Tag: film

Resident Evil “Review”

Release date: September 18, 2026 (USA)

Director: Zach Cregger

Budget: 80 million USD

Running time: 1h 37m

Executive producers: Victor Hadida, Robert Bernacchi

Producers: Zach Cregger, Miri Yoon, Robert Kulzer, Roy Lee, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan

Welcome to Racoon City, where padlocks are the real enemy!

Zach Cregger has done something truly amazing with Resident Evil. He didn’t just make a horror movie within the franchise. Cregger recreated that feeling of the video games through the medium of movies. Peering around corners was the greatest moment of this. Having to go upstairs, unknown to what’s up there. The worst part of Resident Evil games is continuing forward (For me (I’m terrified) :P). Here we get to see what’s next through our main character, which I absolutely loved!

The pacing and world-building were such a joy to behold. Starting your quest in a regular hospital to drop off a package at Raccoon General was a genius way to introduce Resident Evil newcomers to Raccoon City while still packing fun surprises for fans!

Fans of Weapons are going to love this movie. It pulls on all the suspense and horror, creating truly hold-your-breath moments while having comedy moments executed perfectly to ease tension or set up mechanics later on. The amount of setup for jokes, mechanics, or throwbacks was handled so well that I looked forward to watching this movie again for sure!

My wife was jumping so much and called this title her favorite Resident Evil movie yet!

I loved the first title in the original movie series, but honestly I would have to agree that this new edition to the movie franchise may possibly the best yet with plenty of avenues to explore if this becomes a multi part series.

There are so many cool designs, monsters, surprises, and creative story elements that the hour and 40-minute run time went by in a blink of an eye. Get yourself to your local movie theatre this weekend to watch this on the big screen. Popped score well deserved of a 9/10 :D. Going into my top 10 thus far for 2026.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Watched or thinking of watching Resident Evil this weekend? Let us know in the comments below. With this feature in my top 10, we are at the point where movies get bumped off going forward. I’ll review my top 10 and start placing them in some order, ready for the final 3 months of 2026!

Until next time, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going!

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Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom “Review”

Release date: September 18, 2026 (USA)

Directors: Steve Cox, Matthew Walker

Running time: 1h 31m

Language: English

Executive producers: Carla Shelley, Sarah Cox, Peter Lord, Nick Park

Producer: Richard Beek

Knocked Tom & Jerry down after watching Shaun the Sheep – Love the nod to Michael Jackson’s Thriller 😀

Have two negative drawbacks and a whole lot of laugh-out-loud goodness – Let’s dig in, shall we!

The intro to the movie was fire. Loved the music and the thriller reference with Shaun and his sheep friends. Sadly, after that, we needed to build up the plot. With that, we come to find out (Or at least, I come to find out) that the humans don’t talk. Wish they got this runtime down closer to an hour. When the humans take the stage, this movie runs long. I totally warmed up to them, but initially I had a hard time getting into the two main human characters. That said, the remaining cast is hilarious. Like, laugh-out-loud, totally hilarious. So good!

Plot of the film without spoilers – Shaun is a bit of a mad scientist 😉 He uses his creative mind and a science book. He cooks up a special potion to rapidly grow the pumpkin patch back, just in time for Halloween. Using a bottle of regrowth hair formula to store said potion. Shaun’s farmer uses it to gain confidence in asking his lady vet friend to a Halloween showdown event. This is where things get a little hairy and a whole lot of fun :D.

A total hoot and holla! If it’s a weakish 8 / 7.5 I had to knock Tom & Jerry down. Cutting a storyline out and reducing the runtime to 1 hour would have been solidly 8s, but running a little long and the fact that initially the humans don’t talk (Expected something more in line with Wallace & Gromit) means this is going in at a weak 8 Popped score.

Stay tuned for tomorrow night when I return with my Resident Evil “Review”! Very excited!

