Category: Good Solid Movie

M3GAN 2.0 “Review”

Release date: June 27, 2025 (USA)

Director: Gerard Johnstone

MPAA rating: PG-13

Prequel: M3GAN

Running time: 1h 59m

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

M3gan is back in M3gan 2.0. A PG13 movie that pushes that boundary to it’s limit. I can easily see a R rated version releasing on digital like the 1st feature did. Did I enjoy it? Let’s discuss 😀

I dug this movie from the intro. A darker entry into this world focused on the military and corporate control over AI tech and the sequel of M3gan’s design being used for their purpose.

With how strong this intro was. I personally felt the shift in tone and pacing when we visited Gemma and the gang during the first hour. It took a minute for these two fronts to merge into unity but that second hour was golden.

Great performances for this cast once again. Violet McGraw playing a slightly older Cady is back and this time prepared to protect and defend herself without M3gan in the picture. So awesome action and cinematography used in those scenes. When robots / AI fought one another it was epic 😀 finger licking goodness. But even a nice surprise from the human fights scenes also.

Lots of surprises in store that the trailer leaves out (Thank you marketing) but also some cut scenes which I really missed as my most anticipated scene from the trailer was cut… maybe in the R rated version? Enjoy the first title? Then you’re going to have a fun time in the sequel. Maybe we can push this franchise to get another and wrap it up in a trilogy? Or….maybe be apart of the Blum house verse 😀 please please please haha

It’s a solid good watch. Maybe nothing great but a solid one time watch with a Popped score of 7/10. Maybe a 7.5/10 if you’re re-watching this as a trilogy but I’m happy with the 7. It’s a worthy fun watch to be enjoyed this weekend at the theatre.

One feature left to go for June and thus wrapping up the half way mark of 2025 with F1. All going well I’ll check this out Friday. Thank you for coming by Popped.blog for your movie “Reviews”.

62/63 movies for 2025 thus far Reviewed ” 😀 well on our path to 100 for 2025. How is your movie going thus far? Have a goal and on track? What did you think of M3gan 2.0. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Until next batch though, happy movie going!

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Bride Hard “Review”

Initial release: June 20, 2025

Director: Simon West

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 45m

Production companies: Bride Hard Films, Copper Island, Balcony 9 Productions, Gramercy Park Media

Producers: Joel David Moore, Colleen Camp, Cassian Elwes, Bob Yari, Max Osswald, Jason Ross Jallet

When I saw the trailer I thought it was a Pitch Perfect sequel then saw the title and said…Spin Off? After watching it, this wasn’t true, but I did have some surprises in my experience and for that I may have a Joker 2 experience compared to others out there with the 4.4/10 & 20% RT.

Let’s discuss shall we 😀

Rebel Wilson playing Sam and childhood friend to Betsy played by Anna Camp. Re-uniting 30 years later after Sam moves away, Betsy is getting married with Sam as her maid of honor. The intro of Bride Hard will be your first test. Did you enjoy the jokes or did you enjoy the action?

I personally enjoyed Rebel Wilson in her action scenes and physical jokes over that of her usual comedy that just didn’t land this time around for me. I actually enjoyed the action with her to the point I felt like she could have her own Bond series from this. (Think origins of M from the James Bond franchise.)

On the comedy front, I loved all the bride maids (Actors: Anna Chlumsky, Gigi Zumbado & Da’Vine Joy Randolph.) They had fun lines and even got to enjoy some of the action once the movie cooked.

Anna Camp was kind of the middle ground playing off both fronts. I thought to myself, if they made a sequel I can see them doing it together but there’s an additional character that had fun moments with Rebel Wilson ( Sherry Cola – Keep your eyes on her going forth 😀 ).

Didn’t pass the test? Maybe get a refund here. It’s probably not for you. However… if one of those sides did entertain. Stick around, as the kids say, this film cooks and really gets into it’s strides once you enter the wedding.

It’s stupid fun popcorn movie. That may offer something to those into Naked Gun or wanting to see the cast from Pitch Perfect trying their hand at something a little different. Even if the comedy side was awkward at first finding the groundwork to play off.

Well you made it to the end and it’s time for the Popped score 😀 For today’s movie which was a total surprise to myself and probably many many others. I’m giving it a weak 7/10. It was almost 6.5 at a fine movie. But movie had many fun moments good enough to get it to a good 7 rating.

