Tag: disney

Freakier Friday “Review”

Release date: August 8, 2025 (USA)

Director: Nisha Ganatra

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis; Lindsay Lohan; Julia Butters; Sophia Hammons; Manny Jacinto; Mark Harmon

MPAA rating: PG

Running time: 1h 51m

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

It’s been HOW long since Freaky Friday released! Does this I.P return like Final Destination & Naked Gun or with I know what you did last summer? Let’s Discuss :D.

The opening to this movie felt very cheap to start with. Let’s get to the point with Disney Theatrical vs Disney + – This felt like Diary of a Wimpy Kid with the opening. It took some time but the cheapness was put to the side once the switch occurred.

To direct to the above statement on I.P this sits in the middle. I’d watch more with a good idea but I feel like it’s all been told between this and the previous movie. The opening was just okay. It wasn’t bad. It just offered what it was offering…. until the switch.

It was honestly a blast watching the actors having fun within their new roles. The jokes were fun where I actually laughed at a few. It took me out of the intro mindset and into a, I’m having fun with these characters. By the end I was feeling the feels and thoroughly enjoyed being apart of this almost 2 hour long movie.

Lindsay Lohan is back as Anna Coleman – Julia Butters is playing Annas daughter Harper Coleman – Jamie Lee Curtis is back playing Tess Coleman now a grandma – New additions to the family is the Husband Eric Davies played by Manny Jacinto & his daughter Lily Davies played by Sophia Hammons.

Looking for a fun movie to either nostalgia on a 22 year gap! Or maybe curious why this movie took so long and if it still has the magic? Then check out Freakier Friday after Weapons to something much more chill and lighter.

Getting out of the okay / it’s fine. Freakier Friday gets a 7/10 from Popped.

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog for your movie “reviews”. The weekend ahead has a lot releasing from a sequel to Nobody 2 which I’ve yet to see the first one. Americana, along with 3 random releases, East of Wall, Jimmy Stiggs & Witchboard. A Western Drama, a Horror movie with a comedy sci-fi twist along with another Horror Thriller movie to keep the early season of Halloween alive :D. Don’t forget lastly Shin Godzilla in 4k!

See you in the next batch movie going viewers

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Elio “Review”

Release date: June 20, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Adrian Molina, Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian

Running time: 1h 39m

Story by: Madeline Sharafian; Domee Shi; Adrian Molina; Julia Cho

MPAA rating: PG

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Believe it or not. This is the better movie releasing this weekend! Disney should have pushed this over the live action Lilo & Stitch. Or pushed it for a fathers day movie. Anything than letting this beautiful Pixar movie get bombed at the box office and released later on Disney+.

Elio, the boy that sadly has lost his parents and along with them his place on planet earth. Feeling isolated and alone with no place nor purpose. Elio seeks out to be abducted by aliens thus conveniently having this opportunity through his Aunts workplace.

This film sadly wont be up there with a classic Toy Story tier of Pixar. But is definitely able to bring the feels and heart of Pixar well above a lot of their most recent works. (2nd Best since 2020 under Inside Out 2 – Didn’t see Elemental mind you but heard it was good).

The theatre I watched this is was applauding at the credit roll which was really nice to experience after this touching story. Both on the story of Elio’s friend and his father. Along with Elio finding friends and a place in the universe.

Keeping this one short as that’s pretty much it. Go experience this movie and give it a chance. Yea the development of this movie was dragged through several re-shoots and test screenings, but they have something special here worth checking out and worth of Pixar’s name.

Only request from little o me….. please bring back the shorts. Miss those Pixar shorts before the main feature. Thank you DreamWorks for picking this up with your most recent titles. With that said and done let’s give this a Popped score and wrap the batch up. 8/10 😀

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” movie goers :D. Maybe return tomorrow for something a little…different? With Bride Hard. I’ve seen a sneak at the review scores and wowzer I’m not sure if it’s worth my time….but Mission objective 100 movies is pulling me in 😀 haha.

Until next batch!

