Good Boy “Review”

Release date: October 3, 2025 (USA)

Director: Ben Leonberg

Language: English

MPAA rating: PG-13

Genre: Horror

Running time: 1h 13m

Poster had me, hearing it’s from the perspective of Indy, this dog had me intrigued. Let’s discuss shall we.

Stick around for after the movie ends, there’s a behind the scenes with the director and his dog Indy. We find out that Indy didn’t even know they were in a movie and it’s pretty cool the difference between movie scenes and the behind the scenes footage.

Todd (Played by Shane Jensen) has something going on, potentially health risk. He moves into his grand fathers haunted house where he lived prior to passing along with his own dog.

Within this hour and 13-minute movie, you’ll have a good horror movie. Filled with scares and uncomfortable scenes that Indy does an incredible job at, along with the directing of the scenes. (There’s a film style they used (Which I forgot) to play off the audience’s own viewing experience to fill the movement and meanings of how the characters are feeling/portraying.)

I was between a 7 and a 7.5 throughout this feature. Ultimately, going to give a Popped scoring of 7.5 for the story told. There’s potential to rewatch to connect dots, but also to watch along with others’ first viewing. This was a good horror movie done with a unique style that isn’t used often. It’s a mixture of the dog’s POV along with regular movie shots, focusing mostly on the point of view of Indy from outside the eye and within.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” I’ll be back over the weekend with 2 more movies released this week Bone Lake & The Smashing Machine.

However, until next time – It’s time for Critical Role Campaign 4 to start 😀 and also, happy movie-going fellow movie goers :D.

October 2, 2025 0

One Battle After Another “Review”

Release date: September 26, 2025 (USA)

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Running time: 2h 50m

MPAA rating: R

Cinematography: Paul Thomas Anderson, Michael Bauman

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Intriguing trailer and lots of pre buzz about potential Oscar nominee – Had to check this out 😀

It’s interesting sitting down to right this as to where to start. Looking at the overview from googles search page it’s skipping the beginning of the movie which really gets going fast. Despite personally being the weakest point of the film for me. It does an incredible job setting up the entire movie. For an almost 3 hour long movie. Adding 10 minutes to fully establish / show how the connection was started between General Lockjaw (Played by Sean Penn) & the mother Perfidia Beverly Hills (Played by Teyana Taylor) would have been nice (Unless I totally missed it) (Carveat for this entire “Review” I had people talking 8 seats away from me the ENTIRE movie).

The “intro” or opening of this movie (Which felt like 3 movies in 1 without going into spoilers) had 2 timelines it felt like co-existing as they told this story of resistance and battle against the system (Without getting political within a political movie 😀 – It’s almost showing us the timeline that could occur with the current direction of America). Leonardo DiCaprio playing Bob Ferguson is later forced into a scenario where he single dad raises his daughter Willa (Played by Chase Infiniti).

You know me here at Popped I don’t like getting into spoilers so I’ll keep this groundings here to set the scene and with that One Battle After Another plays out constantly reflecting on the intros story and plagued by those decisions chasing them forth throughout the almost 3 hour long film.

Now I’ve mentioned it twice about this movie being so long, for a crucial point. To me personally, on top of the people constantly talking. Didn’t feel like 3 hours. It’s longer than Nezha 2 and still didn’t feel as long as that. Some scenes lasted more than 30 minutes but felt like mere minutes. Thanks to personally my opinion to the incredible music score. If there’s a category I’d nominate this movie for, would be that score. It impacted the scenes on an entirely different level which without it would have lost some oomph to what’s playing out on screen.

The last hour went by so quick but I honestly loved it. Great characters and impactful touching story. Wish I’d seen / saw the origins of that connection at the start but with how well crafted the entire remaining movie was. It made sense it felt complete and still played off that setup which was so crucial in driving that feeling throughout the movie.

Popped scoring of 9/10. I almost gave it 8.5 but thought of Sinners and put it down to the talking by me. I actually got up and moved seats because of them which ticked me off but I was so into the movie I didn’t want to leave. Going onto my top 10 list of 2025 which means something is getting taken off 😦 which would be Americana. This next 9/10 for 2025 is going to be tough as this is really shaping up my 9s to my 9.5 and maybe even 10 :O. INSANE! But I love movies and I hope you continue to enjoy watching them also.

Appreciate you all coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Let me know what you felt of One Battle After Another in the comments below. I was going to checkout Gabby’s Dollhouse for a joke but decided against it. Still to come later in the week is Elanor the Great.

