Category: Good Solid Movie

Companion “Review”

Release date: January 31, 2025 (USA)

Director: Drew Hancock

Producers: Zach Cregger, Raphael Margules, J. D. Lifshitz, Roy Lee

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Budget: $10 million

Cinematography: Eli Born

When you have the day off to watch films and it happens to coincide with a horror secret movie. You just gotta take the Mrs to go check it out :D.

In my head I thought Companion was the virtual reality AI movie that’s coming up but I was wrong. I did hear lots of positive buzz so did go in with higher than usual expectations.

My wife and I had a good time in this movie. It’s a good one time watch about a group of friends going out into the middle of nowhere to hangout. I’ll keep it spoiler free so I’ll keep it short. If you enjoy Jack Quaid staring in another upcoming movie Novocaine or Lukas Gage who was in Smile 2 along with Sophie Thatcher in the recent release of Heretic, then you’re going to have a good time. Great performances from everyone.

The plot/story points can be weak and pulled apart but overall it’s not bad. A good one time watch movie I’m sitting between a 7/7.5 on this title. With the audience reaction to certain scenes I can see some enjoying this more than others. I’m feeling this sits nicely at a 7 when looking back on this feature and if I’d watch it again.

That’s been this weeks latest batch of “Reviews”, pretty short but don’t want to spoil the experience here as that’s the whole point of this title. Keep an eye on Popped.blog for another “Review” staring that of Dog Man to wrap up the first month of 2025.

Overall a good month of movies. Definitely starting stronger than 2024 and something I’m excited to see more from as we get nearer to the summer with big block busters releasing.

1

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl “Review”

Release date: 3rd January 2025 (Netflix)

Directors: Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham

Distributed by: Netflix, BBC

Music by: Lorne Balfe; Julian Nott

Production company: Aardman Animations

This guy above us was what intrigued me to watch this title. I remember episodes being shorter, I thought 40mins tops but back then Wallace & Gromit episodes were 24 to 30 minutes long. This was perfect in my youth…. so how’s it now? Being 3 times the length and on Netflix?

Just like how Mufasa played the Nostalgia play. Vengeance Most Fowl certainly pulled all the punches to get you in the feels. From the music, imagery and their relationship. It had it all…. and sadly some bloated stuff to boot.

Sorry Norbot but I’d have cut most of your scenes out to relive Wallace & Gromit The Wrong Trousers as a reboot. Shoot I’d love to see that updated with these graphics and go right into this sequel rather than watch 40minutes of bloat to see its sequel.

I’m being harsh to be honest but it’s mainly due to wanting to talk about the next title 😀 which was SO GOOD! haha. Honestly though its not bad. It’s just not great like what came before it.

Wallace & Gromit Vengeance Most Fowl has a popped score of 7/10. It’s good. But just good. Condense the episodes and stick to a concise plot and I’ll be back. Otherwise it’s a streaming film and there’s a reason why Cinema / Theatre has a different caliber than streamers.

Thanks for coming to Popped.blog, whether you came due to the Popped Cast or a fellow movie goer that enjoys reading these “Reviews”. I appreciate having you here. Check out the next “Review” where I plunge into the movie Better Man. Which was incredible. I’ll explain why over there :D.

0

Flow & Mufasa “Review”

Release date: October 30, 2024 (France)

Director: Gints Zilbalodis

Language: English

Distributed by: UFO Distribution

Box office: US$6.8 million

Latvian: Straume

Music by: Gints Zilbalodis; Rihards Zaļupe

Missed this one upon release however with this title winning best animated movie for the golden globes I had to check it out.

Flow is a beautiful movie not only in visuals but in its heart and soul. Flow sets us up with an introduction to this cute cat shown in the image above. Very quickly we’re introduced to an array of characters that either serve as a threat or established entity in this world.

When a natural disaster? Occurs we find ourselves in a world that continues to flood. Higher and higher the water level rises and the journey that flows ahead of us is a journey of our cat and companion animals that shows even your enemies can be your closest friend.

Loved this journey, however I’d give it a solid one of watch with maybe a repeat viewing down the road. Worthy of praise but to beat Wild Robot! COME ON haha, but seriously it’s really good. Better than Inside Out 2 for a 1 time watch but couldn’t imagen checking this out again.

With no dialogue anyone can watch this title and enjoy the visuals and story on screen.

I’d give it an 8.5/10 but could be an 8 with how much I’d like some information established that goes unanswered along the way.

Release date: December 20, 2024 (USA)

Director: Barry Jenkins

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Adapted from: The Lion King

Box office: $481.6 million

Music by: Dave Metzger; Nicholas Britell (score); Lin-Manuel Miranda (songs)

Doing a double batch here as these titles came out last year. Doesn’t mean I didn’t want to talk about them specially with the Oscars coming up and Flow maybe among them?