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How to Train Your Dragon (2025) “Review”

Release date: June 13, 2025 (USA)

Director: Dean DeBlois

MPAA rating: PG

Running time: 1h 56m

Producers: Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel, Marc Platt

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

While Disney takes their properties and makes changes for the live action adaptation. Universal’s DreamWorks re-creates the original in live action almost to a 1:1 translation. Question is? Who does it best? & Is it worth it? Let’s Discuss

2025 Live Action “Review”

Seen the original or not. This live action adaptation was really good. Fantastic casting across the board. One character that was mostly changed from the animated was still solid but less memorable with her lines. Not sure what translated differently without comparing the two.

From the performances, music & the story being re-told. This was truly solid. I’d watch again and love it. A 9/10? Not quite. If the original holds that then the live action sits within the great 8 tier. For me personally an 8.5/10 due to Gerard Butler (Stoick the Vast) & Mason Thames (Hiccup Horrendous) performances with one another got me in the feels. Top notch performance from Nick Frost playing Gobber. Surprise hit that I loved was Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thortston. Sadly Ruffnut was weaker (Bronwyn James) however still a solid performance. Nico Parker playing Astrid Hofferson was completely fine in this role and looking forward to what she does with the character going into the sequels. Lastly another slightly weaker character was Fishlegs Ingerman being played by Julian Dennison. Not bad at all. Just slightly different to animated.

Despite the 1:1 translation from animated to live action. I had to remember this has live actors performing :P. If you closed your eyes you’d honestly be able to fit both versions in and have them play side by side. Fantastic. So what kept it in the 8 tier?

The Dragons are too close to the animated versions. I love the models. But would have honestly loved a realer version of the Dragons. Maybe practical effects over CGI could have set them apart while holding true to the original? Something to give the live action it’s own identity set apart from the live actors and sets.

The other thing keeping it back was just a couple of scenes that felt like green screen. Only happened a couple of times but was a little jarring and bringing me out of the experience.

2025 Live Action VS 2010 Animated Original “Thoughts”

It’s almost perfect. So close to being so that I’ve made references in the stand alone thoughts above. I haven’t seen the original in quite some time but looking back at pictures and all, you’re not getting the abomination that Lilo & Stitch was when comparing.

Ruffnut was slightly changed in appearance. Maybe some different lines? or something that I still prefer the animated version better. However her twin brother Tuffnut was spot on and loved it!

Would I advise from watching the Live Action to the Animated? NO, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve never seen the animated and maybe want to check it out to compare or re-watch the series in wait for Live Action #2 :D.

Wrap up

Little to critique is looking promising for this coming weekend. RT has this feature sitting at 79%, IMDb at an 8.1/10 and for some odd reason, Metacritic sits at 60%. Here on Popped however, staying with the higher score of 8.5/10 and looking forward to news of the sequel.

Maybe one day I’ll find my way to Epic Universe and experience the park/rides.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your “Review” of How to Train your Dragon. I may or may-not “review” Ballerina as currently I don’t feel right reviewing it. Having gone in so tired, I missed roughly 40minutes asleep. Currently it’s a fine 6.5 to good 7/10 but I’d like to re-watch / fill in the gaps before we discuss that one.

Until next time though, happy movie going!

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Lilo & Stitch (2025) “Review”

Release date: May 23, 2025 (USA)

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp

Running time: 1h 48m

MPAA rating: PG

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Adapted from: Lilo & Stitch

Okay just got out the theatre and placed the O.G in background as I write this. WoW I prefer the original more. 23 Years gap does a number on the memory. Let’s discuss shall we 😀

As far as making a live action version, it does it’s job. It’s entertaining, maybe even get into your feels. But we’re dealing with a different beast. The merge between CGI & Live Action (And Changes to source material).

Divided they were completely fine. Humans were awesome, loved them. CGI was awesome, loved all there scenes within the CGI environments. Outside of Stitch & Pleakley the other characters felt cheap and out of place in the real world.

Sorry Zach Galifianakis, your voice for Jumba was to high pitch. It’s the reason I put the original one on, was to see if memory served me correctly. But he’s way deeper which kept putting me off the character. Billy Magnussen was spot on however 😀 with Pleakley.

