Tag: horror

Companion “Review”

Release date: January 31, 2025 (USA)

Director: Drew Hancock

Producers: Zach Cregger, Raphael Margules, J. D. Lifshitz, Roy Lee

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Budget: $10 million

Cinematography: Eli Born

When you have the day off to watch films and it happens to coincide with a horror secret movie. You just gotta take the Mrs to go check it out :D.

In my head I thought Companion was the virtual reality AI movie that’s coming up but I was wrong. I did hear lots of positive buzz so did go in with higher than usual expectations.

My wife and I had a good time in this movie. It’s a good one time watch about a group of friends going out into the middle of nowhere to hangout. I’ll keep it spoiler free so I’ll keep it short. If you enjoy Jack Quaid staring in another upcoming movie Novocaine or Lukas Gage who was in Smile 2 along with Sophie Thatcher in the recent release of Heretic, then you’re going to have a good time. Great performances from everyone.

The plot/story points can be weak and pulled apart but overall it’s not bad. A good one time watch movie I’m sitting between a 7/7.5 on this title. With the audience reaction to certain scenes I can see some enjoying this more than others. I’m feeling this sits nicely at a 7 when looking back on this feature and if I’d watch it again.

That’s been this weeks latest batch of “Reviews”, pretty short but don’t want to spoil the experience here as that’s the whole point of this title. Keep an eye on Popped.blog for another “Review” staring that of Dog Man to wrap up the first month of 2025.

Overall a good month of movies. Definitely starting stronger than 2024 and something I’m excited to see more from as we get nearer to the summer with big block busters releasing.

1

Presence “Review”

Distributed by: Neon

Budget: $2 million

Music by: Zack Ryan

Produced by: Julie M. Anderson; Ken Meyer

I’m writing this at 1:18am so let’s hurry this along so it doesn’t play on my mind haha. You know what they say about 3am :S. Without further ado, Presence “Review”.

Presence takes place in the POV of “Casper” the “Friendly” ghost as we don’t fully know who this presence is. I’m going to name it Casper for this “Review”. The film starts of almost to floaty as we navigate around this home. Never leaving while always looking out. Our “Happy” family comes for a house tour to setup the stage for this feature prior to making a purchase and living there for the remainder.

I’m not going to get deep with this one to avoid spoilers / the journey. For such a short film I’ll leave the door open for the experience while giving my impressions of the film. (Maybe a small segment to end with a slight spoiler).

Picture Paranormal Identity photography style of filming for this title set within this home. Focused on this family of Mum & Dad with their Son & Daughter. I hated the Mum & Son while became attached to the Dad & Daughter. This title is rather slow and can be boring if not “attached” or connected with a character in the film. Without that connection I can see this movie having little to nothing for you as a viewing experience.

It’s Paranormal Activity with little to light Activity and more Paranormal Presence with a Family Drama being viewed from the sidelines.

I’d say its not a bad movie. But the ending did keep it from getting a good rating for a Popped score of 6.5/10. It’s unfortunate as I was interested in this story / journey. It’s just a shame that ending kind of fell apart. (More in the spoilers segment below).

Spoiler ish Segment

Beware!

Let’s Begin.

It’s established early ish on that this Presence is able to interact with objects in the real world. Then is able to be felt / be known to certain individual/s. Soooo how comes the ending threw that aside to deliver such a jawing outcome O.o.

Also, a character sets up a clue to be solved by stating a Window that cannot be opened…..the window I’m assuming they allure to at the end was never mentioned being unable to be opened… Sooo, why drop that “Clue”.

I’m sure you can break into some more than that but I’ll leave it there and await your thoughts below.

Spoiler ish Segment Fin

Thanks for reading and coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” :D. Stay tuned for the next batch coming at you real soon.

Tomorrow night planning for Flight Risk. Monday I’m planning for The Brutalist, Colors Within & A Secret Movie :O :D. Wednesday & Thursday have some surprises instore also so stay tuned for a jam packed movie week.

We’re thus far OnTrack to 4x our 2024 January watched numbers :O which is insane!. 300 Movies in 2025 if we kept up that pace haha. I kid I kid, 100 is a pretty reasonable goal for 2025. See you tomorrow night!

0

Wolf Man “Review”

Release date: January 17, 2025 (USA)

Director: Leigh Whannell

Budget: $25 million

Adapted from: The Wolf Man

Producers: Ryan Gosling, Jason Blum

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

I had low expectations going in. I had some moments that I enjoyed, moments that I appreciated, and a whole lot of mid-moments. Shall we begin?

