Category: Great Movie!

Moana 2 “Review”

Release date: November 27, 2024 (USA)

Directors: Dana Ledoux Miller, Jason Hand, David Derrick Jr.

Story by: Jared Bush; Dana Ledoux Miller; Bek Smith

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Box office: $109.6 million

Music by: Mark Mancina; Opetaia 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.

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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?

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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.

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Heretic “Review”

Release date: November 8, 2024 (USA)

Directors: Scott Beck, Bryan 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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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever “Review”

Release date: November 8, 2024 (USA)

Director: Dallas Jenkins

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films

Based on: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; by Barbara Robinson

Narrated by: Lauren Graham

Produced by: Kevin Downes; Jon Erwin; Andrew Erwin; Darin McDaniel; Chet Thomas; Daryl Lefever

Welcome to the latest batch of Popped “Reviews” fellow movie-going lovers. Today bringing you The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and up next Conclave.

Big shout out to Harkins for showing this “The Best Early Access Screening”. Glad I was in the area to catch it because I may very well have a new seasonal movie to play :D.

This isn’t usually a movie I’d check out and another reason, which I’ve mentioned before. Why I love watching so many movies this year. I get to see movies I may have skipped, which are honestly really good.

Instantly I fell in love with this movie due to a family of children called the Herdmans. While setting up to write this “Review” I found out this is a series of 3 books, so I’m really hoping for 2 sequels :D.

All the children did an excellent job in this movie, especially Beatrice Schneider, who played Imogene Herdman. She was fantastic and I really connected with this group of kids. Honestly, I’m a sap when it comes to movies like this where characters are made as outcasts or treated differently to others. I really bond and connect with films of this nature.

The Herdmans experiencing a Christmas Story for the first time was done in such a refreshing way that even I became interested.

It’s based on a book of the same title name. However, to avoid spoilers for those like myself going in blind or just seeing the trailer. This feature is based around a town celebrating the 75th anniversary of their Christmas pageant.

After the lead of the pageant getting into an accident, its up to one of our main adult leads Grace, played by Judy Greer to take the reins. Our little group of outcasted Herdmans get themselves into the pageant and from there enjoy this experience.

It was heartwarming and got me in the feels. It’s not Wild Robot but it belongs in the season and a must-watch for families or those wanting a good time. I’d watch this seasonally which easily gets it in the 8/10 great movies ranking.

I appreciate you coming by Popped for this “Review” of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Have you seen it or plan on watching it? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

Stick around to see a “Review” on Conclave. Or take a nap which I ended up doing throughout.

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Joker: Folie à Deux “Review”

Release date: October 4, 2024 (USA)

Director: Todd Phillips

Music by: Hildur Guðnadóttir

Distributed by: Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures

Based on: Characters; by DC Comics

Budget: $190–200 million

Welcome to/back to Popped with an interesting “Review” for you all this evening. Looking at current scores across RT / IMDb / Metacritic & Google audience rating summary, this “review” will either resonate with you or be totally off the mark.

With that said I’ll cut to the point and work backwards for those still interested in hearing more on my personal experience with Joker’s sequel. I liked it! 8/10 I’d watch it again :O GASP! BOO’S? LAUGHTER from the back of the room.

Alright enough waffle, let’s begin the breakdown of how I came to like it within a manner of “Reviewing” this title.

“Review” Joker The Therapy Session – Begins

For the general public, this feature will not be enjoyed by them. You can clearly see that in the review scores. Maybe 20-30 minutes will be when people start to drop off. The key for me personally. Watch this movie as a psychology student who thoroughly enjoyed Arthur Fleck in the first Joker movie.

Doing this made the songs/music fit the story and I could see what the director intended to achieve with Joker: Folie à Deux. Although this movie would have worked for the general public without them. I totally get it despite getting harder to get through the songs in the second half.

I’m going to discuss moments without going into spoilers. If you’re attempting to avoid anything that could be considered a spoiler then maybe turn back now with my Key in mind.

Two fracturing movies are occurring or even being discovered along the way. One exists with the music and the other is viewed/witnessed. Those wanting the movie to be like the first film will want the latter. While a select few will go my path or the path of enjoying musical numbers. I used the cover picture on purpose to capture the polarizing responses to this sequel with this point.

*Question Time*

Curious questions midway through this “Review” – Do you enjoy my rating system with 7 being that of a good watch and 8 being I’d watch the movie again? Working on a clarity system for 2025 and onwards :D.

There were moments when I got genuine goosebumps and loved this feature. This is before momentum slows and requires building back up to more moments of greatness.

