Category: Great Movie!

Kiss of the Spider Woman “Review”

Release date: October 10, 2025 (USA)

Director: Bill Condon

Story by: Manuel Puig, Fred Ebb, Terrence McNally

Producers: Tom Kirdahy, Barry Josephson, Greg Yolen

Adapted from: Kiss of the Spider Woman

Running time: 2h 8m

Went in giving it a chance as a musical – Came out pleasantly surprised – Let’s discuss!

Maybe it’s the lower expectation of an older style looking musical, but I went in thinking LA LA Land, which I loved. When I discuss musicals, I often get told I enjoy new musicals over older ones. I just enjoy a musical that the song drives the plot of, tells a story, and it’s just a random scene to sing. Maybe I came to appreciate them more as an adult, but Sweeney Todd is probably my first musical that I thoroughly loved.

All that to say is…this is a musical. But there’s way less singing than I imagined. Even when the songs are being beautifully played out, I loved the scenes. They kind of reminded me of Wicked.

So what’s Kiss of the Spider Woman about? The movie is centered around a gay man, Luis Molina (Tonatiuh), and a political prisoner, Valentín Arregui (Diego Luna), who are cellmates. While in prison, Molina discusses a fictional movie star, Ingrid Luna (Played by Jennifer Lopez), who plays in the movie (Kiss of the Spider Woman), which also happens to have her play a Spider Woman character. Through these interactions, the two men form an unlikely bond.

I loved how they weaved the story from the Prison to the movie while having fun interactive settings to include Tonatiuh & Diego Luna within the play, which was a beautiful symmetry displayed between the two stories.

This movie was based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig. It was also originally an adapted movie back in 1985. The movie takes place in 1983 Argentina during a period of resistance. I won’t get into spoilers and let you enjoy from here :D.

Using Better Man as my 9, I was back and forth for a Popped score, ultimately going with an 8.5/10. I was extremely entertained. Love the story. The music and the actors. Didn’t quite get to my heart strings like a Better Man did earlier this year, all the way back in January, believe it or not :D.

Going to give this feature a go? Or checked it out? Let us know in the comments below. Love to hear your thoughts on this one. Thank you as always for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Let me know if I should check out Soul on Fire? Otherwise, stay tuned for the next batch next week with 3 upcoming movies :D.

Until then, happy movie-going going everyone! 😀

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Bone Lake “Review”

Release date: October 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Mercedes Bryce Morgan

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 34m

Distributed by: Bleecker Street

Production company: LD Entertainment

For a title that came out of nowhere – This was an experience 😀 Let’s Discuss!

Bone Lake starts and end strong. Doesn’t hold back on its R rating and is very expressive with it’s storytelling and adult material. This isn’t for you if you’re not into heavy adult material & gore as it’s jam packed.

Think Barbarian meets Ready or Not. Bone Lake takes two couples booking the same Airbnb on this beautiful lake that just so happens to have a ton of skulls lying at the bottom of it…supposedly…

There’s plenty of intrigue and mystery with solid casting. Sage & Diego (Played by Maddie Hasson & Marco Pigossi) are our first focus couple after the solid hook of an intro. Cin & Will ( Played by Andra Nechita & Alex Roe) are our double booked Airbnb couple that joins us moments later.

How will this affect their stay? Well, without getting into spoilers, but casting an overall plot. Bone Lake is a movie to test your relationship. Testing the trust between couples & against temptations. Will the mystery of their stay be able to stand the test that’s to come their way?

Solid movie which I look forward to re-watching with my wife. Popped score of 8/10. Pleasantly surprised to see it come from nowhere and looking forward to another Bleecker Street movie to come in December – Fackham Hall.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Posting this one a little late but should finish this weeks batch on Monday with The Smashing Machine :D.

Let me know what you think of Bone Lake in the comments or if you plan to check it out.

Until next time, though, happy movie-going going everyone.

