The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tune Movie “Review”

Release date: March 14, 2025 (USA)

Director: Peter Browngardt

Distributed by: Ketchup EntertainmentGFM Animation

Adapted from: Looney Tunes

Box office: $1.92 million

Music by: Joshua Moshier

February delay was just enough time to brew a fresh batch of boba tea…let’s chew on that.


It’s been quite some time since we’ve had a Looney Tunes movie / content so I’m excited to finally have this IP back in action. Quick draw “Review” this is through and through a good movie. Let it chew a little and some may even say its g.g.g..g.g Boba Great!

Having just watched Night of the Zoopocalypse, it’s funny to see a similar yet different plot point. While not focusing on a zoo through the animals POV. We get to see the looney side of events that played out for the humans in that situation. Getting to explore the friendship between Daffy Duck & Porky Pig with the addition of a new member of the gang Petunia Pig.

The film starts off, as I mentioned before. Good and through time the Looney Tunes magic cooks up a very good fun ride throughout this feature. Worth checking out for sure and really gets me excited to see what’s to come for more Looney Tunes Movies. I wont spoil any potential cameos as I know a few people mentioned the lack of Bugs. So go explore the title yourself and have a fun time.

Maybe other characters will have their own movies before we get an Avengers type movie with the entire cast?

Short and sweet “Review” placing this title at a soft chew of an 8/10. Solidly 7.5/10 very good with a delightful after taste getting it to the 8 of greatness.


Stay tuned for Black Bag & Opus tomorrow as we approach the mid way point of March and almost wrap up the first quarter of 2025. Looking forward to doing our Summer predictions soon and to look back at what’s come thus far and any titles that stick out for next years Oscars.

Thanks for coming by Popped and stay Looney 😀

Night of the Zoopocalypse “Review”

Release date: March 7, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Ricardo CurtisRodrigo Perez-Castro

Music by: Dan Levy

Distributed by: Elevation PicturesApollo Films

Based on: ZOOmbies; by Clive Barker

Had no expectations going in. Was either caught off guard or on moon rocks but this was a fun experience at the theatre. (Not for everyone….you’ll see soon :D)


What I’m calling, an intro to zombie movies for kids (But not all kids) – Night of the Zoopocalypse starts us off with a chase between our main wolf lead and a scary identity. This is her pack running drills to keep their survival instincts fresh and ready to protect the pack. The scope opens up to reveal their an exhibit of this zoo and we see a new face brought into the zoo during the pack lead’s teachings.

Showing that scope of the zoo, the animals, layout and environment playground for the film to have fun within later was a blast within just a few minutes. The characters were fun, good sound track and despite playing on all the movie troupes, played right into a bow tie of movie for big kids and little ones interested in a movie that’s a great entry point for zombies.

Sometimes this did get dark and scary. Other times let up and was bright and fun. The zombie gummy animals were a treat and seeing the combinations and designs was so much fun. Using the cutest of critters to be the zombies was great as you get to explore the horde navigating this space in addition to our “living” group leads.

As said from the top this was a blast and I had a lot of fun. Maybe having the theatre to myself released my inner kid but honestly I’d watch it again. Just be mindful of space rocks that come down within the zoo because you never know what the outbreak will be.

A potential sequel was teased at the end but I wouldn’t stick around for it. An audible queue and a lot of title screens. I’m not sure on the production house but I’ll be keeping an eye on these guys going forth.(L’Atelier Animation – Found out it’s a Canadian Animation Studio founded in 2014 and owned by Cinesite since 2022). Definitely got my interest and thus breaking the 7.5 pattern of late and scoring a popped score of 8/10. Great movie.


Another animated title I’m keeping my eye on is from the writers of Paddington in Peru with a title called Critterz. Have an inkling to check this title out? Waiting for streaming and catch the sequel in theatres next time? Let us know in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one.

I’m back and forth on my next couple of films but I plan to “Review” Mickey 17 either tomorrow or Tuesday night. Depends if I watch it twice or not. In the lost lands should be today’s movie. With possibly Mickey 17 or Rule Breakers tomorrow. Taking a break Monday 😛 then back in it with Mickey 17 Tuesday, Looney Tunes Wednesday & Black Bag Thursday.

Going to be a big week for movies as I catch up / ramp up throughout March before the big titles hit for summer next month / May.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’ll see you, next time!