The trailers didn’t entice me to watch this. Just the dangling hope for that Universal Horror-Verse coming after Black Phone 2 for Blum house features. Will this be selected for that Universe?

Wolf Man introduces us to a child version of Blake going hunting with his father before skipping 30 years into the future. I rather enjoyed this setup and loved the characters being introduced and the lore setup along with it.

Then the time skip happens. I didn’t like the dynamic of this family from the trailers. As much as I enjoy Julia Garner from Ozarks whom plays Charlotte, Blakes wife. I didn’t connect to their chemistry. The daughter was just fine with her mother but had much better chemistry with her father. Matilda Firth did just fine as Ginger.

Overall this title felt like a monster movie of the week. It’s just a fine movie with elements of being good. Something that sets this slightly above is the unique perspective of Blake changing into the Wolf Man and his wife Charlotte having different outlooks on the situation. Sadly this didn’t occur enough but I appreciated this attempt.

There was tension during this movie, even when the enemy was shown on screen, which is usually lost after the main “Scary” villain is shown. I enjoyed some story aspects that this movie had. It’s just a fine movie. I’d like to have seen a different ending but it’s just fine.

If you enjoy your monster movies then have a blast otherwise. An above-average movie at best. 6.5/10 Popped Score.

You can’t always have a Better Man of a Good time but it’s not a Borderlands bad time 😀 Thanks for reading and checking out Popped. Blog for your movie “Reviews”.

0

The Damned “Review”

Release date: January 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Thordur Palsson

Language: English

Distributed by: Vertical

Production companies: Elation Pictures; Netop Films; Wild Atlantic Pictures; Ley Line Entertainment

A very enticing trailer hauntingly got into my mind. This drew me into watching this feature, which kind of came from nowhere until last month before popping up.

So where do I start before suddenly stopping the review. Without spoilers I wont just suddenly leave you in limbo confused / working out what just happened. Did it hurt the overall score? Yes! But worthy watch for anyone interested in putting in the work during lots of slow build up.

Enticed or not, let’s get into The Damned “Review”. 19th-Century widow is forced to make an impossible choice, during an extremely cruel winter where you’ve succumbed to eating not only your reserved food but also the bait in which to harvest the food. Seeing a ship sinking off the coast, do you save those that may cause risking what’s left of the village’s dwindling supplies?

Odessa Young, playing our main lead “Eva” does a very good job in establishing herself in this world and involving her cast and the viewer through these haunting scenes. The sense of bitter winds, faced against odds. Hope only comes from those within your family and unable to trust or allow trust from any unknown sources.

Game of Thrones – Rory McCann does an excellent job here with Odessa fleshing out the opening scenes and creating bonds between the viewer and this family that’s against all odds coming into the winter season.

If you’re able to give this feature a chance. Just know the pacing can be slow but deliberate. Intentional to create several feelings within you along the way. Are these characters slowly losing it? Have their decisions come to haunt them. Are these visions/horrors something of paranormal or physiological? This film will have you questioning yourself by the end and that journey will be what makes or breaks this experience.

Is this a good movie? A close miss? A mid-range like that of our first movie of 2024 Night swim? If Night Swim is to be our 5/10 average middle of the pack film. I feel like the cinematography and direction from Thordur Palsson sets this feature above the pack at a 6.5/10. An above-average title that had moments of solid goodness but depending on your takeaway, narrowly or massively misses the mark and keeps itself from getting out of this tier for a Popped review.

Not a bad start to 2025 and happy new year to all those returning to Popped. Blog for another year. I appreciate all those that followed us here throughout 2024 and I’m excited to see our top 10 list slowly come together as we navigate 2025.

A trial and error pilot episode of the official Popped.blog podcast is out with another episode to come later into the weekend ahead. We’ll be discussing this title a little more and breaking down what’s to come throughout January for Popped.

Check out The Popped Cast by clicking this link.

Don’t forget to cast your votes for January’s Poll on the top menu of the page. Decide on which Anime/Movie you’d like reviewed outside of the mentioned or announced ones currently spoken of.

Thanks again and see you in the next batch.