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Eleanor the Great “Review”

Release date: September 26, 2025 (USA)

Director: Scarlett Johansson

Producers: Scarlett Johansson, Keenan Flynn, Jessamine Burgum · See more

Production companies: Wayfarer Studios, These Pictures, Pinky Promise, Dauphin Films, Maven Screen Media

Executive producers: Justin Baldoni, Steve Sarowitz, Jamey Heath · See more

Running time: 1h 38m

loved June Squibb in Thelma and had heard this was maybe Oscar-worthy, let’s discuss!

Eleanor spends 70 odd years with her best friend Bessie, who’s a holocaust survivor. After setting us up with a beautiful connection the film moves Eleanor to New York City to live with her grandson and daughter. Here Eleanor is alone and without a friend which her daughter sets Eleanor up in a group activity putting her on a path to finding new friendship and connection within a holocaust survivor support group.

I’ll leave story points to the above and let you experience and pulled back the veil of story that’s to be told. Through deep connections, personal stories that could very well be based on true events. This film will take you on a ride that could vary your experience depending on those connections.

The friendship that blooms between Eleanor (Played by June Squibb) & Nina (Played by Erin Kellyman) is a total joy. I also very much loved the performance of Bessie (Played by Rita Zohar), which could be in my supporting actress nominee for the 2025 Oscars.

Within this hour and 38 minute feature you’ll experience and learn about handling loss, grief and how to build connection when feeling alone.

Popped scoring of 8.5/9 out of 10. A feature I very much enjoyed, loved spending time with these characters.

Campaign 4 of Critical Role starts soonish so going to rapid fire this weeks batch. Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stay tuned for Anemone & Good Boy coming up next :D.

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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle “Review”

Release date: September 12, 2025 (USA)

Director: Haruo Sotozaki

Running time: 2h 35m

Language: Japanese

Film series: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

MPAA rating: R

Loved this movie but there’s a but 😀 Let’s discuss shall we – Mostly in spoiler section!

We’re entering the final battle of this series so I wont go into what this movie is about. If you’re jumping in here……go watch the series and come back in the potentially 2 year gap before part 2 of this 3 part movie trilogy. YEA! 2029 could be when this conclusion wraps up. I think a whole bunch of people will be checking out this manga in that time span. (It’s very short series) Which is insane it’ll take so long.

I’ll save my rant in the spoiler section about that last comment above.

Let’s discuss non spoiler quick and then elaborate. By the by, speaking with my wife. We are two different fans of this property which I’m sure will be a challenge for the creator to please us both in the next 2 parts….. love to hear your thoughts on that one.

What I enjoyed!

Loved the action scenes, the quality of the imagery & the epic music! The film finished & started extremely strong. I’m pumped for the second part and may even re-read the manga once more.

What I didn’t enjoy!

The move felt long due to a foot on & off the pedal / gas pacing. From memory of watching this feature. All the scenes that weren’t present within the battle / (Spoiler) were in TV quality it felt like over the quality that was being shown during the battles. It did feel off and the cut to black felt like this is where the “episode” ended before continuing.

Why there’s a rant?

Because I love this series and I thoroughly enjoyed a lot of this movie. But the elephant in the room for me personally. Nezha 2. It’s my #1 animated movie for this year. I want Demon Slayer to destroy it or at least be held on that level…… for my personally. Due to spoiler talk. It just misses it. I’d love an edited version that shortens the movie and keeps to the battles / ending. But then that’s where my wife’s & I’s experience differ.

Shall we transition!

This is the final battle. It’s a trilogy of movies to finish this franchise. If you’re watching this movie. You most likely know what you’re getting into. Or have friends / family that have clued you in so you can enjoy this movie without or with little confusion.

So with that said and before we jump into spoilers. I’m giving the Infinity Castle Demon Slayer movie a very strong great 8.5/10 which I’d love to have had been a 9. Maybe it’s a 9 and Nezha 2 a 9.5 but seriously let’s get into why.

