Tag: horror

Jurassic World Rebirth “Review”

Release date: July 2, 2025 (USA)

Director: Gareth Edwards

Starring: Scarlett Johansson; Mahershala Ali; Jonathan Bailey; Rupert Friend; Manuel Garcia-Rulfo; Ed Skrein

MPAA rating: PG-13

Running time: 2h 14m

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Massive Disclaimer before we discuss this feature. My experience was utterly impacted and ruined by 2 peoples commentary throughout the ENTIRE movie. ENTIRE MOVIE. Want to hear how bad talking ruins the movie going experience then stick around. Otherwise wanting to know my frustrated “Review” – The movie is fine. Not worth sitting through someone talking for 2 hours. If my wife and I wasn’t blocked in by other parties I’d have been fine walking out and wouldn’t have missed anything not seeing this title. (We had earplugs in too btw)

Let’s discuss shall we :S

Disclaimer / PSA

With this being an early “Review” of this title I’ll be brief with any and all spoilers. But mind you. Remember the above and hold that with a pinch of salt. If you’re someone that likes to talk, please stay at home and wait for streaming. If you’re someone that likes to discuss what’s happening on the screen with your party. Please wait for the streaming platforms to release and have your own watch party in your own space and not a public viewing. Want to watch it as the theatre? RENT YOUR OWN ROOM. Please don’t impact others in a PUBLIC showing. This shouldn’t need to be said but come on!

Characters

The intro to this film setting up characters was tough. There’s two groups. One a family and the other an organization going to this area for (Reasons). There’s 1 member from each group that absolutely makes this a hard entry point as I hated them both. Mix them together and there’s some qualities from the “Good” characters that balance the awful. But I really didn’t care about the characters.

Story

From the intro this movie felt like a re-skin of the recent Ghostbusters movies. When the nostalgia music hits it’s the member berries doing the emotional pull to childhood memories of the originals. It had moments but sadly feels to be on trend of the decline we’ve been having with the 2nd trilogy sequels. But the franchise has us coming back again and again.

Overall

I really wish I had just walked out rather than stick through the entire movie. I know my wife is done with release / early access titles from this experience. We bring earplugs for a reason as we often get some talking. But not the entire movie being commentated over.

The movie had fine moments. Specially once the team gets to the island. Prior to then it was a hard watch. Then you get those Jurassic moments and maybe I’ll re-watch this title to check those scenes out without being totally frustrated.

What’s to come? We shall have to wait and see, but I’m feeling the same feelings from this franchise as I’ve had for the MCU of late (Until Thunder Bolts). I’m indifferent if I even check the next title out. I could honestly skip it and watch a recap video if I need that info for the next installment if I were to check it out.

I’m hoping my experience isn’t yours and you’re able to enjoy this title and have a good time. I didn’t stick around after to chat with the other movie goers and I often do so I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below once the movie releases July 2nd.

Popped score of 6.5/10 – It’s a fine movie. Not bad but not a fully good experience / ride. Some moments of boredom was experienced but had moments worth checking out.

Thanks for coming by Popped. Blog for your movie “Reviews”. Apologize this wasn’t the positive experience / “Review” you usually get but hey, it’s an experience and hopefully a warning to those out there on how much there chatter can and will impact other movie going audience members.

Don’t forget to drop your experiences below and love to hopefully hear better experiences and ratings :D. Stay tuned for tomorrow when my M3gan 2.0 “Review” drops and sometime over the weekend / next week for F1 :D. Depends if I can fit it in during work/Pokémon Go Global Fest :D.

Until next batch though, happy movie going 😀

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28 Years Later “Review”

Release date: June 20, 2025 (USA)

Director: Danny Boyle

Prequel: 28 Weeks Later

Running time: 1h 55m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

It’s insane the first film released in 2002, absolutely amazing movie with a not so bad sequel…but you don’t need to know any of that for 28 years later… or do you? (At least watch the first even if it’s not required to enjoy the latest installment). Let’s discuss!