That’s the fun of movies. What works for me, may not for someone else. But we all have those certain movie going techniques to get something out of a movie even if it’s not the overall blockbuster or AAA 100’s of Millions of $’s being spent.

When the actors are having fun the audience will most likely get something fun out of the experience also.

Lost me or not on this one. Love to hear yours thoughts below. Seen a movie that everyone disliked that you enjoyed? Let us know below.

Until next batch we meet, thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”

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Materialists “Review”

Release date: June 13, 2025 (USA)

Director: Celine Song

Starring: Dakota Johnson; Chris Evans; Pedro Pascal

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 49m

Distributed by: A24, Stage 6 Films, Sony Pictures Releasing

Went in with slightly lower expectations for a film starring Chris Evans & Pedro Pascal. So let’s discuss the outcome of checking out, Materialist!

Where do I start to discuss this title? Let’s break it down.

Characters

Materialists focuses around 3 characters. Dakota Johnson playing Lucy. A match maker with a pretty good success rate resulting in 9 marriages. Having some back story connection to Chris Evans character John, they meet during the 9th wedding that resulted in her match making. John works as catering for the event and thus is introduced to our third character. Harry Castillo played by Pedro Pascal, the “Unicorn” guy made very highly sort after in the match making dating game. Harry is brother to the groom getting married and is beyond invested in getting to know the woman that’s behind match making for a living.

John is attempting to make ends meet. Living with room mates and going out to a restaurant is considered a luxury occasion. While Harry is very well off. Money is no concern nor issue when paying for the tab at the most luxurious establishment.

Usually Dakota Johnson’s characters are very much the same. Expressionless & dull with no substance. The character of Lucy fits this acting so well that I actually found her to be half decent alongside Pascal & Evans.

Story

Choosing between love & a business deal when it comes to marriage and the person whom you’ll spend the rest of your life with. Do you struggle and make ends meet together despite hard times but knowing the love is true and for eternity. Or choose that of materialistic relationship with no worries nor cares to worry about anything that could potentially be a hardship.

I actually liked the story beats implemented that others critic the trailer for not showing or “misleading” the viewer into. I can’t go into much to avoid spoilers. So I’ll say some punches were held back but a focus point was made apparent and brought to the surface when it comes to dating / random match making with strangers.

Overall

I actually had a good time and enjoyed this feature. It’s a very good watch getting a Popped score of 7.5/10. I probably wouldn’t watch again but I had an entertaining time and enjoyed watching the credits to completion with some fun easter eggs :D.

Stick around for 2 more reviews to come as we dive into this coming weeks releases: 28 Years Later & Elio.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “reviews” and I’ll see you all, next time :D.

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The Phoenician Scheme “Review”

Release date: May 30, 2025 (USA)

Director: Wes Anderson

MPAA rating: PG-13

Screenplay: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola

Cinematography: Bruno Delbonnel

Running time: 1h 45m

Grab your popcorn as today we bring you a trinity of “Reviews” for the Popped.blog :D. Thought movies would be quite amongst the “mega” releases but save room for desert 😀 It may honestly end up being a treat.

The first of our trinity or trilogy of movie “reviews” is the latest Wes Anderson title. Back at it with the energy I felt from projects like The Grand Budapest Hotel which was over 10 years ago :O insane!

You’re greeted by a whimsical entry into the movie on a plane going down and unraveling the situation our lead finds himself without with a botched assassination attempt. Maybe you’re following the story maybe the gap was to big but someone’s got to pay for it….

Honestly just sit back and enjoy the random fun that’s to unfold. Explain this movie….never! But it’s a fun ride. Filled with fantastic supporting cast and maybe honestly I’d put Michael Cera up for supporting actor for his work in this feature as Bjorn Lund. Benicio del Toro as Anatole our main lead was excellent alongside Bjorn & Sister Liesl being played by Mia Threapleton.

Go in with popcorn and come out having had a good time. Even when the film is slower it’s not quite boring as something will pick the pace up or build to something of complete cinema greatness. I wish the moments of greatness was felt throughout but alas that’s why The Phoenician Scheme is getting a very good score of 7.5/10 from us at Popped.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “reviews”, stick around as we dive into the second of our trinity of movies with a worthy title …. did you guess it? The Unholy Trinity.

Leave your comments below with your thoughts of this feature and I’ll see you within the town of Trinity.