Some fans don’t understand Lady Gaga’s role in this movie. I’ll leave it as.. an activator for Arthur and leave it there for after you’ve watched. Did you come to watch Joker or Arthur is another thing I’ll briefly mention. Those who come for Arthur will have a better experience than those coming for a Joker movie. That being said, for those interested in a Joker movie…hehehe catch you in the comments afterward *Joker Laugh*.

Out of all the songs I’d have to pick “The Joker Is Me” as my favorite.

There’s so much to this movie to break down and discuss but sadly people won’t be giving it a chance. That’s a true shame. Read the next part for potential spoiler if you’re curious.

*Potential Spoiler Discussion Point*

Depending on how you watch this sequel. This could very well be an origins story to the new DCU Joker ;). Love! To hear your thoughts on that. Did anyone watch the Gotham TV show? ;).

“Review” Session Wrap-up

I was back and forth on either a solid good one-time watch or placing it where I did with an 8/10. The awesome moments and continued exploration into Arthur’s mind were what kept me from going lower than a 7. The ending and cinema moments of greatness are what secured it in my 8/10’s and I’ll be looking forward to watching Joker: Folie à Deux many more times in the future awaiting the creation of the new DCU projects being currently cooked up by James Gunn.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this “Review” and for checking out Popped. Blog. My friend inquired earlier if I’d ever get into reviewing anime or shows. This is something I used to do on Podcasts some time ago.

Anyone interested in reading more “Reviews” on other media content like Manga, Anime, Shows etc. Maybe once a month I’ll record an episode combining the reviews as a recap for those interested in checking movies or media content on streaming after they’ve left the theatre or completed their season.

For those interested in Anime I’d strongly recommend checking out HiDive and watching Oshi No Ko & Made In Abyss. Each has 2 seasons and MIA has incredible movies.

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Transformers One “Review”

Release date: September 20, 2024 (USA)

Director: Josh Cooley

Story by: Andrew Barrer; Gabriel Ferrari

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Adapted from: Transformers

Budget: $75 million

Welcome back, fellow movie goers!

I was fortunate enough to watch the first hour of this title early, re-watching that first hour and getting to watch the finale act was well worth the long wait to see how this movie ends.

The fact I enjoyed re-watching the first hour placed this solidly in my re-watch category of an 8/10. The ending is that good with a juicy end credit scene placed this at an 8.5/10 for me personally.

Going back before this month my battle with Transformers One was with Wild Robot. Without going off on a tangent I felt the ad campaigns for these movies worked in extremely opposite ways. The more Wild Robot revealed, the less I was interested. The more I saw of Transformers including the epic voice cast, I was very much intrigued.

Having been blessed to see that first hour I was hooked on what can come from this version of Transformers. I LOVED the first live-action but sadly that magic was lost on its sequels. This animated version of Transformers introduced some very fun and entertaining avenues for characters I’ve seen a dozen times before and throws in easter eggs and lore that I never knew before this origin story.

For those big into Transformers lore, does Transformers Two come after or is there a significance with Transformers One title? Love to know in the comments.

Quick shoutout to this feature’s music as I caught myself several times, jamming to its tunes and having a blast. A “Bad Ass A Tron” blast :D.

By the month’s end, I’ll also be adding a couple of scoring tabs to combine all the ratings for each categorized “Review” score if you’d be interested to see what else was rated at the same level as one another. This will be helpful for me later on, not only for reference but also for those interested in checking out another title in a list of my “Reviewed” movies of each year.

Thank you for taking the time to come on by Popped for your “Review” of Transformers One and I’ll be looking forward to returning with the next batch later next week.

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The 4:30 Movie “Review”

Release date: September 13, 2024 (USA)

Director: Kevin Smith

Distributed by: Saban Capital Group

Produced by: Joshua Bachove; Liz Destro; Jordan Monsanto

Production companies: Destro Films; SMODCO

Didn’t even know this movie existed until yesterday as I saw there’s a 4:30pm showing of a movie called The 4:30 Movie. I had to check it out. Directed and Edited by Kevin Smith this movie was such a joy to watch.

The start of this movie hit the period perfectly on the head and I was in love. The young relationship in this movie was FU*^ING CUTE AF AND ADORABLE! I loved the performance by the actors Siena Agudong, who played Melody Barnegat, and Austin Zajur, who played Brian David. Loved them loved them loved them.

Brian’s friends were also greatly cast and had a lot of fun. This coming-of-age movie was such a delight. The music was spot on. Writing is emotional and funny. I honestly loved the beginning of this film. I was thinking of buying the Blu-Ray. Sadly the middle was rather mid when Melody and Brian’s friendship was not on screen and the brotherhood was let loose in a movie theatre.

