Category: Great Movie!

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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Weapons “Review”

Release date: August 8, 2025 (USA)

Director: Zach Cregger

MPAA rating: R

Screenplay: Zach Cregger

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

Running time: 2h 8m

If there’s one thing I’d request from audience viewers on this feature. It’d be not to ruin this movie. From what I expected going in to what I saw…..is summed up by W.T.F :D. Let’s Discuss.

How’d I paint a picture of this movie without going into spoilers. When 17 children have woken up at 2.17am ran out their front door and disappeared to never come back is your opening scene this movie doesn’t hold back.

Telling you this story through layers, picking characters point of view, then slowly revealing how we get to the movies combined conclusion. Is my favorite story telling method. Although not necessarily slow. It does require some sticking with it in order to get to some pretty awesome scenes maybe even for some intense.

I’d love to dive in deeper but go experience this through just the teaser trailer or no trailer at all. Seeing Julia Garner in this role is awesome as it’s what I wanted from her when watching Wolfman earlier in the year. There’s a lot of surprisingly good actors here which I didn’t catch from the trailer so enjoy their performances.

If anyone wants to discuss spoilers or anything I’d love to discuss more in the comments however for now I’ll wrap this “Review” of Weapons as this. It’s a great movie. Sure it has many questions to answer. Sure you may leave wanting 5 more minutes. But what if this was a part 1 or a piece of the puzzle for this mystery? What if there’s more to be revealed and layers to be pulled back on?

If Weapons is standalone I’d say 8.5/10. Let it cook and it’ll serve you something delicious. If we’re only at the surface of what went down. Then this could be a masterpiece series that I’m excited to jump back into and love to see more. When comparing it to Sinners. I couldn’t give this a 9. So make of that when going into watch Weapons this weekend.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Looking forward to hear your thoughts below :D. Think a genre should be changed from horror/mystery to something else? Let’s discuss that also :D.

Appreciate you being a member of Popped and stay tuned for more “Reviews” real soon. Either we’re going to stay in this dark realm with Strange Harvest or we’re jumping out to freakier matters with Freakier Friday.

Until next time though, happy movie going!

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The Naked Gun “Review”

Release date: August 1, 2025 (USA)

Director: Akiva Schaffer

Starring: Liam Neeson; Pamela Anderson; Paul Walter Hauser; Danny Huston; CCH Pounder; Kevin Durand

MPAA rating: PG-13

Running time: 1h 25m

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Naked Gun & Bad Guys 2 what a week for comedy – Non the less, did Naked Gun capture the energy and laughs of the original? – Rapid Fire “Review” coming up.

So Final Destination had a 14 ish year gap from it’s prior release. I know what you did last summer had a gap of several years. Naked Gun had a 30 year gap from it’s third movie and this rebooted sequel.

2/3 of the 3 captured the originals and brought it into modern times with the same energy and good times….Naked Gun & Final Destination are back and shining examples of bringing old IP into the current era.

Looking for a fun time go check out Naked Gun. Even check out the first movie then the ending of the third and jump into this one or even watch them all. Police Squad is back and a barrel of laughs – 8/10

2 Movies left to get caught up – Eddington followed by Sketch – Staggering these throughout the day to not mass publish 😀 – See you in the comments or next proper “Review”.

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Elio “Review”

Release date: June 20, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Adrian Molina, Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian

Running time: 1h 39m

Story by: Madeline Sharafian; Domee Shi; Adrian Molina; Julia Cho

MPAA rating: PG

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Believe it or not. This is the better movie releasing this weekend! Disney should have pushed this over the live action Lilo & Stitch. Or pushed it for a fathers day movie. Anything than letting this beautiful Pixar movie get bombed at the box office and released later on Disney+.

Elio, the boy that sadly has lost his parents and along with them his place on planet earth. Feeling isolated and alone with no place nor purpose. Elio seeks out to be abducted by aliens thus conveniently having this opportunity through his Aunts workplace.

This film sadly wont be up there with a classic Toy Story tier of Pixar. But is definitely able to bring the feels and heart of Pixar well above a lot of their most recent works. (2nd Best since 2020 under Inside Out 2 – Didn’t see Elemental mind you but heard it was good).

The theatre I watched this is was applauding at the credit roll which was really nice to experience after this touching story. Both on the story of Elio’s friend and his father. Along with Elio finding friends and a place in the universe.

Keeping this one short as that’s pretty much it. Go experience this movie and give it a chance. Yea the development of this movie was dragged through several re-shoots and test screenings, but they have something special here worth checking out and worth of Pixar’s name.

