Category: Good Solid Movie

Roofman “Review”

Release date: October 10, 2025 (USA)

Director: Derek Cianfrance

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 6m

Producers: Alex Orlovsky, Lynette Howell Taylor, Jamie Patricof, Duncan Montgomery, Dylan Sellers

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures, Miramax

Trailer looked like a lot of fun….then you find out that there’s a based on true events tagline, which the movie opens up with a true story, and wow, this movie may hit like last breath…..

Roofman, as mentioned above & includes real witness statements and recordings from the actual individuals throughout the credits is about Jeffrey Manchester (Played by Channing Tatum).

Jeffrey isn’t doing so well in life but after his daughter asks for a bike on her birthday sets Jeffrey up on an endless trial of terrible decisions that begins with him robbing 45 odd McDonalds via the roof! This is our opener and the first of many terrible decisions that leads Jeffrey to prison.

It’s a fun and touching story where we get to meet Jeffrey, his wife and his children and see that bond and love he has for them… well.. mainly for his children and even more so mainly his daughter.

Being a nice guy and befriending those around him at the Prison. Jeffrey manages to find away out and eventually to a Toys R Us where the majority of the movie takes place from here on out.

Enjoy Jeffrey’s story along with some more fun and emotional journeys for our other fantastic cast. Kirsten Dunst playing Leigh Wainscott, Peter Dinklage as Mitch, LaKeith Stanfield as Steve and hold the freaking phone Uzo Aduba from Orange is the new Black :O as Eileen :D.

Get to learn about the Roofman and his story while he’s still in prison until 2036 :O insane! Grab some popcorn and maybe the family? It’s an R rated movie so that’s up to you haha.

Popped scoring of 7.5/10 – Had a fun time in this one. Good Solid Movie.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” – Tomorrow I’ll be checking out Kiss of a Spider Woman tomorrow so let’s see how this one is :D.

Catch you next time, fellow moviegoers. Now I’m heading off to the land of Critical Role to watch last night’s Episode 2 of Campaign 4 :D. Until next time.

0

Tron: Ares “Review”

Release date: October 10, 2025 (USA)

Director: Joachim Rønning

Music composed by: Nine Inch Nails

MPAA rating: PG-13

Producers: Jared Leto, Steven Lisberger, Emma Ludbrook, Sean Bailey, Justin Springer, Jeffrey Silver

Running time: 1h 59m

What an interesting release window right after Sora 2 for a discussion on AI within Tron

Maybe you’re against AI, with it, or indifferent to the sides of good use and bad use. Here comes Tron Ares to continue a franchise, in honesty, the perfect moment in time with releases like Sora 2 in the real world.

Seen the original Tron and/or the sequel Tron Legacy? There are some fun easter eggs set up, and within Ares, which… yeah, you guessed it :D, which they’ve set up for another sequel within a mid-credit scene shortly after the credits begin.

So what’s going on with Tron Ares? Well, playing Ares is Jared Leto (whether you hate him or not in Mobius or other works similar to that, his style of acting actually works for this character within Tron). He plays a programme within the digital world as the top-ranking key to protecting the grid. Eve Kim (Played by Greta Lee) & Julian Dillinger (Played by Evan Peters, (Which I love :D)) are two opposing leaders wanting to use this technology in vastly different ways. One wants to sell AI to the military with the ultimate AI cybersecurity. The other wants to use this for good and cure world hunger, cancers, drugs, etc.

Nine Inch Nails is doing the soundtrack for this feature and honestly is the strongest stand out. I missed it when it’s not playing as the movie felt a little long and a smidge boring waiting for the next epic scene when the music kicks in. It’s a fun popcorn movie.

It’s not getting the greatest reviews from IMDb, IGN & Rotten Tomatoes to average to okay scorings which means I’m at the higher tier giving a Popped score to Tron Ares of 7/10 good one time watch with a .5 going to the soundtrack which was awesome and I may even be okay watching again because I know I’ll love those scenes with it in.

Going to check out Tron Ares this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. However, until next time, I appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and the next batch to arrive will be Roof Man & Kiss of a Spiderwoman.

