Send Help “Review”

Release date: January 30, 2026 (USA)

Director: Sam Raimi

Screenplay: Mark Swift, Damian Shannon

Producers: Sam Raimi, Zainab Azizi

Cinematography: Bill Pope

MPAA rating: R

Finally got to see Send Help, 1 scene could have looked good in 3D, but 2D was the way 😀

A strong balance between the usage of horror & comedy. Without spoilers, though. Is this Scary Movie or Scream? Does this parody the genre or take itself somewhat seriously? Depending on the line you find yourself in. That ending / last 30 minutes is going to either get you to a 9/10 or take some hits, bringing you into the 8’s.

Personally, I’m at 8.5/10, possibly 8, but in this ballpark. Without spoilers, this could have been a 9 in the bag and onto my top 10 list for 2026 thus far. It’s still the best movie of 2026 thus far that I’ve seen, but I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Shall we discuss the movie and set this up for y’all :D?

Rachel McAdams plays Linda Liddle (From Account?), a huge fan & lover of the Survivor TV Show. She also has this overbearing boss who doesn’t appreciate her work, her talents, or the commitment and dedication she’s given to the company, which the boss’s father built for him to inherit. The boss in question? Bradley Preston (Played by Dylan O’Brien) a total jerk and awful boss that’s going to find out how much Linda will have to offer in his survival.

Yes! His survival! Stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes en route to a business meeting. It’s a battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

Plenty of setup to create throwbacks and bowties. Even if there are a few layers of mystery to discover and reflect upon after the movie. It’s a great watch, and I’ll look forward to checking it out again at some point with the misses :D.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. What did you think of Send Help? Love to hear in the comments and with that I’m off to bed before I continue the battle in Oathsworn Session 14 in 6 hours :D. Night all or good morning for those waking up to this :D.

Until next time though, happy moviegoing fellow moviegoers 😀

February 2, 2026 0

Iron Lung “Review”

Release date: January 30, 2026 (USA)

Director: Markiplier

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

Producers: Will Hyde, Jeff Guerrero, Amy Nelson

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 7m

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 30, 2026 0

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple “Review”

Release date: January 16, 2026 (USA)

Director: Nia DaCosta

Production companies: DNA Films, Columbia Pictures, Decibel Films

Running time: 1h 50m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Been curious how this will perform and while still divided, my excitement continues to build

You can check out my thoughts on 28 Years later before diving into its sequel – Bone Temple!

I was conflicted between the two stories within the previous installment and continued to be within this title. However! Upon reflecting that ending and taking these installments as a series whole. My excitement continues to build and I enjoyed the payoff. Even if I didn’t realize it until the moment hit :D.

No Spoilers here but taking my thoughts on the previous installment you can piece together what elements I enjoyed and didn’t and theory craft from there 😀 Or just go watch this movie!

Throughout the journey of this installment I was having a good time. With minor elements I wont get into the rating dipped to a 6.5 and back to 7 for others. That last 30minutes gave me goosebumps and for that. The Bone Temple gets a Popped score of 7.5/10. But will it on a second viewing? Maybe this will have two scores. Stand A-Lone & Trilogy score. Loved the connecting web that brought the series together and with that the long wait for the hopeful third installment of this 28 years trilogy can potentially bring this franchise to a close in fantastic climax? Let’s see shall we!

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Being this is a sequel keeping very spoiler free but from my prior thoughts and what’s mentioned. I think you can paint a picture :D.

That being said I have 1 hour to get this weeks batch of “Reviews” out so let’s press on as this is 1 of 4 movies watched this week 😀 INSANE I KNOW haha.

January 18, 2026 0

The Plague “Review”

Release date: December 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Charlie Polinger

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

Nominations: Prize of Un Certain Regard · See more

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Independent Film Company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 9, 2026 0

2025 Look Back – “Recap.”

Something Popped started in 2025 was an early & mid look into the year. Well, we’re now into the following year of 2026, so let’s look back and “Recap” the year of 2025.