Want to avoid spoilers then just know. I enjoyed the film and looking forward to what’s to come next. Have fun and enjoy the sequel of 28 Days Later.

Want to know a little more with slight maybe medium spoiler? Then stick around. 28 years later takes us further out into the timeline of this rage virus outbreak to the point where England is in quarantine zone. Small islands / establishments have been setup to continue life in these new conditions but now development of this virus has created many variations like Alphas, Betas & Slow / Fast kinds of infected.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson playing Jamie is the introduction of this feature and leads us to 28 years later in his settlement with wife and child. Spike the 12 year old being played by Alfie Williams is taken out on his first skirmish to get his first kill on the main land. What awaits is to be enjoyed and witnessed :D. It’s pretty awesome despite some creative decisions with the cinematography that felt personally jarring at first before getting “used to it”.

The first half of this feature felt great and the world being created is one I’m very happy to see have a sequel in very soon from now in early 2026. The second half kind of lost me but that’s where I’ll stop to avoid spoilers. Least to say, the ending certainly wraps it up and I’m very excited to see what’s to come in the bone temple.

If this was to be stand alone. Id give a very good Popped score of 7.5. However knowing this is getting a sequel so soon and expanding on the world built in this title. It’s getting a weak great 8/10 :D. I could critique that second half but let’s discuss that in the comments away from those going in for the first time.

Thank you all for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’m excited to wrap this trio batch up with the last movie, Elio!

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Bring Her Back “Review”

Release date: May 30, 2025 (UK)

Starring: Sally Hawkins; Billy Barratt

Directed by: Danny Philippou; Michael Philippou

Producers: Samantha Jennings, Kristina Ceyton

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Stage 6 Films

By the creators of Talk to Me, we have their next horror film. Bring her back. Although the hype for Talk to Me disappointed my expectations. This feature, in my opinion, deserves it all. Let’s discuss.

With this being an early “Review” I’m going to keep spoilers away heavily. I’ll set the story up and go into the incredibly actors and some parrels before teasing you with my overall thoughts and score.

After tragically loosing their father and being placed in care of a new foster mother. Andy (Played by Billy Barratt) & Piper (Played by Sora Wong) step brother and sister have 3 months until Andy turns 18 and able to file for guardianship of his sister. Piper is blind which creates more of a protective nature for Andy to be there for his step sister.

Their new foster mother? Laura, (Played by the incredible Sally Hawkins) the person whom I feel is most similar to that of Hugh Grant’s character in Heretic. You never know during this feature if you’re safe or not. When situations can be trusted, and who can be trusted.

Bring Her Back deserves the saying “I was on the edge of my seat”. This title honestly got to me. I was literally cheering for characters, wanting people to die and beside myself on the options characters have within their situation. The actors and all those behind the scenes did an incredible job with the tension of this movie.

I often get asked. Was it scary. Scary is hard to define. For instant. Scary being jumpy? Creeped out? Un Nerved? Short of breath? How does one define someone’s meaning of scary. What I can tell you though. It sure had my feeling a lot of these emotions of scary. I mentioned at the start the hype for Talk To Me disappointed my experience of the movie as it didn’t reach those levels. I honestly hope that Bring Her Back does for you. It’s an easy 8/10 tier and worthy of re-watching if you can stomach it. To place this in at a 9 is pretty impressive for a horror movie. Then I thought. Well, the great horror films of my youth are Blu Ray worthy so why wouldn’t or couldn’t this be…..

Thus the score was settled. Popped gives Bring Her Back a solid 9/10 placing it in my top 10 list. Loved the ending which is where the solid throughout performance and directing of this movie is above that of Heretic. Placing it up there with Black Phone for doing a great job of getting into your psyche.

Want to know more? Then check out Bring Her Back in theatres opening May 30th.