They hit the story beats…mostly….but it’s missing something. The charm of the original maybe? The timeline or focused events? As mentioned from the top. It does it’s job of being live action. But for those wanting to share this series with their little ones should check out the original. I’ve laughed so much at these scenes already and the feels / emotion of story hits better in the storytelling with the O.G.

You know what’s also missing…. Captain Gantu. Why’d he get cut? He’s literally Stitch’s antagonist. The scripts already written from the original so why change so much. Even Jumba was changed to be the Antagonist in the live action when he doesn’t want to hurt Stitch. He’s his experiment and knows his capabilities, wanting to design him into something else.

I don’t want to get into a rant. Like I said, it’s good. Entertains enough. Just misses some vital aspects to why I enjoyed the original more. More Elvis! Gantu! Human costumes! Don’t change the characters! The more I’m seeing of the O.G they changed the sister a lot!

It’s the storyboarding and changes that will make or break your experience. Watched the original? you’ll be entertained but wanting what was. First time watching this, you’ll be entertained and should check out what was.

7.5/10, it’s entertaining, may get you in the feels, but the product was better in the original. From the sister’s dynamic together to the aliens storylines. That being said, the changes they did make work for the live action to some degree. The final act is honestly what I’d prefer to have stayed the same. But to have that, you need Captain Gantu and thus had to be changed.

Well there you have it. The first movie I was thinking would be a $1 Billion movie of 2025 is out. I’m not so confident having watched it but hey that’s just my thoughts on the 2025 Lilo & Stitch.

Happy watching everyone and let me know your thoughts in the comments :D.

Next up for this week. Friendship. Possibly coming to you tomorrow. Now back to watching the O.G Movie. P.S Nothing bonus after the credit crawl occurs. Scenes before that though were very fun.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Until next batch. Happy movie going.

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Snow White “Review”

Release date: March 21, 2025 (USA)

Director: Marc Webb

Budget: 209 million USD

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Adapted from: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Snow White

Music by: Jeff Morrow (score); Larry Morey and Frank Churchill (songs); Pasek and Paul (new songs);

“Reviewing” Disney’s Snow White: Not getting involved in politics and all. Just discussing the movie as that’s why we’re here on Popped. To discuss and “Review” movies of which this is.

For those already decided on watching or forgoing this feature. This “Review” isn’t really for you…..unless you’re open to the thought of checking it out or interested in my thoughts. Otherwise, on the fence or curious, stick around for my journey across the kingdom of Disney’s SnowWhite.

The Good

Rachel Zegler is Snow White in this version of Snow White. Surprised me with how good she made the bad scenes, almost saving the movie in moments which blew my mind that I actually liked her. From her songs to the new story additions she felt in place….Until those gosh darn last 30minutes after a certain story beat occurs…..how poisoned things went to end it all.

Andrew Burnap whom plays Jonathan in this edition of Snow White. This tweaked story added to this edition of Snow White introduces a band of bandits that fight in the name of the king. Their leader Jonathan was a nice addition to this story and worked well with it, not feeling forced or out of place unlike his merry band which seemed to offer just comedic relief and little of a band of bandits.

The Story & Music which some was new and others was nostalgia play. Scenes with the dwarves was saved due to the music. I still didn’t like them but between the music and Snow White I didn’t hate them.. The first 15minutes was all new? story before leading up to the intro of the original film. (The Original is a little hazy in memory so apologize if some of it was actually in there) Up until the last 30minutes the story progressed well and I enjoyed the new additions weaving between an okay 5.5 to a fine movie 6.5. Sadly the bad was just bad enough that the poison hit that much harder into my system.

The Bad

Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Until she turned into the evil witch, I hated all the scenes with the Evil Queen. It felt like she just read the script and didn’t get into her character. The songs felt off and the story / acting was pulling me out of the world being created. Bad casting? I’m not sure. Maybe a mixture of that and a poor script which led to the poison to end my curious bite.

