Tag: film

The Order “Review”

Release date: December 27, 2024 (UK)

Director: Justin Kurzel

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios

Based on: The Silent Brotherhood; by: Kevin Flynn; Gary Gerhardt

Box office: $2 million

Cinematography: Adam Arkapaw

Finally got to sit down and watch The Order, mainly drawn in by Nicholas Hoult and a great trailer. This is such a good watch and some what educational being that it’s based on true events.

The story follows two opposing fronts, one led by an FBI agent (Terry Husk – Played by Jude Law) with his supporting officer (Jamie Bowen – Played by Tye Sheridan) against the other side, a white supremacist group with their groups lead (Bob Mathews – Played by Nicholas Hoult).

The acting was top notch, story telling was gripping and grasped my attention instantly. From a walk into the woods at night setting up plot points later on. To a bank robbery which pulls back the curtain to setup our two fronts.

Since the movie is based on true events I want you to go into this not knowing all the info I hold now. Create your own thoughts and opinions on how this all wraps up and how events unfold still to this day. It’s kind of wild how history can repeat itself.

With that being said I’ll keep story points and reveals very light. You’re going to see into the eyes of a white supremacist group as they form together, recruit, assemble and execute their groups plan to overthrow the federal government.

Have you checked out The Order yet? Dug deeper down the rabbit hole that the film’s ending messages leaves you with? Love to hear your thoughts below and with that we enter our final week of 2024 and a possible 3? movies left to review before we close this chapter.

The Order gets a solid 8/10 Popped scoring :D. Watched Wild Robot again yesterday by the way and totally loved it! Solid top 3 movies for 2024. Maybe it beats challengers when I re-watch that for a second time.

Until next time with – Nosferatu | A Complete Unknown | Baby girl

0

Sonic 3 “Review”

Release date: December 20, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jeff Fowler

Adapted from: Sonic the Hedgehog

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Box office: $1.4 million

Music by: Tom Holkenborg

Sprinkle some chaos energy on this review to temper expectations if you’d like. I’ll be going in on this “Review” however mind you being my most anticipated movie of 2024 I maybe wearing my rose tinted glasses.

If you’re unsure on what Sonic 3 will be about or what to expect. Maybe go watch the first two movies and the Knuckles Paramount + Show. It’s literally a turn your brain off and have a good time type of movie.

From the first title, to now. I’ve loved the world that’s being created for the Sonic Universe. Yes the human storylines are the weakest and continue to be, however I just love it when both Sonic and his gang are on screen as well as Jim Carrey himself playing as Doctor Eggman…..but wait a minute, now there’s two! Of him playing different characters in a movie by the same actor O.o.

Sonic 3 picks up with our trio of heroes as we discover it’s Sonic’s first bEarth Day when he met his human family back in the first movie. I honestly wished they left the humans here but alas…

Oh btw prior to the above we start this feature off with some nice action and introduction to Shadow himself. 😀 – I’ll tease and setup but wont go into spoilers. You know me by now ?

Human character shoutouts go to Krysten Ritter who plays the Director of Gun. Was very cool seeing her in this movie. Keanu Reeves was awesome playing Shadow, despite sounding like brain from pinky and the brain haha.

Loved Loved Loved! Jim Carrey playing both Doctor Eggmans. Loved him since the Mask, Dumb & Dumber & Ace Ventura. The same energy still exists today with his role playing these characters and I’m excited to see what’s to come next. – Press the Button 😉

Again no spoilers, but the overall plot of this title is overcoming Shadow the Hedgehog. If you know you know. If not, enjoy getting to learn more about the Sonic Universe that covers story from the video games. (Specifically Sonic Adventure 2)

Sit back and enjoy this very crazy adventure. Learn more about the characters and their back stories. New and Old characters get introduced, Developed and have their own moments to enjoy and behold.

Lots of epic 90’s nostalgia, specially for those into Sonic/Sega or that played video games during that period of time. keep watching to the end. A mid credit scene and a final end credit scene – BOTH WORTH STICKING AROUND FOR. – Very Juicy 😉

I can’t believe in 4 years we’ve gotten 3 Sonic Movies! – Insane! – Nintendo hurry up with Mario Bros and other franchises. I must get a Metroid & Ness movie so Smash Bros can be a thing.