I had no interest with Mufasa, however an annoying but catchy song/saying was in my mind. I always wanted a brother…..I always wanted a brother…. I always …okay okay I get it. Let’s watch this thing and give it context.

This was a rollercoaster of a score / experience. On one hand, when it’s hitting your nostalgia play this title felt so good but played on it so cheaply. If it wasn’t for the epic journey ahead this title wouldn’t have been as good. Hmmm kind of feels like Furiosa doesn’t it with Fury Road.

Loved the mini sequel that starts this title. Kind of lost me when we went into the backstory. That was until we meet Mufasa and his brother Taka. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Evil” lion tribe the white lions. These were awesome and actually had my favorite song “Good Bye” :D. Felt like a threat and gave so much weight to Mufasa and his actions.

Mufasa felt like such a giga Chad which was cool to see. Loved his journey and despite Taka being a cowardly entitled character. Loved the switch into his Scar alter ego which we’ve known from the original Lion King.

I’d give Mufasa a solid 7/10 but that’s mainly due to Nostalgia and with how the movie ended making me want to watch the original once more. I never saw the “Live Action” version of Lion King so I look forward to checking it out now. Will a sequel come from this ? Unsure.

If they re-wrote or cut like 30minutes from this title a potential 8 could have been scored for Mufasa but sadly the lows and ehh moments kept it from being great and just a solid good. Better than I expected that’s for sure.

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog and checking out this latest batch. We come nearer to the Oscar nominations and I’m excited to see what outcome comes for 2024 movies.

Looking ahead for 2025, tomorrow I’ll be checking out Better Man and curiously hopeful to have A Complete Unknown experience but we’ll have to wait and see.

Until next batch, enjoy The Popped Cast and look forward to a Wallace & Gromit “Review” real soon :D.

0

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim “Review”

Release date: December 13, 2024 (USA)

Director: Kenji Kamiyama

Adapted from: The Lord of the Rings

Story by: Jeffrey Addiss; Will Matthews; Philippa Boyens

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Budget: $30 million

For someone who watched LOTR once back in the day and then the Hobbit trilogy once, before watching the first film’s extended cut last year (Which I loved and became invested in the series unlike my first viewing), I probably wouldn’t have had this on my list of movies to watch. After my experience last year, I’m even more grateful to have watched it, as I’d have missed out on such a cool anime movie of LOTR’s.

As much as I didn’t like Wulf and his sudden switch in perspective on events that occur in the setup of this movie. I really enjoyed all the characters. Wulf and his dad just completely suck (Wulf’s Dad sucks for his actions while Wulf himself sucks for his poor writing).

The war of Rohirrim comes to be due to our main female lead, Hera refusing to marry and supported by her father and older brothers would have a war break out with Wulf and his people that leads to bigger stakes than just a rejected proposal.

This tale goes back almost 200 years from the original series where Frodo comes into contact with the ring. Here we get some sprinkled easter eggs. Delicious lore setup and exploration. Along with extra character history that I’m hoping leads to future movies that tie nicely in with this series.

The music is rather nostalgic to the original series. Even if a little reworked/tweaked, I was delighted to hear a familiar tune as we come into, through, and out of this movie.

Lots of good action is sprinkled into this 2-hour feature. Some extremely long credits of roughly 8 minutes and no end scene. This was a fun title to watch. Maybe I’ll watch it again as a recap for the entire series but otherwise, this is a solid 7/10 good watch movie.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and look forward to Kraven potentially tomorrow. Next week Sonic 3, maybe another 1/2 movies before the years out but Sonic 3 is my most anticipated movie of 2024 and I’m so hyped to sink my teeth into it :D.

0

Here “Review”

Release date: November 1, 2024 (USA)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Distributed by: TriStar Pictures

Based on: Here; by Richard McGuire

Box office: $475,000

Budget: $50 million

I’m glad the coin landed heads 3/5 times because this movie was an experience. I usually avoid reviews before watching a movie. This time however I saw a 1/5 from the guardian pop up on my feed.

With that in my mind it led to the coin flip to determine if I go or not.

I’m glad I did, however I totally get why this wouldn’t hit for all.

Sometimes I watch a film and get up against a wall on what to write first and how. So I’m glad I could be present here to watch and be apart of so many individual stories throughout an hour and 40minutes.

If you have loved ones or those you’re close to then this movie maybe for you. So many moments and scenes that hit home and makes you appreciate or shine light on appreciating moments with family and loved ones. Make the most from life and try not push things off as you may never get back round to them.

It sure is crazy how time fly’s isn’t it. What a time for Here to arrive at the first day of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). An event that occurs once every year, running through the entirety of November for writers to achieve the goal of writing 50k words.

