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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Night of the Zoopocalypse “Review”

Release date: March 7, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Ricardo Curtis, Rodrigo Perez-Castro

Music by: Dan Levy

Distributed by: Elevation Pictures, Apollo 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!

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Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning “Review”

Release date: February 27th, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Kazuya Tsurumaki

Distributed by: NA: Sunrise GKIDS (Theatrical Release

Studio companies: Sunrise, Studio Khara

“Reviewed” by a non Gundam fan that’s curious and interested to get into the series. Love Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell etc. Just something about Gundam disconnects. Which may fit into my preference within this discussion. Let’s begin.

The start of this title was rather jarring to get into. I had no idea of the characters, the forces battling one another etc. Until that title card. Then I was won over and fell in love with the characters setup for what’s to come.

This is a VERY short film. So short I was shocked things started to ramp up with 25 minutes left and they had so much left to answer…. so I did some digging and found out this feature sets up the series to come next month. April 8th on Amazon Prime. You betcha I’ll be checking it out.

From what I read up on this title, this series is an alternative version of the Universal Century timeline. Far apart from the original series. I was informed by a fan that the intro was a recap to catch those new to the series up with this series to branch out and be it’s own thing.

Honestly I cant discuss much on that intro without watching it again now with some more context. A war occurred for 1 year. There’s a Gundam found that they made red in the pilots image, however after a great explosion in conflict goes missing. Which brings us forward a year to those on the Red Gundam’s side searching for him.

Then my favorite group was introduced with clan battle. I loved all those scenes and the joining of the two fighters. If you’re into Gundam you’re going to love it. For me personally someone not into Gundam but glad I watched this to possible get into this new series. I’m giving it a 7.5/10 Popped score of very good, almost great if it wasn’t for that intro being a hard entry to get into.

Until the 8th of April though, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this feature. What content would you recommend I watch to prep for what’s to come. Or continue going in blind having just seen this feature. See you in the comments or in the next “Review” batch tomorrow, with Night at Zoopocalypse.

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Novocaine “Review”

Release date: March 14, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Robert Olsen, Dan Berk

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Production companies: Infrared Pictures; Safehouse Pictures; Circle of Confusion

During the feature I kept thinking how much Jack Quaid hadn’t aged from Dawson’s Creek….well, that’s because I was thinking of Joshua Jackson from that and Fringe. Any who, The Boys & Companion is Jack Quaid :D. Shall we begin.

With there being 10 days until the official release of this feature I’ll be very protective of spoilers. The marketing of this film was handled very well compared to a certain title released last month. I believe 2 scenes were cut from the trailer from the film which added to certain points.

From a romantic comedy intro to a action packed twist when our couple experience a bank robbery. This was a fun ride throughout. The last act did cost it an 8/10 great popped score placing it very good at a 7.5/10 but would recommend this title for a fun action comedy with complements to the romantic comedy.

Jack Quaid playing Nathan Caine, an assistant manager at the bank is head over hills interested in Shari, an employee at the bank being played by Amber Midthunder. Nathan has a disease that affects him from feeling pain. So much that eating a slice of cherry pie could cost him biting off his tongue. Mix this “Super Power” with the fact his love interest is taken as hostage during the bank robbery, this film goes off to explore many fun ways to implement this into a wacky over the top action movie.

Sit back, and enjoy the ride on March 14th at your local theatre. Popped Scoring of 7.5/10.

Happy March everyone, looking forward to Mickey 17 this coming week, Looney Tunes next and to explore maybe some hidden gems along the way before Snow White releases end of the month. Whatever your thoughts are on Snow White, we have Minecraft right around the corner leading us into the glorious summer box office of 2025.

Let’s shoot for end of April to look ahead into Summer and cast our predictions for the slate ahead. Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’ll see you, next batch.

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Oscars 2025

Howdy everyone and welcome to Popped.blog where today is the big day for Oscars!

Goodluck to those voting / participating, this is my first year to get into the Oscars after seriously committing to “reviewing” movies. When 2024 Oscars came around and I watched 1/10 of the Best Pictures. I knew something had to change haha. By the way, that movie was Barbie. I purchased Oppenheimer and still to this day have yet to watch it…. hopefully by time Oscars 2025 starts I would have :S?