Some entertaining cameos for those that have followed Kevin Smith’s career but had a bit of a lull never swooping below an 8 but pendulum between an 8 and 9. With a solid beginning and a lovely ending, I would call this a great movie at an 8/10. Loved it! Would totally watch this again and recommend others give this a watch at 4:30pm at the movies or catch it streaming down the road.

Increasing the number of movies I watch in a year, results in catching movies like this that either release out of nowhere or so I can catch delightful movies that I may have skipped otherwise. Stay till the end of the credits for some bonus footage, bloopers if you will? Or is it? 😉

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Speak No Evil “Review”

Release date: September 13, 2024 (USA)

Director: James Watkins

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Based on: Speak No Evil; by: Christian Tafdrup; Mads Tafdrup

Budget: $15 million

Music by: Danny Bensi; Saunder Jurriaans

The cast of the movie does an excellent job throughout this feature.

I honestly fell in love with these couples and the friendships created at the beginning of this film. Watched the trailer? Still plenty of surprises in store despite clueing you in to something going on. Haven’t seen the trailer? No worries, nothing will be spoiled here even from the previous line and the pictures used.

A similar pacing to that of blink twice which was a good film and worth checking out. I enjoyed the slower setup with Speak No Evil over Blink Twice as I loved the characters. James McAvoy is SOLID and brings out so much emotion from all the cast from the children Ant & Agnes played by Dan Hough & Alix West Lefler along with the Agnes’s parents played by Scoot McNairy & Mackenzie Davis. Last but not least the partner of McAvoy’s character (Paddy) Ciara played by Aisling Franciosi. Solid performances and without going into spoilers, had me experiencing many sets of emotions throughout.

Blum house & Universal have another solid good film on their hands and I’m excited as we step ever closer to Black Phone 2 coming next October to (Fingers Crossed) to see the world that their developing into a universe of Blum house horror. Universal Horror Nights will either have an amazing set of mazes next year or 2026 will be the reveal of what’s to come for Blum house Universe.

I’m so pumped and excited to hear what you all thought of this title. M3GAN 2.0 releases next year along with Black Phone 2 among a couple of other titles in 2025 which ends the year with Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 in December.

I’d give Speak No Evil an 8/10 for doing such a great job. An American psychological thriller film that I’ll look forward to returning to one day. Maybe it’s time to checkout the original 2022 Danish Film that this remakes on.

Thank you all for your time coming by for another Popped “Review” and I’ll see you in the next batch with Transformers One which I’m very excited to Watch…..More on that during the “Review”.

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Alien: Romulus “Review”

Release date: August 16, 2024 (USA)

Director: Fede Álvarez

Distributed by: 20th Century Studios

Based on: Characters; by: Dan O’Bannon; Ronald Shusett

Budget: $80 million

Cinematography: Galo Olivares

It’s been a minute since I’ve watched anything Alien. That changes with Alien: Romulus as I’ll be going back too Prometheus and rewatching this series again for all those juicy easter eggs and awesomeness.

Was there scenes that had my mouth a jaw….YES!

Was there scenes that had me cheering for our crew….Hell Yea!

Do I recommend you watch this in IMAX…..JUST DO IT!

Haha seriously there was some scenes in IMAX that had me feeling I was in 4DX because how visually beautiful the image and sound was working in unison.

I watched some scenes while at Comic Con that got me intrigued for this feature. I watched the trailers and was intrigued. I listened to the cast during Comic Con Hall H and felt like they were rather young group of individuals but was intrigued. Nothing really set my expectations to a high just at a good level.

After watching this movie I was honestly blown away. The cast was great and loved getting to know them…if not for long :S. Loved David Jonsson whom plays Andy which was incredible! Cailee Spaeny did a great job as Rain Carradine, these two are setup as siblings in the movie with Rain’s friends getting them involved in a mission to get them off a mining planet.

Not going to get into spoilers. Just go watch this movie and have a blast!

Awesome alien scenes, great tension and awesome use of sound. Tons to dive into if you’d like to talk easter eggs / spoilers but that’s for another section.

Summer isn’t over yet with Deadpool & Wolverine being out as Alien: Romulus is here to party and has a pretty nice window to own the month until Beetle Juice 2 arrives in early September.

There was moments of placing this in the 9/10 bracket for 2024 however with some tid bits without saying much of the middle/end this title became a 8.5 sitting nicely with Dune Part 2 which is incredible! I’d get these two titles in Blu-ray for sure.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for my “Review” which is more of less just a message of hype to get out and watch this epic edition to the Alien franchise. May more titles like this come which fits in-between and around the main Alien franchise. Love the world building and how much this creator captured the essence of Alien within Romulus.

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