Wrap before the spoiler talk

Appreciate you for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. This is an interesting one to discuss. With it being the finale of a series rather than a stand alone movie or earlier part of a series like the first movie which felt perfect as apart of the series while also stand alone.

Lots to discuss further more within the spoiler talk that not even I mentioned. So if you’re interested. I’d love to hear from you in the comments or soon to be our specific social media pages that I’ll eventually create by year 3 of this platform haha.

Until next time though – Happy movie going everyone ❤

Spoiler Talk

The battles were freaking awesome. The music and scores could rival that of KPop Demon Hunter which are Oscar worthy. But every time the battle got going you’d be taken out of the moment to have flash backs. You’ll have a recap or moment to build up and explain how we’re going to have the ability to defeat or fight further the opponent in front of us. (Reading the manga felt very quick and maybe it works in this media) But the movie having this took me out of the experience constantly in those first 2 fights.

Now with this said, this was my personal experience. My wife loved those parts while not enjoying the backstory of the last fight which I personally loved and hope it executed in the next feature in part 2.

Which brings me to the potential 2 year gap between sequels. I read it’s to improve the quality of the film….So why did those flash backs feel like quality TV episodes rather than feel like the movie playing around it? I hope this is what they mean by improving the quality but who’s to know other than the creators.

That ending had me hyped as it lead perfectly into the second part. I’m ready for more. I’ll have to re-watch the movie once more and see if that 8.5 gets to a 9. (Sinners did it but mainly due to a couple next to me talking).

Love to hear your thoughts in the comments on your experience. The movie was epic! Let’s agree there. But did you find it long due to reasons mentioned above? Did you get taken out of the fights due to the same reasons or another? Let me know below. I’m personally hoping part 2 is like the last fight. Nezha 2 had an incredible last 40 minutes that offered so much emotion while feeling epic and connected. For those that watched it and get what I mean let me know your thoughts also on the two experiences.

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The Long Walk “Review”

Release date: September 12, 2025 (USA)

Director: Francis Lawrence

Story by: Stephen King

Screenplay: J.T. Mollner

Running time: 1h 48m

Producers: Francis Lawrence, Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Cameron MacConomy

These actors did an incredible job! – I never thought about all the hurdles walking hundreds of miles would entail but wow I got my mystery question answered without knowing I had it.

Lets discuss shall we ?!?

Teens participate from every state to participate in the long walk. Get a wish granted and a whole lot of money. That is if you’re the sole survivor on 49 total participants.

You follow an incredible cast in this movie which you’ll create strong bonds with which will pull at your heart strings. You know only 1 survives so who do you pick to follow? Choose wrong and your hearts going to hurt more than anything. This movie doesn’t hold back punches. It’s pretty in your face with the challenges these young men are having to endure.

Ever thought about the freaking bathroom situation? Yea, I didn’t until someone had to go #2! That sh*t! was insane ;P. Here’s some shout outs for the actors and who their playing.

David Jonsson (From most recently Alien Romulus) playing Peter McVries. Cooper Hoffman (Saturday Night 2024) playing Raymon Garraty – Our introductory main character to the movie and it’s universe. Ben Wang (Karate Kid: Legends) playing Hank Olson. The legendary Mark Hamill is playing The Major. Roman Griffin Davis (Acted in Silent Night, Voice Acted in The King of Kings) plays Thomas Curley. Garrett Wareing (Ransom Canyon 2025 & Dead Sea 2024) plays Stebbins. Charlie Plummer (The Return) plays Gary Barkovitch and lastly but not least for everyone else in this great movie is Tut Nyuot (This is his first movie, however most recently was in the TV Series The Witcher as Shen) Playing Arthur Baker.

Skipped the actors portion or not above that’s all well and fair. But don’t skip this movie. It’s truly a great watch and I’d love to place it in my top 10 for this year but sadly falls just short at a 8/8.5. Just the topic matter and what’s on screen isn’t something I’d grab cereal and repeat watch a dozen times :P. But I’d watch it again and it’s better than a one time solid good movie thus placing it in the great 8 tier.