P.S I’ve watched the trailers and even that didn’t prepare me for what unfolds in this feature. Buckle up and enjoy…. If you have the stomach for it.

With that fellow movie goers. Was our Horror feature batch from A24. A solid hit that I dread going back to watch and re-live it but alas I most likely will with my wife at the end of the month.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Review” of Bring Her Back and I’ll look forward to your thoughts in a couple of weeks time. Until then, come back Thursday with our “Review’s” of Lilo & Stitch along with Mission Impossible 8.

Until next batch, happy watching 😀

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Final Destination Bloodlines “Review”

Release date: May 16, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Zach Lipovsky, Adam Stein

Prequel: Final Destination 5

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 49m

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

14 Years later since Final Destination 5 released, we’re back again with FD: Bloodlines Let’s dive into this gore fest masterpiece shall we :D.

I’ll discuss some story elements to a point then go into my overall thoughts. If you want to avoid anything and all things potential spoiler then read the above comment again and go enjoy this new addition of Final Destination.

Setting up the opening scene is a premonition occurring of Stephanie’s grandmother Iris. Which events occurred 50 years ago atop of the Skyview restaurant. This opening had my mouth wide open in Aww of the incredible gore fest that played out. Super clever writing and loved all the characters involved in setting that up.

Waking up from this haunting nightmare that plagues Stephanie she seeks out her family to find answers to hopefully stop them from occurring and prevent being kicked out of school for failing grades. This leads us to our main cast of characters within Stephanie’s Bloodline, including that of her grandmother Iris.

Sit back with some popcorn and get ready for some awesome gore fest deaths and fun. Final Destinations: Bloodlines doesn’t miss a beat and is being raved as the best in the series. It’s a great movie and I’d even watch the opening over and over again at how good it was. Wanting more lore? Then get your detective hats on because you’ll be diving in deep with this one. I think FD5 was so clever in connecting this series together that 6 has come along and continued that path.

Nothing to sit around for the end as there’s no post credit scene. However for fans of this series we had the crowd clapping and sending off Tony Todd with his in memory title card. May he rest in piece & thank you for the incredible hard work and awesome performances he’s put into this franchise. Something that he’s left an everlasting impression on and will never be forgotten. ❤

Well? What are you still doing here? Go get your tickets and check out Final Destination: Bloodline at your local theatre. You wanted a rating? Why didn’t you say so. I was between 2 scores with a solid 8 tier great movie I landed at a 8.5. There’s a lot of 9 in this movie and for some I can see this being a Blu-Ray purchase. Let’s hope we get another one so I can own a box set of 10 movies 😀

Thank you for coming to Popped for your movie “Review” of Final Destination: Bloodlines. I look forward to hearing/seeing 😀 your thoughts in the comments below. But until then everyone. Stay safe and be careful with your pennies. I heard those things can kill someone.

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Hurry Up Tomorrow “Review”

Release date: May 16, 2025 (USA)

Director: Trey Edward Shults

Running time: 1h 45m

MPAA rating: R

Screenplay: Trey Edward Shults

Producers: The Weeknd, Reza Fahim, Kevin Turen, Harrison Kreiss

What’s the story about? Or at least the purpose of this movie? I had no idea going in…. still no idea coming out. Let’s discuss, Hurry Up Tomorrow.

PSA – If you’re sensitive to strobe effects / flashing lights. Please be warned going into this movie. I’ve never had a movie display a warning card prior to the films beginning on this. I even had to close my eyes during some scenes in the first half.

I’ll be frank with this one. Unless the context is in the music. I have no idea the purpose of this feature. It started to get good with Ortega’s character Anima going all out. She was so good…. then the movie ended and sizzled and I even looked at my watch minutes before the title card popped up as the ending didn’t seem insight but I lost track of how long the movie had been playing for.