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Karate Kid: Legends “Review”

Release date: May 30, 2025 (USA)

Director: Jonathan Entwistle

Running time: 1h 58m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Producer: Karen Rosenfelt

Distributed by: Sony Pictures

Been awhile since visiting the Karate Kid franchise. Never saw Cobra Kai but checked out all the movies. How’s this gap in time affect my experience of Legends? Let’s discuss.

Maybe it’s the low expectations. Maybe my bias for Joshua Jackson playing Victor in this feature. (Massive fan of Dawson’s Creek & Fringe) I had a good time honestly despite the mid to low reviews.

The pacing of story telling can feel rushed. But the story being told in rather entertaining. I included the poster with the other two characters as it’s these 3 that are our main stars. Our two paths of the same tree legends are there for some montage and setup but otherwise not properly focused on.

My main critique of the movie is not being long enough. I loved the story that was told. Connecting with Li Fong (Played by Ben Wang), seeing the relationship of his older brother. His mother which was sadly supporting behind the curtains (The amazing Ming-Na Wen) Li Fong’s teacher Mr. Han (Played by Jackie Chan). Sadly this wasn’t all to flushed out for the supporting characters even though Li Fong was.

Like the mentioned bias. I loved getting to know Victor & his daughter Mia (Played by Sadie Stanley). This trio was awesome and very entertaining. Throwing in the ” Bad Guy – Connor Day ” (Played by Aramis Knight) gave me vibes of the original Karate Kid bully.

If we’re to see more from Legends then I’d love to see what future Li Fong has planned. If Mr. Han & Daniel LaRusso (Played by Ralph Macchio) teach future legends or if this is it for the franchise? I did enjoy seeing the O.G Mr. Miyagi from the first movie in the opening of legends. Maybe it’s time to revisit the series and include Cobra Kai as now I’m curious to watch it.

With all this said I did enjoy Karate Kid Legends. It’s short enough to get in and out so Popped scoring of 7/10. – Good Movie.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. What did you think of Karate Kid? Love to hear in the comments below. Don’t forget that a new horror movie dropped officially today. Bring Her Back – This topped my top 10 and I’m excited for others to discover this feature.

Switch 2 Drops Thursday the 5th – Let’s see if I can watch John Wick 1-4 before the upcoming release of Ballerina!

Until then, happy movie going 😀

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Friendship “Review”

Release date: May 2025 (USA)

Director: Andrew DeYoung

Running time: 1h 40m

MPAA rating: R

Genre: Comedy

Distributed by: A24, Paramount Pictures, Republic Pictures

Finally releasing in my neck of the woods. Friendship, it’s an interesting one but does it intrigue as much as The Surfer? Let’s discuss.

Isn’t it fascinating how a connection can be formed over a wrong address delivery. That’s how Craig Waterman (Played by Tim Robinson) & Austin Carmichael (Played by Paul Rudd) meet for the first time and end up forming a friendship.

I mentioned The Surfer above and for this I’ll attempt not to ruin, but give you the overall feeling this movie gives off without spoilers. As this friendship forms you get to learn more and more about Craig Waterman. The relationship between his wife Tami Waterman (Played by Kate Mara) & his son Steven (Played by Jack Dylan Grazer). You start to feel / see that something is off here and the intrigue kicks in.

It’s a good movie. Worth seeing for sure. But sadly for me personally, the intrigue and pay off doesn’t quite hit, like it did for my in The Surfer. This maybe a short “Review” but honestly going in deeper would take away from your viewing experience within this adventure for friendship.

Curious to know more? Maybe check out The Surfer review to see the levels of layers in that feature. It doesn’t go as deep sadly but it’s a worthy good watch. Popped scoring of 7.5/10.

Go check it out and see how deep the journey takes you one lick a pop? O.o ? Intriguing! 😛

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Going to be a busy week ahead so I’ll be locked in at work for roughly a week. See you next week? for Karate Kid all going well. If not, see you in June 😀 Switch 2 release is 2 weeks away!!

Did you check out any recent movies? Love to hear what you’re watching in the comments. What movies are you looking forward to in Summer of 2025?

See you next batch – Happy movie going! 😀

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Lilo & Stitch (2025) “Review”

Release date: May 23, 2025 (USA)

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

Running time: 1h 48m

MPAA rating: PG

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Adapted from: Lilo & Stitch

Okay just got out the theatre and placed the O.G in background as I write this. WoW I prefer the original more. 23 Years gap does a number on the memory. Let’s discuss shall we 😀

As far as making a live action version, it does it’s job. It’s entertaining, maybe even get into your feels. But we’re dealing with a different beast. The merge between CGI & Live Action (And Changes to source material).

