Category: It’s Fine, almost good

Black Phone 2 “Review”

Release date: October 17, 2025 (USA)

Director: Scott Derrickson

MPAA rating: R

Prequel: The Black Phone

Running time: 1h 54m

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

My most anticipated movie of 2025…. so how’d it go? Let’s Discuss!

Loved the first title back in 2021. Some big shoes to fill, that’s for certain.

Mason Thames is back after training a dragon earlier this year as Finney. Grown up and haunted by Ethan Hawke as The Grabber he’s the tough kid in school that now smokes cigarettes :O.

Madeleine McGraw, playing Finney’s sister Gwen, has also grown up but now has more severe and extreme dreams than before. These dreams share a connection with their mother, which sends them on a path to a religious campground to do battle with The Grabber once again.

Followed Popped since the first review (Night Swim). You’ll see that I mentioned the Blum house Universe being supposedly created after the events of this movie…. well, I have my theories if this is the path being taken still.

*Spoilers* – I think focusing on the daughter Gwen, could align with the next movie of Blum House, FNAF… let me know what you think? *Spoilers*.

Popped score of 6.5/10, some good scenes, but don’t let it fool you into thinking this was actually a good movie. It’s a solid streamer. The bar was set way too high for it to come anywhere near the first film. Sadly, we may have the M3GAN effect. Changing the tonal shift and psychological aspects to more paranormal may have lost what many like myself, thoroughly enjoyed about its origins.

Thank you all for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Next week we have a very nice feast of all sorts. :D.

From Chainsaw Man, Regretting You, Shelby Oaks (Maybe Springsteen) & Bugonia…. all going well, we have a good time. Potentially a solid week, but only time will tell. Wondering about the Oscar noms yet? Me too!

Let’s discuss that the end of October as we near Halloween and the winter movie slate cooks for release! 😀 See you next batch & happy movie going everyone.

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Anemone “Review”

Release date: October 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Ronan Day-Lewis

Production company: Plan B Entertainment

Executive producers: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brad Pitt

Costume design: Jane Petrie

Running time: 2h 1m

Hearing that Daniel Day-Lewis is coming out of retirement for his son, who’s directing this movie, I had to check out Anemone. (Finding Nemo comes to my mind, Anemone :D).

This movie may not be for everyone. But for those who love cinematography, Daniel Day-Lewis & Sean Bean. This is a good movie for you. (At best a 7.) Personally, I felt like Anemone is a 6, okay film with the Cinematography getting it to 6.5, fine as it was gorgeous.

It wasn’t until just over an hour in that I got what this film was about. Very little was said prior to connecting a story. Mostly told through the directing and visual shots. Overal to give you something of a plot without going to far.

This is a tale of a son Brian Stoker (Played by Samuel Bottomley) in need of / searching for answers of his father. Daniel Day-Lewis plays Ray Stoker who’s living out in the woodlands (Which, by the way, was a beautiful scene with his brother Jem Stocker, played by Sean Bean, entering at the start of the movie).

Going to check this movie out? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below 😀

Quick, rapid fire for this batch as Critical Role Campaign 4 starts in 20minutes :O. Next up, Good Boy 😀

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The Roses “Review”

Release date: August 29, 2025 (USA)

Director: Jay Roach

Producers: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jay Roach · See more

Screenplay: Tony McNamara

Story by: Warren Adler

Running time: 1h 45m

Trailer seemed to show a lot but the actors are what intrigued me. I was expecting a comedy!

Maybe I wasn’t connected with the characters. Maybe it was the humor. Maybe I expected something else from it…. whatever it is. This movie left me in a funk for awhile after the ending dropped.

You’re setup with the couples introduction. Setting up Theo’s dream (Played by Benedict Cumberbatch) along with Ivy’s dream (Played by Olivia Colman). Skip forward 10 years (Which personally would have been nice to seen the relationship while it’s good and connect us to them.) they have a daughter and a son. Setting up the event between the dynamic. It takes the destruction of Theo’s dream and a rise and success in Ivy’s that changes the tide for this couple into a negative spiral.