It’s okay at best. If I’m being fair it’s a weak 6. With a somewhat okay enough plot with curious to learn characters that you’ll keep with it. But the purpose and potential felt wasted with the ending. To be honest if it wasn’t for the weak ending it maybe a watch this weekend. With how the ending left me though I’d say its a streaming movie at best unless you want to see Jenna Ortega in a good roll unlike Death of a Unicorn.

There’s better movies to check out this weekend but if you do see Hurry Up Tomorrow. What did you think of it? Did I miss a lot from not understanding the lyrics to the songs being sung? (My wife calls my tone deaf when it comes to music) Placing this at a 3 with a combined 6 depending on who’s watching it.

It’s better than death of a unicorn so I’m knocking that down to a 2.5 so this stands above it.

To the point, pretty quick. But thanks for coming to Popped for your Hurry Up Tomorrow “Review”. Those were my thoughts and I’m hopeful for tomorrow’s feature to be at least good with Final Destination.

P.S No end scene to H.U.T so feel free to walk out after the title card.

Thank you again and see you next batch.

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Clown in a Cornfield “Review”

Release date: May 9, 2025 (USA)

Director: Eli Craig

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 36m

Distributed by: Shudder, RLJE Films

Music by: Brandon Roberts; Marcus Trumpp

Round 2 for Shudder this year in theatres. Bringing us this time Clown in a Cornfield, a horror film based upon the novel (Of which I found out there’s 3 in this series).

I thought this was going to another # toward 100. Another 2.5 tier movie which may have something going for it but fails horribly. But wait….outside of the intro which started off like any other type of slasher movie. We open up after this point with our main leads….. of which I actually liked!

So lets go from there. The cast. Everyone did a fine job. It’s a Shudder movie mind you but one worthy of the big screen. It’s no Sinners but something worth checking out for sure. Aaron Abrams plays the father Dr. Maybrook and new Doctor of this town moving in with his daughter Quinn Maybrook (Played by Katie Douglas). Total legend Will Sasso is playing Dunne, the Sherriff of Kettle Springs down.

We shortly learn the kids that will be apart of Quinn’s friend group and the tension between the adults of the town vs the youth. A local legend of the town is that of a killer clown which the group make popular viral videos on Youtube of. That story leads us to the main plot of this feature. Clown in a Cornfield. Sit back, enjoy some Popcorn and have fun with this title. It wasn’t really scary nor overly gory. BUT. It’s gory and impactful in the right moments and makes those scenes count. Not throwing them at you desensitizing the audience for what’s to come but instead create an environment that entices and intrigues the audience into what’s to come and wanting more.

It’s actually all the fun which this film has with itself and audience which doesn’t get boring when the movie feels a little long. It kept me entertained and enjoying the scenes playing out despite feeling a little long. There’s no end scene to enjoy but rest assured there are more titles in this novel series so something to look forward to down the road.

Popped Score of 7/10 strong good movie, possibly even 7.5 with a repeat viewing but solidly 7.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and stay tuned, today we have a double batch viewing, coming up next. Fight or Flight.

Let me know in the comments your thoughts on Clown in a Cornfield and if you have read the novel and how it compares. Should I read it? Because I’m totally in :D.

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The Surfer “Review”

Release date: May 2, 2025 (USA)

Director: Lorcan Finnegan

Starring: Nicolas Cage; Julian McMahon; Nic Cassim; Miranda Tapsell; Alexander Bertrand; Justin Rosniak

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 43m

Producers: Nicolas Cage, Leonora Darby, Robert Connolly · See more

Solid trailer got me in the theater to check this title out.

The Surfer had me mesmerized throughout. Let’s discuss 😀

Avoid spoilers at all costs, but also, if you were told what goes down in this movie. You probably wouldn’t believe them anyway. This is a good kind of bizarre and weird. The type of weird I’m happy to lose myself within for hours as I navigate the story and what’s going on.

