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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After the Hunt & Good Fortune “Reviews’

Release date: October 10, 2025 (USA)

Director: Luca Guadagnino

Cinematography: Malik Hassan Sayeed

Producers: Luca Guadagnino, Brian Grazer, Allan Mandelbaum, Jeb Brody

Screenplay: Nora Garrett

Running time: 2h 19m

Double batch “Review”…. you know what that means :(…. let’s a go!

Rapid Fire – Watch the trailer then watch last 30-40minutes of a 2 Hour 20minute film. Nothing really gets developed until then and the pacing never really picks up. It’s just long, feels long and to top it off. Adds a ticking sound track multiple times through the movie adding to the feeling of feeling long. It’s not bad but it’s not good. Above Average at best. A good background movie streamed at home.

*Spoiler Rapid Fire?* – Movie will show the consequences for 4 different accounts. When a rape is real – How it affects the victim & the predator. When rape is made up for revenge / to hurt someone – How it affects the victim & the saboteur.

6/10 Popped Score.

Release date: October 17, 2025 (USA)

Director: Aziz Ansari

Producers: Aziz Ansari, Alan Yang, Anthony Katagas

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 38m

Genres: Comedy, Action

Fantastic cast. Great trailer. So why’s the film edited/written this way? Where’d it go so wrong?

Rapid Fire – Was looking forward to this one. While it had good moments, the majority of the good stuff is from the trailer. Not only was it in the trailer, but the trailer also had the scene in its entirety. Scenes shifted in & out so casually the film felt extremely dry. Not really all that funny sadly. Mostly Seth Rogen & Keanu were doing all the heavy lifting. Other actors did fine but the material provided was not good.

At best 6.5, but a Popped score of 6/10.

With that rapid-fire double “Review” – Stick around for Black Phone 2 with a little bit of everything before I hit the hay at 3 am: D.

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Soul on Fire “Review”

Release date: October 10, 2025 (USA)

Director: Sean McNamara

Executive producers: John O’Leary, Gregory Poirier, Terry Schnuck

Producers: Sean McNamara, David Brookwell, J. Todd Harris, Margaret French-Isaac

Running time: 1h 51m

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Trailer had my interest, but the 99% RT had my curiosity that I couldn’t pass up. Let’s Discuss!

Didn’t catch prior to entering that this was based on a true story. So many movies recently based on a true story is insane! But I love the inclusion of adding real life footage of the people and moments that their re-creating and capturing on screen for the movies retelling.

So from the top, you see it’s a 99% on RT (Now 98%). What’s this movie even about? We start with John O’Leary (Played by Joel Courtney) I believe in the year 2003 being asked to speak at a girl scout group with his inspirational story. This leads John being asked the question “If you could go back to the moment he burnt his families house down, would he?”

The movie takes you on a gut-wrenching journey of emotions through the childhood of this young boy, reliving the moments leading up to being caught on literal fire, all the way through to current-day moments. The movie has some jarring scenes of awful CGI graphics but insanely makes up for it with so much heart and emotion.

Without spoiling, describing the scene of his sister running back into a burning building to save his life had me in tears. So many moments of love and triumph had me in the feels. It’s a great watch despite some awful CGI and 1 jarring scene that took me out of the movie. I get the context and it lead to a beautiful ending without going into spoilers.

For a non-religious person, this movie had me in the feels. Solidly told and with some fantastic characters and actors doing stellar performances in their roles.

Popped score between an 8.5 or 9 but honestly, I think it has the Last Breath effect, being that it’s a true story, brings it to a 9 for me personally, but not enough to get into my top 10 list.

Did you check out Soul on Fire? On the fence? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Appreciate you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” :D.

Until the next batch, happy movie going all 😀

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Kiss of the Spider Woman “Review”

Release date: October 10, 2025 (USA)

Director: Bill Condon

Story by: Manuel Puig, Fred Ebb, Terrence McNally

Producers: Tom Kirdahy, Barry Josephson, Greg Yolen

Adapted from: Kiss of the Spider Woman

Running time: 2h 8m

Went in giving it a chance as a musical – Came out pleasantly surprised – Let’s discuss!

Maybe it’s the lower expectation of an older style looking musical, but I went in thinking LA LA Land, which I loved. When I discuss musicals, I often get told I enjoy new musicals over older ones. I just enjoy a musical that the song drives the plot of, tells a story, and it’s just a random scene to sing. Maybe I came to appreciate them more as an adult, but Sweeney Todd is probably my first musical that I thoroughly loved.

All that to say is…this is a musical. But there’s way less singing than I imagined. Even when the songs are being beautifully played out, I loved the scenes. They kind of reminded me of Wicked.

So what’s Kiss of the Spider Woman about? The movie is centered around a gay man, Luis Molina (Tonatiuh), and a political prisoner, Valentín Arregui (Diego Luna), who are cellmates. While in prison, Molina discusses a fictional movie star, Ingrid Luna (Played by Jennifer Lopez), who plays in the movie (Kiss of the Spider Woman), which also happens to have her play a Spider Woman character. Through these interactions, the two men form an unlikely bond.