The Seven Dwarves were saved by nostalgia plays of music. I disliked their design going in and I couldn’t get behind them whilst watching their scenes. The ending was a total WTF and their….magic? hands was not explained nor lead to anything later on. Maybe the magic of CGI? You’ll have to tell me about that scene in the mine because WTF. I was honestly enjoying my delicious Harkins Popcorn until that scene made me freeze in shock.

Partial bad nod to the huntsman – I see they attempted to pull off the original scene but didn’t hit the same. Maybe it was what came after in the woods but a partial bad nod.

The Poisoned Apple

This movie would have been just okay to fine at best depending on your personal experience. That all changed for myself in the last 30 minutes as the movie needed to wrap up. I wont spoil the ending but I’ll drop a couple of things nodding to it.

Dopey was almost in there as an okay member of the film. Actually getting some scenes where I rooted for him… WTF Disney…WTF.

Gal Gadot resolution / ending / Her Singing 😦

The kingdoms people again resolution / ending was very odd and jarring compared to the setup of the film.

With that we come to our conclusion of Snow White. A roller coaster of slight ups and down but staying pretty consistently between the 5’s & 6’s. Came to an awful downward journey in the last 30 minutes coming in at a 4.5/10.

What are your thoughts on the movie Disney’s Snow White? Skipping it for a different movie this week / next? Or holding out for Minecraft? Love to hear your thoughts and I’ll see you across this weekend with a few titles.

The Alto Knights, Ash & Locked before next week ending March with Death of a Unicorn, The Woman in the Yard & A Working Man to end March and jump into Spring season of 2025 movie going before Summer lands around the corner.

Thanks for checking out Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’ll see you next batch :D.

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Flow & Mufasa “Review”

Release date: October 30, 2024 (France)

Director: Gints Zilbalodis

Language: English

Distributed by: UFO Distribution

Box office: US$6.8 million

Latvian: Straume

Music by: Gints Zilbalodis; Rihards Zaļupe

Missed this one upon release however with this title winning best animated movie for the golden globes I had to check it out.

Flow is a beautiful movie not only in visuals but in its heart and soul. Flow sets us up with an introduction to this cute cat shown in the image above. Very quickly we’re introduced to an array of characters that either serve as a threat or established entity in this world.

When a natural disaster? Occurs we find ourselves in a world that continues to flood. Higher and higher the water level rises and the journey that flows ahead of us is a journey of our cat and companion animals that shows even your enemies can be your closest friend.

Loved this journey, however I’d give it a solid one of watch with maybe a repeat viewing down the road. Worthy of praise but to beat Wild Robot! COME ON haha, but seriously it’s really good. Better than Inside Out 2 for a 1 time watch but couldn’t imagen checking this out again.

With no dialogue anyone can watch this title and enjoy the visuals and story on screen.

I’d give it an 8.5/10 but could be an 8 with how much I’d like some information established that goes unanswered along the way.

Release date: December 20, 2024 (USA)

Director: Barry Jenkins

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Adapted from: The Lion King

Box office: $481.6 million

Music by: Dave Metzger; Nicholas Britell (score); Lin-Manuel Miranda (songs)

Doing a double batch here as these titles came out last year. Doesn’t mean I didn’t want to talk about them specially with the Oscars coming up and Flow maybe among them?

I had no interest with Mufasa, however an annoying but catchy song/saying was in my mind. I always wanted a brother…..I always wanted a brother…. I always …okay okay I get it. Let’s watch this thing and give it context.

This was a rollercoaster of a score / experience. On one hand, when it’s hitting your nostalgia play this title felt so good but played on it so cheaply. If it wasn’t for the epic journey ahead this title wouldn’t have been as good. Hmmm kind of feels like Furiosa doesn’t it with Fury Road.

Loved the mini sequel that starts this title. Kind of lost me when we went into the backstory. That was until we meet Mufasa and his brother Taka. I thoroughly enjoyed the “Evil” lion tribe the white lions. These were awesome and actually had my favorite song “Good Bye” :D. Felt like a threat and gave so much weight to Mufasa and his actions.