The Brutalist “Review”

Release date: December 20, 2024 (Canada)

Director: Brady Corbet

Budget: $9.6 million

Cinematography: Lol Crawley

Distributed by: A24Universal PicturesFocus Features

Languages: English; Hungarian

Hearing the buzz around this movie at it’s limited release and then getting nominated as a best picture for the up coming Oscars. I had to, and finally, checked out The Brutalist after finally releasing in my neck of the woods with such a slow role out in movie theatres.


Before we jump in, a small caveat. This film opens rather abruptly and fast. The subtitle text on screen is fast paced and at the bottom of the screen. I’ll have to rewatch this scene as I couldn’t enjoy what’s on screen while keeping up with the text. (I love watching SUB Anime so it’s not an issue with subtitles overall. Just the implementation in this movie.) Lastly some of the text is over hard to see areas like the sky which is hard to read. The whole movie isn’t in subtitles but when their used. It’s about 15% of the time it could be missed.

With that said, The Brutalist starts with a voice over of our leads wife as he’s escaping postwar Europe to New York prior to settling in Pennsylvania. Our lead, Laszlo Toth played by Adrien Brody is an extremely skilled architect that must rely on his visionary art to make it on his own while navigating the pressures of ambition and societal expectations. This film deep dives into Laszlo while introducing characters of his life throughout the film.

The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. The use of space and light mirrors the themes of isolation and beauty found in brutalist architecture itself. Every frame is meticulously crafted, drawing the viewer into a world that feels both cold and inviting simultaneously. The sound design complements this aesthetic beautifully, enhancing the emotional weight of key scenes.

This movie is long, its long and it’s long. Like long long. The first hour was the “Hardest” hour to get into. Mainly due to not knowing the intro due to the mentioned critique above and then working out what’s going on and connecting with the lead/characters. After this until the 15minute intermission was a blast and fast paced. I honestly wish certain scenes were cut to reduce the length down to 3 hours and skip the intermission. As much as a nice break, Wicked a 2 hour 40minute movie doesn’t feel long after watching it again. Adding 20minutes including the credits I could see do able (I’ll explain what I mean in the spoiler ish section below).

The performances are standout, particularly from the lead actor, who delivers a raw and nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with his demons. The supporting cast adds depth, with each character representing different facets of the protagonist’s psyche-doubt, ambition, and regret. Their interactions create a rich tapestry of human experience, making the film resonate on multiple levels.

While the pacing may feel deliberate at times, it serves to build tension and allows for moments of introspection that are crucial to the narrative. Some viewers may find the film’s artistic choices polarizing, but for those who appreciate a deeper, more contemplative story, The Brutalist offers a rewarding experience.

Due to the length, sadly like Dune Part 2, I can’t reward a 9 personally. This feature is visually stunning and thought-provoking that challenges the viewer to reflect on the intersections of art and life. It successfully balances its aesthetic ambitions with a poignant narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven cinema. With it’s compelling themes and striking visuals it earns a Popped score of 8/10.


Spoiler ish section

Spoilers

You’ve been warned!

There’s scenes in the film that were either cut or forgotten about as Laszlo relative had a scene on a river bank which seemed to allude to something awful a bout’s to occur. We’re left on the river bank and go back to Laszlo & his wife Erzsebet Toth played by Felicity Jones, where his relative (I believe it was niece (Can’t remember to be honest)) comes back adjusted her clothes. In the next/later scene when she appears, she’s with another individual and now appears pregnant.

Why was this river bank scene in here? For those that saw this movie please explain. Currently it’s scenes like this that could be cut from the film that didn’t lead anywhere and had no explanation later of what occurred.

Couple of scenes with Laszlo boss towards the end could also have used this time slot for better explanation because it just occurs and it’s over.

Otherwise I enjoyed this very long movie and probably will only watch it once again at a later date.


Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for the “Review” of The Brutalist. Stick around for another “Review” as we dive into the world of The Colors Within.

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 ZilbalodisRihards 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.

A Complete Unknown “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2024 (USA)

Director: James Mangold

Producers: Timothée ChalametJames MangoldBob Bookman · See more

Budget: $60–70 million

Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures

Based on: Dylan Goes Electric!; by Elijah Wald

Not going to lie, this film if it wasn’t for all the buzz around Oscar nomination. I probably would have skipped it. Well I’m glad I didn’t. What a great movie! Fun, entertaining and educational.