Were my top 10 predictions correct? What surprises occurred? Misses, swings & hits. Let’s get into it!

Let’s start with my top 10 predicted vs officials.

Ouch! Let’s start with my misses! – Love Hurts, seriously hurts to see this on my top 10 list when I gave it a 4.5. Ballerina, sadly, I fell asleep, so I don’t have a review of it, and never re-watched it to catch the middle parts I missed. Jurassic World & Black Phone 2 were fine movies with a mixture of good & bad elements.

The remainder were good to great, with scores ranging from 7.5 to 8.5.

So what’s my actual top 10 for 2025: (Not Actually Listed 1 through 10)

Ranking 2025 – Top 10	Movie Title
1	Ne Zha 2 – 9/10* – #1 Oscar Animated Feature
2	Bring Her Back – 9/10*
3	Sinners – 9/10*
4	Better Man – 9/10*
5	Sarah’s Oil – 9/10
6	Song Sung Blue – 9/10
7	David – 9/10
8	The Life of Chuck – 9/10
9	F1 – 9/10
10	One Battle After Another – 9/10

Ne Zha 2 came out of no where. Like, wasn’t even on my radar and seriously loved this movie and watched the first & second movie over 3 times each. First one probably closer to 5/6.

Same with Bring Her Back – Watched this twice and thoroughly enjoyed it. Was surprised placing a horror movie into my top 10 but then Sinners feels so right in here :D.

Better Man I’ve watched twice and thoroughly loved the nostalgia of the story, setting & music.

True stories were big for 2025 and Sarah’s Oil & Song Sung Blue were incredible. Moved me emotionally and tales I’d re-watch again.

Life of Chuck is one of those movies you’ll sit and ponder. Reflecting and taking in what the movie meant to you individually. A lot can be broken down by this. Love to hear your thoughts.

One Battle After Another vs Sinners are my two best picture plays. Haven’t re-seen OBAA yet but Sinners, I loved even more the second watch.

Dark Horses of 2025:

Minecraft blew up with Chicken Jockey. Captain America came out same time as Ne Zha 2. You can read my thoughts on those in their respected “Reviews”. Mortal Kombat 2 got pushed to 2026 so let’s hope it actually releases this year. Once again in my Dark Horse but I’m backing Street Fighter based on their trailers.

Looney Tunes was a lot of fun but didn’t do great. Hopefully Coyote vs Acme performs this year. Until Dawn & M3gan 2.0 flopped. With Mickey 17 not being my cup of tea but did decent. Fantastic Four faired better than Captain America but I’m hoping Doomsday is worth this recent era of Marvel :S…..hopefully….

Here’s to a solid year of movies for 2026! Looking forward to seeing how wrong I am again :P. Honestly this year has so many good movies I’d be surprised not seeing my predicted list being a little closer than my 2025 list was :D.

Next Popped Date to be end of January when we discuss the Oscar Nominations! Snubs, potential winners & my disappointment for Ne Zha 2 not being nominated based on how it’s going with Critics Choice & Golden Globes.

Until next time though fellow movie-goers – Happy Watching 😀

January 4, 2026 0

Song Sung Blue “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: Craig Brewer

Producers: Craig Brewer, John Davis

Running time: 2h 13m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Distributed by: Focus Features, Universal Pictures

Hearing Hugh Jackman saying he’s huge!….next level entertainment :p

I thought I was walking into a film like Better Man or A Complete Unknown. Then I found out this is actually about a Neil Diamond tribute band…..to find out at the end of the movie…..It’s a real freaking story! – 2025 – The year of true story / true story-based movies!

From the incredible acting of the entire cast. Hugh Jackman (Playing Mike Sardina), Kate Hudson (Playing Claire Sardina), Claire’s daughter Rachel Cartwright (Played by Ella Anderson), Claire’s Son Dayna Cartwright (Played by Hudson Hensley) & Mike’s daughter Angelina Sardina (Played by King Princess). Along with an excellent supporting cast. This family dynamic and their story through extreme highs, lows, and hardships had my emotions going through a rollercoaster.

