Category: Good Solid Movie

Iron Lung “Review”

Release date: January 30, 2026 (USA)

Director: Markiplier

Starring: Mark Fischbach; Caroline Rose Kaplan; Seán McLoughlin; David Szymanski; Troy Baker; Elsie Lovelock; Isaac McKee

Producers: Will Hyde, Jeff Guerrero, Amy Nelson

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 7m

Didn’t know this was based on a video game…maybe should have done some research!

I went in, not seeing a single trailer of this movie. Markiplier’s name was enough and sold. I came out wishing I had more context for the story. Let’s discuss, shall we?

Let’s start with my headliner sentence and work from there. If this were an exclusive title on a streaming platform. I’d subscribe to see this movie. Iron Lung is a high-quality, low-budget movie that stars Markiplier, not just directed by himself. Markiplier is now in my mind, an actor, not just youtuber. He delivers an excellent performance throughout this movie and really holds the movie up, being that he’s our focus for 95% of the time.

I’d honestly consider this an Oscar nomination for costume and hair, harken back to Substance. For such a low-budget title, they did an excellent job with every design in this movie. I won’t spoil, just wanting to paint a picture :D.

It’s an extremely dark movie so don’t get too cozy or you may drift off like I did. But then something will occur. You’ll be locked in and they middle will pull you out and into a ride for the finale. Yes without context of the story I did find this rather long. But I was so intrigued I had to keep with it. Wanting to know the mystery and reveals to pay off.

Ask me about the story. You’ll get this: Convicts are granted an option. To have their freedom by going (Like a submarine) deep into the oceans of blood to explore/find (Something). Or be sentenced to prison instead. Looking at the Google overview, it says: “Survivors of the apocalypse launch an expedition to a barren moon with an ocean of blood.” I think doing some research with limited spoilers would be recommended for this title. It feels like an incredible adaptation of a video game. I just don’t have the accuracy for context. So far, 93% on RT. So, fans of Markiplier & the video game are very happy with this.

Personally, without that context, I’m giving Iron Lung a Popped score of 6.5 or weak 7/10. It’s a fine movie with plenty of good factors baked in. Without more story & lore explained/established throughout, I found this long after the initial intro, before the latter half picking up with awesome music and again, incredible acting from Markiplier and the costume designs.

Iron Lung is going to be an awesome streaming movie. It’s a high-quality production within low-budget confines, which will be thoroughly enjoyed in theatres for fans and those in the know. Now it’s time for me to watch a lets play and dive into the lore before watching it again.

It’s been a minute but I’m back and with an interesting title at that. Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “reviews”. Did you check out Iron Lung? Interested to check it out? Or even doing some research now before your visit to the theatre. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Stay tuned for Sunday night / Monday for my Send Help “Review”. Wasn’t able to attend last night, but on Sunday, I’ll be checking it out. Heard lots of positive feedback thus far. So excited to jump in :D.

Until next time, though, fellow moviegoers. Happy movie going :D.

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Mercy “Review”

Release date: January 23, 2026 (USA)

Director: Timur Bekmambetov

Starring: Chris Pratt; Rebecca Ferguson; Kali Reis; Annabelle Wallis; Chris Sullivan; Kylie Rogers

Producers: Timur Bekmambetov, Charles Roven, Majd Nassif, Robert Amidon

Running time: 1h 41m

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Releasing International

Mercy – A guilty pleasure movie? Well, I had a good time at least 😀

Saw 19% on RT and, well, let’s get to it shall we :D.

I honestly had a really good time in this movie. Throw your hate for A.I aside if you’re watching this movie, as maybe that’s why the RT is that low? You’re not going into Mercy for Oscar-winning acting. It’s a popcorn movie that was entertaining and had great music. 7.5 from me at Popped.

Interested to hear more? Let’s continue.

Chris Pratt plays Detective Chris Raven, who awakens at the start, strapped to this chair. His (If you recall Minority Report, then you get the idea of this movie) judge, jury & executioner, Mercy is the A.I program Judge Maddox (Played by Rebecca Ferguson), which uses advanced technology to predict whether you’re guilty of a crime. In Chris’s situation, being guilty of killing his wife.

It’s an hour and 40-minute movie that moves the pacing along well. Keeps you engaged and even has breadcrumbs of a detective mystery to solve, leading to Chris’s execution before the 90-minute timer runs out. Is Chris guilty or innocent? If innocent who killed his wife? Go watch Mercy to find out :D.

