Category: Great Movie!

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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Sinners “Review”

Initial release: April 18, 2025

Director: Ryan Coogler

Running time: 2h 17m

MPAA rating: R

Budget: 90 million USD

Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian

Kudos to Ryan Coogler on creating a trailer that teases what’s to come in this title while also not showing his hand like a few other movies we’ve had this year and prior.

If you know me you’ll know I like to speak code. So let’s speak code on this one to keep those cards sealed and in hand so your enjoyment of this title can be at its fullest.

The time period is 1932 and twin brothers Smoke & Stack being played by the incredible Michael B. Jordan return from Mississippi Delta after years of being away working in Chicago for Al Capone.

Using their $ they purchase a sawmill to start up their new business, a juke joint for the local black community. Their cousin Sammie is introduced as an aspiring guitarist, joining them despite opposition from his pastor father who warns that blues music is supernatural….

Now if you know, you know, and if you don’t, then avoid the trailer and go in blind for a pretty big reveal of this movie and why people are speaking so highly of it. The majority of this title is taking place over a period of a day leading to the events that start this movie with a whammy. (Don’t miss the intro scene, turn up on time).

I thoroughly enjoyed the build up and journey of these characters as the trailer reveals but that alone is a solid good watching experience. Then the aftermath and what comes next is what I’d watch this title again for. Despite how good the setup was. It’s what keeps this going into the 9 tier but sits solidly at 8.5 drawing this title out a little long but totally worth going out and watching this feature at least once.

I just watched this yesterday and looks like my wife wants to check it out today so I’ll be going back already, haha. Socials has this from a 8.2 to 98% so people are thoroughly enjoying Sinners.

Without going into spoilers. You may hear buzz about hope for a sequel. Stick around slightly longer during the credits. You’ll see why. Sinners will display and you can walk out the theatre then but you’ll know when it’s time to leave. Wanting more blues, stick around to the very end for that last scene but nothing story related if you want to save 5minutes.

For those that watched the trailer – Non Spoiler – After Second Watch

Just got out from second watch, OMG it’s incredible. Loved the pacing during second viewing. Go to bathroom before you get to the club otherwise you’re almost locked in or miss some of the best scenes. Music was insanely good and all the characters and actors do incredible! Maybe due to a couple chatting next to me in my first viewing but loved loved loved this second watch. My wife even gave the movie a 10/10 so bumping it to 9/10 and placing it on my top 10 list.

Enjoy 😀

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Did you enjoy Sinners? Want to discuss what could come next? Then let us know in the comments below.

Coming up this week we have The Accountant 2, Legend of Ochi & Until Dawn “Reviews”. Would anyone be interested in me “Reviewing” Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie or randomly On Swift Horses?

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Warfare “Review”

Release date: April 11, 2025 (USA)

Directed by: Ray Mendoza; Alex Garland

Running time: 1h 35m

Budget: $20 million

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: A24

Solid trailer to begin with but what’s more solid is seeing this budget! $20 Million for Warfare while Disney spends 10 times this is an insane difference. Nice job A24.

I mentioned it the other day how A24 are inconsistent with their quality of movies comparing to neon. Well here is Warfare the movie we thought we were getting when Civil War released last year. I’m going to end this “Review” with a bit of a spoiler that I’ll mark clearly with if you’re interested. But before that let’s discuss Warfare and why I may even nominate it the Oscar for sound/editing.

The entire movie has been created from memory from all those that survived this war. Stick around throughout the credits to see the veterans and their movie counterparts. It’s pretty remarkable seeing this after watching what goes down during this title.

Warfare sets the viewer up with a platoon of American Navy SEALS on a surveillance mission in an insurgent territory of Iraq. Throughout the setup of this mission the silence and lack of action was so powerful when action gets going. I mentioned Oscar earlier. This is where it could win it. Any action after those intense silence moments sets the theatre a light with explosions that will shake you in your seat. Make sure to watch this in a theatre. The sound was incredible and the edit created so much suspense.

It’s a well crafted war film that’s definitely worth the view. Popped scoring of 8/10! Warfare is great. Stick around for the nitty gritty if you don’t mind some “story” spoilers.

Placing the thank you here to seperate my thoughts above to the Nitty Gritty below. So with that thank you for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” and looking forward to the week ahead. Sneaks on Thursday, followed by potentially sometime over the weekend or early next week, Sinners & The Wedding Banquet.

See you next batch on the Popped.blog 😀

Potential Spoiler Chat – The Nitty Gritty

Didn’t want to take away this from your movie going experience. So placing the nitty gritty at the bottom of this “Review”. Despite being a surveillance mission and not wanting to take away the fact this is based on real Navy SEALs literal memories.

The story / plot is the weakest for me personally. I got to the end feeling like nothing was achieved. Think of Warfare as a piece of action from a slice of War. You’re focused on a singular point of conflict without getting the bigger picture. To get this title into a stronger 8 and maybe even a 9. I’d love to have seen a bigger picture pull out and the impact of this surveillance mission on the overall war that’s occurring over Comms.