A complete unknown starts us of with Timothee Chalamet (Playing Bob Dylan) getting out a taxi in New York 1961. In search for his hero Woody Guthrie (Played by Scoot McNairy) who just got sentenced to hospital. With a lot of luck or extreme coin sequences, he meets up with Pete Seeger (Played by Edward Norton) who takes him in and pretty much places Bob Dylan on the map when he later gets introduced / plays after Joan Baez (Played by Monica Barbaro).

The film did a good job to entertain and educate me on the history of Bob Dylan while keeping me engaged. I was never bored despite, again, not having any interest in checking this movie out, outside the Oscar discussions.


A switch was flicked on once at entered 1965 and the gears started to really turn for Bob Dylan in several ways. It was awesome seeing Bob become his own musician rather than recording other peoples tracks. A line hit me when his girlfriend Sylvie Russo (Played by Elle Fanning) said that someone has to create the classics (As he was recording music deemed as classic), this got me as it’s true. Without someone today creating new songs the future wouldn’t have the classics of the 2000’s as nothing would have been created from the first existence of music.


This got me thinking of older actors and the newer generation of movie stars. Timothee Chalamet is for sure on my “Movie Star” list. He’s been fantastic in all his works and I’m excited to see more. (The next review also has an actors I’ve enjoyed for quite some time and would include here also).


Honestly if you’re on the fence then check this title out. If you loved/enjoyed the music from this era then you’re going to have a blast revisiting it all again. Great actors across the board.

Great movie a well deserved 8.5/10

The Order “Review”

Release date: December 27, 2024 (UK)

Director: Justin Kurzel

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios

Based on: The Silent Brotherhood; by: Kevin Flynn; Gary Gerhardt

Box office: $2 million

Cinematography: Adam Arkapaw

Finally got to sit down and watch The Order, mainly drawn in by Nicholas Hoult and a great trailer. This is such a good watch and some what educational being that it’s based on true events.


The story follows two opposing fronts, one led by an FBI agent (Terry Husk – Played by Jude Law) with his supporting officer (Jamie Bowen – Played by Tye Sheridan) against the other side, a white supremacist group with their groups lead (Bob Mathews – Played by Nicholas Hoult).

The acting was top notch, story telling was gripping and grasped my attention instantly. From a walk into the woods at night setting up plot points later on. To a bank robbery which pulls back the curtain to setup our two fronts.


Since the movie is based on true events I want you to go into this not knowing all the info I hold now. Create your own thoughts and opinions on how this all wraps up and how events unfold still to this day. It’s kind of wild how history can repeat itself.

With that being said I’ll keep story points and reveals very light. You’re going to see into the eyes of a white supremacist group as they form together, recruit, assemble and execute their groups plan to overthrow the federal government.


Have you checked out The Order yet? Dug deeper down the rabbit hole that the film’s ending messages leaves you with? Love to hear your thoughts below and with that we enter our final week of 2024 and a possible 3? movies left to review before we close this chapter.

The Order gets a solid 8/10 Popped scoring :D. Watched Wild Robot again yesterday by the way and totally loved it! Solid top 3 movies for 2024. Maybe it beats challengers when I re-watch that for a second time.

Until next time with – Nosferatu | A Complete Unknown | Baby girl

Moana 2 “Review”

Release date: November 27, 2024 (USA)

Directors: Dana Ledoux MillerJason HandDavid Derrick Jr.

Story by: Jared BushDana Ledoux Miller; Bek Smith

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Box office: $109.6 million

Music by: Mark MancinaOpetaia Foaʻi

Enjoyed the first one back in 2016! WoW I had to check that to confirm it’d been almost 10 years since then. INSANE! Wasn’t all that into watching the sequel but glad I went.


If you’re coming back for dem feels then Moana 1.5 is the place to be. I’m calling this title Moana 1.5 as I heard this was meant to be a Disney + Series however released as Moana 2.

Sadly, as much as I had a good time, this felt like a TV Series converted to a movie. With no real villain or antagonist, some world-building, and revisiting characters we know and love, this felt like an outstanding 1.5 series.


Maybe it’s due to Red One souring my taste these days for Dwayne Johnson. I felt like the best parts were coming from Auliʻi Cravalho whom voices Moana. Maui was cool and all and had one of the better forgettable songs but the supporting characters and Moana’s sister were what stole the show here.

