Category: It’s Fine, almost good

Normal “Review”

Release dateApril 17, 2026 (USA)

DirectorBen Wheatley

ProducersBob Odenkirk, Derek Kolstad, Marc Provissiero

Story byBob Odenkirk, Derek Kolstad

ScreenplayDerek Kolstad

Running time1h 30m

Well this is a normal movie :p Let’s discuss!

Bob Odenkirk is back with another action-type movie similar to that of Nobody, this time playing a Sheriff during an 8-week interim period for the county of Normal. A regular, normal town that he aims to leave in the same state that he arrived in. This small town is based in Minnesota, and as the movie opens and the poster states…. this small town has a big secret about it.

Personally, I prefer the style of Nobody 1, but I can see this being another good 1 time watch at the movies. Personally, being a weak 7 or dipping possibly into 6.5/10. It’s a one-time watch, but not bad at all. Sadly, the shortcomings for me personally came from the execution of creating a normal town so well that when things started to occur, it felt off for this world that had been created.

Hot Fuzz comes to mind, thinking along the lines of style change-ups for examples that I refer to. Hot Fuzz feels in the right place compared to this attempt.

That’s just my thoughts after watching Normal. Love to hear from yourselves after checking normal out.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Still to come in April is Michael, before we jump into May with back-to-back big releases from Devil Wears Prada 2, Mortal Kombat 2 & Mandalorian, with possible hidden easter eggs throughout. What’s the May movie you’re most looking forward to? Checking out Michael? Love to hear in the comments below.

Until next batch though, happy movie-going fellow movie-goers 😀

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Exit 8 “Review”

Release dateApril 10, 2026 (USA)

DirectorGenki Kawamura

Running time1h 35m

LanguageJapanese

Distributed byToho Co., Ltd.

Horror based on a video game made by Neon – Sign me up 😀

You receive a phone call while coming off your commuter train, and everything disconnects the moment you turn the corner. Exit 8 sign appears before you, a long corridor with a man walking towards you. Now watch that scene over and over again…. with a twist.

I wanted to give this a 7. Possibly, it could have been, with conversations that struck after the film ended between my wife and I. Is there more depth than first received? More layers to peel back with future viewings? I’m honestly not sure. But the repetitive nature of watching the same scene over and over would get tedious before the formula switched up. No spoilers here just my experience watching this movie with no experience of playing the game.

Okay here’s the rules to the game. Spot an anomaly, immediately turn back. Otherwise proceed to exit 8.

That’s pretty much it. It’s a fine/okay watch. Popped score of 6.5/10. Woke up this morning to see RT of 94% Critic Score :O. But they hated on Mario which was packed with fun scenes and adventure :s. No idea. Either way, love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Planning to check it out or curious?

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stay tuned for a much lighter feel good movie coming up next. You, Me & Tuscany.

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They Will Kill You “Review”

Release dateMarch 27, 2026 (USA)

DirectorKirill Sokolov

CinematographyIsaac Bauman

Distributed byWarner Bros. Pictures

EditorLuke Doolan

Executive producersKirill Sokolov, Alex Litvak, John Schoenfelder, Russell Ackerman, Carl Hampe

Awesome Trailer – Maybe to awesome….. let’s discuss!

The movie sets up on a very different tone than the trailer. But just you wait. This movie gets insane! Over-the-top campy horror with tons of blood. Cheesy liners and action. Packed so full of cheese your spouse is gonna walk away loving it while you’re sitting there being like….WTF did I just watch?

Honestly, when it was being its over-the-top self, I was having a fun time. But the movie kept flip-flopping between making a movie with one tone, then flip-flop to over the top crazy, no ceilings too high to go crazy with. From a 7 to an okay 6/6.5 out of 10. This is the first 2026 movie getting the….So Bad it’s Good? Rating.

Thinking between this and Ready or Not 2… go check out Ready or Not 2 in theatres. They Will Kill You on streaming or during downtime between now and Mario’s release.

There’s a lot of fun to be had with this one, if only they cut out the serious tonal parts and made this a sub-1-hour feature. For an hour and a half, this felt long and got boring. Even the crazy, over-the-top nature was making me numb to it. Pinch of salt, though, my wife, sitting next to me, was loving it.