Maybe I missed something or the point trying to be communicated to the viewer but that’s the nitty gritty of it all. Had a great time watching this title but don’t go in expecting a story with mission objectives and a moving plot. Theirs a moving plot for the characters, emotion and for survival but you’re in place for the majority of this movie and A24 and the cast made it a worthy watch at the theatre.

If you read to the end I’d love to hear your thoughts on Warfare in the comments and what did you think of Civil War? Will A24 be releasing War movies like these every April going forth? I’m curious to see if their branching out the scope to a realistic global war movie that’s grounded like these on a small budget.

Thanks for coming by Popped and I’ll see you next batch.

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Freaky Tales “Review”

Release date: April 4, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films

Music by: Raphael Saadiq

Production companies: Entertainment One Films; MACRO Media; Gowanus Projection

Was between this and luckiest man in America. Can’t speak for the latter but glad I checked out Freaky Tales 😀 was a solid good time.

Apologize for the lateness on this “Review”. I’m sure most theatres may have lost this title in their bookings this week with the amount of content releasing. That being said if you can find a showing. It’s worth checking out :D.

Freaky Tales is an interesting title. Telling a story across 4 chapters that interweaves even if slightly at first connects to make a solid good movie. I’d even say a weaker great movie. So what is it about?

Take Scott Pilgram vs The World & Kill Bill, with your main enemy being neo-Nazis set in 1987 Oakland California. Each chapter focuses on a different set of characters. From an NBA star, to a corrupt cop. Female rap duo and Punk teenagers. Sit back and enjoy this these freaky tales dealing with this group of Nazis.

Some surprise cameos in this title are so worth checking out and everyone did a great job in each role. Only thing that took me a bit to get into is the first chapter. It’s aspect ratio or quality was vastly different to chapters 2 through 4. It’s a creative choice but interesting for sure. Part 4 was what brought this solid 7 up into the 7.5/8 region for me personally.

Thus with that we come to presenting Freaky Tales with a great score of 8/10. Other platforms range from 72% to 88% with 91% of google users liking this movie. So people are thoroughly enjoying this title.

Have you checked out Freaky Tales? On your radar? Love to hear your thoughts on this one. Stay tuned throughout this week as several titles release.

Plan on “Reviewing” The Amateur, Drop, King of Kings, Warfare & Sneaks this week. So lots to look forward to as April ramps up. Before we get to May, keep an eye on Popped Dates for my Summer expectations / hopes and predictions :D.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” and we’ll see you, next batch.

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Magazine Dreams “Review”

Initial release: January 20, 2023

Released: March 21, 2025

Director: Elijah Bynum

Screenplay: Elijah Bynum

Producers: Jeffrey Soros, Dan Gilroy, Jennifer Fox, Simon Horsman

Box office: $701,365

Distributed by: Briarcliff Entertainment

Wasn’t on my radar, however my friend asked if I intended to watch this feature. I’m so glad I did. Just like another feature that released this week. We’re discussing the movie. Although real life events have had a huge impact on this title. I’ll be discussing the feature in this “Review”. Love you my friend ❤ Congratulations and so happy for you. With that ray of light, “may your heart be your guiding key”.

Jonathan Majors is back and with a 2 year delay on this title from original release and may sadly not be up for Oscars (Despite totally worthy) lets dive into his character Killian Maddox trying to make it in the world of professional bodybuilding while taking care of his ailing grandfather.

From the top, this feature is very dark. In several avenues. Remember the light, find a source and continue forth. The first hour alone was so jam packed with events I thought the movie was abouts to wrap but still have 1 hour remaining. My freaking mind was blown with this. A solid good movie throughout, I was raising my score little be little each way not wanting to watch this title again for the heaviness. But then the light hit. I saw it and grasped on. Entering the tier of greatness.

Killian idolizes the worlds best and heavily featured in body builder magazines “Brad Vanderhorn” played by Mike O’Hearn. This was his only point of communication to others outside of his grandfather and appointed therapist. I can discuss how dark this gets but I’ve painted that picture enough to hold back here. Experience this story and ride yourselves. Jonathan Majors does an incredible job acting through so much emotion. Trying to hold things together while portraying the disconnect within his mind to social aspects.

I wrote a line here that hit me hard, struggling between his career and isolated social life. His career can be impacted by surgery under knife. Even if this surgery can be life saving. His life’s over without the career and over without the surgery so what does one do? On the other side, people are scared of who you are. Struggling with social queues, having thoughts and discussions within your head that let’s out emotion and feelings to those unprepared. This is a very sad and depressing movie that gets you feeling for this guy.

Love to write more but wanting to avoid spoilers so I’ll keep it here. A great movie that without giving anything away hopefully. Ends with such an impactful saying / statement to all. It’s a heavy one but a story worth visiting. Open your heart and mind. Find your light. Then continue forth for the next 2 hours. A great movie 8/10. I may revisit but sometime down the road.

Others on social platforms are rating this from a 6.8 on IMBD to 91% on Fandango and 95% with google users. I stated it at the top and I’ll say it once more. I’m glad I checked this title out.

Have you checked out Magazine Dreams? Love to hear your thoughts below. Maybe we can dive a little deeper but for now. Let’s allow others to experience this story.

Thank you for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”, I’ll see you for a triple dosage of Popped “Reviews” this coming thursday.

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