The Surfer, staring Nicolas Cage (In what could be his best movie since 2020? I’ve missed a few since then but this is on another level) as The Surfer :p is a father taking his son to surf on an Australian beach in Cage’s childhood beach. This is until the locals “politely” let them know “Don’t live here, Don’t surf here” before you go on an adventure.

Story wise I’m leaving it here. Go explore. Try not get heat stroke and attempt to stay grounded. Reading some reviews online this is going to be very divided. Again, this is the type of weird and bizarre shit that I’ll shovel into my mouth for breakfast and be cracked out on sugar for the entire day. Loved it!

I’ll need to watch it again to connect more dots and dissect this feature but damn was it a Gooden. Buckle in for a trippy ride and either enjoy it or it seems totally hate it? No middle ground with this one. Socials have it from 45% on Fandango to 87 on RT.

For popped I’m placing this in with last years “Last Stop In Yuma County” with a 9/10 and entering my top 10 list for 2025 thus far.

Fantastic performance all around. Great pacing and tone. Loved the build up and pay offs along the way. Setups and all, loved this title. Can’t wait to watch again with others and discuss.

Speaking of which. Like to discuss this in the comments below I’d be curious your thoughts. Keep spoilers labeled and let’s have fun with it.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and we’ll see you next batch Thursday with a couple of interesting ones all going well. Fight in Flight & Clown in the Cornfield.

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Until Dawn “Review”

Release date: April 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: David F. Sandberg

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 1h 43m

Producers: David F. Sandberg, Gary Dauberman, Asad Qizilbash, Lotta Losten, Roy Lee, Carter Swan, Mia Maniscalco

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Loved the video game, little silly it got remastered the next system generation rather than making a sequel. Now we have a movie based on the video game. Will a sequel movie arrive before the game?

Played the video games and interested in this feature? Or saw the trailer and wanted to check it out? Let’s discuss Until Dawn for both, then dissect which experience I’d recommend.

Clover’s sister has disappeared for a year when Clover and her friends go searching in her sisters last known area for answers. While traveling down this road they go through a wall of water that reveals a place of shelter to figure this strange situation out.

What comes next for our group of 5, is nightly resets full of terror that resets upon everyone’s death if the group doesn’t survive until dawn.

From here enter the scares? / Many dozens of villains which will differ between game to movie. For those that played the game. Stick with the game experience. This doesn’t really offer you anything new unless you’re interested in seeing a sequel setup which (From my experience) the game left pretty open ended depending on your ending unlocked.

For those interested in the trailer and never played the game. Check it out, maybe it’ll get you to play the video game which does a vastly better job at creating atmosphere, tension and the horror experience.

By throwing so many enemies at the audience it didn’t allow the film to setup each enemy to have it’s time to play and create scares. There are some surprises and cool moments but sadly when comparing to the game. It didn’t succeed in my eyes.

Not an entirely bad watch but nothing more than above average at best. Popped score for Until Dawn at a 6/10. Socials have this from 53% to 6/10 on IMBd.

Did you play or checkout the movie of Until Dawn? Love to hear your thoughts below. Did you get any easter eggs from the movie that I missed? I only played the game through once so I’m sure there’s a lot there I didn’t see but loved my playthrough over watching this feature when comparing them.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Stick around if you’re on the fence of Colorful Stage! The Movie:- Unless you’re already watched / locked in then maybe my “Review” isn’t for you.

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Sinners “Review”

Initial release: April 18, 2025

Director: Ryan Coogler

Running time: 2h 17m

MPAA rating: R

Budget: 90 million USD

Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian

Kudos to Ryan Coogler on creating a trailer that teases what’s to come in this title while also not showing his hand like a few other movies we’ve had this year and prior.

If you know me you’ll know I like to speak code. So let’s speak code on this one to keep those cards sealed and in hand so your enjoyment of this title can be at its fullest.

The time period is 1932 and twin brothers Smoke & Stack being played by the incredible Michael B. Jordan return from Mississippi Delta after years of being away working in Chicago for Al Capone.