Going to check out They Will Kill You this weekend? Love to hear from you all in the comments below!

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Next week is the epic! Super Mario Galaxy. With bonus movie Drama. Very exciting!

Until next time, fellow movie-goers – Happy Movie Going! 😀

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Scarlet “Review”

Release date: February 6, 2026 (USA)

Director: Mamoru Hosoda

Distributed by: Toho Co., Ltd., Sony Pictures

Producers: Yuichiro Saito, Nozomu Takahashi, Toshimi Tanio

Running time: 1h 52m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Saw this advertised all 2025 winter with a December release – Missed the memo of it’s delay to Feb2026!

I think if watched without being awake since 4am and working I’d of enjoyed this more. Honestly this “review” is more like that of Zootopia where I may need to re-watch it. From my experience and falling asleep during the middle it was an okay movie. Woke up to learn all the interesting connections with these two characters.

What lost me was the story change that I had created in my mind compared to the film I was watching. From a fascinating intro with Scarlet and he father. Setting her up on this quest for avenging him. To this futuristic young man appearing and changing the game. I wanted more of the intro but again maybe there’s more that I missed from the middle. I did enjoy the intro and the ending was enough to understand the purpose to the film.

It’s okay. But for those that did stay awake. What did you think? From me here at Popped – 6/10*. I’ve still yet to see Arco as it’s not released where I’m from. Which is wild for that to be nominated for an Oscar over Demon Slayer & Ne Zha 2 and not having a wide release :S. I’ll get into that nearer to the Oscars though….

Thank you for that quick “review” of Scarlet as we catch up with this weeks batch of 4 :D. See you in the next one coming right up – Cold Storage!

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Crime 101 “Review”

Release date: February 13, 2026 (USA)

Director: Bart Layton

Producers: Chris Hemsworth, Bart Layton, Dimitri Doganis · See more

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 20m

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Releasing International

I have my office back! Let’s catch up on last weekends batch of “Reviews”.

To “Rapid Fire” this batch of “reviews” to catch up :D.

Chris Hemsworth (Playing Mike Davis) a master thief, with Halle Berry’s character (Sharon Combs) an insurance broker, join forces for a big heist. Meanwhile Mark Ruffalo plays a detective, that’s pursuing the criminal that’s committed non violent heists all along the 101 freeway in California, in attempts to prevent a multi-million dollar crime! Non violent being the key to our other character Ormon (Played by Barry Keoghan).

Quick notes: – Crime 101 was a fine movie. Keeping me entertained but felt extremely long. It’s a worthy watch but don’t go in tired haha. I had to lock in to keep awake. Everyone does a good job. Has some nice action and interesting cinematography as the voice over plays throughout various scenes.

Has some good elements to be a Popcorn Heist/Detective movie. Just sadly slow and rather long. A weak 7 or 6.5 for me personally here at Popped :D.

It’s been a minute since GOAT but I’ve finally returned to the office to type up this recent batch of “reviews”. March 1st is approaching which I’m excited for RT to open up applications :D. Oscars are coming on the 15th. It’s time to lock in and catch up. Even if the salt to the wound of animation nominees is still feeling rather fresh.

See you for the next “Review” with my first 9 :O of 2026 😉 see you there :D.

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Whistle “Review”

Release date: February 6, 2026 (USA)

Director: Corin Hardy

Running time: 1h 37m

Producers: David Gross, Macdara Kelleher, Whitney Brown, John Keville

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Elevation Pictures

Ancient Death Whistle…. Sign me up 😀

Once again Shudder comes to the big screen with a worthy theatrical release – Whistle!

It’s a fine to weak 7 good movie which had several elements I enjoyed watching this feature. Yea the story could of had a better wrap up but that’s the fun with these smaller indie movies. You’re not sure what direction they’ll take.

Bring ear plugs if you’re wanting to preserve your hearing or care about that :P. The movie gets incredibly loud. Concepts of death and the loose rules established were fun. Loved that Nick Frost was apart of this title :D. Gave me homage feelings to Shaun of the Dead :D.