Next batch will be pretty big next week, we have 3 movies dropping Good Boy, Anemone & The Smashing Machine to kick off October. See you in spooky season :D.

September 27, 2025 1

The Legend of Hei II “Review”

Release date: September 5, 2025 (USA)

Director: MTJJ

Cast: Shan Xin, Mingyue Liu

Genre: Animation

Production company: Tianjin Maoyan Weiying Media Company Limited

Running time: 1h 59m

Screenplay: MTJJ, Kexin Peng

Glad I was recommended to watch this movie because WOW! I’ve got another series to watch / world to get into, along side that of Nezha :D. Shall we dive in!

I watched the first film, INCLUDING the 40 episode web series leading up to watching the last showing of Legend of hei 2 in theatres. Caught it JUST in time :D. Yes I’ll be purchasing this series along with Nezha 2 once they release. 😉 Guess who’s in this franchise. Freaking the legendary Naza 😀 otherwise known as Nezha hehe.

I can’t say I love the second movie more or less than the first title. It offers something solid with some returns but many new characters to explore. I wouldn’t be lying if I said my enjoyment was hindered by the lack of many characters from the first film and the webseries. But alas the move is still solid with plenty to get hyped about. SPECIALLY for those Naza fans like myself 😀 OMG it gets a .5 just for that alone haha.

So the first film is a prequel to the webseries and really establishes Hei. His master and the setting within the world with spirits and humans. The web series is a fun little series around Hei and his human friends mixed with some spirits and the best animal characters you’ll ever meet in a series. The sequel film continues to explore the world going into the dynamics of the spirits vs human conflict. Both sides live amongst one another. But not everyone’s happy about it.

Thus a war / mystery detective film is our sequels enjoyment. I’m ready for more, mostly to see Naza and some other characters within the guild & Enforcers. Unlike Nezha 2 which takes the scope of his village and expands it to literally worlds, planes of existence and vast vast more. This series takes place solely on earth and explores areas of conflict but mainly centered about a specific conflict rather than a global eye. So lots more to peel back and reveal deeper layers to the lore and character development of Hei.

Check it out and let me know your thoughts. I’d LOVE to have this at a 9/10 having it in my top 10 along with Nezha 2. Sadly though the fact it didn’t tie in those characters from prior installments that got me connected to this series to binge it all in 1 day it sits in a solid 8/10 great movie. For having Naza 😀 8.5/10 and a feature I’d happily watch again.

Any other recommendations? I’d love to hear them. However before this batch wraps up with The Long Walk. I appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle will be up Monday Night / Tuesday so stay tuned for that if you’re interested :D.

Happy movie going fellow movie goers and I’ll see you in the next movie – The Long Walk :D.

September 12, 2025 0

Honey Don’t!

Release date: August 22, 2025 (USA)

Director: Ethan Coen

Screenplay: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke

Producers: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Robert Graf

Production companies: Focus Features, Working Title Films

MPAA rating: R

Okay, after watching this movie, I rated Americana to high, by just a smidge. This is taking it’s place. But what’s this! An empty theatre and seeing 50’s outta 100 for IMBd & RT scores :O

Let’s Discuss shall we 😀

The opening was very alluring that’s for sure. The lady coming down the rubble path to investigate a flipped over crashed car and still dripping with blood woman was just the appetizer for what’s to come.

Serious the more we got into this feature the more I questioned Americana. Yea I enjoyed that title but I really enjoyed certain characters. Honey Don’t! I enjoyed ALL the characters and actors.

The trailer even had me thinking it showed too much of the film…yea right! There was plenty of surprises and even more to explore. From a comedy angle that got good from its adult humor to it’s ….. 4th wall but not really 4th wall playing with the audience knowing what we know but knowing the character doesn’t know was a hoot.

Margaret Qualley as our Honey O’Donahue, Aubrey Plaza as the love interested cop MG Falcone. Chris Evans who was in the trailer but I honestly forgot he was in the movie till he popped up and WoW, LOVED! All his scenes 😉 haha as the Reverend Drew Devlin. The fantastic and hilarious Charlie Day as Honey’s other detective “friend?” Marty Metakawich along with so many others. This movie was honestly stacked with enjoyment.

I wont get into spoilers but just know this is a detective story looking into a murder that unravels so much. Adult humor is a packed a full. Mysteries & Comedy colide in this match up and I was all for it.