Divided they were completely fine. Humans were awesome, loved them. CGI was awesome, loved all there scenes within the CGI environments. Outside of Stitch & Pleakley the other characters felt cheap and out of place in the real world.

Sorry Zach Galifianakis, your voice for Jumba was to high pitch. It’s the reason I put the original one on, was to see if memory served me correctly. But he’s way deeper which kept putting me off the character. Billy Magnussen was spot on however 😀 with Pleakley.

They hit the story beats…mostly….but it’s missing something. The charm of the original maybe? The timeline or focused events? As mentioned from the top. It does it’s job of being live action. But for those wanting to share this series with their little ones should check out the original. I’ve laughed so much at these scenes already and the feels / emotion of story hits better in the storytelling with the O.G.

You know what’s also missing…. Captain Gantu. Why’d he get cut? He’s literally Stitch’s antagonist. The scripts already written from the original so why change so much. Even Jumba was changed to be the Antagonist in the live action when he doesn’t want to hurt Stitch. He’s his experiment and knows his capabilities, wanting to design him into something else.

I don’t want to get into a rant. Like I said, it’s good. Entertains enough. Just misses some vital aspects to why I enjoyed the original more. More Elvis! Gantu! Human costumes! Don’t change the characters! The more I’m seeing of the O.G they changed the sister a lot!

It’s the storyboarding and changes that will make or break your experience. Watched the original? you’ll be entertained but wanting what was. First time watching this, you’ll be entertained and should check out what was.

7.5/10, it’s entertaining, may get you in the feels, but the product was better in the original. From the sister’s dynamic together to the aliens storylines. That being said, the changes they did make work for the live action to some degree. The final act is honestly what I’d prefer to have stayed the same. But to have that, you need Captain Gantu and thus had to be changed.

Well there you have it. The first movie I was thinking would be a $1 Billion movie of 2025 is out. I’m not so confident having watched it but hey that’s just my thoughts on the 2025 Lilo & Stitch.

Happy watching everyone and let me know your thoughts in the comments :D.

Next up for this week. Friendship. Possibly coming to you tomorrow. Now back to watching the O.G Movie. P.S Nothing bonus after the credit crawl occurs. Scenes before that though were very fun.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Until next batch. Happy movie going.

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Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning “Review”

Release date: May 23, 2025 (USA)

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Running time: 2h 51m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Producers: Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, Jake Myers

Prequel: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

With this being the 8th installment of Mission Impossible I think it’s safe to say you at least enjoy these movies to arrive her at the end? Right? – Let’s Discuss.

With the above in mind. I’ll dabble within the first hour to setup Ethan Hunt’s Final Mission… or what at least appears to be his last.

The gangs back together for the…final? time. This time bow tying the past 30 years of this franchise together. Connecting all the characters, situations and missions. What’s the mission this time? To prevent Nuclear Destruction of the entire planet.

It takes about an hour to set this movie up with the various flash backs, character setups and series overview. Momentum will feel good then grind to a very long waited halt before picking back up again…..and again…..and again…. and again… It’s a good movie it just long. Extremely long. Defcon 3 onwards were where things picked up for me personally until toward the ending act just like last feature did.

Moments I felt strongly in the 8 tier but sadly with how long this title it coming just 25minutes longer than Ne Zha 2….I shouldn’t feel like I’ve watched 2 Ne Zha 2 within the first hour and again by the last 30 minutes of this title. MI8 is 2 hours 50minutes long and you feel it.

It’s a final send off though so I appreciate them taking the time to give each character their moments in the spotlight. Popped score of 7.5/10. It’s good, I may even re-watch it when I re-watch the entire series. But otherwise. Good one off viewing from me personally.

Before we get to spoiler? town.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your Mission Impossible 8 “Review”. With this being the final title I wont ruin the surprise of how this all ends. So get your popcorn, sit back and watch this finale on the big screen.

Stay tuned for Lilo & Stitch later on today!

Potential Light Spoiler?

If they make another feature after this I’d be rather disappointed. This feels like a good stopping point. With the series recaps and tie-ins etc. this felt right to leave it here. However if they were to do one more. Make it a time skip. Ethan’s a dad now and his children are now taking over…. that or a 1 last mission from the shadows ? Maybe…

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Shadow Force “Review”

Release date: May 9, 2025 (USA)

Director: Joe Carnahan

Starring: Kerry Washington; Omar Sy; Mark Strong; Da’Vine Joy Randolph; Cliff “Method Man” Smith

Running time: 1h 44m

Executive producers: Christopher Woodrow, B. Quinn Curry, K. Blaine Johnston, Danielle Reardon, Jennifer Wiley-Moxley.