Not only the fantastic acting and characters, but Song Sung Blue has incredible music and storyboarding elements. It has a beautiful bow-tie ending, and honestly, I was blown away. I was going to skip it. But WOW! I’m so glad I didn’t because this is going into my top 10 movies of 2025.

The hard decision is whether to drop Last Breath or Sarah’s Oil. Two incredible true story movies that moved me. When I look back and think of repeat viewings. It’ll probably take the place of Last Breath. It’s hung in there since February, and that experience was Awing.

Song Sung Blue is a gem of a movie that will have you in laughter, feeling the highs of joy and happiness. While next hitting you in the gut and tears running down your face as you’ve connected and built relationships with these characters. No Spoilers. But WOW! This is a great movie and wrapped up 2025 beautifully. Popped score of 9/10!

Thanks for coming by, Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Appreciate you taking the time to do so, and would love to hear your thoughts on Song Sung Blue in the comments.

With this “Review” that wraps up 2025, and if something technically limited release came out but releases wide in 2026. Just like Better Man, will be placed * into 2026. Unless the Oscars switch that up? We’ll find out within the month.

Next post will be a look back through 2025, followed by an additional post looking ahead into 2026. Look forward to those and see how right or wrong I was. Surprise hits and movies that weren’t even on my radar.

Lastly, I’ll calculate my total reviews for 2024 & 2025 and include that in the look back. I totally blew by 100, which is insane! My goal for 2024 was 50, then 2025 was 75. What # should we go for next year?

Looking at January, I already see 8 movies on my radar :D.

Until next time, though, fellow moviegoers. Happy Movie Going & Happy New Year!

December 30, 2025 1

Marty Supreme “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: Josh Safdie

Producers: Timothée Chalamet, Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush, Anthony Katagas

Cinematography: Darius Khondji

Screenplay: Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein

Running time: 2h 29m

Marty Supreme is a great movie! – I just watch too many movies. Let’s Discuss!

Let’s split this “Review” into two parts. The shorter, to-the-point, and the longer, which may touch upon spoilers, to explain the score. Shall we begin? 😀

Non Spoiler – “Review”

Timothee Chalamet playing Marty, set in 1950’s, Marty has a dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player. Enjoy a 2 and half hour journey to see if this dream comes true. It’s a great movie. Very entertaining and filled with incredible supporting characters.

Popped score of an 8.5/10 – I thought about the 9 all the way home once the credits began to play. I went out in the SoCal rains to check this feature out based on all the high praise and buzz. It didn’t disappoint. But when comparing it to other films. It had to be a .5. Shall we discuss below?

Potential Spoiler “Review” – the .5

I’ll use a couple of titles for examples for those interested in why it didn’t get the 9/10.

Sinners – A movie that intrigues at the start. Builds at a slower pace to set the stage. In a fantastic explosion of awesome! – Reveals the final stage for a spectacular second half that’s an insanely good watch, again and again.

F1 – A movie that had me on the edge of my seat. With no interest in Formula 1. Had me hooked and totally engaged with the sport and characters. Felt like there were stakes involved. *Marty Supreme* broke that immersion when I saw characters stand still and not return the ball when other shots were far harder to make.

One Battle After Another – Being slightly longer than Marty Supreme. I didn’t feel the length of time, unlike I had with Marty. Despite there being a solid score at times. Within OBAA, that score fueled you with energy. Energizing you through multiple long scenes that went by in a flash, for being so engaged and hooked. I’ve only seen OBAA once. Within that showing, I had a couple talking the ENTIRE time. Despite that experience. I was fully engaged and locked in. Marty Supreme sadly had slowed down, which, little things within the audience did distract, pulling me out of the experience.