I was going to say something, but that’d be a spoiler, so I’ll say the movie can be predictable if you’re following the breadcrumbs. But that’s what kept it from the 8 for me personally. Again, maybe a guilty pleasure movie for me, haha. Someone hated this movie, and others may not like their cup of tea. It’s a movie that’s for sure. A movie for someone like me? That’s true to be. Otherwise, a bump along the journey that is January, as we await the nominations for the Oscars! In just under 3 hours from this going live.

Love to hear your thoughts on Mercy in the comments below. Is this your marmite? You either love it or hated it. Maybe somewhere in-between. I wouldn’t be mad watching this movie again. But maybe only the 1 additional watch for quite some time :D.

Thanks for coming by, Popped for your movie “Reviews”. By time I awake, the nominations will be live for the Oscars and I’m excited…..I’m probably going to be disappointed.. 😛 that Ne Zha 2 wasn’t nominated for best animated feature of 2025.

Until then, though, happy movie-going fellow moviegoers. Good Luck & Have Fun, may your Oscar hopes and hopefuls be in the nomination by the time we all wake up :D.

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All You Need Is Kill “Review”

Release date: January 16, 2026 (USA)

Director: Ken’ichirô Akimoto

Running time: 1h 25m

MPAA rating: R

Had no idea other than it’s an anime before entering theatre. Shall we dive in?

For those that watched Edge of Tomorrow back in 2014 think of this as that in animated beauty. A random alien plant type structure arrives on earth and dubbed by them as Darol. Awakens one day as Rita is carrying out her day collecting resources from it with releasing massive alien flowers. Too die and re-awaken the very same morning to relive the same day over again.

It’s up to Rita and Keiji to figure this thing out and break the time loop and save earth. This title offers some nice character development and awesome action. Sadly I’d like to have known more on Darol the before / after of this story which maybe could come with a sequel but it’s lacking of setup / narrative wrap up kept me from getting to a great score.

Popped score of 7.5/10. Had a solid good time with this one and it’s pretty short if you happen to have it playing near you.

With that fellow moviegoers out there within the real of Popped 😀 We come to a close on this batch for January week of the 16th. To be continued next week with Mercy & Return to Silent Hill which I’m very much excited for…..but not expecting much from haha.

Thank you all very much for coming by Popped and spending your time with us here. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Going to check out the titles mentioned above next week?

See you then fellow movie-goers and happy watching 😀

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Dead Man’s Wire “Review”

Release date: January 9, 2026 (USA)

Director: Gus Van Sant

Producers: Noor Alfallah, Cassian Elwes, Tom Culliver · See more

Screenplay: Austin Kolodney

Production companies: Pressman Film, Elevated Films, RNA Pictures, Sobini Films, Elevated Films (II)

Running time: 1h 45m

Based on a true story which is truly insane when you see what unfolds!

Richard Hall (Played by Dacre Montgomery (Not Zac Efron which I kept thinking :P)) son of Mortgage company president M.l. Hall, is taken hostage in 1977 by Tony Kiritsis (Played by Bill Skarsgard) to expose the Halls and demand justice for a sabotaged property deal.

Sometimes movies that are based on true events take liberties but it’s insane the real footage included in this title to parallel what you see recreated on screen.

Solid performances across the board and sit back to listen to a very beautiful voice over the radio as Fred Temple (Played by Colman Domingo) provides the peanut butter to a very enjoyable jam sandwich as you get dug in and take several layers of bites into the story unfolding before your eyes.

A 7.5/10 solid good movie well worth watching. I’d be happy watching again.

That’s 2 of 4 from this batch :D. What’s your thoughts on The Bone Temple & Dead Man’s Wire? Let us know in the comments below! Shall we get stuck into No Other Choice next 😀

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28 Years Later: The Bone Temple “Review”

Release date: January 16, 2026 (USA)

Director: Nia DaCosta

Production companies: DNA Films, Columbia Pictures, Decibel Films

Running time: 1h 50m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Been curious how this will perform and while still divided, my excitement continues to build

You can check out my thoughts on 28 Years later before diving into its sequel – Bone Temple!