I loved how they weaved the story from the Prison to the movie while having fun interactive settings to include Tonatiuh & Diego Luna within the play, which was a beautiful symmetry displayed between the two stories.

This movie was based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig. It was also originally an adapted movie back in 1985. The movie takes place in 1983 Argentina during a period of resistance. I won’t get into spoilers and let you enjoy from here :D.

Using Better Man as my 9, I was back and forth for a Popped score, ultimately going with an 8.5/10. I was extremely entertained. Love the story. The music and the actors. Didn’t quite get to my heart strings like a Better Man did earlier this year, all the way back in January, believe it or not :D.

Going to give this feature a go? Or checked it out? Let us know in the comments below. Love to hear your thoughts on this one. Thank you as always for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Let me know if I should check out Soul on Fire? Otherwise, stay tuned for the next batch next week with 3 upcoming movies :D.

Until then, happy movie-going going everyone! 😀

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Roofman “Review”

Release date: October 10, 2025 (USA)

Director: Derek Cianfrance

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 6m

Producers: Alex Orlovsky, Lynette Howell Taylor, Jamie Patricof, Duncan Montgomery, Dylan Sellers

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures, Miramax

Trailer looked like a lot of fun….then you find out that there’s a based on true events tagline, which the movie opens up with a true story, and wow, this movie may hit like last breath…..

Roofman, as mentioned above & includes real witness statements and recordings from the actual individuals throughout the credits is about Jeffrey Manchester (Played by Channing Tatum).

Jeffrey isn’t doing so well in life but after his daughter asks for a bike on her birthday sets Jeffrey up on an endless trial of terrible decisions that begins with him robbing 45 odd McDonalds via the roof! This is our opener and the first of many terrible decisions that leads Jeffrey to prison.

It’s a fun and touching story where we get to meet Jeffrey, his wife and his children and see that bond and love he has for them… well.. mainly for his children and even more so mainly his daughter.

Being a nice guy and befriending those around him at the Prison. Jeffrey manages to find away out and eventually to a Toys R Us where the majority of the movie takes place from here on out.

Enjoy Jeffrey’s story along with some more fun and emotional journeys for our other fantastic cast. Kirsten Dunst playing Leigh Wainscott, Peter Dinklage as Mitch, LaKeith Stanfield as Steve and hold the freaking phone Uzo Aduba from Orange is the new Black :O as Eileen :D.

Get to learn about the Roofman and his story while he’s still in prison until 2036 :O insane! Grab some popcorn and maybe the family? It’s an R rated movie so that’s up to you haha.

Popped scoring of 7.5/10 – Had a fun time in this one. Good Solid Movie.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” – Tomorrow I’ll be checking out Kiss of a Spider Woman tomorrow so let’s see how this one is :D.

Catch you next time, fellow moviegoers. Now I’m heading off to the land of Critical Role to watch last night’s Episode 2 of Campaign 4 :D. Until next time.

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Tron: Ares “Review”

Release date: October 10, 2025 (USA)

Director: Joachim Rønning

Music composed by: Nine Inch Nails

MPAA rating: PG-13

Producers: Jared Leto, Steven Lisberger, Emma Ludbrook, Sean Bailey, Justin Springer, Jeffrey Silver

Running time: 1h 59m

What an interesting release window right after Sora 2 for a discussion on AI within Tron

Maybe you’re against AI, with it, or indifferent to the sides of good use and bad use. Here comes Tron Ares to continue a franchise, in honesty, the perfect moment in time with releases like Sora 2 in the real world.

Seen the original Tron and/or the sequel Tron Legacy? There are some fun easter eggs set up, and within Ares, which… yeah, you guessed it :D, which they’ve set up for another sequel within a mid-credit scene shortly after the credits begin.

So what’s going on with Tron Ares? Well, playing Ares is Jared Leto (whether you hate him or not in Mobius or other works similar to that, his style of acting actually works for this character within Tron). He plays a programme within the digital world as the top-ranking key to protecting the grid. Eve Kim (Played by Greta Lee) & Julian Dillinger (Played by Evan Peters, (Which I love :D)) are two opposing leaders wanting to use this technology in vastly different ways. One wants to sell AI to the military with the ultimate AI cybersecurity. The other wants to use this for good and cure world hunger, cancers, drugs, etc.

Nine Inch Nails is doing the soundtrack for this feature and honestly is the strongest stand out. I missed it when it’s not playing as the movie felt a little long and a smidge boring waiting for the next epic scene when the music kicks in. It’s a fun popcorn movie.

It’s not getting the greatest reviews from IMDb, IGN & Rotten Tomatoes to average to okay scorings which means I’m at the higher tier giving a Popped score to Tron Ares of 7/10 good one time watch with a .5 going to the soundtrack which was awesome and I may even be okay watching again because I know I’ll love those scenes with it in.

Going to check out Tron Ares this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. However, until next time, I appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and the next batch to arrive will be Roof Man & Kiss of a Spiderwoman.

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The Smashing Machine “Review”

Release date: October 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Benny Safdie

Producers: Dwayne Johnson, Benny Safdie, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Eli Bush, David Koplan

Production companies: A24, Seven Bucks Productions, Out for the Count

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 3m

Was back & forth on watching this after seeing some reviews but… I’m glad I check it out :D.