Challengers – A previous year movie, which was my #1. Just like this year’s F1. The momentum. Engaged energy. Music & Characters back and forth. Presented a perfect performance for me personally, which I could honestly say is maybe my 10/10 film. I haven’t seen it more than once. However, based on that one showing. I had a 10/10 experience.

Marty Supreme – Offers slightly below the levels of the aforementioned movies. It’s a great movie and totally deserves the praise it’s getting. But comparing it to, for me personally. Popped score of an 8.5/10.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Read the short or longer version I appreciate you taking the time. Love to hear your thoughts on Marty Supreme in the comments below.

I loved Sinners even more the second viewing. Specially the second half with the couple not talking. I’ve yet to see ABAA a second time without people talking. I mention them as currently they are my two contenders for 2025 Movie of the Year :D.

Any ideas what yours is yet? Love to hear it in the comments. Fingers crossed, Ne Zha 2 gets a nomination at the Oscars. Based on the Golden Globes, I’m rooting for Demon Slayer! For #1 Animated movie of 2025.

December 26, 2025 0

Avatar: Fire and Ash “Review”

Release date: December 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: James Cameron

Running time: 3h 17m

Budget: 400 million USD

Sequel: Avatar 4

Story by: James Cameron, Amanda Silver, Josh Friedman, Shane Salerno, Rick Jaffa

It’s the third installment, so I’ll have a short and spoilers ash “Review”

Short 8/10 “Review”

Well, I was going to link my “Review” of Avatar 2 buuuut, I started this blog after that year :S So, let’s recap quickly and get to it. Hated the first movie. Was a big hater of this series until checking out Avatar 2 in 3D. WoW! Totally won me over – LOVED IT! Would have been a 9/10 for me personally.

We’re back again with what feels like a Part 2 of the second movie with the third installment. Had a great time. Felt long but didn’t feel like 3 hours 17minutes, despite it being daylight when I went in and totally dark when I came out haha.

Would recommend checking this installment out on the big screen if you enjoyed the second movie. It’s literally that movie again, but characters have a lot to resolve from the ending of the second movie, and lots of growth to have across the 3-hour journey.

This time, I checked it out in 3D HFR. Although still not for me personally, I had to give it another try after my last attempt with the Hobbit films. Will continue to watch in 3D as the world is beautiful, and it’s the best way to experience this series on the big screen. 8/10.

Spoiler ash “Review”

Wicked Part 1 had all the songs, the story, characters, and fun times. Wicked Part 2 had to deal with the ramifications of the first movie. A darker tone/style and had to navigate what just occurred in the previous installment, while balancing the story and journey ahead with the peaks of epic that just occurred towering above expectations for the sequel.

It’s hard to obtain that feeling again. Despite having a great time. Especially the final hour. The overall feel for Avatar 3 had the second installment towering above expectations. I felt like this go-around couldn’t live up to the story being told. (Enough of that until we discuss story spoilers in the comments.)

I’m excited to see what’s to come in the 4th installment with a potential time jump once more. I loved connecting with the family in the 2nd installment, and unfortunately, as it is for the characters in this movie. Despite their growth, the ending of the previous movie did leave our characters in a darker place, which was hard to get into at the start of the movie for me personally.

Want to discuss more Avatar? See you in the comments below!

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. As usual, don’t want to touch spoilers. Specially for a 3rd installment movie being this deep into the series you’d think you’d know if it’s for you or not. But alas some viewers do enjoy waiting to binge the lot no matter how many years that may take. 2029 & 2031 for the 4th & 5th installment. Will we get KH4 by then? We’ll have to wait and see.

Few movies left to end the year, but I’m honestly surprised by what’s not making it onto my top 10 list to end the year off. How are your lists going? Love to hear them in the comments.

Until next time, fellow moviegoers. Happy Movie Going and Happy Holidays!