Using their $ they purchase a sawmill to start up their new business, a juke joint for the local black community. Their cousin Sammie is introduced as an aspiring guitarist, joining them despite opposition from his pastor father who warns that blues music is supernatural….

Now if you know, you know, and if you don’t, then avoid the trailer and go in blind for a pretty big reveal of this movie and why people are speaking so highly of it. The majority of this title is taking place over a period of a day leading to the events that start this movie with a whammy. (Don’t miss the intro scene, turn up on time).

I thoroughly enjoyed the build up and journey of these characters as the trailer reveals but that alone is a solid good watching experience. Then the aftermath and what comes next is what I’d watch this title again for. Despite how good the setup was. It’s what keeps this going into the 9 tier but sits solidly at 8.5 drawing this title out a little long but totally worth going out and watching this feature at least once.

I just watched this yesterday and looks like my wife wants to check it out today so I’ll be going back already, haha. Socials has this from a 8.2 to 98% so people are thoroughly enjoying Sinners.

Without going into spoilers. You may hear buzz about hope for a sequel. Stick around slightly longer during the credits. You’ll see why. Sinners will display and you can walk out the theatre then but you’ll know when it’s time to leave. Wanting more blues, stick around to the very end for that last scene but nothing story related if you want to save 5minutes.

For those that watched the trailer – Non Spoiler – After Second Watch

Just got out from second watch, OMG it’s incredible. Loved the pacing during second viewing. Go to bathroom before you get to the club otherwise you’re almost locked in or miss some of the best scenes. Music was insanely good and all the characters and actors do incredible! Maybe due to a couple chatting next to me in my first viewing but loved loved loved this second watch. My wife even gave the movie a 10/10 so bumping it to 9/10 and placing it on my top 10 list.

Enjoy 😀

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Did you enjoy Sinners? Want to discuss what could come next? Then let us know in the comments below.

Coming up this week we have The Accountant 2, Legend of Ochi & Until Dawn “Reviews”. Would anyone be interested in me “Reviewing” Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie or randomly On Swift Horses?

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Freaky Tales “Review”

Release date: April 4, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films

Music by: Raphael Saadiq

Production companies: Entertainment One Films; MACRO Media; Gowanus Projection

Was between this and luckiest man in America. Can’t speak for the latter but glad I checked out Freaky Tales 😀 was a solid good time.

Apologize for the lateness on this “Review”. I’m sure most theatres may have lost this title in their bookings this week with the amount of content releasing. That being said if you can find a showing. It’s worth checking out :D.

Freaky Tales is an interesting title. Telling a story across 4 chapters that interweaves even if slightly at first connects to make a solid good movie. I’d even say a weaker great movie. So what is it about?

Take Scott Pilgram vs The World & Kill Bill, with your main enemy being neo-Nazis set in 1987 Oakland California. Each chapter focuses on a different set of characters. From an NBA star, to a corrupt cop. Female rap duo and Punk teenagers. Sit back and enjoy this these freaky tales dealing with this group of Nazis.

Some surprise cameos in this title are so worth checking out and everyone did a great job in each role. Only thing that took me a bit to get into is the first chapter. It’s aspect ratio or quality was vastly different to chapters 2 through 4. It’s a creative choice but interesting for sure. Part 4 was what brought this solid 7 up into the 7.5/8 region for me personally.

Thus with that we come to presenting Freaky Tales with a great score of 8/10. Other platforms range from 72% to 88% with 91% of google users liking this movie. So people are thoroughly enjoying this title.

Have you checked out Freaky Tales? On your radar? Love to hear your thoughts on this one. Stay tuned throughout this week as several titles release.

Plan on “Reviewing” The Amateur, Drop, King of Kings, Warfare & Sneaks this week. So lots to look forward to as April ramps up. Before we get to May, keep an eye on Popped Dates for my Summer expectations / hopes and predictions :D.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” and we’ll see you, next batch.

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