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 1

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

Nobody: The Little Demon of Lang Lang Mountain “Review”

Release date: November 7, 2025 (USA)

Director: Shui Yu

Writers: Jia Liu, Shui Yu

Stars: Ziping Chen Pig Demon(voice)

Yang Lu Toad demon(voice)

Wenliang Dong Weasel demon(voice)

Cong Liu Gorilla demon(voice)

Producers: Liaoyu Chen executive producer

Wang Jun producer

Art Department: Qian Kuan

Lead Background Artist

Running time: 1h 58m

Intrigued by people around me stating Ghibli esc & Funny – I had to give this feature a whirl.

Ever since Ne Zha caught my attention and loving learning about his lore. Similarly, learning about Journey to the West and The Monkey King from Black Myth Wukong etc. I’ve been seeking out opportunities to watch and learn all about this lore and Chinese Folklore.

This title is about our 4 demon creatures, Toad, Pig, Gorilla & Weasel as they band together through a fun story starting their journey to the west. As mentioned above. There maybe another group of similar characters and names that our group is taking on which adds a lot of fun playing off the two within this tale.

The movie is and was beautiful. Loved the characters and imagery on screen. It was a good movie, the majority of the time, a 7. But I’m torn between giving this a 7 or 7.5 as the last 30 minutes was an awesome 8/10 great movie where characters had shown their growth. The story came together. Action was insane. It was a blast. So you decide. Go watch Nobody – The animated Mandarin film not the American live action 😀 let me know what you think in the comments below.

Thanks again fellow movie goers for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. It’s now time we depart the world of movies and enter the gaming sphere of Dispatch the conclude the epic tale that has been told thus far :D.

Until next time, everyone. Happy Movie Going!

November 12, 2025 0

Die My Love “Review”

Release date: November 7, 2025 (USA)

Director: Lynne Ramsay

Producers: Jennifer Lawrence, Martin Scorsese · See more

Running time: 1h 58m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Mubi

I heard it’s weird, starred Jennifer Lawrence & Robert Pattinson, so I had to check it out.

Let’s get to the punches and to the point on Die, My Love.

It’s an incredibly heavy story to view and experience. But a story for those with the heart and stomach can admire, appreciate, and honestly maybe even learn from seeing behind the curtain.

Jennifer Lawrence plays Grace. Together with her partner Jackson, played by Robert Pattinson. Move into this little old house in Montana, where they conceive a child.

Did I mention this was distributed by Mubi… the very same that brought us Substance last year. (Go read my review on that – Maybe give you insight into my connection with this studio).

Die, My Love takes you through the very real and commonly occurring side effects of having a child. Grace develops postpartum depression. The movie doesn’t shy away from telling this story and it’s not going to be for everyone. But I appreciate everyone that had a hand in creating this movie.

It’s super well-crafted and a good watch. It’s just a hard watch. It’s not for everyone, but it should be seen and learnt if you’re not aware. I was totally thrown and wasn’t expecting this going in, so maybe my experience was impacted by that.

Mubi, please keep on distributing and finding these movies that offer very unique viewing experiences that aren’t being offered elsewhere. Popped review of 7/10. I almost gave it within the 6’s, but as a whole, it told this very heavy, complex story that I’m glad I checked out.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Let me know your thoughts on this week’s most recent batch in the comments below.

Coming up tomorrow/Wednesday will be Sarah’s Oil & Nobody (Mandarin). Before we dive into the week that separates us from now and Wicked: For Good :D. Something is going to be bumped from my top 10 by the end of November… what’s it going to be :O? By the end of the year, my top 10 list will be changing, and something’s got to go.

This is the current standings. – The Colors Within is most likely going to be dropped. Then it gets tough. Possibly The Surfer from there and then between Last Breath / Life of Check is what I’m thinking. Looks like some repeat viewing is going to happen to refine my top 10 list.

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	The Colors Within – 9/10
6	Last Breath – 9/10
7	The Surfer – 9/10
8	The Life of Chuck – 9/10
9	F1 – 9/10
10	One Battle After Another – 9/10

November 10, 2025 0

Christy “Review”

Initial release: September 5, 2025

Director: David Michôd

Starring: Sydney Sweeney; Ben Foster; Merritt Wever; Katy O’Brian

Producers: Sydney Sweeney, David Michôd, Teddy Schwarzman, Justin Lothrop, Kerry Kohansky Roberts, Brent Stiefel

Running time: 2h 15m

MPAA rating: R

This may be wild in comparison to other “reviews” out there, but I felt it, so it’s true to me.

First off, I didn’t know this was based on a true story until the very last scene. Secondly, after watching Smashing Machine, I had these two in comparison to one another, which was set in the ring after seeing it’s also based on a true story.

While watching this film I was an hour in when checking my watch having felt like I’d watched the movie and wondering if the ending is coming. I wasn’t bored. I was curious how this movie was going to wrap up. The next hour and 10 minutes blew my freaking mind. I wasn’t expecting what was to come. Absolutely insane, honestly, the content is such a spoiler it’ll be hard to discuss without spoilers, so let’s do this.

It’s not enough to bump off last breath from my top 10 list, but it gets the true story bonus from the 8’s to a 9 for me. Honestly, I cried. When that moment occurred, so many factors completed the puzzle in my mind of this movie experience.

Sydney Sweeney did such an incredible job with her acting that I was fully committed and into the character. Media about the movie may be displaying negative headlines on the worst opening, but honestly. This movie, along with Americana has shown me that Sydney Sweeney has so much range as an actress. She’s come a long way from Madame Web, and I’m super excited for The Housemaid coming up next month.

Acting in Christy was incredible from all the actors. Even in the most uncomfortable moments. I had story issues with character decisions….Then I found out it was based on a true story, and it hit me that this freaking happened! How can I have an issue with character decisions if it’s true? So my weak points were removed when looking at this film as a whole at the end of the story.

I won’t be swayed by seeing the reviews after giving it my Popped score. I’m going with a 9/10, and maybe that’ll be a miss for many. But it’s the experience I had come to the end of Christy.

Very curious to hear your thoughts on Christy after experiencing this story. Let us know in the comments below. Another potential miss is coming up with Die My Love. Let’s get into it :D.

November 10, 2025 0