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Hope “Review”

Release date: September 9, 2026 (USA)

Director: Na Hong-jin

Producers: Na Hong-jin, Saerom Kim, Son Seung-hyun, Kim Saemi

Cinematography: Hong Kyung-pyo

Don’t let that 2 Hr. 40Min run time put you off – I was locked in!

Try to avoid the trailer if possible. I honestly forgot a few scenes from the trailer, but it’s crazy how much of the end they show in it. Regardless, the journey through is honestly so insane! My friend and I were locked in. She even mentioned being scared :p.

What’s this movie even about? Imagine Attack on Titan before the safety of the walls went up. A small harbor town has something insane going on when individuals unite to combat the unknown. Following two storylines, one follows the police chief while the other follows a group of hunters. They’ve found cattle that’s been mauled by something…a tiger maybe?

Lock in and enjoy some insane action as the story unfolds. Super epic suspense and all-out WHO’S GOING TO MAKE IT! Unless you have plot armor….. Yea two glaring items kept this in the 8’s rather than a 9. The CGI on the monsters along with Plot Armor.

Alas, it’s an awesome watch and totally recommend with a Popped score of 8.5/10 – Stay watching for the extra scene prior to the credit crawl. What could it mean O.o???

With that, fellow movie-goers, we’ve caught up on this week’s batch of “reviews”. Next week I’ll have Shaun the Sheep & Resident Evil. Possibly, depending on time: The Weight & Bad Apples. Closing out the month with Forgotten Island and Avengers Endgame: Encore.

As we head fully into the fall season with October, what horror movies are you excited for? What movies yet to come in September are you excited to catch up on / see? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time, happy movie- going!

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Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass “Review”

Release date: September 4, 2026 (USA)

Director: Gang Zhang

Running time: 1h 30m

Languages: Chinese, English

Production companies: China Film Group, Warner Bros. Discovery

MPAA rating: PG

Despite lasting only a week in theatres and low scores… I had a good time 😛

I’ve not watched Tom & Jerry in quite some time. So maybe my experience differed from that of current viewers, which could explain the disparity in our scores. A game of cat & mouse activates a forbidden compass, transporting the duo into a realm where they find themselves amidst a 300 year old feud.

One side wants revenge for being betrayed in his attempt to protect his city. The other has been banished from heaven and wants to find his way back. Tom & Jerry find themselves on both ends, but will friendship over come evil / temptation?

There’s a lot of gooey goodness here on both sides of the conflict. Phoenix master vs Rat Lord, this was a fun watch.

A jarring, odd rap occurred over dinner was an interesting choice, but I loved the Chinese musical themes and settings. First hour I honestly had a great time. Sadly last 30 minutes felt extremely rushed and dropped my score. Popped score of 7.5 which honestly maybe the highest I’ve seen out there but I honestly had such a fun time. Maybe having the theatre to myself raised my experience but you’ll have to check it out and see for yourself.

*Edit* – Changing to a 7 after watching Shaun the Sheep

Stay tuned for what’s coming next. Some awesome movies are still releasing after the summer wrapped!

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Legend of the White Dragon “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Directors: Aaron Schoenke, Allen Harris

Running time: 1h 24m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Well Go USA Entertainment

Backed this Kickstarter twice – Successfully backed in May of 2020 – We finally have this on the big screen after a major hurdle, which is the sad passing of Jason David Frank – The Legend of the White Dragon, commonly known for his role in Power Rangers as the White & Green Ranger!

It’s been 6 years of development. It was kickstarted as a series. Got blown up with funding to equate to the epic movie now playing at your (Hopefully Local) theatre. Sorry for anyone who backed the movie who’s not near a theatre playing LotWD.

With this heavy toll of knowing we won’t be seeing Jason in any future projects they may have had/have planned. This movie ended on such a high note. Seriously, I can’t wait for the Blu-Ray to see all the behind-the-scenes and extra goodies packed into the creation of this movie. If you stick around throughout the credits, there’s a mid-credit scene for the film. Then a behind-the-scenes reel plays as they display all the Kickstarter patrons. That was pretty cool :D.

