Category: Good Solid Movie

Freakier Friday “Review”

Release date: August 8, 2025 (USA)

Director: Nisha Ganatra

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis; Lindsay Lohan; Julia Butters; Sophia Hammons; Manny Jacinto; Mark Harmon

MPAA rating: PG

Running time: 1h 51m

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

It’s been HOW long since Freaky Friday released! Does this I.P return like Final Destination & Naked Gun or with I know what you did last summer? Let’s Discuss :D.

The opening to this movie felt very cheap to start with. Let’s get to the point with Disney Theatrical vs Disney + – This felt like Diary of a Wimpy Kid with the opening. It took some time but the cheapness was put to the side once the switch occurred.

To direct to the above statement on I.P this sits in the middle. I’d watch more with a good idea but I feel like it’s all been told between this and the previous movie. The opening was just okay. It wasn’t bad. It just offered what it was offering…. until the switch.

It was honestly a blast watching the actors having fun within their new roles. The jokes were fun where I actually laughed at a few. It took me out of the intro mindset and into a, I’m having fun with these characters. By the end I was feeling the feels and thoroughly enjoyed being apart of this almost 2 hour long movie.

Lindsay Lohan is back as Anna Coleman – Julia Butters is playing Annas daughter Harper Coleman – Jamie Lee Curtis is back playing Tess Coleman now a grandma – New additions to the family is the Husband Eric Davies played by Manny Jacinto & his daughter Lily Davies played by Sophia Hammons.

Looking for a fun movie to either nostalgia on a 22 year gap! Or maybe curious why this movie took so long and if it still has the magic? Then check out Freakier Friday after Weapons to something much more chill and lighter.

Getting out of the okay / it’s fine. Freakier Friday gets a 7/10 from Popped.

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog for your movie “reviews”. The weekend ahead has a lot releasing from a sequel to Nobody 2 which I’ve yet to see the first one. Americana, along with 3 random releases, East of Wall, Jimmy Stiggs & Witchboard. A Western Drama, a Horror movie with a comedy sci-fi twist along with another Horror Thriller movie to keep the early season of Halloween alive :D. Don’t forget lastly Shin Godzilla in 4k!

See you in the next batch movie going viewers

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Strange Harvest “Review”

Release date: August 8, 2025 (USA)

Director: Stuart Ortiz

Producers: Stuart Ortiz, Bruce Guido, Alex Yesilcimen

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Roadside Attractions

Just saw Weapons and thought, hey! That was surprisingly funny now I’m looking for something darker? Then maybe your scope should be on Strange Harvest before it’s to late.

Is it real ? Is it made up? This film will have you honestly believing it’s all real. From the real locations and style of this mockumentary, Strange Harvest is a well executed and told story of Mr. Shiny a sadistic serial killer from the 1990’s to now….

You’re taken through this journey in an investigation via two detectives in the inland empire of San Bernadino County in southern California.

It starts dark and just builds to very intense and uncomfortable scenes. Like I mentioned above in the intro. You want something darker after seeing Weapons. Strange Harvest is a great dessert to end your horror movie binge :D.

7.5/10 or a weak 8/10 Popped score. Not something I’d watch again due to the content matter being enough one time but a very good watch and curious to see what director Stuart Ortiz has coming next.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stick around as coming up next is something much lighter of a tone. Freakier Friday.

Hopefully this coming weekend is a pallet changer from all the dark spookiness 😀

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The Bad Guys 2 “Review”

Release date: August 1, 2025 (USA)

Director: Pierre Perifel

Running time: 1h 44m

Prequel: The Bad Guys

MPAA rating: PG

Adapted from: The Bad Guys

3/6 of the rapid fire “Review” batch and here we have Bad Guys 2 😀 Loved the first title so how’d the sequel do to follow?

Watched this panel at Comic Con and was very much excited to watch this.

Overall this was a fun time. Even moments of greatness and some nice surprises.

Enjoyed the first one then you should watch this because the next title has the setup to be a master piece :D… I hope haha.

You know what was missing… a solid sound track. Bad guys playing in a Bad guys movie was awesome and just hit! This time around everything was good, but didn’t match the original.

Between the music and the villains which again were still good but just didn’t hit like our evil Professor Rupert this movie was a solid good, almost great with a 7.5/10.