That being said, let’s have fun and all the love for everyone voting differently to what I place. May we have fun and have enjoyed awesome content along the way.


Here, the full list of the 2025 Oscar nominations:

Best Picture – Anora

Anora – 8/10 Popped Score – Winner 5x Oscar Winner
The Brutalist – 8/10 Popped Score
A Complete Unknown – 8.5/10 Popped Score
Conclave – 6/10 Popped Score
Dune: Part Two – 8.5/10 Popped Score – (Reviewed Prior to Score Changes)
Emilia Pérez – Sadly wasn’t able to watch in time
I’m Still Here – Sadly wasn’t able to watch in time
Nickel Boys – Never Finished the Review it seems! 7/7.5 /10 Good Movie
The Substance – 9/10 (Would LOVE IT to win)
Wicked – 9/10 (My Vote)

Best Actress – Mikey Madison

Cynthia Erivo, Wicked (My Vote)
Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez
Mikey Madison, Anora – Winner
Demi Moore, The Substance (Would Love her to win)
Fernanda Torres, I’m Still Here

Best Actor – Adrien Brody

Adrien Brody, The Brutalist – Winner
Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown (My Vote) – Dune Part 2 & Complete Unknown
Colman Domingo, Sing Sing
Ralph Fiennes, Conclave
Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice

Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña

Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown
Ariana Grande, Wicked (My Vote)
Felicity Jones, The Brutalist
Isabella Rossellini, Conclave
Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez – Winner

Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin

Yura Borisov, Anora (My Vote)
Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain – Winner
Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown
Guy Pearce, The Brutalist
Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice

Best Director – Sean Baker

Sean Baker, Anora – Winner
Brady Corbet, The Brutalist
James Mangold, A Complete Unknown
Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez
Coralie Fargeat, The Substance (My Vote)

Best Original Screenplay – Anora

Anora – Winner
The Brutalist
A Real Pain
September 5
The Substance (My Vote)

Best Adapted Screenplay – Conclave

A Complete Unknown (My Vote)
Conclave – Winner
Emilia Pérez
Nickel Boys
Sing Sing

Best Cinematography – The Brutalist

The Brutalist – Winner
Dune: Part Two (My Vote)
Emilia Pérez
Maria
Nosferatu

Best Original Score – The Brutalist

The Brutalist – Winner
Conclave
Emilia Pérez
Wicked (Would Love)
The Wild Robot (My Vote)

Best Original Song – El Mal

“El Mal,” Emilia Pérez – Winner
“The Journey,” The Six Triple Eight
“Like a Bird,” Sing Sing
“Mi Camino,” Emilia Pérez
“Never Too Late,”  Elton John: Never Too Late (My Vote)

Best Editing – Anora

Anora – Winner
The Brutalist
Conclave (My Vote) – Should have been Challengers though
Emilia Pérez
Wicked

Best Production Design – Wicked

The Brutalist
Conclave
Dune: Part Two
Nosferatu
Wicked – Winner (My Vote)

Best Costume Design – Wicked

A Complete Unknown
Conclave
Gladiator II
Nosferatu
Wicked – Winner (My Vote)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling – The Substance

A Different Man
Emilia Pérez
Nosferatu
The Substance – Winner (My Vote)
Wicked

Best Sound – Dune: Part Two

A Complete Unknown
Dune: Part Two – Winner
Emilia Pérez
Wicked (My Vote)
The Wild Robot

Best Visual Effects – Dune: Part Two

Alien: Romulus
Better Man (My Vote)
Dune: Part Two – Winner
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Wicked

Best International Feature – I’m Still Here

I’m Still Here (Brazil) – Winner (My Vote)
The Girl with the Needle (Denmark)
Emilia Pérez (France)
The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Germany)
Flow (Latvia) (Would love)

Best Animated Feature – Flow

Flow – Winner – My Runner Up Choice
Inside Out 2
Memoir of a Snail
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
The Wild Robot (My Vote)

Best Animated Short – In the Shadow of the Cypress

Beautiful Men
In the Shadow of the Cypress (My Vote) – Winner
Magic Candies
Wander to Wonder
Yuck!