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films

When you’re unsure on checking a movie out. Make the call. Sometimes you may end up checking out a decently good movie :D. Let’s discuss.

First off, let’s discuss our loving family. I’m not sure why Shadow Force wasn’t pushed as the mothers day movie this weekend but Kerry Washington playing Kyrah will protect her family with no limits. Leaving her husband and son to take down the organization Shadow Force from getting to them and keep them safe. Omar Sy playing Isaac the loving husband and incredible father is put into a situation to save his son that strikes the ignition to Shadow Force finding out their location.

I absolutely loved this families dynamic. Having the mother doing all the action while Isaac and his son get to bond was very touching and created feelings/ bonds between the viewer and characters on screen. Getting attached to this family wont make or break your experience but if you get involved with them then your experience will most certainly be well enjoyed.

Next up the action! Comparing to a recent movie – Fight or Flight, this movie brought the characters, emotions, story and action! When the action gets going it’s awesome. Great sound and music while enjoying lots of cool scenes. Great cast of villains for sure lead by Jack (Played by Mark Strong). Yea the movie feels a little long by 5/10 minutes but the feeling kicks in right as the action kicks off / story begins to wrap up, so the feeling is short lived.

I’m more on the side of Fandango viewers as they gave it a 81%, but mind you the other side of this goes as low as 29% on Rotten Tomatoes. So pick your path :D.

I had a good time. Well enjoyed. Loved the son! Loved the family. Which gives Shadow Force in the eyes of Popped a solid good 7/10. Worth watching / checking out for sure. Either it be on streaming down the road or in theatres, the ultimate way to experience movies.

Appreciate you checking out Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stick around for another tomorrow with Hurry up Tomorrow. Do I know what it’s about? Nope. Have I seen the trailer? Yup, plenty of times. Still no idea. So let’s check it out and report back :D. Thursday – Final Destination!

Watched Shadow Force yet? Love to hear your thoughts below. Check out Clown in a Cornfield? Let me know 😀 – As always though, see you next batch.

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Clown in a Cornfield “Review”

Release date: May 9, 2025 (USA)

Director: Eli Craig

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 36m

Distributed by: Shudder, RLJE Films

Music by: Brandon Roberts; Marcus Trumpp

Round 2 for Shudder this year in theatres. Bringing us this time Clown in a Cornfield, a horror film based upon the novel (Of which I found out there’s 3 in this series).

I thought this was going to another # toward 100. Another 2.5 tier movie which may have something going for it but fails horribly. But wait….outside of the intro which started off like any other type of slasher movie. We open up after this point with our main leads….. of which I actually liked!

So lets go from there. The cast. Everyone did a fine job. It’s a Shudder movie mind you but one worthy of the big screen. It’s no Sinners but something worth checking out for sure. Aaron Abrams plays the father Dr. Maybrook and new Doctor of this town moving in with his daughter Quinn Maybrook (Played by Katie Douglas). Total legend Will Sasso is playing Dunne, the Sherriff of Kettle Springs down.

We shortly learn the kids that will be apart of Quinn’s friend group and the tension between the adults of the town vs the youth. A local legend of the town is that of a killer clown which the group make popular viral videos on Youtube of. That story leads us to the main plot of this feature. Clown in a Cornfield. Sit back, enjoy some Popcorn and have fun with this title. It wasn’t really scary nor overly gory. BUT. It’s gory and impactful in the right moments and makes those scenes count. Not throwing them at you desensitizing the audience for what’s to come but instead create an environment that entices and intrigues the audience into what’s to come and wanting more.

It’s actually all the fun which this film has with itself and audience which doesn’t get boring when the movie feels a little long. It kept me entertained and enjoying the scenes playing out despite feeling a little long. There’s no end scene to enjoy but rest assured there are more titles in this novel series so something to look forward to down the road.

Popped Score of 7/10 strong good movie, possibly even 7.5 with a repeat viewing but solidly 7.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and stay tuned, today we have a double batch viewing, coming up next. Fight or Flight.

Let me know in the comments your thoughts on Clown in a Cornfield and if you have read the novel and how it compares. Should I read it? Because I’m totally in :D.

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