0

Nosferatu “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2024 (USA)

Director: Robert Eggers

Screenplay: Robert Eggers

Budget: $50 million

Distributed by: Universal Pictures, Focus Features

Adapted from: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, Dracula

Never seen the original and maybe I should check it out. This movie was so freaking good! Came for the spooky vampire. Got hooked by the tonal atmosphere and stayed for the incredible Nicholas Hoult whom is another “Movie Star” I’ve got my sights on.

Lily-Rose Depp (Playing Ellen Hutter) kick starts this movie with an intense opener communicating with Nosferatu played by Bill Skarsgard (As Count Orlok)

Her husband Thomas Hutter (Played by the awesome Nicholas Hoult) gets a job to travel to Transylvania to sell land to a prospective client, Count Orlok.

Shout out to this couples friends in the movie being played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kraven Lead) & Emma Corrin who play the Harding family with their 2 very cute daughters.

Some / Few people may find this movie to have a slow intro I’ve heard. Which blows my mind because the opener was so incredible of a hook I’m surprised you had time to think this way. The film most certainly ramps up and escalates however I never found it boring what so ever.

Looking for a beautifully shot movie that honors the original while freshening it up in a modern technology way of creation through cinematography and quality. This film did it spot on. Sometimes it felt like a black and white movie elevated on film. This was gorgeous and I have a hard time picking between this and The Substance when it comes to my Oscar Nomination in certain categories.

Not going to ruin this for you by breaking down all that occurs. Just sit back, grab some popcorn and enjoy this spooky awesome movie that disserves a place in my top 10 as I’ll be giving Nosferatu a 9/10.

With that concludes 2024 movie “reviews” from me Prowen for Popped.blog

Next couple of posts will be a transition to 2025. Some looking back while others look ahead at my hopeful/most anticipated movies of next year. Some changes to come with the site going forth but until then. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a massive Happy New Year to you all :D.

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

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

My Old Ass “Review”

Release date: September 13, 2024 (Canada)

Director: Megan Park

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Music by: Tyler Hilton; Jaco Caraco

Produced by: Tom Ackerley; Margot Robbie; Josey McNamara; Steven Rales

Production companies: Indian Paintbrush; LuckyChap Entertainment

If I could ask my older self one question, should I have watched this movie? The answer would have resulted in one less-viewed movie this year.

Let’s discuss…

Watched the trailer and ready for an exciting movie ahead? I was until an hour into the movie when the direction bored me, and then the film just…ends? Leaving me confused if more was to come but knowing it’s over and kind of felt like the movie was kind of ass. 6/10 If I’m being nice. Felt like an average slightly above-average movie.

So many plot points and story devices left unanswered which literally the trailer lures you in with. The main characters choices in the movie made no sense. Even trying to get behind her decisions they leave literally an entire plot and character out during this self-discovery. I’m not so much ranting but more disappointed that I watched this movie and wasted almost 2 hours after trailers to view this title.

Why does Amazon release this on the big screen while Wolfs by Apple gets placed on Apple TV :S lame. If they wanted to keep this movie short and concise they added SO MUCH fluff that was left unresolved.

Without going into spoilers this movie had a message to tell and only had content for it for about 20 minutes of the film. They pumped it up with the family, friends, weird mushroom storyline and left it all abruptly to sum up the main films focus.

I don’t know, a waste of time seems harsh but that ending was weak sauce. My Old ASS? This movie’s ASS! Catch it on streaming tbh am I going with a 3? Na it’s not a bad movie just average to above average at best.

I feel as if the trailer got me like it did so many with the Civil War movie trailer. Setting you up for one thing and delivering on another.

0

The Substance “Review”

Release date: September 18, 2024 (USA)

Director: Coralie Fargeat

Distributed by: Mubi, Metropolitan Filmexport

Cinematography: Benjamin Kracun

Music by: Raffertie

Production companies: Working Title Films; Blacksmith

The Brief “Review”

Use this “Review” for those that don’t want to ruin their appetite before devouring the candy that’s going to be presented to them. Healthy substance in the lack of substance holding back the onion from being peeled? What does all that mean?

Let’s begin!

I went into this film blind to only seeing the above poster. With a perfect time slot at the theatre I went to check out this movie which upon reflection could very well be my favorite new horror movie in quite some time.

I call it – The Everything Everywhere All At Once Candy Corn? Confused? So am I. Let’s keep it brief. It’s not for everyone but for those that enjoy this. It’ll be staying with your horror-loving self for years to come. It’s going into my top 10 movies of the year and I’ll even lock in an Oscar nomination while we’re at it.

