2025 and will be hard to be knocked off for quite some time. WE’RE ONLY IN JANUARY FOR PEET SAKE! Incredible.

My “Review Take”

Want to hear a little more about the feature then let’s break it down:

We’re introduced to Robert Williams in 1982 in Stoke on Trent a very Chavvy place mind you. (Apologize if this is offensive but it’s mentioned at the end being a Chav). Being a Chav myself back in these days the language used was very nostalgic haha.

Inspired by the love to entertain and sing with his father, Robert’s passion to be something and make something of himself grow each and every moment in his life. When his father leaves to failing school. Robert who goes on to be named Robbie when he joins Take That was driven by so much and supported by so few.

His Nan & Mother were his greatest rocks growing up which really supported him through it all. Despite loving his Dad, his Dad wasn’t there for Robert but more so only there for Robbie. This film did an excellent job showing the viewer and audience the inner dialogue of Robbie Williams like that of Gollum from the Lord of the Rings series Smeagol.

This cinematic display of his depression and self-hate while having so many screaming fans was heart wrenching to see him go through this while pushing people away who did stand by him like his girlfriend and his only friend. This movie even offers a helpline and ways to reach out if self-harm is something you’re struggling with and need someone to be there for you.

I wondered why this was R-rated in America. Well other than the language, alcohol, drugs, nudity, and all. There’s also a raw side of depression and the depths and darkness that this path takes you. So maybe have that conversation with your children if taking them to see this title. – I mentioned this above but I’ll state it here. When the second to last song is displayed. The visuals and use of this inner struggle were insane to watch and when you see it on screen you’ll see what I mean by the hype now created to see Naruto done this way.

Totally amazing film, a must-see honestly. Even if you maybe don’t connect on the level that I did. I think the story, music, and visuals are so worth seeing and exploring. With a beautiful and emotional bow tie of an ending, this easily gets a 9/10 for me and goes up there as the first top 10 feature to kickstart 2025.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one if you plan to or now plan on checking it out. Did I overly hype this title? Learned a little more about me through this? Love to hear your thoughts. What an experience for 2025. I’m so excited to see what other hidden gems come along in 2025.

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Nosferatu “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2024 (USA)

Director: Robert Eggers

Screenplay: Robert Eggers

Budget: $50 million

Distributed by: Universal Pictures, Focus Features

Adapted from: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, Dracula

Never seen the original and maybe I should check it out. This movie was so freaking good! Came for the spooky vampire. Got hooked by the tonal atmosphere and stayed for the incredible Nicholas Hoult whom is another “Movie Star” I’ve got my sights on.

Lily-Rose Depp (Playing Ellen Hutter) kick starts this movie with an intense opener communicating with Nosferatu played by Bill Skarsgard (As Count Orlok)

Her husband Thomas Hutter (Played by the awesome Nicholas Hoult) gets a job to travel to Transylvania to sell land to a prospective client, Count Orlok.

Shout out to this couples friends in the movie being played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kraven Lead) & Emma Corrin who play the Harding family with their 2 very cute daughters.

Some / Few people may find this movie to have a slow intro I’ve heard. Which blows my mind because the opener was so incredible of a hook I’m surprised you had time to think this way. The film most certainly ramps up and escalates however I never found it boring what so ever.

Looking for a beautifully shot movie that honors the original while freshening it up in a modern technology way of creation through cinematography and quality. This film did it spot on. Sometimes it felt like a black and white movie elevated on film. This was gorgeous and I have a hard time picking between this and The Substance when it comes to my Oscar Nomination in certain categories.

Not going to ruin this for you by breaking down all that occurs. Just sit back, grab some popcorn and enjoy this spooky awesome movie that disserves a place in my top 10 as I’ll be giving Nosferatu a 9/10.

With that concludes 2024 movie “reviews” from me Prowen for Popped.blog

Next couple of posts will be a transition to 2025. Some looking back while others look ahead at my hopeful/most anticipated movies of next year. Some changes to come with the site going forth but until then. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a massive Happy New Year to you all :D.

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Sonic 3 “Review”

Release date: December 20, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jeff Fowler

Adapted from: Sonic the Hedgehog

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Box office: $1.4 million

Music by: Tom Holkenborg

Sprinkle some chaos energy on this review to temper expectations if you’d like. I’ll be going in on this “Review” however mind you being my most anticipated movie of 2024 I maybe wearing my rose tinted glasses.

If you’re unsure on what Sonic 3 will be about or what to expect. Maybe go watch the first two movies and the Knuckles Paramount + Show. It’s literally a turn your brain off and have a good time type of movie.

From the first title, to now. I’ve loved the world that’s being created for the Sonic Universe. Yes the human storylines are the weakest and continue to be, however I just love it when both Sonic and his gang are on screen as well as Jim Carrey himself playing as Doctor Eggman…..but wait a minute, now there’s two! Of him playing different characters in a movie by the same actor O.o.

Sonic 3 picks up with our trio of heroes as we discover it’s Sonic’s first bEarth Day when he met his human family back in the first movie. I honestly wished they left the humans here but alas…

Oh btw prior to the above we start this feature off with some nice action and introduction to Shadow himself. 😀 – I’ll tease and setup but wont go into spoilers. You know me by now ?