Currently, the movie is sitting at a 6/10 on RT & IMDb. Why this is getting less attention than Primate baffles me, but I’ve only heard from others how awful Primate was, with some exceptions to its sound design. Whistle does have a pool utilized, but they also have an actual world established. Shout-outs to the fair scenes, as those maze designs and costumes were very cool. Sky Yang’s character, Rel, had Nightwing vibes, which was very cool!

Otherwise, the story is based around this Whistle that once heard or blown on. Death will be called and seek you. I won’t spoil the causes, and all but again the deaths were a lot of fun, a majority of the time. Which is where it gets that weaker 7 rating for me personally.

So what about yourselves? Going to check out Whistle? Already seen it? Love to hear your thoughts down below in the comments.

Greatly appreciate you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”, stay tuned for more awesome movies coming up in the month of February. Hoping good things from GOAT. Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die and maybe some other random surprises along the way.

Until next time though fellow moviegoers – Happy Movie Going 😀

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Iron Lung “Review”

Release date: January 30, 2026 (USA)

Director: Markiplier

Starring: Mark Fischbach; Caroline Rose Kaplan; Seán McLoughlin; David Szymanski; Troy Baker; Elsie Lovelock; Isaac McKee

Producers: Will Hyde, Jeff Guerrero, Amy Nelson

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 7m

Didn’t know this was based on a video game…maybe should have done some research!

I went in, not seeing a single trailer of this movie. Markiplier’s name was enough and sold. I came out wishing I had more context for the story. Let’s discuss, shall we?

Let’s start with my headliner sentence and work from there. If this were an exclusive title on a streaming platform. I’d subscribe to see this movie. Iron Lung is a high-quality, low-budget movie that stars Markiplier, not just directed by himself. Markiplier is now in my mind, an actor, not just youtuber. He delivers an excellent performance throughout this movie and really holds the movie up, being that he’s our focus for 95% of the time.

I’d honestly consider this an Oscar nomination for costume and hair, harken back to Substance. For such a low-budget title, they did an excellent job with every design in this movie. I won’t spoil, just wanting to paint a picture :D.

It’s an extremely dark movie so don’t get too cozy or you may drift off like I did. But then something will occur. You’ll be locked in and they middle will pull you out and into a ride for the finale. Yes without context of the story I did find this rather long. But I was so intrigued I had to keep with it. Wanting to know the mystery and reveals to pay off.

Ask me about the story. You’ll get this: Convicts are granted an option. To have their freedom by going (Like a submarine) deep into the oceans of blood to explore/find (Something). Or be sentenced to prison instead. Looking at the Google overview, it says: “Survivors of the apocalypse launch an expedition to a barren moon with an ocean of blood.” I think doing some research with limited spoilers would be recommended for this title. It feels like an incredible adaptation of a video game. I just don’t have the accuracy for context. So far, 93% on RT. So, fans of Markiplier & the video game are very happy with this.

Personally, without that context, I’m giving Iron Lung a Popped score of 6.5 or weak 7/10. It’s a fine movie with plenty of good factors baked in. Without more story & lore explained/established throughout, I found this long after the initial intro, before the latter half picking up with awesome music and again, incredible acting from Markiplier and the costume designs.

Iron Lung is going to be an awesome streaming movie. It’s a high-quality production within low-budget confines, which will be thoroughly enjoyed in theatres for fans and those in the know. Now it’s time for me to watch a lets play and dive into the lore before watching it again.

It’s been a minute but I’m back and with an interesting title at that. Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “reviews”. Did you check out Iron Lung? Interested to check it out? Or even doing some research now before your visit to the theatre. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Stay tuned for Sunday night / Monday for my Send Help “Review”. Wasn’t able to attend last night, but on Sunday, I’ll be checking it out. Heard lots of positive feedback thus far. So excited to jump in :D.

Until next time, though, fellow moviegoers. Happy movie going :D.

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Is This Thing On? “Review”

Release date: December 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: Bradley Cooper

Screenplay: Will Arnett, Bradley Cooper, Mark Chappell

Producers: Will Arnett, Bradley Cooper, Weston Middleton, Kris Thykier

Running time: 2h 4m

MPAA rating: R

Checked it out after seeing this is based on a true story. Let’s Discuss!