You already know it’s a 9/10 from me for a Popped “Review”. If I had to be harsh maybe somewhere in the 8’s like an 8.5 but honestly I had such a blast and just love every scene with Jim Carrey and Team Sonic :D.

Here’s to looking forward to 2026? For the next installment. Maybe time to play some games and dive into the animated series?

Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for your “Review” of Sonic 3. Happy Holidays if I don’t return by next week and enjoy your festivities. ❤

Stay tuned toward new year on my 2024 break down and 2025 hopes and nopes.

0

September 5 “Review”

Release date: January 9, 2025 (Germany)

Director: Tim Fehlbaum

Producers: Tim Fehlbaum, Sean Penn, Philipp Trauer, Thomas Wöbke, John Ira Palmer, John Wildermuth Jr.

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures, Constantin Film

Cinematography: Markus Förderer

Music by: Lorenz Dangel

Got to watch an early access screening of September 5 the other day. With a limited release this kind of hits 2024/25 but I wont be long with this one.

September 5 is set in 1972 during the Munich Olympics. An American sports broadcasting crew finds themselves thrust into covering a hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes.

Before I go into my thoughts, however brief. This is based on true events. Several people after the showing were discussing with myself and some others that they actually lived through this and remember it well. They came away enjoying this title so I wanted to start with that before the later half.

When it comes to my experience. I warn those that are tired, to rest before this feature. Going into this tired with its slow pacing, dated, yet intended for the time period can have you dozing off. Unlike that of Conclave I didn’t find myself compelled to stay awake to see what’s happening as the pacing was just so slow and none of the characters, cinematography, visual beats was enough to grab my attention in such a tired state.

That was my experience, but I hope that if you went to check this title out. That you came away having had a good time and maybe learnt something of historic events.

It’s not much of a “Review” but a pin in the calendar for watching and scoring this for the year. The trailer was good to lure me in but sadly the film in my tired state wasn’t enough.

6/10 – Above Average

0

Wicked Part 1 “Review”

Release date: November 22, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jon M. Chu

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Adapted from: Wicked, The Wizard of OZ

Budget: $145–150 million

Cinematography: Alice Brooks

I enjoyed the play many moons ago pre-COVID. I’ve watched and enjoyed The Wizard of OZ several times. So it’s awesome to finally be in a timeline where Wicked has been created into a theatrical movie.

I’d like to start by reminding people that Wicked is a musical. I just didn’t want anyone to be surprised when going in to watch this movie. Although comparing the length of this movie to Joker, this felt to have the same or slightly less music. (I’d like to have had more music, which I’ll get into later.)

The Wicked movie is told from the perspective of our two witches, Elphaba (Played by Cynthia Erivo) & Galinda (Played by Ariana Grande). Setting up the movie we start with Galinda, Munchkin Land, and the death of the Wicked Witch of the East. The story begins by highlighting the fact that Dorothy has arrived in OZ. This story travels back to prior times introducing Elphaba from conception, her childhood including introducing her sister, and then how Elphaba & Galinda became friends with one another in school.

You’re watching a musical so let’s begin with that, shall we? It’s awesome! Countless good songs throughout this 2-hour and 31-minute spectacular (Skip the non-post-credit scene crawl unless you’re enjoying the music). My most remembered songs going into the film were fantastic and knocked each performance out of the park. I may even lock this title in for the Oscars for Best Production & Costume Design. Some of the music was elevated by these two categories making the scene/s stand out and worth re-watching.

As usual, I’ll keep story spoilers away and touch on brief topic matters despite being based on the Wicked Broadway play. This theatrical release incorporates a book that I never read.

I found it fascinating the history on animals and how much this played into the storyline of Wicked. Maybe I missed this while watching the play but it gave so much grounded development to Elphaba and strengthening her decisions and choices that leads her to become who she is later on.

I’m a real underdog supporter in movies so to incorporate this, I was totally enthralled. I have so many notes to discuss however I just want you to go out and experience this movie for yourself. (Caveat – You’re watching a musical remember. Don’t want any surprises like Joker now) If you’re not a fan of musicals this maybe a hard watch despite the incredible performances from the entire cast.

Something that stands out early is the chemistry felt between Elphaba & Galinda, something truly magical and that captivates throughout. I had a moment of emotional swirl get me during a scene, helping with the long run time. When you start to feel the movie length you’re heading into the final act which feels to go by in an instant due to how good it is. I’m ready to re-watch again and could have sat another 3 hours watching Part 2.