Let’s keep with comedy…some zany comedy 😀 you know it at – The Naked Gun

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Together “Review”

Release date: July 30, 2025 (USA)

Director: Michael Shanks

Producers: Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Erik Feig, Tim Headington, Andrew Mittman, Mike Cowap, Julia Hammer, Max Silva

Running time: 1h 42m

Distributed by: Neon

MPAA rating: R

I think my experience was affected by the Talk to Me experience – Let’s explain in this rapid fire “Review” batch.

Reviews for this title came out hot like 99/100 % hot. It was hyped as the greatest horror known on earth! Well…. I found Substance executed it way better. The trailer had me hooked…but the trailer showed the movie. Yea there’s some extra deets sprinkled in from the trailer which is a good watch. However it doesn’t push the bar past what’s already been shown.

It’s a good watch but very little replay value for me personally. Placing Together at a 7/10.

How’s that for a rapid fire? – Let’s discuss more in the comments if interested.

Next up a very much different change of vibe – Bad Guys 2 😀

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Superman “Review”

Release date: July 11, 2025 (USA)

Director: James Gunn

Starring: David Corenswet; Rachel Brosnahan; Nicholas Hoult; Edi Gathegi; Anthony Carrigan; Nathan Fillion; Isabela Merced

MPAA rating: PG-13

Running time: 2h 9m

Distributed by: Warner Bros.

Today’s the day we finally have James Gunn’s Superman, the first of many Gunn DC Verse movies. So how was it? How’d the trailer do? Did I like it? Let’s discuss shall we 😀

The short Answer – Did I like it? (Non Spoiler)

Yes! I did like the movie, had moments of greatness I’d like to watch again. Overall – It’s a good movie worth checking out.

A little more? – Sure, lets discuss before splitting open the…

For a Superman Movie….why is Superman & Lois Lane my weakest felt component? – That’s not to say I didn’t like them. It took some time to grow and work on me. But having the relationship be already established, the magic wasn’t felt…nor was it ever but I’ll let you experience that for yourself to decide.

Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor was awesome and nailed the role. Love to have more of him in this universe. Love the Harley Quinn animated show and Lex is great in that. Mister Terrific was also awesome and loved his scenes. At first I wasn’t digging his intro but then I got it!

The trailer does a good job by the way also which is rare for some comic book movies….. cough … Marvel.. cough :D. Had some surprises and treats to enjoy specially in the second half. Although she feels young for her character. I did enjoy Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. It’s interesting as 6 years ago she was playing Dora in Dora the explorer. At 24 years of age I kept thinking of Hawkman & Hawkgirl combo which are adults. Yes 24 is an adult but she’s playing alongside 40 & 50 year old actors which makes her feel even younger. She’s great, I’d like to see more down the road but felt odd when comparing to the animated shows of the past I was raised on in my youth. She’s the weakest member of the Justice Gang though sadly.

Let’s split open the ….. 😀 and dive in deep – Turn away if you’ve got what you’d like from this “Review”….

The origins of the universe / story was quickly summed up in a few sentences at the start of the movie. I’d love to have seen some of it as a rapid fire play through but it’s fine. You see Superman starting off being beaten down badly. To then get backup and destroyed once more.

David Corenswet is a good Superman but took awhile for me to get into as those intro moments setting up Lex and his gang. I wanted more! But had to get through the Lois and Clark parts before getting back to the villains which totally carried this movie at the start (For me personally).

Lots of profanity in this movie for those with small children. Heads up – Sh*t is used several times.

I haven’t mentioned it but… Krypto was great! Loved him 😀 Such a good boy. Had lots of fun scenes and I’m ready for more of Superman and Krypto… 😀 hehe. Enjoy!

Go have fun! I want to chat more but don’t want to get into spoilers soooooo go have fun. Get your popcorn, sit back and enjoy the ride. From the lowest of okays to good to the highs of greatness. There’s going to be something or someone for your enjoyment in this movie.

Two end credit scenes. A mid and a end scene. Both are fun but the end is a gaff. Mister Terrific was the main MVP of this movie along with Lex Luthor for me personally :D. Let’s see how this weekend does as Popped score Superman a 7.5/10.

Thank you as always for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Have you checked out Superman yet? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

This is my biggest Summer Movie of 2025 so curious to see how it goes. We have 3 movies out next week then the following week is Fantastic 4 before pretty much wrapping up Summer. Bad Guys 2 first week of August.

Almost time to retrospect the first half of 2025. Comic Con may or may not drop some exciting news for movies and shows to come for the second half. But thus far what’s been your fave ?

Until next time though, happy movie going!

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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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