Sorry Americana but Honey Don’t! Took your lower end top 10 slot with an 8.5/10 I personally loved it despite others seemingly are not.

But hey if Honey Don’t! Isn’t your thing. Ne Zha 2 re-released with an English Dub today opening for this weekend. Check out the best Animated Movie of 2025. It’s solidly the best. You may see KPop Demon Hunters on sale but check that out on Netflix and spend your time at the theatre seeing Ne Zha 2. 😉 I chose my side 😀 Who will stand on the battlefield come the Oscars and choose Ne Zha 2!

With that being said…. Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Have a wonderful weekend filled with great movies and love to hear your thoughts on what’s keeping people from enjoying this feature in the mid 50’s?

Until next time though, happy movie going!

August 21, 2025 0

2025 Mid-Way look “Review”

Welcome fellow movie goers, this Pop Date will go over a look at 2025 thus far and what’s planned to be reviewed. Maybe some hidden secret gems. Some disappointments? We’ll review in 2025 December to see the outcome.

By each month in bold will be movies I’ll lock in a review of, all going well. The Italic number is either a polled or a surprise random movie watch to add to months reviews.

August 2025 – 8 | 3

September 2025 – 4 | 2

October 2025 – 7 | 1

November 2025 – 5

Predator | Running Man | See Me 3 | Wicked | Zootopia 2

December 2025 – 4

Freddy’s 2 | Avatar 3 | SpongeBob | Housemaid

This was using firstshowing.net on August 6th – 100 Movies for 2025 is looking certain!

Currently at 82 with 2 of those movies having caveat – 1 Streamer 1 Released 2024 Christmas going wide in America 2025 January…. Does it count ? :p either way 80 currently with a potential of adding at least 25 movies form the bold minus the re-releases. Yet along bonus movies and surprises along the way :D.

Top 5 thus far from 2025:

Ne Zha 2, F1 & Bring Her Back (Wasn’t even on my radar!) | Sinners | Life of Chuck (Glad I Watched) | (Betterman if allowed)

My hopes of a top 10:

Dark Horse Shoutouts:

Captain America (In a different universe) | Looney Tunes (Still had fun!) | Mickey 17 (Ouch) | Minecraft (HAHAHAHA Dark Horse – slayed) | Until Dawn ( It is what it was) | M3GAN 2.0 (Way to not read the room) | Fantastic Four (Can we switch marvel movies to Thunderbolts :D) | Mortal Kombat 2 (Let’s GO!! There’s still hope!)

Love to hear your thoughts on this list – Anything stick out / Missing from the list?

Lots added to wrap the year up. Podcast R.I.P haha. Happy Watching All ❤

Last shout outs:

Weapons | Long Walk | Predator | Wicked | Avatar 3

My last hopefuls to make the top 10 list of 2025 – Let’s see if there’s any surprises and fails.

Thus far, here’s my personal bottom 5:

1	Screamboat – 2.5/10
2	The Legend of Ochi – 2.5/10
3	A Minecraft Movie – 2.5/10
4	Death of a Unicorn – 2.5/10
5	Hurry Up Tomorrow – 3.0/10

How’s your 2025 looking thus far? In line with your expectations or having surprises along the way like Ne Zha 2 did for myself :D.

August 7, 2025 0

How to Train Your Dragon (2025) “Review”

Release date: June 13, 2025 (USA)

Director: Dean DeBlois

MPAA rating: PG

Running time: 1h 56m

Producers: Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel, Marc Platt

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

While Disney takes their properties and makes changes for the live action adaptation. Universal’s DreamWorks re-creates the original in live action almost to a 1:1 translation. Question is? Who does it best? & Is it worth it? Let’s Discuss

2025 Live Action “Review”

Seen the original or not. This live action adaptation was really good. Fantastic casting across the board. One character that was mostly changed from the animated was still solid but less memorable with her lines. Not sure what translated differently without comparing the two.

From the performances, music & the story being re-told. This was truly solid. I’d watch again and love it. A 9/10? Not quite. If the original holds that then the live action sits within the great 8 tier. For me personally an 8.5/10 due to Gerard Butler (Stoick the Vast) & Mason Thames (Hiccup Horrendous) performances with one another got me in the feels. Top notch performance from Nick Frost playing Gobber. Surprise hit that I loved was Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thortston. Sadly Ruffnut was weaker (Bronwyn James) however still a solid performance. Nico Parker playing Astrid Hofferson was completely fine in this role and looking forward to what she does with the character going into the sequels. Lastly another slightly weaker character was Fishlegs Ingerman being played by Julian Dennison. Not bad at all. Just slightly different to animated.