So how’s the movie? Well, understanding all the challenges behind the movie’s creation. I had a really good time. It felt like Power Rangers mashed with Arrowverse (Which I thoroughly love) – Mainly felt this way with some of the script and seeing David Ramsey in his role :D.

The start of the movie felt a little thrown in for the audience, but I enjoy storytelling that goes back and forth, introducing context and story points throughout the movie. The fire effects are pretty cheap, but this doesn’t have a big blockbuster-type budget to go off. Otherwise, the acting is solid. I enjoyed the characters and seeing David with his daughter Jenna Rae Frank in the movie; playing the role of his daughter was so emotional, as it reflected on screen to real life.

Personally, with the attachment and love for all that went into creating this movie and bringing it to the big screen, I’m giving LotWD a Popped score of 8/10. I’ll be following Bat in the Sun to see if anything comes further with this project but will totally be understood if this stays the finale to a legend. Rest in peace Jason Frank & Michael Madsen. Legends never die! So get out there this weekend and watch Legend of the White Dragon 😀 <3.

That’s the finale to this week’s batch, fellow movie-goers! Thanks for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Next week I may go a little lighter, but if a movie catches my eye. I’ll find a seat with my name on it :D.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going ❤

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It Ends “Review”

Release date: August 21, 2026 (USA)

Director: Alexander Ullom

Running time: 1h 29m

Distributed by: Neon

92% This must be good!…..right?

4 friends driving down a straight road never found their turn-out. It Ends takes you on a dark purgatory story of what-if scenarios. Continuing forth is the only available route. To track backwards leads to dead ends. When people in the woods start to awaken from the car noise, acting like zombies screaming for help. What do you do other than continue to drive forward down the straight road?

I hope you enjoy these 4 characters because you’re locked in as much as they are with one another. There are some interesting ideas here, but do they ever really get developed or delved into to enrich the story? For me personally, it’s what dragged this movie down into the 7’s. When the formula ran stale, we got a change-up for both the viewer and actors. That’s sadly about where things didn’t change up and ended the movie with a weak 7 mostly; it’s a fine movie.

Just checked the audience score and seeing a 50%. Seems like I’m in the middle, so curious where It Ends lands with you all? Planning on checking it out on streaming? Let us know in the comments below.

Final “Review” to come of this weeks batch, The Legend of the White Dragon :D.

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Buddy “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Casper Kelly

Cinematography: Zach Kuperstein

Distributed by: Roadside Attractions

Executive producers: Gideon Tadmor, Roberto Linck, Dexter Braff, Adam J. Wilde, Geoff Yaw, Kevin Flanigan

Genre: Horror

Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared, combined with Barnie….. Let’s discuss!

I had a good time with this one despite there being a potential rant for those interested :D. Alas, Buddy got a 7.5/10 Popped score, missing the 8 on it’s final acts.

You start within a kids’ show (Barnie of sorts or Blue Clues), watching episodes with a narrative focus before resetting with a song of loving Buddy. That’s until you get to see the behind-the-scenes of the show and expand on what occurs with Buddy when the cameras aren’t on him. Creating cracks within the seams that continue to grow each episode, affecting those who saw.

This had the inner makings of creating something epic on the scale of Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared. Sadly, they focused on adding some trigger-warning scenes for some viewers, which, within the setting of a kids show (yes, despite it being R-rated horror), felt really unnecessary and could have better been spent on setting up more of the lore / behind the scenes of how this all came to be. Possibly set up for sequels if popular, but I really would have preferred that over (Spoilers Rant).

Regardless, this was a good time with a 7.5/10. I can see it doing well on streaming for sure.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie Reviews!. We just hit 10k views on the site since starting this project :D. Appreciate you all taking the time! Stick around as we’re just halfway through this week’s batch of movie “Reviews”.