Mufasa felt like such a giga Chad which was cool to see. Loved his journey and despite Taka being a cowardly entitled character. Loved the switch into his Scar alter ego which we’ve known from the original Lion King.

I’d give Mufasa a solid 7/10 but that’s mainly due to Nostalgia and with how the movie ended making me want to watch the original once more. I never saw the “Live Action” version of Lion King so I look forward to checking it out now. Will a sequel come from this ? Unsure.

If they re-wrote or cut like 30minutes from this title a potential 8 could have been scored for Mufasa but sadly the lows and ehh moments kept it from being great and just a solid good. Better than I expected that’s for sure.

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog and checking out this latest batch. We come nearer to the Oscar nominations and I’m excited to see what outcome comes for 2024 movies.

Looking ahead for 2025, tomorrow I’ll be checking out Better Man and curiously hopeful to have A Complete Unknown experience but we’ll have to wait and see.

Until next batch, enjoy The Popped Cast and look forward to a Wallace & Gromit “Review” real soon :D.

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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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Inside Out 2 “Review”

Release date: June 14, 2024 (USA)

Director: Kelsey Mann

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Budget: $200 million

Edited by: Maurissa Horwitz

Music by: Andrea Datzman

Hey! Prowen’s Anxiety here to start things off. Really hope you enjoy this movie and have a great time. Or not it’s whatever, enjoy or not. I WONT GET ANGRY or upset over it. Wow to write something so cool I’m envious of Prowen and his, ICK! That was disgusting guys what were you thinking. I’m so embarrassed I fear for what’s to come.

Haha anyway with that out of the way Joy here to take control and run you through this “review”. Sooner you read the faster we can get your emotions into gear to watch Inside Out 2 at your local theatre.

Sadly it’s been a minute since watching the first film and after watching this I’ll be revisiting it prior to my second watch of the sequel. Inside Out 2 once again follows our main character Riley as the movie sets up the sequel during her hockey game. Recapping Riley’s emotion within this game was a clever way to bring new viewers into the fold while connecting the first film to the events of the sequel for those fans returning for the sequel.

As the day comes to a close and Riley settles in for a good night sleep prior to her hockey camp. Puberty unexpecting-Ly hits and our lovely bunch of emotions get introduced to a whole new world of feelings and situations to understand and deal with.

I’m not going to dive into easter eggs nor spoilers. This is a fantastic 1 hour and 29 Minute journey to emotionally explore and self discover. Stay to the end of the 8 minute credits for a little hidden secret ;).

If you’d like to dive a little further into this sequel than that then carry on reading spoiler free still.

I left the movie feeling like Pixar had returned. I explored and experienced so many emotions throughout this movie and that’s what Pixar has always done best. In my viewing we literally had 3 sides of the experience. Myself with a 9/10 experience. Literally made me cry twice, bursting out laughing several bajillion times along with another viewer probably a little more in the middle happy watching it once probably not twice. Then the other audience member having not watched the first movie happy to have watched it but never again and probably wont check out the first.

Emotions are powerful and the experiences and memories created through life make up our foundation and character. Just like Riley, she’s developed and continued to grow up. She’s created complex emotions and systems of character and a powerful belief system making up her inner core self.

This takes her and the audience through a deep exploration of inner and outer emotions of self discovery of whom we are as an individual. Are we good people? Are we good enough? Are we mean? Bad? Sarcastic? Etc. etc. If the first movie hit you in the feels in anyway, then go watch the sequel and have a blast.

Is this a 10/10 movie? Probably not. But would I watch this again and again? Totally! Placing it in my top 10 list thus far for 2024 with another 9/10 Popped review. I look forward to watching Riley continue to go through school and maybe even end up as a young adult in the sequel looking for a job after graduating. This would place the sequel roughly in another 5 years time and a perfect gap between sequels to not over do this franchise.

Thank you all for coming by for another Popped review. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below and let me know if your emotions were struck watching this sequel. Did the review play with your heart strings and what emotions do you choose to drive your daily self?

Until next time! Prowen pOpped Out 😀

P.S – Sadness & Embarrassment are my faves and Embarrassment is MVP ❤

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