Only request from little o me….. please bring back the shorts. Miss those Pixar shorts before the main feature. Thank you DreamWorks for picking this up with your most recent titles. With that said and done let’s give this a Popped score and wrap the batch up. 8/10 😀

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” movie goers :D. Maybe return tomorrow for something a little…different? With Bride Hard. I’ve seen a sneak at the review scores and wowzer I’m not sure if it’s worth my time….but Mission objective 100 movies is pulling me in 😀 haha.

Until next batch!

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28 Years Later “Review”

Release date: June 20, 2025 (USA)

Director: Danny Boyle

Prequel: 28 Weeks Later

Running time: 1h 55m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

It’s insane the first film released in 2002, absolutely amazing movie with a not so bad sequel…but you don’t need to know any of that for 28 years later… or do you? (At least watch the first even if it’s not required to enjoy the latest installment). Let’s discuss!

Want to avoid spoilers then just know. I enjoyed the film and looking forward to what’s to come next. Have fun and enjoy the sequel of 28 Days Later.

Want to know a little more with slight maybe medium spoiler? Then stick around. 28 years later takes us further out into the timeline of this rage virus outbreak to the point where England is in quarantine zone. Small islands / establishments have been setup to continue life in these new conditions but now development of this virus has created many variations like Alphas, Betas & Slow / Fast kinds of infected.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson playing Jamie is the introduction of this feature and leads us to 28 years later in his settlement with wife and child. Spike the 12 year old being played by Alfie Williams is taken out on his first skirmish to get his first kill on the main land. What awaits is to be enjoyed and witnessed :D. It’s pretty awesome despite some creative decisions with the cinematography that felt personally jarring at first before getting “used to it”.

The first half of this feature felt great and the world being created is one I’m very happy to see have a sequel in very soon from now in early 2026. The second half kind of lost me but that’s where I’ll stop to avoid spoilers. Least to say, the ending certainly wraps it up and I’m very excited to see what’s to come in the bone temple.

If this was to be stand alone. Id give a very good Popped score of 7.5. However knowing this is getting a sequel so soon and expanding on the world built in this title. It’s getting a weak great 8/10 :D. I could critique that second half but let’s discuss that in the comments away from those going in for the first time.

Thank you all for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’m excited to wrap this trio batch up with the last movie, Elio!

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The Unholy Trinity

Initial release: October 12, 2024 (World Premier) USA Release June 13th 2025

Director: Richard Gray

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 33m

Distributed by: Roadside Attractions, Saban Capital Group

Box office: $559,610

This feature is insane! To see that critics gave it under 20% out of 100 :o. I’m not a fan of westerns. So why am I checking this out? The actors are awesome! Pierce Brosnan & Samuel L. Jackson from the trailer got me into the theater seat for this title.

So what’s my Popped score? Let’s discuss!

Henry Broadway played by Brandon Lessard finds himself in a dilemma set upon him from his father. Promising to revenge his father that was setup for murder. Henry seeks the sheriff of a local town to claim his life.

This is where the film takes several paths of depth to explore the statement. Villains & Heroes, don’t get yourself caught on the wrong side of the coin. To someone you’re a Villain and on the other side you’re the Hero.

Out for blood or for justice? The choice path is yours to walk. For a short hour and 33 minute feature I had a great time. Honestly a little more than The Phoenician Scheme thus placing this at a 8/10 great movie. Yea it’s higher than the average scores of 66% / 6.2/10 but hey, I had a much better time than the critics so make your own decision and choose your path of the coin :D.

I could dive into the story if you’d like but for a short movie. Where’s the fun in that hey :D. It’s a western. There’s murder, guns, shooting, fighting, saloons and all. Experienced characters and fresh adventurers to boot. Gangs and crooks along with hidden surprises. It’s a fun movie worth checking out, even if curious on the fence. Unless you took the pill that some critics did.

Shall we get to the best saved last? Let’s dive into the next feature of our trilogy batch. The life of chuck :D. Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “reviews” and as usual. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Train Your Dragon (2025) “Review”

Release date: June 13, 2025 (USA)

Director: Dean DeBlois

MPAA rating: PG

Running time: 1h 56m

Producers: Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel, Marc Platt

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

While Disney takes their properties and makes changes for the live action adaptation. Universal’s DreamWorks re-creates the original in live action almost to a 1:1 translation. Question is? Who does it best? & Is it worth it? Let’s Discuss

2025 Live Action “Review”

Seen the original or not. This live action adaptation was really good. Fantastic casting across the board. One character that was mostly changed from the animated was still solid but less memorable with her lines. Not sure what translated differently without comparing the two.