I was conflicted between the two stories within the previous installment and continued to be within this title. However! Upon reflecting that ending and taking these installments as a series whole. My excitement continues to build and I enjoyed the payoff. Even if I didn’t realize it until the moment hit :D.

No Spoilers here but taking my thoughts on the previous installment you can piece together what elements I enjoyed and didn’t and theory craft from there 😀 Or just go watch this movie!

Throughout the journey of this installment I was having a good time. With minor elements I wont get into the rating dipped to a 6.5 and back to 7 for others. That last 30minutes gave me goosebumps and for that. The Bone Temple gets a Popped score of 7.5/10. But will it on a second viewing? Maybe this will have two scores. Stand A-Lone & Trilogy score. Loved the connecting web that brought the series together and with that the long wait for the hopeful third installment of this 28 years trilogy can potentially bring this franchise to a close in fantastic climax? Let’s see shall we!

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Being this is a sequel keeping very spoiler free but from my prior thoughts and what’s mentioned. I think you can paint a picture :D.

That being said I have 1 hour to get this weeks batch of “Reviews” out so let’s press on as this is 1 of 4 movies watched this week 😀 INSANE I KNOW haha.

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The Housemaid “Review”

Release date: December 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: Paul Feig

Genres: Thriller, Psychological thriller, Mystery

Language: English

Story by: Freida McFadden

MPAA rating: R

Avoid the spoilers – Enjoy what awaits!

For the majority of this movie. It was fine. Had some good elements to it, but I wasn’t all that interested in the build-up…. I wasn’t prepared for what build-up meant! The trailers don’t prepare you for what’s to come. Even though it appears to show a lot. Avoid the spoilers. Enjoy what awaits! Honestly those last 40 minutes got this thriller mystery from 6.5 to a solid 7/10.

I was excited to see Sydney Sweeney in action but another star gave her a run for the money. Amanda Seyfried is playing Nina Winchester. Fantastic performances from both. Sweeney plays Millie Calloway, the live-in housemaid. The husband, Andrew Winchester, played by Brandon Sklenar, also offers a fantastic performance, creating a must-watch movie without spoilers this holiday season.

It’s very R-rated if you’re thinking of bringing the kids or your parents :P.

From the ending, there’s potential for sequels in this universe. Seeing it’s based on a novel series. I sure hope we get to see them on the big screen.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. This time with The Housemaid. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below.

Until the next batch – Happy movie-going, fellow moviegoers!

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Dust Bunny “Review”

Release date: December 12, 2025 (USA)

Director: Bryan Fuller

Producers: Bryan Fuller, Erica Lee, Basil Iwanyk

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 46m

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films, Roadside Attractions

Sadly, I’m under the weather. So this week’s batch of movie “Reviews” will be smaller.

I gave Dust Bunny a 7/10. Picking up the .5 from my experience. I was rather distracted by a family on their phone, constantly coming and going from their seats out of the theater.

10-year-old Aurora (Played by Sophie Sloan) has a monster living under her bed. Be careful touching the floors…. You may become a believer in her nightmarish tale. Aurora, after seeing her neighbor killing a dragon. Hires Resident 5B (Played by Mads Mikkelsen) to kill her monster.

I loved the world created within Dust Bunny. Honestly, I’d watch sequels within the universe following Resident 5B. Lots of great action. Tension and visual effects. Good watch to check out at the theatre.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Coming up next, Ella McCay.

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Fackham Hall “Review”

Release date: December 5, 2025 (USA)

Director: Jim O’Hanlon

Producers: Kris Thykier, Mila Cottray, Danny Perkins

Production companies: Anonymous Content, Two & Two Pictures, Vacancy Films, Mews Films, Head Gear Films, Elysian Film Group

Running time: 1h 37m

Distributed by: Bleecker Street, Entertainment Film Distributors

Enjoyed the trailer and portrayed humor… I wasn’t prepared for how funny this film truly is 😀

With the setting of Downton Abbey & the humor of Naked Gun & good old British Carry On Franchise to boot. Fackham Hall is the comedy I’ve been longing for this year :D.

I was thinking an 8 as I’d love to re-watch this again, but going to place it at a solid 7.5, very good movie, well worth watching that I may check out again if it happens to be on.

Fantastic cast with some surprises that I didn’t expect. Tom Felton & Jimmy Carr are just a couple. Want a little story to throw into the mix? Well, the Davenport’s have no heirs, so in order to keep their home of Fackham Hall. It’s up to their daughters to marry Archibald…. Who’s Archibald you may ask… well check out Fackham Hall at your local theatre and be in for a delightful fun time.