No spoilers here you can see but let me know your thoughts in the comments below :D.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. I’ve seen an up tick on readers recently and I appreciate you taking the time to come on by.

We have a solid good few months remaining before the year is out. How’s your top 10 list going. Waiting for any highly anticipated movies to knock off your lower top 10 list? Let me know :D.

Still to come for September – Him, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, & One Battle After Another – For the memes maybe Gabby’s Dollhouse.

October – Smashing Machine, Roofman, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Black Phone 2, Good Fortune, Chainsaw Man, Anniversary & Stitch Head. Possibly Bugonia & Pets on a Train.

November – Predator: Badlands, Keeper, Now You See Me, Running Man, Rental Family, Wicked: For Good & Zootopia 2.

Lastly for December – FNAF 2, Scarlet, Silent Night, Avatar 3, The Housemaid & SpongeBob. Maybe Anaconda & Marty Supreme?

Until next time though, happy movie going 😀

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The Legend of Hei II “Review”

Release date: September 5, 2025 (USA)

Director: MTJJ

Cast: Shan Xin, Mingyue Liu

Genre: Animation

Production company: Tianjin Maoyan Weiying Media Company Limited

Running time: 1h 59m

Screenplay: MTJJ, Kexin Peng

Glad I was recommended to watch this movie because WOW! I’ve got another series to watch / world to get into, along side that of Nezha :D. Shall we dive in!

I watched the first film, INCLUDING the 40 episode web series leading up to watching the last showing of Legend of hei 2 in theatres. Caught it JUST in time :D. Yes I’ll be purchasing this series along with Nezha 2 once they release. 😉 Guess who’s in this franchise. Freaking the legendary Naza 😀 otherwise known as Nezha hehe.

I can’t say I love the second movie more or less than the first title. It offers something solid with some returns but many new characters to explore. I wouldn’t be lying if I said my enjoyment was hindered by the lack of many characters from the first film and the webseries. But alas the move is still solid with plenty to get hyped about. SPECIALLY for those Naza fans like myself 😀 OMG it gets a .5 just for that alone haha.

So the first film is a prequel to the webseries and really establishes Hei. His master and the setting within the world with spirits and humans. The web series is a fun little series around Hei and his human friends mixed with some spirits and the best animal characters you’ll ever meet in a series. The sequel film continues to explore the world going into the dynamics of the spirits vs human conflict. Both sides live amongst one another. But not everyone’s happy about it.

Thus a war / mystery detective film is our sequels enjoyment. I’m ready for more, mostly to see Naza and some other characters within the guild & Enforcers. Unlike Nezha 2 which takes the scope of his village and expands it to literally worlds, planes of existence and vast vast more. This series takes place solely on earth and explores areas of conflict but mainly centered about a specific conflict rather than a global eye. So lots more to peel back and reveal deeper layers to the lore and character development of Hei.

Check it out and let me know your thoughts. I’d LOVE to have this at a 9/10 having it in my top 10 along with Nezha 2. Sadly though the fact it didn’t tie in those characters from prior installments that got me connected to this series to binge it all in 1 day it sits in a solid 8/10 great movie. For having Naza 😀 8.5/10 and a feature I’d happily watch again.

Any other recommendations? I’d love to hear them. However before this batch wraps up with The Long Walk. I appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle will be up Monday Night / Tuesday so stay tuned for that if you’re interested :D.

Happy movie going fellow movie goers and I’ll see you in the next movie – The Long Walk :D.

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Twinless “Review”

Release date: September 5, 2025 (USA)

Director: James Sweeney

Producers: James Sweeney, David Permut

Distributed by: Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate Films, Republic Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing International

Running time: 1h 40m

MPAA rating: R

For a movie I was going to skip. I’m glad I checked out the RT score and checked out this movie. It’s the reason why I started Popped! To see movies I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Let’s discuss shall we!

I didn’t watch a trailer prior. Some co-workers discussed the potential story based on what they heard and the poster. I still had no idea, fully! What I was abouts to experience.