Black Box Diaries
No Other Land – Winner
Porcelain War
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat
Sugarcane (My Vote) – Sounded Cool 🙂

Best Live-Action Short – I’m Not a Robot

A Lien
Anuja
I’m Not a Robot – Winner (My Vote)
The Last Ranger
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent

Best Documentary Feature – No Other Land

Technical issue deleted this segment 😵

Best Documentary Short – The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Death By Numbers
I Am Ready, Warden
Incident
Instruments of a Beating Heart
The Only Girl in the Orchestra – Winner (My Vote)

I’ll update this page during / after the Oscars declare / announce the winner. Again good luck to you all. I’m not winning for sure haha but went with my heart for the love of Wicked and Substance. Shame Challengers wasn’t mentioned :(. Next year, Ne Zha 2 Let’s GO! 😀

7/23 I got right 😀 for 2025. Maybe better luck next time? Despite getting it wrong, 1/23 was my runner-up / 2nd choice 😀

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The Monkey “Review”

Release date: February 21, 2025 (USA)

Director: Oz Perkins

Adapted from: The Monkey

Distributed by: Neon

Budget: $10–11 million

Cinematography: Nico Aguilar

Getting a little behind after my surgery so let’s speed run this and get caught up with the Oscars shall we :D.

From the opening scene with Adam Scott (My wife and I just started watching Severance during my recovery which was cool seeing him in the intro of The Monkey), to the intro when our twin brothers are in their youth and seeing Tatiana Maslany playing their mother.

I was rather entertained and digging this feature. Placing it easily at an 8/10 for it’s greatness. Capturing the fun energy of gory kills that Hearts Eyes didn’t quite capture for me personally but did for so many others.

Tatiana Maslany smashes the roll out the park channeling the performance to her Orphan Black era which is one of my all time favorite shows of all time. (Fingers crossed she can continue from here and course correct the awful writing/script she was delt with She-Hulk).

The Monkey is centered around two twin brothers whom inherit a “toy” (Don’t call it a toy) wind-up monkey which results in the death of individuals throughout the movie. Splitting the movie between their childhood and then 25 years later in their adult years. This movie certainly takes a decline as certain threads and plot points collide in an awkward mess ruining the greatness that was setup earlier.

It’s a good watch maybe even very good but sadly ends shy of being great due to those last act weakness’s. Did you get a chance to check out The Monkey? Love to hear your thoughts and with that, let’s jump over to the Oscars and get caught up shall we :D.

Popped “Review” score of 7.5/10 – Not to shabby on a 10-11 Million $ Budget to make some box office $. Still insane to hear Ne Zha 2 which has hit over 2Billion Dollars was made on a 80Million budget. Insane!

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Ne Zha 2 “Review”

Release date: February 14, 2025 (USA)

Director: Jiaozi (Yang Yu)

Budget: $80 million

Based on: Investiture of the Gods by Xu Zhonglin

Distributed by: Beijing Enlight Pictures CMC Pictures (Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canda)

Box Office: US $1.40 Billion

I’m so happy to have watched the 1st feature yesterday and now be apart and won in by this franchise. From streaming in the background to less than half way getting fully engaged and falling in love with a new franchise. Let’s dive into the sequel, with Ne Zha 2.

If you’re coming into this “Review” unaware of this franchise then let’s discuss the over-view rather than the sequel. If you’re coming into this “Review” to read about the sequel knowing and enjoying the first title…. then hear this. The sequel of Ne Zha makes the 1st title look like a okay movie. With 5 times the action, family development, friendship, emotion, lore, world building, epicness, humor, Villians, Heroes, etc, etc 😀 you’re going to love it.

If you read the previous “Review” you’ll know that I’m locking this feature into my 2025 best animated feature Oscar spot. Unless something comes out and totally surprises me. Animated titles for 2025 have an extremely hard battle ahead of them to dethrone this epic cinema master piece.

The Ne Zha franchise is based on a Chinese mythological character, focusing on the story of a young boy named Ne Zha who is born as a demon child. Destined to bring destruction, but fights against his fate to protect his village and defy the established order, often battling powerful deities and challenging the heavens with his supernatural abilities; the narrative explores themes of rebellion, self-determination, and overcoming prejudice against one’s perceived destiny

Anime enjoyers out there could relate to this with Naruto as Ne Zha. Also for the fighting and powers/abilities. Those into Dragon Balls Z and similar animes would get behind this franchise.

The animation is very well done and event improves with the sequel. Will there be a third title? Think, will there be a 4th,5th and 6th haha. The amount of lore and world building established in the sequel is insane where this franchise will take it.