0

The Smashing Machine “Review”

Release date: October 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Benny Safdie

Producers: Dwayne Johnson, Benny Safdie, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Eli Bush, David Koplan

Production companies: A24, Seven Bucks Productions, Out for the Count

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 3m

Was back & forth on watching this after seeing some reviews but… I’m glad I check it out :D.

The Smashing Machine focuses on MMA fighter Mark Kerr during 1997 to 2000 as his career is going exceptionally well however, his personal life is having extreme hardships.

Mark Kerr (Played by Dwayne Johnson) & his wife Dawn Staples (Played by Emily Blunt) are solid actors. However it’s hard to watch their struggles with how uncomfortable their dynamic is. Props to them both being able to act in those bubbles. Mark Kerr’s mentor, trainer and best friend Mark Coleman (Played by Ryan Bader) is also a pioneer of this sport along with Kerr which was awesome seeing some history that kicked off what we know MMA as today.

No bashing or discredit to Dwayne Johnson – I wish his contract would allow losses. Without spoilers or anything, just speaking on his contract and the disservices it does to a movie. Not being able to lose a fight really puts a damper on what could be an awesome comeback story. (Again, not speaking on or for this movie. Just the fact that his contracts are not allowing this.) It creates a no-stakes lack of involvement when it comes to whether there’s a win / lose or close call.

I saw some mid to bad reviews on this title and to be honest it put me off watching the movie. As mentioned at the top. I’m glad I watched it. It’s nothing Oscar worthy. But if you’re into a good story a lesson in history and learning about Mark Kerr and his past. This is a good solid watch. I wouldn’t be opposed to watching it again even. But it’s not walk out bad. It’s not even bad. It’s just a good solid movie and for sure worth watching.

Popped score of 7.5 a weak 8/10 – Good solid movie worth checking out. Great performances and an entertaining story. Did you check it out or on the fence? Let us know in the comments.

P.S – Loved that this movie also took place in Japan 😀 Love Japan, made me want to go back even more!

Thanks for coming by fellow movie goers to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Anything I missed that I need to catch up on before we dive fully into October batches of movies?

Next up will be Tron 3 followed by Roofman later in the week 😀 Super excited for Roofman and Good Fortune.

Until next batch, though, happy movie going!

0

Good Boy “Review”

Release date: October 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Ben Leonberg

Language: English

MPAA rating: PG-13

Genre: Horror

Running time: 1h 13m

Poster had me, hearing it’s from the perspective of Indy, this dog had me intrigued. Let’s discuss shall we.

Stick around for after the movie ends, there’s a behind the scenes with the director and his dog Indy. We find out that Indy didn’t even know they were in a movie and it’s pretty cool the difference between movie scenes and the behind the scenes footage.

Todd (Played by Shane Jensen) has something going on, potentially health risk. He moves into his grand fathers haunted house where he lived prior to passing along with his own dog.

Within this hour and 13-minute movie, you’ll have a good horror movie. Filled with scares and uncomfortable scenes that Indy does an incredible job at, along with the directing of the scenes. (There’s a film style they used (Which I forgot) to play off the audience’s own viewing experience to fill the movement and meanings of how the characters are feeling/portraying.)

I was between a 7 and a 7.5 throughout this feature. Ultimately, going to give a Popped scoring of 7.5 for the story told. There’s potential to rewatch to connect dots, but also to watch along with others’ first viewing. This was a good horror movie done with a unique style that isn’t used often. It’s a mixture of the dog’s POV along with regular movie shots, focusing mostly on the point of view of Indy from outside the eye and within.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” I’ll be back over the weekend with 2 more movies released this week Bone Lake & The Smashing Machine.

However, until next time – It’s time for Critical Role Campaign 4 to start 😀 and also, happy movie-going fellow movie goers :D.

0

Xeno “Review”

Release date: September 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: Matthew Loren Oates

Producers: Kevin Hart, Matthew Loren Oates, Shana Marie, Jesse Jensen, Luke Kelly-Clyne, Bryan Smiley, Rameez Khan

Production companies: The Henson Company, Tabooma, HartBeat Productions

Running time: 1h 43m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Rare opportunity to watch a movie based on the poster and nothing else… how was it?