From the performances, music & the story being re-told. This was truly solid. I’d watch again and love it. A 9/10? Not quite. If the original holds that then the live action sits within the great 8 tier. For me personally an 8.5/10 due to Gerard Butler (Stoick the Vast) & Mason Thames (Hiccup Horrendous) performances with one another got me in the feels. Top notch performance from Nick Frost playing Gobber. Surprise hit that I loved was Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thortston. Sadly Ruffnut was weaker (Bronwyn James) however still a solid performance. Nico Parker playing Astrid Hofferson was completely fine in this role and looking forward to what she does with the character going into the sequels. Lastly another slightly weaker character was Fishlegs Ingerman being played by Julian Dennison. Not bad at all. Just slightly different to animated.

Despite the 1:1 translation from animated to live action. I had to remember this has live actors performing :P. If you closed your eyes you’d honestly be able to fit both versions in and have them play side by side. Fantastic. So what kept it in the 8 tier?

The Dragons are too close to the animated versions. I love the models. But would have honestly loved a realer version of the Dragons. Maybe practical effects over CGI could have set them apart while holding true to the original? Something to give the live action it’s own identity set apart from the live actors and sets.

The other thing keeping it back was just a couple of scenes that felt like green screen. Only happened a couple of times but was a little jarring and bringing me out of the experience.

2025 Live Action VS 2010 Animated Original “Thoughts”

It’s almost perfect. So close to being so that I’ve made references in the stand alone thoughts above. I haven’t seen the original in quite some time but looking back at pictures and all, you’re not getting the abomination that Lilo & Stitch was when comparing.

Ruffnut was slightly changed in appearance. Maybe some different lines? or something that I still prefer the animated version better. However her twin brother Tuffnut was spot on and loved it!

Would I advise from watching the Live Action to the Animated? NO, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve never seen the animated and maybe want to check it out to compare or re-watch the series in wait for Live Action #2 :D.

Wrap up

Little to critique is looking promising for this coming weekend. RT has this feature sitting at 79%, IMDb at an 8.1/10 and for some odd reason, Metacritic sits at 60%. Here on Popped however, staying with the higher score of 8.5/10 and looking forward to news of the sequel.

Maybe one day I’ll find my way to Epic Universe and experience the park/rides.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your “Review” of How to Train your Dragon. I may or may-not “review” Ballerina as currently I don’t feel right reviewing it. Having gone in so tired, I missed roughly 40minutes asleep. Currently it’s a fine 6.5 to good 7/10 but I’d like to re-watch / fill in the gaps before we discuss that one.

Until next time though, happy movie going!

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Final Destination Bloodlines “Review”

Release date: May 16, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Zach Lipovsky, Adam Stein

Prequel: Final Destination 5

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 49m

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

14 Years later since Final Destination 5 released, we’re back again with FD: Bloodlines Let’s dive into this gore fest masterpiece shall we :D.

I’ll discuss some story elements to a point then go into my overall thoughts. If you want to avoid anything and all things potential spoiler then read the above comment again and go enjoy this new addition of Final Destination.

Setting up the opening scene is a premonition occurring of Stephanie’s grandmother Iris. Which events occurred 50 years ago atop of the Skyview restaurant. This opening had my mouth wide open in Aww of the incredible gore fest that played out. Super clever writing and loved all the characters involved in setting that up.

Waking up from this haunting nightmare that plagues Stephanie she seeks out her family to find answers to hopefully stop them from occurring and prevent being kicked out of school for failing grades. This leads us to our main cast of characters within Stephanie’s Bloodline, including that of her grandmother Iris.

Sit back with some popcorn and get ready for some awesome gore fest deaths and fun. Final Destinations: Bloodlines doesn’t miss a beat and is being raved as the best in the series. It’s a great movie and I’d even watch the opening over and over again at how good it was. Wanting more lore? Then get your detective hats on because you’ll be diving in deep with this one. I think FD5 was so clever in connecting this series together that 6 has come along and continued that path.

Nothing to sit around for the end as there’s no post credit scene. However for fans of this series we had the crowd clapping and sending off Tony Todd with his in memory title card. May he rest in piece & thank you for the incredible hard work and awesome performances he’s put into this franchise. Something that he’s left an everlasting impression on and will never be forgotten. ❤

Well? What are you still doing here? Go get your tickets and check out Final Destination: Bloodline at your local theatre. You wanted a rating? Why didn’t you say so. I was between 2 scores with a solid 8 tier great movie I landed at a 8.5. There’s a lot of 9 in this movie and for some I can see this being a Blu-Ray purchase. Let’s hope we get another one so I can own a box set of 10 movies 😀

Thank you for coming to Popped for your movie “Review” of Final Destination: Bloodlines. I look forward to hearing/seeing 😀 your thoughts in the comments below. But until then everyone. Stay safe and be careful with your pennies. I heard those things can kill someone.