While they start to resent one another. Their marriage greatly suffers. This is the movie that you’re watching. It’s not a funny light hearted feature. It’s not necessarily depressing. But it’s sad for sure. Something I’d never like my marriage to end up as.

I wont dive into all the story beats but if you check it out. I hope you enjoyed it. It’s based on reimagining the 1989 film The War of the Roses. Taking a slightly different and more modern cautionary tale.

It was mostly fine until that ending. I had movies that do this style of ending. 6/10.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Hopefully next batch keeps above the 7’s. It’s been a minute since we had a scary movie right…? Ha, Horror has been the vastly majority lately so let’s continue it with The Conjuring next Thursday.

Either Thursday or across the Weekend I’ll try watch Splitsville also. There’s a movie called The Threesome….worth checking out? Let me know in the comments :D.

Until next batch though, happy movie going 😀

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Eddington “Review”

Release date: July 18, 2025 (USA)

Director: Ari Aster

Screenplay: Ari Aster

Cinematography: Darius Khondji

Running time: 2h 25m

MPAA rating: R

Wanted to watch this for the actors – Didn’t know how deep during Covid times this movie re-played. So that’s a hurdle – Rapid Fire “Review”.

The first hour and half is setting up what’s to go down in the final hour. It’s a heated watch but you’ve got to replay 2020 during Covid and get involved in the tension and fighting between the sides of masks vs non masks. Despite feeling like this movie just kept going on and on. It was a fine watch.

Great acting from all. Just a hard subject matter to jump back into. Maybe worth a watch in theatres for the incredible sets and visuals but it’s going to be leaving pretty soon if you haven’t checked it out yet. 6.5/10

Want a longer “Review” we can discuss in comments but otherwise let’s get caught up with the final “Review” of an Angel studios movie – Sketch.

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Jurassic World Rebirth “Review”

Release date: July 2, 2025 (USA)

Director: Gareth Edwards

Starring: Scarlett Johansson; Mahershala Ali; Jonathan Bailey; Rupert Friend; Manuel Garcia-Rulfo; Ed Skrein

MPAA rating: PG-13

Running time: 2h 14m

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Massive Disclaimer before we discuss this feature. My experience was utterly impacted and ruined by 2 peoples commentary throughout the ENTIRE movie. ENTIRE MOVIE. Want to hear how bad talking ruins the movie going experience then stick around. Otherwise wanting to know my frustrated “Review” – The movie is fine. Not worth sitting through someone talking for 2 hours. If my wife and I wasn’t blocked in by other parties I’d have been fine walking out and wouldn’t have missed anything not seeing this title. (We had earplugs in too btw)

Let’s discuss shall we :S

Disclaimer / PSA

With this being an early “Review” of this title I’ll be brief with any and all spoilers. But mind you. Remember the above and hold that with a pinch of salt. If you’re someone that likes to talk, please stay at home and wait for streaming. If you’re someone that likes to discuss what’s happening on the screen with your party. Please wait for the streaming platforms to release and have your own watch party in your own space and not a public viewing. Want to watch it as the theatre? RENT YOUR OWN ROOM. Please don’t impact others in a PUBLIC showing. This shouldn’t need to be said but come on!

Characters

The intro to this film setting up characters was tough. There’s two groups. One a family and the other an organization going to this area for (Reasons). There’s 1 member from each group that absolutely makes this a hard entry point as I hated them both. Mix them together and there’s some qualities from the “Good” characters that balance the awful. But I really didn’t care about the characters.

Story

From the intro this movie felt like a re-skin of the recent Ghostbusters movies. When the nostalgia music hits it’s the member berries doing the emotional pull to childhood memories of the originals. It had moments but sadly feels to be on trend of the decline we’ve been having with the 2nd trilogy sequels. But the franchise has us coming back again and again.