Without spoilers or wanting to come off as to harsh, this movie is just too long. I did fall asleep after the first hour as the pacing was just so slow. I expected something more inline with Song Sung Blue but sadly I left a little blue that this was mostly a 6/10 okay to fine movie at best for me personally.

What’s the story all about? Will Arnett (Playing Alex Novak) is facing an impending divorce. Juggling their personal lives with their friends & family ties. During this, Alex finds his purpose in New York within the comedy stand up scene. Maybe I missed the growth in the 20minutes I nodded off. But the ending was sweet, but didn’t have that emotional moving feeling like Song Sung Blue, or characters I connected with which empowered me to cheer on the character.

Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, hopefully you had that connection and magic that didn’t get cast on my viewing experience.

Thank you for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. While posting The Plague I realized I need to add some new categories to the site and thus 2026 can truly begin :D.

Happy Movie-Going fellow movie-goers :D.

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The Plague “Review”

Release date: December 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Charlie Polinger

Producers: Joel Edgerton, Lizzie Shapiro, Lucy McKendrick, Derek Dauchy, Roy Lee, Steven Schneider

Nominations: Prize of Un Certain Regard · See more

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Independent Film Company

I thought The Plague was another zombie movie. WoW did I walk into something else.

I went through a couple of stages reflecting on this movie throughout my viewing experience. A coming of age kept coming to mind but mainly, without spoilers. The Plague is a dark window to viewers on the consequences of bullying.

A great group of young actors which should use this movie for their portfolio. It’s got good things going for it. As much as it’s not a zombie movie. I liked the lens being focused on this angle of dark consequences of bullying. It ramps up and keeps the movie concise. Even a bow tie of an ending? It’s a fine movie at a 6.5/10.

Solid performances from this group of actors. The Plague focuses on a group of young lads apart of a water polo camp. The social dynamics to Ben (Played by Everett Blunck) being new to this group are portrayed very well as the viewer is new to this world and environment. Eli (Played by Kenny Rasmussen) has some sort of infection and dubbed by Jake (Played by Kayo Martin) to have “The Plague”. Touch him and you’ll get it also.

This anxiety from the ruthless hierarchy of the water polo group spirals into psychological turmoil over the summer period. The horror elements or done in away of situational and environment. Something of an intrigue is the inclusion of music almost of that of Aztec in nature.

Thinking of checking out The Plague or already seen it ? Let me know in the comments below. Love to hear your thoughts. RT has it at a 100% believe it or not. IMDb at 7.2/10. Stay tuned for a continued batch of “reviews” as we dive next, into Is This Thing On?.

Thank you for coming by Popped! For your movie “Reviews”. Happy Movie-Going!

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The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants “Review”

Release date: December 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: Derek Drymon

Screenplay: Pam Brady, Matt Lieberman

Running time: 1h 28m

MPAA rating: PG

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Has the time come for my childhood self to hang up on old animated I.P…? Let’s discuss!

For a short film, this movie sure felt long. 6 minutes of credits and a 6-minute short film, The SpongeBob Movie could have been cut to get a higher rating. Short film, you ask? Yes, a TMNT animated short was the intro and a fun 6 minutes at that. (Some may say the best 6 minutes for the entire runtime?).

What’s SpongeBob up to this time? Well, now being tall enough to ride the Big Boy Bay rollercoaster. SpongeBob needs the courage and determination to overcome the fears of such a coaster. Setting his path to Mr. Krabs which sends SpongeBob & Patrick on an adventure to the Underwear…. Underworld sorry Ha Ha, to gain his swashbuckler certificate!

I had some laugh-out-loud moments. Was between a 6 & 7. Ultimately, going with a 6.5 for such a short feature feeling so long. The movie starts slow, but does eventually pick up with the adventure.

As mentioned at the top. Maybe I’m getting too old, and the younger generations of fans will love this movie? Well have to see what this weekend brings us as our pre-batch of movies releases for the holidays.

Appreciate you taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Still to come this weekend are Housemaid & Avatar 3. Maybe I’ll get another viewing of David in there, but let’s see how the week goes.

Until next time fellow movie goers! Happy Movie Going 😀

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