Here takes place within one still frame throughout time from the dinosaurs to present time. Sometimes there’s stories that I find hard to fit within this story as I have no idea what connects them with the films entirety.

Mostly though you’re going back and forth between times, even blending time periods together throughout the movie. I loved the use of picture within picture as it brought a cool and engaging affect for transitions between scenes and time periods.

The main story being told is across the time of Tom Hanks character Richard Young’s life from his parents moving in to the final chapter of Richard & Margaret Young played by Robin Wright.

As I’m writing I’m seeing a lot of 1/5 reviews which seem to be hitting on the fact that there’s to many stories being told and the disconnect between a few of them.

I wouldn’t hit it that harsh but I can see this being above average. That being said for me personally I give it a 7/10 for the simple fact that the messages being told and the current events in my life occurring, echoed a lot in the movie and it warmed my heart.

Take it as a 6-7 range if you’re on the fence. Love to hear your thoughts on this title. For tomorrow’s batch I’ll be checking out Conclave & The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Anime links will popup soon however I plan to start that at the beginning of 2025. So have any recommendations for new anime in 2025 drop them in the comments.

Thank you all for coming by and spending time here at popped. Blog I greatly appreciate you all and I’m excited to see what’s to come in 2025.

0

We Live in Time “Review”

Release date: January 1, 2025 (UK)

Director: John Crowley

Distributed by: A24, StudioCanal

Box office: $314,537

Cinematography: Stuart Bentley

Edited by: Justine Wright

Welcome to this weeks Popped “review” batch with first up We Live in Time followed by Smile 2.

We Live in Time is focused around the beautiful relationship between Tobias played by Andrew Garfield and Almut played by Florence Pugh.

Performances were fantastic and I rather enjoyed this relationship and movie. Sadly however this movie can have wide swings depending how quickly you connect with these two.

The story telling was what killed the drive of the movie for me personally as at first they tell the story throughout periods of time of this couples relationship before the pieces come together.

Delivering the bad news up front, after introducing the characters. Made moments of the film feel draggy as I wished they setup the couples relationship and attachment between the audience first. Once the picture came together however you get to experience a touching and heart felt story.

Speaking of delivering, my favorite scene in the movie was the delivery of there child and the fun yet chaotic and sweet chemistry between Tobias & Almut along with some surprise characters that probably didn’t expect their day to turn out that way.

Not a movie I’d watch again but a good movie to experience with your romantic partner. Remember like the posters says. Every minute counts.

So go tell your loved ones how you feel and give them a huge hug today <3.

7/10 good movie!

0

Piece by Piece “Review”

Release date: October 11, 2024 (USA)

Director: Morgan Neville

Distributed by: Focus Features, Universal Pictures

Budget: $16 million

Edited by: : Jason Zeldes; Aaron Wickenden; Oscar Vazquez;

Production companies: The Lego Group; Tremolo Productions; I Am Other

Hello everyone and welcome to this week’s batch of “Reviews” which started with Saturday Night and now Piece by Piece.

I included the first movie as I make the point twice that the origins of these movies kind of go over my head. So with that caveat, I’ll dive into this “Review”.

During my youth I listened to very different music and wasn’t in the scene of music while growing up. Due to not understanding lyrics I listened to anything I could bop to and headbang while playing video games.

That being said when it comes to all the music that Pharrell Williams had a hand in creating, I LOVED all those songs and within their genres is amongst my favorite songs.

I wouldn’t have watched this movie however without it being in the style of Legos. This direction was a beautiful decision for a broader appeal to the movie-going audience which already knows when coming into the theatre that the music will be amazing.

Piece by Piece tells the story of singer/songwriter AND record producer Pharrell Williams from his childhood in Virginia to his success in the music and fashion industry.

It’s a cute entertaining movie that’s also informative and powerful. Navigating the meanings behind the creation of certain songs during real-life events both on an individual level and global impact level.

I’ve personally not been a fan of the interview style which is why I appreciated having such a vibrant and entertaining style to watch while individuals spoke on screen.

Moments that stuck out to me were of course the incredible music being created and depicted visually onscreen. But also the storytelling elements of Pharrell growing up and achieving throughout his entire life to now. It was both eye-opening and informative how much he’s done and the impact on our lives he’s had even if we didn’t know in the moment.

Despite having moments I found myself a little bored. Which mostly came from the movie getting started within the first 30 minutes. I came away enjoying this movie and giving it a good score of 7/10.

I appreciated listening and discovering the story behind Pharrell Williams and encourage others to check out Piece by Piece at your local theatre.