I’m not sure about movie of the year however do checkout my top 10 list which has shifted somewhat with this release. I may have to re-watch Dune 2 as it’ll be bumped off the list which doesn’t seem right but it’s a strong 8.5 almost 9 so we’ll see by year end.

With that giant hint, I’m giving Wicked Part 1 a Popped score of 9/10. Worthy of a Blu-ray purchase and definitely a multi-re-watch.

Out of the big 3 to end November I’d say this is the clear winner. (Despite not seeing Moana 2 yet so let’s see next week if that stance changes) – Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “review” and looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.

Did you check out Wicked yet? What’s your top 10 looking like in comparison? Let us know before the next popped batch of “Reviews”.

1

Red One “Review”

Release date: November 15, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jake Kasdan

Budget: 250 million USD

Story by: Hiram Garcia

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, Universal Pictures

Music by: Henry Jackman

Welcome, fellow moviegoers, to Popped. Blog with this week’s batch of “Reviews.” We started with A Real Pain, now for the real pain of a movie Red One.

Red One showed so much promise and yet gave it all away within the trailers. Failure from creation itself, some may find that their batch of cookies to Santa may be salvaged toward the end. However, the undercooked middle and surprised aftertaste of the first bite could put people off.

Red One opens with a younger version of our main character Jack O’Malley being played by Chris Evans. This opening scene felt like a Christmas movie before the 30 year time skip to present times.

Callum Drift (Played by Dwayne Johnson), an ELF member and bodyguard of Santa Claus is one day away from retirement as the naughty list grows each year with worse and worse adults. The magic of Christmas is waning on him but Santa reminds him that he does this job for the children that are no longer children to remember that feeling of their younger child.

Jack O’Malley, an L4 bad guy, gets into a situation where his actions result in Santa being kidnapped by an unknown group. Callum and Jack go on an adventure (which is all in the trailer) to rescue Santa and save Christmas.

The ingredients are all there. There is so much goodness behind Dwayne Johnson that he takes up 90% of the screen time. If only he gave the camera to anyone else to show off the world of the awesome creatures and characters supporting the film for 10% this could have been enjoyed more.

If you’re looking for a Christmas movie where a “failed” parent learns a lesson and does a good deed then I’d recommend seeing Elf. You feel the magic in that film and the characters all get to shine, unlike this film which finds it hard to show the creations that are forced to the back.

I hovered in the mid scores for sometime until an hour and a half where I wanted to walk out as I was done. The last 5 to 10 minutes was fun and I enjoyed the remaining good cookies in the batch as the film got to show off for a moment its creation.

Back and forth on the rating, however, I’m going with a 4/10 below average movie that may even be lower than others. This brings good news to my bottom 5 list as Abigail has been saved from ending the year in my bottom 5 by being joined by Red One.

This maybe hard for some as I’m sure many were looking forward to this title. If you enjoy the rock spreading the Christmas cheer through adult language then you may enjoy this movie. For me though I’ll be enjoying Elf and the best Christmas Pageant ever.

Thank you all for coming by Popped. Blog and I look forward to seeing you next week for 2 big doses of “Reviews” – Wicked & Gladiator 2.

0

A Real Pain “Review”

Release date: November 1, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jesse Eisenberg

Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures

Box office: $1,020,065

Produced by: Ewa Puszczyńska; Jennifer Semler; Jesse Eisenberg; Emma Stone; Ali Herting; Dave McCary

Production companies: Topic Studios; Fruit Tree; Rego Park; Extreme Emotions;

Welcome fellow movie goers to Popped.blog with this weeks batch of “Reviews”. Starting with A Real Pain followed by Red One.

A real pain follows two Jewish cousins David & Benji (Being played by Jesse Eisenberg & Kieran Culkin) as they venture on a tour of Poland to honor their late grandmother.

With an excellent sound track with beautiful melody of piano music travelling the inner connection between scenes. I fell in love with the surrounds and musical notes that brought scenes completely together.

The connection between the two cousins kept me engaged and entertained throughout. Benji is unlike David and with that some old tensions resurface while exploring their family history.

Benji had so many layers to explore the movie felt wrapped and yet open to explore with Benji’s journey. Something of which David was able to have closed in a manner that left me feeling a real pain to drop my 7 to a 6.5/10 just slightly missing the mark of a good movie.