Overall

I really wish I had just walked out rather than stick through the entire movie. I know my wife is done with release / early access titles from this experience. We bring earplugs for a reason as we often get some talking. But not the entire movie being commentated over.

The movie had fine moments. Specially once the team gets to the island. Prior to then it was a hard watch. Then you get those Jurassic moments and maybe I’ll re-watch this title to check those scenes out without being totally frustrated.

What’s to come? We shall have to wait and see, but I’m feeling the same feelings from this franchise as I’ve had for the MCU of late (Until Thunder Bolts). I’m indifferent if I even check the next title out. I could honestly skip it and watch a recap video if I need that info for the next installment if I were to check it out.

I’m hoping my experience isn’t yours and you’re able to enjoy this title and have a good time. I didn’t stick around after to chat with the other movie goers and I often do so I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below once the movie releases July 2nd.

Popped score of 6.5/10 – It’s a fine movie. Not bad but not a fully good experience / ride. Some moments of boredom was experienced but had moments worth checking out.

Thanks for coming by Popped. Blog for your movie “Reviews”. Apologize this wasn’t the positive experience / “Review” you usually get but hey, it’s an experience and hopefully a warning to those out there on how much there chatter can and will impact other movie going audience members.

Don’t forget to drop your experiences below and love to hopefully hear better experiences and ratings :D. Stay tuned for tomorrow when my M3gan 2.0 “Review” drops and sometime over the weekend / next week for F1 :D. Depends if I can fit it in during work/Pokémon Go Global Fest :D.

Until next batch though, happy movie going 😀

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The Wedding Banquet “Review”

Release date: April 18, 2025 (USA)

Director: Andrew Ahn

Story by: Ang Lee, James Schamus, Neil Peng

Running time: 1h 43m

Screenplay: Andrew Ahn, James Schamus

Distributed by: Bleecker Street, Universal Pictures

Super cute trailer got me curious for a fun comedy at the movies. After all the action we’ve had this spring.

The Wedding Banquet focuses the story around 2 gay couples that are best friends. Lee & Angela (Played by Lily Gladstone & Kelly Marie Tran) are attempting to have a child through IVF and Min & Chris (Played by Han Gi-chan & Bowen Yang) having their own set of relationship and personal troubles.

The first hour until we get nearer to the trailer segments was a little long setting up our characters and getting to know them. I didn’t personally find a connection with them until the stories started to intertwine. Min proposes a green card marriage with one of his friends as his grandmother is threatening to return him to Korea due to his visa expiring.

I loved the character of the grandmother Ja-Young (Played by Youn Yuh-jung) as she has her own journey and development. Angela’s mother is also a fun addition May Chen (Played by Joan Chen).

Loved the Kingdom Hearts shout out which may bring this rating up haha but honestly it was fun and a good watch even with the slow burn. Popped scoring of a fine to good but personally I’d settle with a 6.5/10 for The Wedding Banquet.

Enjoy the character journeys, personal growth and fun times ahead, specially in the second half.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Review” of the Wedding Banquet. I’ve heard from others I’m definitely alone on my enjoyment of Sneaks, so I’m curious if this is another hit or miss with movie going watchers. IMBd has this title at a 6.7 along with Metacritic. RT is sitting strong with 88%.

Stick around for the next “Review” Sinners.

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Black Bag & Opus “Reviews” – Double Batch

Release date: March 14, 2025 (USA)

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Budget: $50 million

Distributed by: Universal Pictures, Focus Features

Cinematography: Peter Andrews

Produced by: Casey Silver; Gregory Jacobs

Double batch coming your way a little late due to busy / lack of interest in this mid range batch… no offence.

Seeing the current review scores, I’m glad it’s doing well. Love the cast but the pacing is so incredibly slow. Lack of action and only picked up in last 20minutes. I compare this movie to being in a 50MPH zone stuck behind someone going 30. I want to get to my destination but it’s taking forever.

Slow rides don’t put you off? Then have fun. 6/10 Popped Score

Distributed by: A24

Budget: $10 million

Music by: Danny Bensi (score); Saunder Jurriaans (score); Nile Rodgers (music); The-Dream (music)

The weirdness that intrigued me, maybe the thing that puts you off.