My spoon is ready and my desert is before me 😀 Let’s get to eating good.

I’m super pumped to watch this again including that of the original. Popped Score for Ne Zha 2 is an easy top score of 9/10 going into my #1 spot of 2025 thus far and into my #1 spot for best animated feature.

Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for your newest batch of movie “Reviews”. This is a epic masterpiece and I’m excited to hear from yawl on this title / franchise.

See you back here Sunday night with Nickel Boys and my overall thoughts with the Oscars.

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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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Paddington in Peru “Review”

Release date: February 14, 2025 (USA)

Director: Dougal Wilson

Story by: Paul King; Simon Farnaby; Mark Burton

Distributed by: StudioCanal, Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing

Based on: Paddington Bear; by Michael Bond

Box office: $104 million

Paddington may have gotten older since releasing in England vs now in the states, but lets buckle up for another charming dose of Paddington Brown. Now adventuring within Peru.

This is the third installment of the franchise and maybe the last? I honestly have no idea but it sure feels like a wrap on this series with all the characters getting older. Some leaving the nest, others finding their way and even a nod to some throw backs throughout the series.

Despite briefly seeing her at the end of the second feature. Aunt Lucy has become depressed, acting out of character and getting herself lost on an adventure. The Reverend Mother of the Home for Retired Bears, sends word to Paddington in hopes that reuniting him with his Aunt this would help in her depression.

Sadly the trailer shows 85% of the story so you know what comes next. Paddington and the Brown family will go off to look for Aunt Lucy while getting into many adventures along the way. This is the third installment so you’ll know if this franchise is for you by now…..right?

I honestly wish the film had the same energy from the ending scenes for it’s entirety. This could have pushed it into a repeat viewing. However this is a still a good fun movie and worth seeing. Popped scores this batch a 7.5/10.

Tomorrow I’ll try checkout both Captain America 4 along with Ne Zha 2. Then Nickle Boys for the best picture nomination on Sunday, before having surgery on Tuesday :D.

I’ll post my Oscar thoughts during next weekend after seeing Nickle Boys and maybe Emelia Perez/I’m Still Here.

Thank you for coming by Popped.blog for your “Reviews” and love to hear your thoughts on movies released thus far or even coming out soon for 2025.

Until next time! Keep on Popping 😀

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Heart Eyes “Review”

Release date: February 7, 2025 (USA)

Director: Josh Ruben

Producers: Christopher Landon, Adam Hendricks, Greg Gilreath

Distributed by: Screen Gems, Republic Pictures

Budget: $18 million

Music by: Jay Wadley

Character design and trailer were intriguing. Well butt in seat, lets check this title out shall we..

If you read my previous “Review” you have a gage in where this is going.

From the opening scene I was worried. The campy B horror movie was showing and I buckled in for a bumpy ride hoping for a decent movie at best. A glimmer of light came after this intro segment that unlocked a new category shortly after….. It’s so bad it’s good?

Before we get ahead let’s go into the movie shall we. Think Scary Movie where the killer (Heart Eyes) is going around killing couples. It felt like the movie was having fun on itself having parodies and following tropes overly used in other scary movies. Sadly for myself this teetered on the It’s so bad it’s good…..for some people? But not for myself.

It walked the tight rope but fell in the bad camp for myself. Or at least it’s almost so bad its good for some people tier. Slightly missing the mark of being good. Was it the execution? The overly used tropes. The fact that metal straws wont save the day? Or the fact that the coffee shop scene was the highlight for myself on the discussion of metal straws vs plastic cups… yea it’s not for me but it’s for someone. Which is clearly shown in the mid reviews on several platforms.

Check it out have fun? Or save yourself some time and wait for the hopeful better horror movie “The Monkey”? Either way this will be joining Love Hurts in my bottom 5 list for 2025 with a popped score of 3.5/10.

Going to attempt to have Captain America 4 review up by Sunday. All depending when I have chance to check the title out. Paddington 3 should go live Thursday morning. If possible I’ll try squeeze in “I’m Still Here” this week also before my surgery a week from today.

Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for your movie “Reviews” and excited / hopeful for the movies coming ahead of us in February 2025… January started off pretty good so dips are sure to occur.

See you next batch 😀

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