Human character shoutouts go to Krysten Ritter who plays the Director of Gun. Was very cool seeing her in this movie. Keanu Reeves was awesome playing Shadow, despite sounding like brain from pinky and the brain haha.

Loved Loved Loved! Jim Carrey playing both Doctor Eggmans. Loved him since the Mask, Dumb & Dumber & Ace Ventura. The same energy still exists today with his role playing these characters and I’m excited to see what’s to come next. – Press the Button 😉

Again no spoilers, but the overall plot of this title is overcoming Shadow the Hedgehog. If you know you know. If not, enjoy getting to learn more about the Sonic Universe that covers story from the video games. (Specifically Sonic Adventure 2)

Sit back and enjoy this very crazy adventure. Learn more about the characters and their back stories. New and Old characters get introduced, Developed and have their own moments to enjoy and behold.

Lots of epic 90’s nostalgia, specially for those into Sonic/Sega or that played video games during that period of time. keep watching to the end. A mid credit scene and a final end credit scene – BOTH WORTH STICKING AROUND FOR. – Very Juicy 😉

I can’t believe in 4 years we’ve gotten 3 Sonic Movies! – Insane! – Nintendo hurry up with Mario Bros and other franchises. I must get a Metroid & Ness movie so Smash Bros can be a thing.

You already know it’s a 9/10 from me for a Popped “Review”. If I had to be harsh maybe somewhere in the 8’s like an 8.5 but honestly I had such a blast and just love every scene with Jim Carrey and Team Sonic :D.

Here’s to looking forward to 2026? For the next installment. Maybe time to play some games and dive into the animated series?

Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for your “Review” of Sonic 3. Happy Holidays if I don’t return by next week and enjoy your festivities. ❤

Stay tuned toward new year on my 2024 break down and 2025 hopes and nopes.

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Wicked Part 1 “Review”

Release date: November 22, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jon M. Chu

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Adapted from: Wicked, The Wizard of OZ

Budget: $145–150 million

Cinematography: Alice Brooks

I enjoyed the play many moons ago pre-COVID. I’ve watched and enjoyed The Wizard of OZ several times. So it’s awesome to finally be in a timeline where Wicked has been created into a theatrical movie.

I’d like to start by reminding people that Wicked is a musical. I just didn’t want anyone to be surprised when going in to watch this movie. Although comparing the length of this movie to Joker, this felt to have the same or slightly less music. (I’d like to have had more music, which I’ll get into later.)

The Wicked movie is told from the perspective of our two witches, Elphaba (Played by Cynthia Erivo) & Galinda (Played by Ariana Grande). Setting up the movie we start with Galinda, Munchkin Land, and the death of the Wicked Witch of the East. The story begins by highlighting the fact that Dorothy has arrived in OZ. This story travels back to prior times introducing Elphaba from conception, her childhood including introducing her sister, and then how Elphaba & Galinda became friends with one another in school.

You’re watching a musical so let’s begin with that, shall we? It’s awesome! Countless good songs throughout this 2-hour and 31-minute spectacular (Skip the non-post-credit scene crawl unless you’re enjoying the music). My most remembered songs going into the film were fantastic and knocked each performance out of the park. I may even lock this title in for the Oscars for Best Production & Costume Design. Some of the music was elevated by these two categories making the scene/s stand out and worth re-watching.

As usual, I’ll keep story spoilers away and touch on brief topic matters despite being based on the Wicked Broadway play. This theatrical release incorporates a book that I never read.

I found it fascinating the history on animals and how much this played into the storyline of Wicked. Maybe I missed this while watching the play but it gave so much grounded development to Elphaba and strengthening her decisions and choices that leads her to become who she is later on.

I’m a real underdog supporter in movies so to incorporate this, I was totally enthralled. I have so many notes to discuss however I just want you to go out and experience this movie for yourself. (Caveat – You’re watching a musical remember. Don’t want any surprises like Joker now) If you’re not a fan of musicals this maybe a hard watch despite the incredible performances from the entire cast.

Something that stands out early is the chemistry felt between Elphaba & Galinda, something truly magical and that captivates throughout. I had a moment of emotional swirl get me during a scene, helping with the long run time. When you start to feel the movie length you’re heading into the final act which feels to go by in an instant due to how good it is. I’m ready to re-watch again and could have sat another 3 hours watching Part 2.

I’m not sure about movie of the year however do checkout my top 10 list which has shifted somewhat with this release. I may have to re-watch Dune 2 as it’ll be bumped off the list which doesn’t seem right but it’s a strong 8.5 almost 9 so we’ll see by year end.

With that giant hint, I’m giving Wicked Part 1 a Popped score of 9/10. Worthy of a Blu-ray purchase and definitely a multi-re-watch.

Out of the big 3 to end November I’d say this is the clear winner. (Despite not seeing Moana 2 yet so let’s see next week if that stance changes) – Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “review” and looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.

Did you check out Wicked yet? What’s your top 10 looking like in comparison? Let us know before the next popped batch of “Reviews”.

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