Want some more?

If Everything Everywhere All At Once was a horror movie on society’s creation of individuals in the spotlight. By the way, the movie I’m referencing was my favorite movie of the year that it was released. 9/10 – Cinema

The “More” In-depth “Review”

The opening of this movie focused on an egg being injected and splitting into two, which was the most fabulous and bizarre experience entering a movie. I praise how brilliant it was coming out at the end. Most surreal and clever use of cinematography that just captivated me from the start.

What’s this movie about without spoilers and giving too much away? It’s your 50th birthday and after being in the spotlight for so many dozens of years you’ve noticed those around you have grown tired of what’s being offered and seek for a replacement. Someone younger and “Hotter” to be the eye candy going into future years to come.

Well, good news! I have the substance of your answer. So impactful you’ll birth yourself a younger one.

Loved the chapter-like story introducing Elizabeth Sparkle and introducing the layers of this tale forever being peeled back revealing so many different layers that the creativity was insane how deep the writing and creativity went.

The Substance is VERY R Rated and I’d recommend you be comfortable with your party members that you’re watching this title with. You’ll get to know ALL about these characters on an up-close and personal level. Spotlighted on and more in the frame than any other movie currently out at Theatres.

I mentioned it above but I’d lock in my Oscar nomination on this title. The category that instantly jumps out is that of the editing and sound effects/music. I’d have to display the categories before me to truly pick but I’d lock this title in for nomination for sure.

Remember you are one! This movie was horror done smart and I freaking loved it! It’s not for everyone. But those that enjoy cinema and horror can truly get to sit back and enjoy this combination as something new and horrifying in so many ways. The eye of beauty and the beholder of such envision can only come from within when faced with such hatred and ugliness in the world.

The onion layers will speak for itself. Will it affect you as you dive deeper in? Only by watching The Substance will you be able to tell. I was back and forth between a 8.5 and a 9 but the ending and the bow tie that I’m all about. I went with a fucking love it 9/10. Lets freaking GO! With that we have 2 8.5’s remaining on the top 10 of 2024 and I’m excited to see how this list wraps up going into November before we finalize the entries in order by end of December.

Thank you all for reading this “Review” of The Substance. Did you check this title out? Think I’m crazy for comparing it to Everything Everywhere All At Once? Then I’d love to hear in the comments section. This has been Prowen with another solid batch of Popped! “Reviews”.

0

Speak No Evil “Review”

Release date: September 13, 2024 (USA)

Director: James Watkins

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Based on: Speak No Evil; by: Christian Tafdrup; Mads Tafdrup

Budget: $15 million

Music by: Danny Bensi; Saunder Jurriaans

The cast of the movie does an excellent job throughout this feature.

I honestly fell in love with these couples and the friendships created at the beginning of this film. Watched the trailer? Still plenty of surprises in store despite clueing you in to something going on. Haven’t seen the trailer? No worries, nothing will be spoiled here even from the previous line and the pictures used.

A similar pacing to that of blink twice which was a good film and worth checking out. I enjoyed the slower setup with Speak No Evil over Blink Twice as I loved the characters. James McAvoy is SOLID and brings out so much emotion from all the cast from the children Ant & Agnes played by Dan Hough & Alix West Lefler along with the Agnes’s parents played by Scoot McNairy & Mackenzie Davis. Last but not least the partner of McAvoy’s character (Paddy) Ciara played by Aisling Franciosi. Solid performances and without going into spoilers, had me experiencing many sets of emotions throughout.

Blum house & Universal have another solid good film on their hands and I’m excited as we step ever closer to Black Phone 2 coming next October to (Fingers Crossed) to see the world that their developing into a universe of Blum house horror. Universal Horror Nights will either have an amazing set of mazes next year or 2026 will be the reveal of what’s to come for Blum house Universe.

I’m so pumped and excited to hear what you all thought of this title. M3GAN 2.0 releases next year along with Black Phone 2 among a couple of other titles in 2025 which ends the year with Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 in December.

I’d give Speak No Evil an 8/10 for doing such a great job. An American psychological thriller film that I’ll look forward to returning to one day. Maybe it’s time to checkout the original 2022 Danish Film that this remakes on.

Thank you all for your time coming by for another Popped “Review” and I’ll see you in the next batch with Transformers One which I’m very excited to Watch…..More on that during the “Review”.

0

A WordPress.com Website.

Up ↑