It’s a fine line, a very fine line of being a good solid 7 however I wanted 1 more scene for Benji. The supporting cast with the tour group were a delight and honestly did a really good job mixing up their characters with Benji and David in totally polar opposite ways.

It’s a short movie and thus worth checking out if you happen to catch it streaming or at the theatre this weekend. Next week are the biggens so ensure some appetizers before the big 3 of November.

A Real Pain will be getting a 6.5/10 placing it above average.

0

Anora “Review”

Initial release: May 21, 2024

Director: Sean Baker

Distributed by: Neon

Budget: $6 million

Cinematography: Drew Daniels

Languages: : English; Russian; Armenian;

Buzzed on the Oscar nomination word I was excited to check this title out finally. Only took 3 weeks to eventually get to my neck of the woods so let’s discuss :D.

Anora is very R rated as we begin with a scene within a sex worker club within Brooklyn. Is this her Cinderella story? Anora, who goes by Ani played by Mikey Madison finds herself requested by her boss to entertain Ivan played by Mark Eidelstein as she speaks and understands Russian, Ivan’s home country.

This feature is split into two types of stories. Establishing a relationship between the two before pulling back the veil on their families. (Wedding Bells? O.o)

A fun entertaining movie which has a lot of heart. Loved me Igor who’s played by Yuriy Borisov. When he enters the scene with his companions I loved the tonal shift in story and pacing as we dive down the rabbit hole.

As usual I wont spoiler this title but sit back and enjoy a very stimulating story as you fall in love with your favorite characters and shipped relationships :D.

With some personal disconnection with character choices and storytelling toward the end I sadly dropped this rating down from a potential 8.5/9 to a 8/10 great movie which I’d watch again.

Others may find they enjoy this more but I feel good scoring this at a solid 8/10 great movie.

One week remains with Red One next week and then the big 3 of November come full swing into the holidays with Wicked, Gladiator 2 & finally Moana 2.

Have a favorite from these? Something else I’m missing? Or waiting for the December slate of films to wrap up the year?

Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear what you’re all waiting to see. Thank you all for coming by Popped. Blog and I look forward to our next batch, next week.

0

Heretic “Review”

Release date: November 8, 2024 (USA)

Directors: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods

Distributed by: A24

Box office: $3.8 million

Music by: Chris Bacon

Production companies: Beck/Woods; Shiny Penny

I was sold on this movie when people compared it to Black Phone. Loved that this movie referenced south parks book of Mormon. Shall we dig in?

When two young missionaries, Sister Paxton & Sister Barnes (played by Sophie Thatcher & Chloe East) visit Mr. Reed’s (played by Hugh Grant) home during a stormy night. They become ensnared in a deadly trap where their faith will be truly tested.

The most intense and educational scene on monopoly plays out. The rain continues to drip while music plays. 3 individuals find themselves in a game of cat and mouse. Who’s going first? Which action will you take? Is that blueberry I smell? The more you discover the less you discover, unless you play the game right.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie without going into spoilers. Enjoy the ride, look around at your surroundings and pay attention. It may very well save your life.

Loved that Mr. Reed was both terrifying yet harmless. Gave you choices yet kept control. Sold a theory yet purchased a theory. I’d honestly watch this movie again. Was it perfect? Not quite. But a great movie? You bet ya!

Popped “Review” for Heretic – 8.5/10 – Great movie with excellent performances. Loved the sound and visuals. Story telling was good with slight weakness but overall a solid great movie well recommended.

I believe Heretic places us at 62 reviews for 2024 thus far and well on track for 75 reviews this year. Initially intended to reach 50 however 75 is in reach and I’m ready to go.

Some upcoming movies I’m looking forward to are:

Anora (Coming Sunday/Monday) | Red One | Gladiator 2 | Wicked | Moana 2

Y2K | Kraven | Lord of the Rings | Sonic 3 | A Complete Unknown | Nosferatu

Possible movies to hit 75: Mufasa | Babygirl | ? Something Unexpected ? |

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog for movie reviews. Appreciate all those taking the time to like and subscribe. In the coming weeks I should have a link posted for the either audio / visual podcast – Still deciding :D.