Despite the 1:1 translation from animated to live action. I had to remember this has live actors performing :P. If you closed your eyes you’d honestly be able to fit both versions in and have them play side by side. Fantastic. So what kept it in the 8 tier?

The Dragons are too close to the animated versions. I love the models. But would have honestly loved a realer version of the Dragons. Maybe practical effects over CGI could have set them apart while holding true to the original? Something to give the live action it’s own identity set apart from the live actors and sets.

The other thing keeping it back was just a couple of scenes that felt like green screen. Only happened a couple of times but was a little jarring and bringing me out of the experience.

2025 Live Action VS 2010 Animated Original “Thoughts”

It’s almost perfect. So close to being so that I’ve made references in the stand alone thoughts above. I haven’t seen the original in quite some time but looking back at pictures and all, you’re not getting the abomination that Lilo & Stitch was when comparing.

Ruffnut was slightly changed in appearance. Maybe some different lines? or something that I still prefer the animated version better. However her twin brother Tuffnut was spot on and loved it!

Would I advise from watching the Live Action to the Animated? NO, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve never seen the animated and maybe want to check it out to compare or re-watch the series in wait for Live Action #2 :D.

Wrap up

Little to critique is looking promising for this coming weekend. RT has this feature sitting at 79%, IMDb at an 8.1/10 and for some odd reason, Metacritic sits at 60%. Here on Popped however, staying with the higher score of 8.5/10 and looking forward to news of the sequel.

Maybe one day I’ll find my way to Epic Universe and experience the park/rides.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your “Review” of How to Train your Dragon. I may or may-not “review” Ballerina as currently I don’t feel right reviewing it. Having gone in so tired, I missed roughly 40minutes asleep. Currently it’s a fine 6.5 to good 7/10 but I’d like to re-watch / fill in the gaps before we discuss that one.

Until next time though, happy movie going!

June 12, 2025 0

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.

January 29, 2025 1

One of Them Days “Review”

Release date: January 17, 2025 (USA)

Director: Lawrence Lamont

Producers: Issa Rae, Sara Rastogi, Deniese Davis, Poppy Hanks, James Lopez

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Budget: $14 million

Production companies: TriStar Pictures; Hoorae Media; ColorCreative; Big Boss; MACRO

Mainly watched this movie due to seeing Morgan Peter Brown in the trailer for this feature. It may have taken almost 45 minutes to see him but loved! That he was in a big screen title :D.

I’m not going to lie, this movie wasn’t for me. The humor wasn’t hitting with me and I’m probably just not the audience for this feature as younger movie goers were loving it.

Took 40minutes before I genuinely laughed to give you context going in on my experience. It’s an okay movie personally. I prefer the Friday movies & Dude Where’s My Car for buddy duo’s getting up to crazy events in their daily lives.

Keke Palmer playing Dreux & SZA playing Alyssa are our buddy duo as they come to find themselves in a bit of trouble having 9 hours to pay their rent or get evicted. Coming up with ways to both find and earn the money had its charm. I enjoyed certain characters over others. It’s mainly just the jokes weren’t hitting for me which was hard to get through some scenes.

Where I sat in the theatre was mostly quiet but maybe this is for the younger crowd? I have no idea. Check it out if you have time. I wanted it to be on par with Wolf Man slightly under but the amount of time for a short hour and 37 minute title that I felt mid just getting through the scenes / checking my watch waiting for Morgan Brown to turn up was to much to say this id slightly above average at best with a 5.5/10 Popped Score.

I hope you enjoy the jokes and all but it wasn’t for me. I’m hoping for a better experience next week with Flight Risk & Presence? Possibly The Brutalist if I’m able to find somewhere close to watch it for last years potential best picture? The Colors Within would be nice to see also if the theatres near by get booked.

However, until then, expect to see some Anime “Reviews” coming soon. Sakamoto Days, My Happy Marriage Season 2, and potentially Solo Leveling Season 2. Thanks for coming by Popped. Blog and enjoy your movie going week.

January 16, 2025 0

2025 Early look ahead

Welcome fellow movie goers, this update will go over an early look at 2025 currently and break down month to month what’s planned to be reviewed. Maybe some hidden secret gems. Some disappointments? We’ll review in 2025 December to see the outcome.