WoW what an interesting experience. Looking at the RT scores so far only critics have there rating up which is crazy considering the polarizing contrast to Him’s rating.

Alien crashed down to earth in a rather dark opening for a PG-13 movie. Some of the films elements really pushed this rating. In England there’s a 15 rating which this movie got close to but kept within PG-13. Our main character Renee (Played by Lulu Wilson) is from an extremely toxic environment and family. Her only friends being that of her reptile friends mainly her pet snake.

Linda her mother (Played by Wrenn Schmidt) and mothers boyfriend Chase (Played by Paul Schneider) are not a supportive loving family what so ever. Chase is a dead beat drunken A-Hole of a person while Linda has not delt with the passing of her husband and stays with Chase as he makes her feel needed.

Unlike the chemistry of Big Bold Beautiful Journey, Xeno actually creates a touching story between Xeno & Renee. I didn’t cry but my feelings were for sure going within the last 30 minutes. Stick around for a mid credit scene by the way for a potential sequel 😉 :D.

For those watching Xeno with little ones. Maybe get ready for some dark / adultescent conversations afterwards. From dark matters within the home. To current situations within America when it comes to loved ones and the government. This movie touches upon a lot of subjects that may strike an emotional cord within you.

For the most past the movie was fine to good. But that last 30minutes really sealed in the 7 rating touching on some 7.5 aspects of emotional feelings and connection to the characters. Theirs growth and plenty of lore to peel back within a potential sequel. Kevin Hart was one of several producers along with his production company being apart of this title. So maybe give support if you enjoyed and see if there’s more to come from this property.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” :D. Appreciate you taking the time and hopefully excited or intrigued to see what comes next week with One Battle After Another. I’ve been hearing a potential award winner? We shall have to wait and see :D.

Until next batch though fellow movie goers, happy movie watching 😀

0

Him “Review”

Release date: September 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: Justin Tipping

MPAA rating: R

Producers: Jordan Peele, Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, Jamal M. Watson

Screenplay: Justin Tipping, Skip Bronkie, Zachary Akers

Production company: Monkeypaw Productions

Oof! This movie is getting hit hard, maybe there’s an enjoyable movie in Him…..for some?

Let’s work backwards. Then forth once more :D. Popped Score of 7/10 a weak but good watch movie. My wife literally broke this movie down on the way home saying she loved it and would re-watch it placing it in the 8’s for Popped. Online it’s getting hit with 29% to 60% for critics / audience. So what gives?

Him is a Horror? Thriller? Movie based around American Football. Cameron Cade (Played by Tyriq Withers) has been raised up on worshiping his dads/families team the San Antonio Saviers and their goat of a quarterback Isaiah White (Played by Marlon Wayans).

From his childhood to now up and comer Cameron has dedicated himself to being the Goat of the Saviers. Taking the opportunity to be trained by Isaiah White in his unfortunate forced retirement due to injury.

The trailer shows a lot of this training and despite that still offers a lot of unseen content from the second half and end of the movie. Here at Popped I wont go into spoilers. However I may touch on something that may help your experience in the below section….maybe? Which is why I gave the score on top if you’d like to give this movie a try or wait for streaming.

Wrap up Prior to “Possible” Spoiler Talk

Before we dive in deeper, wanted to say and give my appreciation to those that come by and check out Popped “Reviews”. I watch a lot of movies and sometimes come away with very different experiences to others. But hey, that’s why I love movies. We can watch the same thing and have totally different experiences and that’s a wonderful thing that movies offer in their experiences.

Giving Him a try this weekend or not, thank you very much for your time and would love to know your most marmite / vegemite movie going experience in the comments below :D. Joker 2 sticks out to me 😀

Possible Spoiler Talk

I came away from the ending having watched a dark story of American Football and the dangers that can and do occur with the game. It offers twisted horror elements and physiological imagery that creates moments of disturbed displeasure but nothing like the Conjuring with jump scares horror. It’s within the imagery and the deeper layers that this movie tells its story.

My wife came away dissecting all the layers of the movie through Theology. So much religion and messages from the working man to the 1% was dived upon within this film. Seriously I told her to make a review herself as it was such an interesting experience I didn’t have.