0

Here “Review”

Release date: November 1, 2024 (USA)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Distributed by: TriStar Pictures

Based on: Here; by Richard McGuire

Box office: $475,000

Budget: $50 million

I’m glad the coin landed heads 3/5 times because this movie was an experience. I usually avoid reviews before watching a movie. This time however I saw a 1/5 from the guardian pop up on my feed.

With that in my mind it led to the coin flip to determine if I go or not.

I’m glad I did, however I totally get why this wouldn’t hit for all.

Sometimes I watch a film and get up against a wall on what to write first and how. So I’m glad I could be present here to watch and be apart of so many individual stories throughout an hour and 40minutes.

If you have loved ones or those you’re close to then this movie maybe for you. So many moments and scenes that hit home and makes you appreciate or shine light on appreciating moments with family and loved ones. Make the most from life and try not push things off as you may never get back round to them.

It sure is crazy how time fly’s isn’t it. What a time for Here to arrive at the first day of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). An event that occurs once every year, running through the entirety of November for writers to achieve the goal of writing 50k words.

Here takes place within one still frame throughout time from the dinosaurs to present time. Sometimes there’s stories that I find hard to fit within this story as I have no idea what connects them with the films entirety.

Mostly though you’re going back and forth between times, even blending time periods together throughout the movie. I loved the use of picture within picture as it brought a cool and engaging affect for transitions between scenes and time periods.

The main story being told is across the time of Tom Hanks character Richard Young’s life from his parents moving in to the final chapter of Richard & Margaret Young played by Robin Wright.

As I’m writing I’m seeing a lot of 1/5 reviews which seem to be hitting on the fact that there’s to many stories being told and the disconnect between a few of them.

I wouldn’t hit it that harsh but I can see this being above average. That being said for me personally I give it a 7/10 for the simple fact that the messages being told and the current events in my life occurring, echoed a lot in the movie and it warmed my heart.

Take it as a 6-7 range if you’re on the fence. Love to hear your thoughts on this title. For tomorrow’s batch I’ll be checking out Conclave & The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Anime links will popup soon however I plan to start that at the beginning of 2025. So have any recommendations for new anime in 2025 drop them in the comments.

Thank you all for coming by and spending time here at popped. Blog I greatly appreciate you all and I’m excited to see what’s to come in 2025.

0

Smile 2 “Review”

Release date: October 18, 2024 (USA)

Director: Parker Finn

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Budget: $28 million

Cinematography: Charlie Sarroff

Music by: Cristobal Tapia de Veer

Welcome to the second “Review” in this week’s batch. Following that of We Live in Time. Buckle up for this “Review” you may experience a twist like no other!

Don’t Drink The WATER – Crazy is source

Shall I start with the jaw-dropper and move into the why! to save people time and only dive into detail for those interested? Go watch M. Night Shyamalan’s trap over this film or The Substance. You can skip Smile 2 if you’re waiting on a sequel to Smile.

“Review” Begins

The intro to Smile 2 started off strong. Setting the film up as a direct sequel to Smile following the events at the end. This molded nicely into the introduction of our main lead which turned out to be black mold and not the most perfect analogy to avoid spoilers.

I will attempt not to spoil and yet get close to the line while explaining my disappointment in this sequel to Smile. Summed up the amount of “scares” that occur has plenty of time to bore the viewer if you’re not connecting with our main lead and those around her. You’ll either tune out awaiting the next scare or jump scare which will be wasted on you as it’ll occur during your pit of boredom that it had no affect.

There was 1 true jump scare for me personally, that occurred after 1 hour of watching this film. For those coming over from watching Terrifier 3 this past weekend, Smile 2 will seem like a baby film. Even those interested in this kind of horror will find themselves feeling desensitized and may even have scenes lost on you because the movies had time to create that feeling of boredom.

For those interested in the story of Smile, you can honestly watch the first film and wait for the third. Those wanting a thriller horror then check out Trap, Long Legs, and Cuckoo. For those wanting body horror, check out The Substance.

Smile 2 had moments of being a good watch movie at a 7/10 however I’d have to say this is above average at best giving it somewhere around a 5.5 or 6/10. I wish the ending wasn’t so rushed as it could have landed at 6.5/10 but that’s where I recommend The Substance as this movie just continued to fail on so much fronts.

Hopefully, Smile 3 grants us a true sequel to Smile without repeating the exact same formula on another individual without any of the good stuff we got to explore in the first film. Such a shame as the start had so much promise.

0

A WordPress.com Website.

Up ↑