In addition to following the family of Davenport’s. We’re also following the story of Eric Noone played by Ben Radcliffe (Not related to Daniel Radcliffe (Yes, I looked it up :P)). An individual not from Fackham Hall, you may call him a commoner… Well, he’s going to find himself, aww, struck when he comes into sight of this adventure.

With that short and sweet little “Review”. Go have a barrel of laughs. (If you’re into the humor headlined at the start). A lady walked out 40 minutes into my show and never returned, so it probably wasn’t for her. But if it is, then have yourself a good old show.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. I was notified that we hit 5k views on Popped! It’s awesome to see that so many have come by this little place and be apart of the yearly fun of movie going.

I started Popped to track movies watched and my thoughts/ratings. It then grew into something of a passion and a hobby. Will this grow further? I’m truly excited to see what 2026 has to come.

But before 2026 arrives. We still have the month of December with lots of movies to release.

So until next time, happy movie going, everyone!

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Eternity “Review”

Release date: November 26, 2025 (USA)

Director: David Freyne

Starring: Miles Teller; Elizabeth Olsen; Callum Turner; John Early; Olga Merediz; Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Running time: 1h 53m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Distributed by: A24

Trailer looked super sweet, and I had to see which Eternity was to be chosen… let’s discuss!

This was a super sweet and touching story. Taking us from the last few moments of Joan (Played by Elizabeth Olsen) & her husband Larry Cutler (Played by Miles Teller). Unlike the movie Keeper, which didn’t connect the couple’s relationship. In moments of the film opening, you felt this couple’s connection, which was continuously explored and delved deep into for the audience throughout the movie.

Waiting for Joan in the afterlife junction was her first husband, Luke (Played by Callum Turner). Both Larry & Joan had their AC – (Afterlife Co-Ordinator) played by two fantastic people Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) & Ryan (John Early).

This movie had so much heart and throwbacks (Bow Ties :D), which made for a wonderful, touching moviegoing experience. I wish I had watched this one with my Wife, because it made me miss her not being there. Lots of fun and surprises to explore within this title, so I love to hear your thoughts in the comments if you checked it out.

7.5/10 Solid, Good movie going experience. I’d probably even watch again if asked.

I may watch Zootopia again this weekend and update my “review”. Otherwise for new movies this week. There’s also – The thing with feathers or catch Sisu before it leaves theatres.

Any recommendations before FNAF 2 hits next week? Let me know in the comments below. Anything not in my top 10 list that I need to revisit? Or the other way around, anything on my top 10 list that needs to be re-watched before December’s end.

Happy holidays, everyone, especially currently for those in America. Going to get back to playing Expedition 33 before Metroid 4 releases next week!

Thank you, everyone! Until the next batch, happy movie going fellow moviegoers!

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Zootopia 2 “Review”

Release date: November 26, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Jared Bush, Byron Howard

Prequel: Zootopia

Running time: 1h 48m

MPAA rating: PG

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Pretty gutted by this one…. I missed a portion of the middle due to tiredness 😦

It’s been an insane 9 years since the first feature of Zootopia. I loved the first one so was excited to see what’s to come from this title…. okay I’ll give a quick “review” as I missed the middle which going off other reviews I’ve seen is filled with a lot of heart which I missed.

Yeah, I prefer Beastars if we’re going for a romantic connection…. I haven’t been won over by this narrative yet, but maybe by Zootopia 3 or my second watch, it’ll get me?

There were jokes at the beginning and end that got me laughing out loud. I had earplugs to drown out the audience, but the movie isn’t loud, so I’m sure that added to my missing a portion of the middle.

Loved the dynamic between all the characters, new & old. It was fun returning to that world and exploring further layers of connection and growth. Zebros are the best!

At the start, I felt like an 8/10 great movie. At the end, I had slipped to a 7.5, but maybe with renewed eyes, this could be an 8/10, but it’s totally worth seeing, and I look forward to a repeat experience :D.

Stick around for the second of this weeks batch – Eternity 😀 which again I went in tired….but I stayed awake! I need to prioritize sleep after the holidays for sure!

Thanks for coming by, Popped for your movie “reviews”. Did you check out Zootopia 2 yet? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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