So maybe get into your psyche and think of depictions and meanings behind the characters and what’s being displayed on the screen. Lots of Greek nods. She never re-watches movies so to hear she would for this and the depth that the creator put so much attention into this movie was insane the divide it’s having with audience viewers. But hey, as mentioned above, that’s the beauty of the movie going experience.

0

The Conjuring: Last Rites “Review”

Release date: September 5, 2025 (USA)

Director: Michael Chaves

Prequel: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 15m

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Last Rites – The “Final” Conjuring movie? Let’s see shall we…

Last Rites is the final case for the Warrens as the film takes us from Lorraine during her pregnancy. Introducing the demon that follows another family in 1986 to the current days within 1986 for where the Warren family currently is while also telling the story of the Smurl family being aggressively haunted by the same demon entity. Through a mother fracking Mirror!. I hate mirrors!

I actually enjoyed the two stories in the beginning and middle acts. Lots of surprise scares that weren’t shown in the trailer. Sadly the ending act was the weakest and I can see why the current scores are coming in so low. With that said, it’s the final “episode” of this series so go have fun with this experience I don’t need to explain what type of movie you’re getting into.

It feels like a closing chapter for the Warrens but keep reading to hear a potential spoiler on sequel/s. Popped score of a weak 7/10. It’s a good one time watch. I actually enjoyed it for the franchise more than Wolfman which I gave a 6.5 fine score which is why it gets the 7 for me personally.

Closing out Comments prior to “Spoilers”

Before I mention a potential spoiler, wanted to say as usual a big thank you for all those that come by for these “Reviews”. We’re coming up to having done this for two years and I’m certainly not winding down any time soon….that I know of :D.

Thus stay tuned as we plan for future ideas in year 3 like the before mentioned ideas of joining Rotten Tomatoes Critic application March 1st. Among maybe other ideas? – Thinking Youtube shorts or something to co-inside with these “Reviews”. Either way, thank you again and let’s get into the potential spoiler talk for sequels.

Until next time though, happy movie going everyone 😀

*Potential Sequel Spoiler Discussion*

You’ve just watched the movie or interested to hear my thoughts on what could come next or how to continue this franchise timeline. Then let’s dicuss.

We have a couple of avenues I can see the creators taking this franchise.

Staying with Judy Warren and her husband Tony Spera and their children in the current day timeline. We’ve seen how connected Judy is to all these spirits so that’s an easy route to take.

Another route which seemed heavily nodded towards was the ending with the Annabelle music playing over the information about the current standings of the Conjuring Mirror. This could setup again within the current day timeline events that’ve occurred within our lives paranormal occurrences to the items within the Warren Museum.

Just because the Warren’s story has been told doesn’t mean that’s the ending of the spirits & Demons introduced and setup with the franchise. We have so many Youtube Paranormal investigators and experts out there inspired by the Warrens. With some good writing we could totally have modern day series based on this franchise going forth.

But that’s just my thoughts. I’d love to hear from you all in the comments below. What do you think is to come? Want this series to be over for good and return in like 20 years with the current day storyline I mentioned? I’ll be reading them all and very interested.

0

The Toxic Avenger “Review”

Release date: September 21, 2023 (USA)

Director: Macon Blair

MPAA rating: R

Adapted from: The Toxic Avenger

Running time: 1h 42m

Distributed by: Cineverse Corp., Iconic Events

Intrigued by the trailer and loved the panel at Comic Con 2025. Had to check this feature out!

Modern day B-Movie? This was a lot of fun! Cult movie? Probably a niche interest but give it ago for sure. A fantastic intro setting up the villains grinds slightly to a slower pace before building back up into madness. So much cheesy silly fun and I’m all about it.

Peter Dinklage is playing single father “Winston Gooze”, a janitor at BTH company. A company mind you kind of like Simpsons Power Plant that’s infecting the residents through toxic waste and creating hideous mutations……

Winston’s son “Wade” is played by Jacob Tremblay, from excellent performances in the recent Life of Chuck. Prior years, Wonder, Room & Good Boys among many other features.

Kevin Bacon is the head of BTH “Robert Garbinger” who has an evil group of “Monsters?” working for him lead by Elijah Woods character (That gives me Penguin vibes) “Fritz Garbinger”.