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Thunderbolts* “Review”

Release date: May 2, 2025 (USA)

Director: Jake Schreier

Running time: 2h 6m

Story by: Eric Pearson

MPAA rating: PG-13

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Is Marvel back or some may say are the Avengers back? If you read my Cap 4 “Review” you know my stance with current Marvel and Thunderbolts was on my list of hope… was hope for breakfast or served spoilt milk…. let’s discuss.

The quick review (Non Spoiler)

Super fun time, would watch again, stay until the very end. Want to watch again. Lots of scenes stuck with me that I’d love to hear from others their reactions and thoughts on.

Non Spoiler “Review” – Cucumber is my safe word 😀

Loved these characters, want to spend more time with them and excited to get back to the Thunderbolts* in repeat viewings / future content.

Personal stand outs, Yelena (Played by Florence Pugh) – Fantastic with the team, great character development and lots of cool scenes to explore. Red Guardian – (Played by David Harbour) Yelena’s father is so funny and love the continued development between himself and Yelena. Epic Duo loved them but there’s more. U.S Agent – (Played by Wyatt Russell) Surprisingly a hit. Coming from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier back in 2021. We have my glue between Yelena & The next person on my stand out list. Loved their introduction sequence and that brings us to Bob – (Played by Lewis Pullman) know him or not I think Bob is going to be a fan favorite. Plenty of setup to be intrigued and enough to pull back on to explore this new character randomly thrown into the mix.

MCU – The Marvel Cinematic Universe feels like it’s back. It has it’s Universe back. No longer feeling like a stand alone title. Without going into spoilers. This feels apart of the overall story and I’m ready for what’s to come.

End Credit Scene – Non Spoiler – Stay to the very end. The mid scene this time around is the fun one. Stay to the end. You wont want to miss it. Trust me 😀

What’s next to discuss? You want some more? How about some vague but crazy lines to get you intrigued but beware of potential spoilers? Then stick around to the very end. Mind you, we’ve got to give a score. With me wanting to return and watch again. I’m giving Thunderbolts* a Popped score of 8/10.

Thank you – For coming by Popped for your movie “Review” of Thunderbolts*. Planned for this week is Surfers among many random titles releasing over this weekend and next. But until then. Enjoy watching Thunderbolts* it’s a lot of fun and feels like the MCU is back. See you next batch. Let’s get Thunderbolts* to at least 80Mill opening weekend…100 would be awesome – Beating Minecraft would be juicy :D.

Potential Spoilers – Beware – Some fun little comments

DC has some competition with this team with an upcoming superhero of theirs. Who will win? Goku* VS Superman?

Marketing felt like old time Marvel marketing 😉 nice one! Let’s keep this up and not return to Captain America 4 territory.

New discussion unlocked – Who’s the real Avengerz? Or even, who’s your Avengers?

2026 gunna be a good freaking year for Marvel and I’m honestly feeling pretty good. Fab 4 has some work for me to get into. But Thunderbolts* is carrying 2025 on it’s back.

The Sound Track! :OMG I HEARD IT!

Enjoy 😀

Potential Spoilers – Beware – Some fun little comments

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The Accountant 2 “Review”

Release date: April 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: Gavin O’Connor

Starring: Ben Affleck; Jon Bernthal; Cynthia Addai-Robinson; Daniella Pineda; J. K. Simmons

Running time: 2h 5m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

How’s this getting lower scores than The Legend of Ochi! Something smells off here. The Legend of stolen Sneaks got flipped with Accountant 2 while Ochi got flipped with Sneaks 😀

Been a minute since the first title but this started and ended with the same energy as the first. Thoroughly enjoyed this feature. Loved the chemistry between Ben Affleck & Jon Bernthal. Brothers to the end :D.

Not going to dive into this story. It’s literally the movies adventure to discover. So sit back and enjoy. Don’t miss the beginning as it sets up all the adventure.

Heard this is apart of a trilogy and I’m ready for what’s to come. No post credit scene so feel free to leave straight after the title ends. Loved how this continued development from characters in the first installment.

Only critique is some scenes felt a little long but added to character growth / setup for fun scenes shortly to come from them :D.

More substance than action movies like A Working Man. Some material can be heavy for some audiences so be prepared for that. It had me on the edge of my seat along with many others when looking around the theatre.

Was hovering around an 8 to 8.5 but going to place The Accountant 2 at a 8/10 great watch. May watch again. For sure would revisit if watching this as a trilogy. Socials are giving this from 7.3/10 on IMBd to 92% on Fandango.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. More to come tomorrow as I catch up with Until Dawn & A Miku Who Can’t Sing. Didn’t check it out at first thinking it was a concert. Found out it’s an actual movie. Stay tuned for tomorrow on that :D.

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