By each month in bold will be movies I’ll lock in a review of, all going well. The Italic number is either a polled or a surprise random movie watch to add to months reviews.

January 2025 – 6 | 2

I usually don’t cover movies released outside the theatre but maybe 2025 will have exceptions?

The Damned – Reviewed | Wallace & Gromit (Netflix) | Better Man | One of Them Days |

Wolf Man? | Flight Risk | The Colors Within? | Dog Man

February 2025 – 7 | 3

March 2025 – 3 | 1

Mickey 17 | Night Zoopocalypse | Black Bag? | Novocaine | Suggestions?

April 2025 – 5 | 1

May 2025 – 5 | 2

June 2025 – 5

Ballerina | Elio | Train Your Dragon | 28 Years Later | M3GAN 2.O

July 2025 – 5 | 1

August 2025 – 4 | 1

Bad Guys 2 | Naked Gun | Freakier Friday | Nobody 2? | Insidious Tale

September 2025 – 1

Conjuring | Eeep please release more movies this month

October 2025 – 4

Tron | Black Phone 2 | Good Fortune | Mortal Kombat 2

November 2025 – 4

Predator | See Me 3 | Wicked | Zootopia 2

December 2025 – 3

Freddy’s 2 | Avatar 3 | SpongeBob

This was using firstshowing.net on January 5th so hoping more releases get added toward middle of the year. Some months look bare :S.

52 Locked in movies with possible 63 with the added 11. 2024 the goal was 50 movies. We ended up reviewing 75 Movies! – Maybe 100 would be a lot? However I’d like to hit 75 Movies again in 2025 with the hope of hitting 100 😀 – All depends on those lack luster months mentioned above.

Top 5 from the above list I feel will be:

Avatar 3 | Wicked 2 | Black Phone 2 | Bad Guys 2 | Superman ?

My hopes of a top 10:

Dark Horse Shoutouts:

Love to hear your thoughts on this list – Anything stick out / Missing from the list? Lets jump into 2025 with awesome movies ahead of us. Lots to be added I’m sure so keep an eye on the podcast for future announcements or on his update tab :D. Happy Watching All ❤

January 5, 2025 0

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever “Review”

Release date: November 8, 2024 (USA)

Director: Dallas Jenkins

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films

Based on: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; by Barbara Robinson

Narrated by: Lauren Graham

Produced by: Kevin Downes; Jon Erwin; Andrew Erwin; Darin McDaniel; Chet Thomas; Daryl Lefever

Welcome to the latest batch of Popped “Reviews” fellow movie-going lovers. Today bringing you The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and up next Conclave.

Big shout out to Harkins for showing this “The Best Early Access Screening”. Glad I was in the area to catch it because I may very well have a new seasonal movie to play :D.

This isn’t usually a movie I’d check out and another reason, which I’ve mentioned before. Why I love watching so many movies this year. I get to see movies I may have skipped, which are honestly really good.

Instantly I fell in love with this movie due to a family of children called the Herdmans. While setting up to write this “Review” I found out this is a series of 3 books, so I’m really hoping for 2 sequels :D.

All the children did an excellent job in this movie, especially Beatrice Schneider, who played Imogene Herdman. She was fantastic and I really connected with this group of kids. Honestly, I’m a sap when it comes to movies like this where characters are made as outcasts or treated differently to others. I really bond and connect with films of this nature.

The Herdmans experiencing a Christmas Story for the first time was done in such a refreshing way that even I became interested.

It’s based on a book of the same title name. However, to avoid spoilers for those like myself going in blind or just seeing the trailer. This feature is based around a town celebrating the 75th anniversary of their Christmas pageant.

After the lead of the pageant getting into an accident, its up to one of our main adult leads Grace, played by Judy Greer to take the reins. Our little group of outcasted Herdmans get themselves into the pageant and from there enjoy this experience.

It was heartwarming and got me in the feels. It’s not Wild Robot but it belongs in the season and a must-watch for families or those wanting a good time. I’d watch this seasonally which easily gets it in the 8/10 great movies ranking.

I appreciate you coming by Popped for this “Review” of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Have you seen it or plan on watching it? I’d love to hear your thoughts below.

Stick around to see a “Review” on Conclave. Or take a nap which I ended up doing throughout.

November 2, 2024 0