Speaking of the songs, they felt good in the moment but nothing WoW! Incredible! That will stay with you after you leave the theatre. Honestly, everything felt great but doesn’t match that of the original. I’m hopeful for the sequel of Moana to bring this home.


Discussing that of the theatre and the experience. Massive shoutout to everyone at Harkins putting in solid hard work. Y’all crushing it and putting on a stella experience.

Studios pivoted to the streaming model during 2020 while theatres had to find ways to survive. With Disney + Shows like Moana 2 coming to the big screen and doing so well. I really hope other studios continue to bring their content to the theatre as that’s the greatest experience to behold such a spectacle.

When I began this “Reviewing” journey back in January 2024 I thought to myself. I’ll watch the movies I miss in the theatre on a digital platform. In attempts to do that multiple times, I don’t get that movie-going experience at home. I find myself distracted with other options or wanting to play World of Warcraft these days haha. While at the theatre I’m connected with the movie on screen with no other distractions. I’m able to fully immerse myself with what the title is offering me.

It’s for this that I recommend you go out and watch Moana 2 in theatres. Enjoy the emotions, the story and the characters that couldn’t be experience while at home watching Disney + in the background.

Maybe that works for Red One which is a disappointment. But for experiences of good content you need to feel emersed at the theatre rather than being at home. I was surrounded by so many people enjoying this title along with me. That feeling of connection to other movie going enjoyers like myself and future “Reviewers” watching their first movie was such a delight and something special.


With all that, I’m giving Moana 2 a Popped score of 8/10, a great watch. Could rewatch this film again in preparation for the sequel or even as a continuation after watching the first film once more.

Happy Holidays everyone! Hope you’re all doing well out there and enjoying time with family and loved ones. I may not remember any songs but sing a favorite song in your head as you head to your nearest theatre to experience Moana 2 or any movie this holiday season. Say thank you and give your cashier or theatre staff member a smile. Some say it’s contagious :D.

Gladiator 2 “Review”

Release date: November 22, 2024 (USA)

Director: Ridley Scott

Story by: Peter Craig; David Scarpa

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Based on: Characters; by David Franzoni

Box office: $87 million

When a mystery movie presents itself to you, purchase that ticket. It may very well treat you to a delightful surprise. Having just watched Gladiator for the first time in preparation for the sequel. I’m very excited that this review will arrive earlier than expected!


I wont draw this out over the next 2 hours and 18ish minutes so lets get to the point. – Did you enjoy Gladiator? – Then you’ll enjoy the sequel. Did you enjoy the characters and want to see more from Lucius & Lucilla in a sequel? Then you’ll love Gladiator 2.

Did you have any issues with Gladiator? Was it too long? Did the battles? Does the content matter? Anything? Then Gladiator 2 is going to be a hard sell, as the sequel literally takes the first movie and expands on it on a much grander scale.

Until the last third, Gladiator 2 would top Dune 2 from my top 10 list. However, without getting into spoilers, I’ll leave it as Gladiator 2 is a great movie that you’ll probably find yourself watching again, but it falls short of being as good as its predecessor.

Giving Gladiator 2 an 8/10 Popped review score. Does a good job of being a sequel while also providing enough information for those new to the franchise to follow along and work things out. It may even intrigue those new to go back and watch the first movie to piece connections together.


Still interested in hearing more? Then let’s dive in a little more without going into spoiler territory.

Gladiator 2 sets up the story giving a brief recap to the original and then setting the stage 16 years later as an incredible siege battle commences sea vs fortress. Those who may have seen an extended cut of the film may fondly remember this as it was used in marketing the movie.

As mentioned above, the settings and scope of the movie are expanded upon from the first movie. Similar story points while offering a grander experience in a modern cinematography era. Visually this feature is breathtaking. The actors do a great job and love the dynamic between the two new emperors.

Music harkened back to the original score while adding new elements to enhance what was before. Loved the overall direction of the story despite some shortcomings in the third act that left some development jarring.

I felt the original was better-paced than the sequel. However when the feeling of slowness came to mind the momentum picked right up engaging me and capturing the moment once more.


That’s enough without going into spoilers and I’d much rather you go out and experience this feature.