Think a lower budget Indie A24 version of Blink Twice. Popstar from the 90’s is returning to release a new album. Inviting several guests to his groups little “Resort?” we get introduced to our main lead POV Ariel Ecton being played by Ayo Edebiri.

Ariel is a journalist doing a report on this popstar / album but finds herself mixed into a twisted plan with….. cultists…. :O.

It’s a weird movie but personally a much more enticing one than Black Bag giving this a fine rating of 6.5/10. Again the weirdness will put off many. But for some, it maybe the thing that gets you to like it.

Rapid fire batch this week. Expect Snow White, Ash & Alto Knights to come for the next up-coming batch :D. Followed by to end the month, Death of a Unicorn, Women in the Yard & Working Man.

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

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In the Lost Lands “Review”

Release date: March 7, 2025 (USA)

Director: Paul W. S. Anderson

Budget: $55 million

Story by: George R. R. Martin, Paul W. S. Anderson

Distributed by: Constantin Film, Vertical

Based on: “In the Lost Lands”; by George R. R. Martin

From Resident Evil to In the Lost Lands, Milla Jovovich has been awesome for those turn your brain off popcorn movies. The trailer hooked me giving vibes of the later half of Resident Evil series movies. Shall we discuss In the Lost Lands now….

I thought we were in for a good time and mostly I was. But before we take that twist and turns shall we discuss the awesomeness that this world is. Combine the world of Mad Max with cinematography of Sin City and characters from (Although didn’t quite get there but could have if cooked proper) Diablo games. This combination and added cherry with Milla Jovovich & Dave Bautista acting was awesome and such a fun popcorn film.

Then the script showed dents. Dents became holes then a sour grape mess. The actors did their best with this but my fun ride of a 7 dropped to a 6.5 fine scoring mid way through. When I finally got my wish of the witch using her powers outside of her intro setting. I wanted the clock to turn back and unsee the poor quality that was the entire scene.

Again, it was bad but fun to experience. I see worse scores online depending where you look. So if you’re not digging the intro, you wont like the mid way point. If you don’t like that the ending just gets worse. But if there’s any enjoyment from the characters and visuals. Then maybe it’s something to stick with. A guilty pleasure movie if you will. I doubt this will sprout into a franchise, series or even get a sequel….. but if it does…. I’ll be getting myself a ticket to check it out.

Not put off yet by the above? Then let’s discuss the film a little more.

The premise of this feature is based around mainly 2 characters with interconnecting stories with other characters. Jovovich playing the witch Gray Alys and our Hunter (I thought Gunslinger at first, could even be a Diablo Demon Hunter) Boyce played by Bautista. Our witch requires the assistance of our Hunter to travel the Lost Lands in search of a magical power that allows a person to transform into a werewolf.

Getting herself caught up in affairs of others by being unable to deny someone’s request. She accepts this mission placing both our leads in situations that leads to some awesome action and maybe even make you feel emotion for snakes.

Despite how bad the execution of this story was. I loved the characters and world so much a part of me would watch it again if requested. If a sequel gets announced I’d check it out. Just know, its a bad movie. Get some good popcorn and turn the brain off. Maybe you too will have a new guilty pleasure movie that you’d be happy to say you liked it or keep to yourself haha.

Popped score of 6.5/10. Lots of goodness but soured to the core. Let’s hope it makes enough to learn from this and for the script in the sequel be tweaked to a better quality. Or forget it and never think about this feature ever again :D.

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Captain America: Brave New World “Review”

Release date: February 14, 2025 (USA)

Director: Julius Onah

Budget: $180 million

Story by: Rob Edwards; Malcolm Spellman; Dalan Musson

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Based on: Marvel Comics

Did I get the Abigail treatment? If you’re avoiding spoilers then here’s a quick popped score – Personal Score: 3/10 (Stream) – Fair Score: 6/10 (It’s mostly okay but damn was it way to long to rewatch the trailer.)