Without going into the entire story and breaking it down. Let’s just say, our Toxic Avenger friend is here to save the day from these crooks and it sure does get toxic. Viewer discretion is advised for this unrated gore fest :D.

Sadly it didn’t keep the greatness levels engaged. However it was a solid good movie totally worth the watch. I’d watch it again for certain scenes but otherwise I’m ready to watch some sequels in this universe. Popped score of 7.5/10.

Speaking of wanting to watch more. Stick around for the ending post credit scene to see a tease of a sequel along with a fun little slice of life.

With that being said, what did you think of the Toxic Avenger? Too much and had to walk out? loved it? Something entirely else? Let me know in the comments below.

As always, appreciate you coming by Popped.blog for your movie “Reviews” stick around next up for The Roses.

0

Caught Stealing “Review”

Release date: August 29, 2025 (USA)

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Cinematography: Matthew Libatique

Running time: 1h 47m

MPAA rating: R

Producers: Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel, Jeremy Dawson, Dylan Golden

Trailer caught my attention – The cat, Matt Smith & Austin Butler got me to the ticket 😀

This movie doesn’t release fully until next week. I was fortunate enough to checkout the early access showing. So as usual spoilers will be off the table and even more so handled with care.

What’s Caught Stealing about? – Austin Butler’s character – Hank has gotten himself involved to no fault of his own….it was his flat neighbor Russ (Played by Matt Smith) ‘s actions that wound Hank in a situation with little to no friends to turn to and continuous dire situations amounting to navigate.

Mixed in the middle of it all is Russ’s cat which luckily has a liking to Hank and is advised not to pet as he’s a biter :D. The movie did start off a little slow but wasn’t fully to the point of boring as the movie would continue to put gas into the story and up the stakes. If only it found a balance to slowly put the foot on the gas and keep it slowly going faster and faster over fast, slow, fast, slow.

It’s an enjoyable film that’s a good watch. Maybe I’d watch it again for certain scenes / to see what the person I’m watching it with reacts to what’s to unfold. Otherwise, at least it has a cat and good actors with fun scenes.

A 7.5/10 it had great moments. I just wished it continued to stay in those great moments rather than needing time to rebuild the momentum.

P.S The other characters & actors are a lot of fun. But let me know who sticks out most to your experience in the comments below.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” – Been a fun day of PoGo and continues tomorrow :D. Fun cherry on top with this movie. Looking forward to next week with Toxic Avenger & The Roses. Not before watching Ne Zha 2 again 😀 – When’s this movie releasing to own!

Until next time though, happy movie going everyone!

0

Nobody 2 “Review”

Release date: August 15, 2025 (USA)

Director: Timo Tjahjanto

Producers: Bob Odenkirk, David Leitch, Kelly McCormick, Braden Aftergood, Marc Provissiero

Running time: 1h 29m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Watched the first one after getting back from the epic IMAX showing of Ne Zha 2. Just intime for the premier of Nobody 2. So how was it? Let’s discuss!

Nobody 2 is back with the same fun and action packed family thriller lead by Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell. Loved that they have their own style of intro that sets it apart from other family action movies.

Opening up in police custody and catching us up with the weekly mundane routine is a delight and I’d love more from this series as we catch up between each installment.

After taking out the Russians and all their money it’s time for a vacation for our family. Although that’s hard when you live with Hutch who’s a danger meant to himself :D.

This time around we get to explore more of the family and lots of growth potential for this series. From Connie Nielson as Becca Mansell Hutch’s wife to their children and even the legendary Christopher Lloyd playing the grandpa David Mansell.

Who are they really? Nobody 2 :O – hehe seriously though if you enjoyed the first then go watch this and have fun. Solid popcorn movie to fill in the gap between summer and the fall/winter holiday season. 7.5/10 a good worthy watch.

Sadly the other movies I mentioned all show late and I open a lot so may end up missing a couple of horror movies. However up next is Americana a nice addition to a certain list :D.

Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for your movie “Reviews” – and thanks for returning for another batch. Happy movie going!

0

A WordPress.com Website.

Up ↑