Watched the original or not, I’d love to hear if you’re going out this weekend to watch Gladiator 2. Maybe you’ll watch the original after/before also.

It kind of works the reversed way of how Mad Max and Furiosa worked in a tangent of one another. Knowing what’s to come the feeling of watching Furiosa into Mad Max is fantastic.

I feel like Gladiator 2 can work that way with knowing that such a great foundation was laid before it could be experienced and gone back to live those moments that lay the seeds to grow into.

Thank you for coming to Popped for your movie “Review” of Gladiator 2. Come back Thursday for your dose of Wicked Part 1 as we roll into the Wickiator weekend. Is this the new Barbenheimer?

Anora “Review”

Initial release: May 21, 2024

Director: Sean Baker

Distributed by: Neon

Budget: $6 million

Cinematography: Drew Daniels

Languages: : English; Russian; Armenian;

Buzzed on the Oscar nomination word I was excited to check this title out finally. Only took 3 weeks to eventually get to my neck of the woods so let’s discuss :D.


Anora is very R rated as we begin with a scene within a sex worker club within Brooklyn. Is this her Cinderella story? Anora, who goes by Ani played by Mikey Madison finds herself requested by her boss to entertain Ivan played by Mark Eidelstein as she speaks and understands Russian, Ivan’s home country.

This feature is split into two types of stories. Establishing a relationship between the two before pulling back the veil on their families. (Wedding Bells? O.o)

A fun entertaining movie which has a lot of heart. Loved me Igor who’s played by Yuriy Borisov. When he enters the scene with his companions I loved the tonal shift in story and pacing as we dive down the rabbit hole.

As usual I wont spoiler this title but sit back and enjoy a very stimulating story as you fall in love with your favorite characters and shipped relationships :D.

With some personal disconnection with character choices and storytelling toward the end I sadly dropped this rating down from a potential 8.5/9 to a 8/10 great movie which I’d watch again.

Others may find they enjoy this more but I feel good scoring this at a solid 8/10 great movie.


One week remains with Red One next week and then the big 3 of November come full swing into the holidays with Wicked, Gladiator 2 & finally Moana 2.

Have a favorite from these? Something else I’m missing? Or waiting for the December slate of films to wrap up the year?

Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear what you’re all waiting to see. Thank you all for coming by Popped. Blog and I look forward to our next batch, next week.

Heretic “Review”

Release date: November 8, 2024 (USA)

Directors: Scott BeckBryan Woods

Distributed by: A24

Box office: $3.8 million

Music by: Chris Bacon

Production companies: Beck/Woods; Shiny Penny

I was sold on this movie when people compared it to Black Phone. Loved that this movie referenced south parks book of Mormon. Shall we dig in?


When two young missionaries, Sister Paxton & Sister Barnes (played by Sophie Thatcher & Chloe East) visit Mr. Reed’s (played by Hugh Grant) home during a stormy night. They become ensnared in a deadly trap where their faith will be truly tested.

The most intense and educational scene on monopoly plays out. The rain continues to drip while music plays. 3 individuals find themselves in a game of cat and mouse. Who’s going first? Which action will you take? Is that blueberry I smell? The more you discover the less you discover, unless you play the game right.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie without going into spoilers. Enjoy the ride, look around at your surroundings and pay attention. It may very well save your life.

Loved that Mr. Reed was both terrifying yet harmless. Gave you choices yet kept control. Sold a theory yet purchased a theory. I’d honestly watch this movie again. Was it perfect? Not quite. But a great movie? You bet ya!

Popped “Review” for Heretic – 8.5/10 – Great movie with excellent performances. Loved the sound and visuals. Story telling was good with slight weakness but overall a solid great movie well recommended.


I believe Heretic places us at 62 reviews for 2024 thus far and well on track for 75 reviews this year. Initially intended to reach 50 however 75 is in reach and I’m ready to go.

Some upcoming movies I’m looking forward to are:

Anora (Coming Sunday/Monday) | Red One | Gladiator 2 | Wicked | Moana 2

Y2K | Kraven | Lord of the Rings | Sonic 3 | A Complete Unknown | Nosferatu

Possible movies to hit 75: Mufasa | Babygirl | ? Something Unexpected ? |

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog for movie reviews. Appreciate all those taking the time to like and subscribe. In the coming weeks I should have a link posted for the either audio / visual podcast – Still deciding :D.

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