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Finding Emily “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Alicia MacDonald

Running time: 1h 50m

Producers: Olivier Kaempfer, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan

Production companies: Parkville Pictures, Focus Features, Working Title Films

Screenplay: Rachel Hirons

Thought this would be cute… never thought I’d fall in love with it 😀 Legit! Let’s Discuss!

I loved pretty much the entirety of this movie.

From the characters, their personal journeys, the connections between one another, from strangers, friends, and family, I absolutely loved it all. Owen (Played by Spike Fearn) sees Emily one night while at work and falls for her. Due to having to rush out of the club for a birthday party, she misses a number entering it on Owen’s phone, and thus the movie Finding Emily exists :D.

Emily Raine (Played by Angourie Rice) is an Emily but not the Emily. Aiding Owen in the search for Emily, even if it results in her own personal gains.

Along the way, we meet Owen’s family, which I freaking loved; the connection between Owen and his brother. We also meet several dozen other Emily’s which have their own motives, agendas, and journeys within the movie. This is such a feel-good movie, and I ate it up. Angus Thongs & Perfect Snogging may be the last movie where I didn’t touch my popcorn due to loving everything on screen.

I haven’t even mentioned the music yet! From start to end, the music track and selections/usage were superb! Stay to the end for a music video amongst the credits 😀 So good.

Popped score of 9/10 I seriously loved it!

Apologies for this week’s batch being rather large and uploaded in one day. WordPress was having issues… well, at least on my end. Found out the ad blocker was preventing the page from loading… never occurred before, but alas, I’m back :D.

Stick around for Buddy coming up next here on Popped!

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Idiots “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Macon Blair

Casting directors: Chase Paris, Tara Feldstein, Mark Bennett

Cinematography: Guillermo Garza

Distributed by: Independent Film Company

Editor: Dane McMaster

I’m excited for Dave Franco in Forgotten Island, but let’s not be harsh in the opener…

Idiots focuses on 2 adults who, due to their idiot decisions, are let go of their jobs and find themselves working together transporting a delinquent kid to a behavioral school. Dave Franco plays Mark, a character quite similar to that of the kid being transported, Sheridan (Played by Mason Thames). Davis (Played by O’Shea Jackson Jr.) having been let go by the church for taking kids to an NR (Not Rated) movie finds himself being partnered with Mark on this transport gig.

There were moments/scenes I got legitimately into and had a great time. Sadly, they were long-lived and felt extremely long in between. Get yourself a good drink from your theatre’s bar and enjoy an okay-to-fine movie with Idiots playing this weekend at your local theatre. Popped score of 6/10.

You know what else arrives this weekend? A mega release of movies! Coyote vs ACME, The Dog Stars, Buddy, Finding Emily, It Ends & The Legend of the White Dragon. It’s going to be an insane wide release of movies, and I’m excited to experience the majority of these and come back and share my thoughts :D.

Planning on seeing any of these at your local theatre? Seeing Idiots? – Let me know in the comments below. Appreciate you coming by Popped, for your movie “Reviews”.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going!

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Insidious: Out of the Further “Review”

Release date: August 21, 2026 (USA)

Director: Jacob Chase

Running time: 1h 46m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

2026 is jam packed with horror so let’s keep it going in August with Insidious (6?)..

Horror rarely scares these days anymore. But this entry’s intro has some solid tension and a scene that got me :P. Sadly, the remainder of the movie doesn’t keep that same energy. But there are moments for sure :D.

Out of the further felt like a second phase or saga of the Insidious franchise. Going from the established traveler to now introducing carriers, individuals who were able to bring things to and from the material plane from the further.

The story focuses on a family over a 20-year generational timeline. The intro sets up some rewarding scenes that I appreciated in this latest installment. Some old favorites return; however, it mostly felt like filler.

That’s all dependent on the franchise’s next direction, based on the ending without spoilers. Popped score of 6.5/10. It’s almost good, but that ending could have been epic. Discuss that further in the comments after you’ve experienced this latest edition.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”.

Stick around for the “Review” on The Magical Faraway Tree.

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