0

Saturday Night “Review”

Release date: October 11, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jason Reitman

Distributed by: Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing

Budget: $25–30 million

Cinematography: Eric Steelberg

Music by: Jon Batiste

Hello everyone and welcome to this weeks batch of “Reviews” starting with Saturday Night and followed by Piece by Piece.

I include the second movie as I’ll make the point twice that the origins of these movies kind of go over my head. So with that caveat I’ll dive into this “Review”.

You’re 90 minutes away from going live on your first live episode ever and the show still can’t be fully explained or finalized. What more could go wrong with an hour and a half to fill with 3 hours of potential content and the suites funding this thing are betting against you.

Welcome to Saturday Night the movie leading up to the very first episode of SNL which I’ve only seen 1 episode for which was solely for dogecoin meme.

Ready or Not: 11:30 p.m. hits, and we’re going live no matter what is shown on screen or about preparedness. To sum this film up I’d have to say “Entertaining”. Although I had no idea who these real-life people were and the sketches being rehearsed I was entertained throughout this movie.

A good movie that kept me wanting more and honestly by 11:30pm came around and the show went live I wanted to see another hour and a half of what’s to come on the live episode. Sadly there are only 10 minutes roughly of that first episode but for those that watched it live back in the day, will have a blast seeing how it all came to be within this feature.

Stand-out actors for me personally were Cory Michael Smith playing the character Chevy Chase. I kept telling myself during the film he looked like Riddler from the show Gotham, of which I can confirm was true :D.

In addition to Gabriel LaBelle playing the character Lorne Michaels whom I thought they kept calling John. His timing on the jokes and range of comedy was brilliant.

Lastly of my top 3 standout actors was Lamorne Morris playing the character Garrett Morris which was totally hilarious and brought a lot of impact and meaning behind his scenes. Calling out the times for how certain decisions and treatments wouldn’t and shouldn’t be allowed in today’s era.

I’d place Saturday Night at a 7.5/10. Loved how the film came together and had a good time. Wouldn’t complain about watching it again however most likely won’t.

0

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice “Review”

Release date: September 6, 2024 (USA)

Director: Tim Burton

Story by: Alfred Gough; Miles Millar; Seth Grahame-Smith

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Based on: Characters; by: Michael McDowell; Larry Wilson

Cinematography: Haris Zambarloukos

Leading up to this sequels release I re-watched the first movie once more since it’s been forever since it came out, 1988 if you can believe it!

I felt the whole tone and vibe of the movie didn’t miss a beat. I just came off the ride and then jumped right back on with a new paint and editions and enjoyed myself thoroughly. Script was good. Characters felt true to the character. Despite a reviewer being in my head about the movie not being politically correct. Having just watched a movie that walked this line extremely well in my previous “Review” I felt that this movie delt with those issues to its truest form with being real with these characters.

Enough about that and if you want to know what the above is about. Go checkout Beyond the trailer’s review. Or don’t if you want to watch the movie for the movie and not be peeling back the covers on being immersed in this world and constantly checking your alignment with the real world.

Honestly if you’re a fan of the original. Adams Family. Tim Burton. Then you’re going to enjoy this movie. Nothin at the end of the credits but I did enjoy how this movie ended. Will there be a 3rd installment? I’m unsure. As long as there’s a point to having a 3rd then I’ll be waiting to watch it at the theatre.

Appreciate you coming by and reading this latest batch of “Reviews” on Popped! I’m going to hit the pillow as I’m up in 4 hours time. But this feature is a good movie scoring 7/10. The ending of Blink Twice was solid placing it above Beetlejuice. However across the board I enjoyed Beetlejuice with a solid 7. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

0

Blink Twice “Review”

Release date: August 23, 2024 (USA)

Director: Zoë Kravitz

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios

Box office: $17.3 million

Cinematography: Adam Newport-Berra

Music by: Chanda Dancy

Little late on this one but glad I managed to see it. Trailers had me interested but wowzer was the trailers holding back on this feature.

No Spoilers on this one go in as blind as possible because this is one spicy movie once the ground work has been established. Going to be a little quick on this as its 2:36am at time of writing and I work in the morning haha.

For some viewers I’d add a trigger warning on this title. It pushes boundaries to the point of being uncomfortable but keeps you there short enough where you’re able to get back into the movie and not be holden to view something truly disturbing.

Again go in blind but if certain subject matter affects you then maybe have someone screen the title before. Despite this my wife said the movie was amazing despite having a subject matter in the movie. Slow burn, not quite to the amount of boring but slow enough where you may drift off. That is until the premise sinks in and you’re in for a horrific ride.

Movie has a very strong ending despite above average to good start. I came away from Blink Twice at a 7.5 making this a solid good batch. Great performances and premise I actually preferred it over the next “Review” coming right up. (Just by a smidge).

0

A WordPress.com Website.

Up ↑