Don’t read on, Spoiler Rant-ish warning going forth

If you’re a fan of Eternals, then you’ll probably enjoy this title. I could have walked out of Eternals and be happy to not wasted my time. I kind of feel like this with Brave New World. Nothing really happens in the universe of MCU. I feel like the U in MCU has been forgotten about.

A 2 hour movie to setup a 1 minute post credit scene to remind you of the U, is a waste of blooming time. When it takes an hour and a half in a 2 hour movie to watch the scenes heavily revealed in the trailers….it’s a waste of time. When it last 10minutes and sucked! It’s a waste of time.

Drawing out the outcome to get to the reveal for an hour and a half…..is a waste of time. It’s mostly fine at around a 6/6.5 out of 10 but personally I’d have played it in the background streaming it.

I’m seriously loosing faith that the MCU can return. I’m so tired of this new standard of Marvel film. The last good one outside of Deadpool was Shang Chi almost 4 years ago. I’m not interested in Fantastic 4 and hopeful for Thunderbolts to be fun, but otherwise….can we get Moon Night back please and start forming a new group of avengers with fun stories.

I’ll give it to secret wars before I drop the MCU. I really hope that can swing things around.

Shall I rant and go red hulk on this ? Or leave it there? Let me know in the comments.

With that out of the way…shall we get started on a discussion about the best animated movie of 2025 😀 Ne Zha 2, because I’ve been looking forward to hype the shit outta it since I watched it earlier :D.

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Love Me “Review”

Release date: January 31, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Andrew Zuchero, Sam Zuchero

Language: English

Distributed by: Bleecker Street

Music by: David Longstreth

Produced by: Kevin Rowe; Luca Borghese; Ben Howe; Shivani Rawat; Julie Goldstein

But wait! There’s one more title to wrap up January 2025 😀 and what an intriguingly unique movie at that….for some individuals out there.

Let’s lay the ground work here as a premise, then let’s explore further into this experience. It’s not for everyone. Niche of the niche. But if you’re interested after this then stick around.

Long after humanity’s extinction. A smart buoy thaws from ice as the ice caps begin to melt. Meanwhile a constant orbiting satellite goes by over head. In a cute yet innocent meeting they find themselves meeting online and communicating. As they learn what life was like on Earth through old video uploads, they discover themselves and what it means to be alive and in love.

Sound interesting enough to continue?

Our Satellite is sent up into space in March of 2027 almost like a capsule of humankind. This Satellite acts as a welcomer for life forms that come to the planet formally known as Earth. (The year by the way is 2500’s) I am Satellite is his name and voiced / played by Steven Yeun.

The Smart Buoy, voiced / played by Kristen Stewart is Me. Forming herself on Deja rather than finding of Me is which is explored throughout the movie. Me, comes to be Me from watching a Youtube channel called Deja & Liam.

An experience is going to occur, if you did this title till now then excellent enjoy the journey. Otherwise you’re not going to enjoy the next part in this exploration of what is life?

Love Me, explores this self discover and meaning through different visual aspects. From the Earth as the Smart Buoy / Satellite. To VR Chat style living spaces. To real life interpretations.

While one copies that of life, the other experiences life within self learning over imitation.

The last minutes got away from the movie I had been enjoying but luckily wraps it up in an interesting experience. It’s not for everyone and fits nicely in with the. It’s a fine movie. Popped score of 6.5/10 with it’s Fine, good elements but not bad. I can see people not interested nor open to this type of experience really not enjoying this movie at all.

But for the niche of the niche, it’s something worth checking out.

With that fellow movie goers, wraps up January 2025 and is our #11’th movie watched this year thus far. Making great progress with the 100 movie goal. Still need to watch 3/10 of the best picture nominations for 2024 in a couple weeks but I’ll be sure to discuss my overall thoughts once that’s been completed.

Until Love Hurts / Paddington in February for our next movie “Review”.

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