This movie starts of very dark and vulnerable. Roman and his mother are at Roman’s brother funeral. Roman’s brother is Rocky and there played by amazing actor Dylan O’Brien which I havn’t personally seen since the Maze Runner series :O insane! That was almost 10 years ago since the third one released. From here Roman attends a support group for twins that have lost their sibling.

We meet Dennis, a fellow twin attending this support group that creates a connection with Roman. Que the Title card Twinless and prepare to have your world rocked! The first 40mins was an insane rollercoaster setting this movie up.

At first, maybe due to how dark this movie started and the depth to reach in deep and start connection with these characters at such a low point I felt like it was okay. But honestly that 6 rose to a 7.5/8 by the end of that 40minutes. I wont spoil anything just WoW. I can see why the scores are so high within the 90’s over on RT.

So where did this movie land for me personally here at Popped? I debated the 9. But, as I look at the casts pictures on google search 😛 and think back to the movie. For me personally it’s not a movie I could see myself repeat viewing at a 9. But I wouldn’t be apposed to watching it again a few times, either for a repeat viewing myself or to watch with others.

I really enjoyed the characters and the story that was told. But that tonal energy and knowing the story stops it getting into my 9’s even if I really thoroughly enjoyed the movie at a 8.5/10. I’m super glad I watched it and it reminds me of why I love watching movies I wouldn’t have otherwise. Maybe this title will speak strongly with others that may also miss out on the opportunity otherwise also.

So with that being said. If you watched it. What did you think? Did you enjoy it? Did it speak deeply to you as either a twin or someone impacted by the story and it’s realism of emotional attachment to others. I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Did you return here due to my earlier review of Splitsville? Then massive shoutout to you and think about subscribing to Popped to not miss out on any new batches of Movie “Reviews”.

Next weekend I’ll be busy attending a friends wedding which I’m super excited for 😀 Shout out to them if they happen to checkout this “Review” 😀 Mass congratulations <3.

I’ll try get The Long Walk “Reviewed” by Friday evening and be back after next weekend with the EPIC! Demon Slayer movie which is a part 1 of 3 to finish the series. It’s going to be insane. Following that, the week after, we have a double batch with A Big Bold Beautiful Journey & Him. Ending the month of September with One Battle After Another.

Until next batch though, happy movie going everyone ❤

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Splitsville “Review”

Initial release: May 19, 2025

Director: Michael Angelo Covino

Producers: Dakota Johnson, Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin · See more

Distributed by: Neon

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 40m

Was recommended checking this title, out so yesterday I did just that – Let’s Discuss Shall We!

This movie started and all was well and okay, it’s okay. But then there’s a turning point. The fun fair – mainly the fish coaster ;). Just describing the scene to my wife had her laughing aloud last night :D.

So what’s this movie about? As displayed in the poster. You’re following two couples journeys in their relationship. Two best friends and their wives. One relationship is torn apart through one partner coming out they cheated and wants a divorce. The other have an open relationship where they can see others physically, while maintaining their emotional connection together within their marriage.

I’ve been comparing / competing this movie with The Roses. What I thought I was getting from that. I got within this movie. Despite having a lot of negative and destruction within their relationships, there’s a lot of light and fun in this movie that had me several times laughing out loud while connecting and feeling for these characters.

There’s a lot of scenes I look forward to re-watching and the finale got this from the 7.5 up to a 8/10 great movie for me personally. There’s a lot to enjoy in this one which I’ll hold back talking about so you get to experience fresh. Let me know in the comments your thoughts.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” stay tuned later for another batch as I may checkout Twinless later on today. Don’t think I’ve even seen a trailer but peeking at the reviews. I’m intrigued!

Happy movie going everyone, we’ll see you next time 😀

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Honey Don’t!