December 20, 2025 1

Fackham Hall “Review”

Release date: December 5, 2025 (USA)

Director: Jim O’Hanlon

Producers: Kris Thykier, Mila Cottray, Danny Perkins

Production companies: Anonymous Content, Two & Two Pictures, Vacancy Films, Mews Films, Head Gear Films, Elysian Film Group

Running time: 1h 37m

Distributed by: Bleecker Street, Entertainment Film Distributors

Enjoyed the trailer and portrayed humor… I wasn’t prepared for how funny this film truly is 😀

With the setting of Downton Abbey & the humor of Naked Gun & good old British Carry On Franchise to boot. Fackham Hall is the comedy I’ve been longing for this year :D.

I was thinking an 8 as I’d love to re-watch this again, but going to place it at a solid 7.5, very good movie, well worth watching that I may check out again if it happens to be on.

Fantastic cast with some surprises that I didn’t expect. Tom Felton & Jimmy Carr are just a couple. Want a little story to throw into the mix? Well, the Davenport’s have no heirs, so in order to keep their home of Fackham Hall. It’s up to their daughters to marry Archibald…. Who’s Archibald you may ask… well check out Fackham Hall at your local theatre and be in for a delightful fun time.

In addition to following the family of Davenport’s. We’re also following the story of Eric Noone played by Ben Radcliffe (Not related to Daniel Radcliffe (Yes, I looked it up :P)). An individual not from Fackham Hall, you may call him a commoner… Well, he’s going to find himself, aww, struck when he comes into sight of this adventure.

With that short and sweet little “Review”. Go have a barrel of laughs. (If you’re into the humor headlined at the start). A lady walked out 40 minutes into my show and never returned, so it probably wasn’t for her. But if it is, then have yourself a good old show.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. I was notified that we hit 5k views on Popped! It’s awesome to see that so many have come by this little place and be apart of the yearly fun of movie going.

I started Popped to track movies watched and my thoughts/ratings. It then grew into something of a passion and a hobby. Will this grow further? I’m truly excited to see what 2026 has to come.

But before 2026 arrives. We still have the month of December with lots of movies to release.

So until next time, happy movie going, everyone!

December 5, 2025 0

Keeper “Review”

Release date: November 14, 2025 (USA)

Director: Osgood Perkins

Genre: Horror

Producers: Jesse Savath, Chris Ferguson

Running time: 1h 39m

MPAA rating: R

Loved Tatiana Maslany in Orphan Black and went in expecting something along that…WTF!

I’ll come right out with this one. Someone asked what this movie is about. The question stumped me as I didn’t want to spoil anything. Seriously. This movie summed up is a total WTF experience. It’ll be a solid top-notch streamer late at night. Popped score of 6.5/10. The second half was good, but that first hour had me split.

Liz (Played by Tatiana Maslany) & her partner Malcom (Played by Rossif Sutherland) have an interesting chemistry at first, which I wish I saw a quick connection point between the two before the uncertainty and skepticism.

The film setup this feature beautifully. Establishing the trend and revealing slightly the WTF nature of what’s to come without fully revealing literally anything.

This is what kept me in suspense. Wanting more. Wanting to see what the literal fuck is going on in this title. Maybe that’s why my rating is slightly higher than others, with 6/10 on IMDb being the highest thus far.

Out of all three features in this batch, I would love to know your thoughts on Keeper. Maybe I’ve teased you to check it out, maybe you’re turned away. Either way, this is a fine, almost good movie with 6.5/10. The second half was what almost got this to a 7, but ultimately, without going into spoilers, was the reason why it stayed in the 6’s.

With that, we have our trilogy of movies this week, and I appreciate you all coming by Popped for those movie “Reviews. With Keepers that puts our total movie count at ……. 127 if I counted my posts correctly…. WOW, speak about losing track.

Goal was 100 – Maybe we can hit 150 by the end of December? Let me know your predictions in the comments below, and how many movies you’re currently up to for watch count.

November 15, 2025 0