The Smashing Machine focuses on MMA fighter Mark Kerr during 1997 to 2000 as his career is going exceptionally well however, his personal life is having extreme hardships.

Mark Kerr (Played by Dwayne Johnson) & his wife Dawn Staples (Played by Emily Blunt) are solid actors. However it’s hard to watch their struggles with how uncomfortable their dynamic is. Props to them both being able to act in those bubbles. Mark Kerr’s mentor, trainer and best friend Mark Coleman (Played by Ryan Bader) is also a pioneer of this sport along with Kerr which was awesome seeing some history that kicked off what we know MMA as today.

No bashing or discredit to Dwayne Johnson – I wish his contract would allow losses. Without spoilers or anything, just speaking on his contract and the disservices it does to a movie. Not being able to lose a fight really puts a damper on what could be an awesome comeback story. (Again, not speaking on or for this movie. Just the fact that his contracts are not allowing this.) It creates a no-stakes lack of involvement when it comes to whether there’s a win / lose or close call.

I saw some mid to bad reviews on this title and to be honest it put me off watching the movie. As mentioned at the top. I’m glad I watched it. It’s nothing Oscar worthy. But if you’re into a good story a lesson in history and learning about Mark Kerr and his past. This is a good solid watch. I wouldn’t be opposed to watching it again even. But it’s not walk out bad. It’s not even bad. It’s just a good solid movie and for sure worth watching.

Popped score of 7.5 a weak 8/10 – Good solid movie worth checking out. Great performances and an entertaining story. Did you check it out or on the fence? Let us know in the comments.

P.S – Loved that this movie also took place in Japan 😀 Love Japan, made me want to go back even more!

Thanks for coming by fellow movie goers to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Anything I missed that I need to catch up on before we dive fully into October batches of movies?

Next up will be Tron 3 followed by Roofman later in the week 😀 Super excited for Roofman and Good Fortune.

Until next batch, though, happy movie going!

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Bone Lake “Review”

Release date: October 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Mercedes Bryce Morgan

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 34m

Distributed by: Bleecker Street

Production company: LD Entertainment

For a title that came out of nowhere – This was an experience 😀 Let’s Discuss!

Bone Lake starts and end strong. Doesn’t hold back on its R rating and is very expressive with it’s storytelling and adult material. This isn’t for you if you’re not into heavy adult material & gore as it’s jam packed.

Think Barbarian meets Ready or Not. Bone Lake takes two couples booking the same Airbnb on this beautiful lake that just so happens to have a ton of skulls lying at the bottom of it…supposedly…

There’s plenty of intrigue and mystery with solid casting. Sage & Diego (Played by Maddie Hasson & Marco Pigossi) are our first focus couple after the solid hook of an intro. Cin & Will ( Played by Andra Nechita & Alex Roe) are our double booked Airbnb couple that joins us moments later.

How will this affect their stay? Well, without getting into spoilers, but casting an overall plot. Bone Lake is a movie to test your relationship. Testing the trust between couples & against temptations. Will the mystery of their stay be able to stand the test that’s to come their way?

Solid movie which I look forward to re-watching with my wife. Popped score of 8/10. Pleasantly surprised to see it come from nowhere and looking forward to another Bleecker Street movie to come in December – Fackham Hall.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Posting this one a little late but should finish this weeks batch on Monday with The Smashing Machine :D.

Let me know what you think of Bone Lake in the comments or if you plan to check it out.

Until next time, though, happy movie-going going everyone.

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Good Boy “Review”

Release date: October 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Ben Leonberg

Language: English

MPAA rating: PG-13

Genre: Horror

Running time: 1h 13m

Poster had me, hearing it’s from the perspective of Indy, this dog had me intrigued. Let’s discuss shall we.

Stick around for after the movie ends, there’s a behind the scenes with the director and his dog Indy. We find out that Indy didn’t even know they were in a movie and it’s pretty cool the difference between movie scenes and the behind the scenes footage.

Todd (Played by Shane Jensen) has something going on, potentially health risk. He moves into his grand fathers haunted house where he lived prior to passing along with his own dog.

Within this hour and 13-minute movie, you’ll have a good horror movie. Filled with scares and uncomfortable scenes that Indy does an incredible job at, along with the directing of the scenes. (There’s a film style they used (Which I forgot) to play off the audience’s own viewing experience to fill the movement and meanings of how the characters are feeling/portraying.)

I was between a 7 and a 7.5 throughout this feature. Ultimately, going to give a Popped scoring of 7.5 for the story told. There’s potential to rewatch to connect dots, but also to watch along with others’ first viewing. This was a good horror movie done with a unique style that isn’t used often. It’s a mixture of the dog’s POV along with regular movie shots, focusing mostly on the point of view of Indy from outside the eye and within.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” I’ll be back over the weekend with 2 more movies released this week Bone Lake & The Smashing Machine.

However, until next time – It’s time for Critical Role Campaign 4 to start 😀 and also, happy movie-going fellow movie goers :D.

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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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