Release date: August 22, 2025 (USA)

Director: Ethan Coen

Screenplay: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke

Producers: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Robert Graf

Production companies: Focus Features, Working Title Films

MPAA rating: R

Okay, after watching this movie, I rated Americana to high, by just a smidge. This is taking it’s place. But what’s this! An empty theatre and seeing 50’s outta 100 for IMBd & RT scores :O

Let’s Discuss shall we 😀

The opening was very alluring that’s for sure. The lady coming down the rubble path to investigate a flipped over crashed car and still dripping with blood woman was just the appetizer for what’s to come.

Serious the more we got into this feature the more I questioned Americana. Yea I enjoyed that title but I really enjoyed certain characters. Honey Don’t! I enjoyed ALL the characters and actors.

The trailer even had me thinking it showed too much of the film…yea right! There was plenty of surprises and even more to explore. From a comedy angle that got good from its adult humor to it’s ….. 4th wall but not really 4th wall playing with the audience knowing what we know but knowing the character doesn’t know was a hoot.

Margaret Qualley as our Honey O’Donahue, Aubrey Plaza as the love interested cop MG Falcone. Chris Evans who was in the trailer but I honestly forgot he was in the movie till he popped up and WoW, LOVED! All his scenes 😉 haha as the Reverend Drew Devlin. The fantastic and hilarious Charlie Day as Honey’s other detective “friend?” Marty Metakawich along with so many others. This movie was honestly stacked with enjoyment.

I wont get into spoilers but just know this is a detective story looking into a murder that unravels so much. Adult humor is a packed a full. Mysteries & Comedy colide in this match up and I was all for it.

Sorry Americana but Honey Don’t! Took your lower end top 10 slot with an 8.5/10 I personally loved it despite others seemingly are not.

But hey if Honey Don’t! Isn’t your thing. Ne Zha 2 re-released with an English Dub today opening for this weekend. Check out the best Animated Movie of 2025. It’s solidly the best. You may see KPop Demon Hunters on sale but check that out on Netflix and spend your time at the theatre seeing Ne Zha 2. 😉 I chose my side 😀 Who will stand on the battlefield come the Oscars and choose Ne Zha 2!

With that being said…. Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Have a wonderful weekend filled with great movies and love to hear your thoughts on what’s keeping people from enjoying this feature in the mid 50’s?

Until next time though, happy movie going!

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Americana “Review”

Release date: August 15, 2025 (USA)

Director: Tony Tost

Genres: Mystery, Western, Comedy, Thriller, Action, Adventure, Drama, Crime film, crime fiction, Crime Thriller

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 47m

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films

Giving me vibes of Last Stop to Yuma County from last year I was excited to watch this title.

So how was it? Let’s discuss!

Telling a story across 5 parts – My favorite story telling method 😀 – This was a well executed tale and loved all the characters throughout. Specially Part 3 which tied everything together.

Starting off with a family that’s son has a reincarnation of a native American leader.

To a beautiful relationship between a local cowboy and dinner employee.

These stories among others are connected through a rare native American artifact – The Ghost Shirt.

All the actors did a great job from stand outs of Sydney Sweeney playing Penny Jo Poplin employee at the dinner. To her Cowboy friend Lefty Ledbetter played by Paul Walter Hauser.

Gavin Maddox Bergman playing the son Cal Starr did a great job introducing this feature. I speak highly of Last stop to yuma county from last year and this is a very good title. I’d say a smidge lower than yuma county but still a solid great watch. Weaker 9 but solidly a worthy watch I’d place in my top 10 list thus far. Maybe 8.5 if we need to cut some later in the year.

*EDIT* – Honey Don’t had me re-evaluate this decision knocking it down to a Solid 8/10.

So what did you think of Americana? Surprised so high? Think it’s in the 8’s ? Love to hear your thoughts as currently RT has it at 68% and IMBD at 5.6 hopefully that’s not due to the negativity going on around a certain actor right now which I wont get into.

Let’s enjoy the movies and keep it to the movie 😀 – That’d be nice 😀

Until next time though fellow movie goers. Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for your movie “Reviews” and as always. Happy movie going!

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