Tag: Movie Review

The Uprising “Review”

Release date: September 10, 2026 (USA)

Director: Paul Greengrass

Cinematography: Pål Ulvik Rokseth

Distributed by: Focus Features, Entertainment Film Distributors

Editor: William Goldenberg

Executive producers: Alastair Burlingham, Philipp Kreuzer, Deborah Acoca, Kwesi Dickson, Cliff Lanning, Matt Murphie, Gary Raskin, Jay Taylor, and Chance Wright

Your friendly neighborhood Ploughman – 1381 Peasants’ Revolt Film Portrayal

Solidly, my experience was in the 8s on this one. I was locked in pretty early. Seeing your friendly neighborhood Andrew Garfield, our Ploughman, standing up for children against a corrupt hierarchy. I was on his side through and through to the very end. A story that inspired the epic tale – Robin Hood!

An insane first hour with a sequel for the second half. I’d honestly watch an additional hour of this film after the ending. Thoroughly loved it! Solid performances had me on the edge of my seat. Especially that final act.

8.5/10 Popped score. I thoroughly enjoyed this feature and am looking forward to checking out Hope tonight!

Greatly appreciate you coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Either tonight or tomorrow, I’ll have the Hope “Review” up. It premiered earlier this week on Wednesday. I’ve been hearing good things thus far. A 2-hour, 40-minute runtime is prepping me to stay awake ahead of time with caffeine 😛 haha.

See you soon fellow movie-goers 😀

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By Any Means “Review”

Release date: September 4, 2026 (USA)

Director: Elegance Bratton

Screenplay: Sascha Penn

Producers: Mark Wahlberg, Elegance Bratton, Alex Lebovici · See more

Executive producers: Sascha Penn, Wayne Marc Godfrey · See more

Production company: Jeff Rice Films

Didn’t know this was based on a true story going in – (Now I see it on the poster haha)

This movie was so good! Both Mark Wahlberg & Yahya Abdul-Mateen II were awesome together. Loved the buildup, execution, and impact of character emotion and feelings. Insane that this was based on true events that occurred. Sometimes, watching these movies, it’s like a history lesson that enlightens me about periods of time and places.

Yahya plays an FBI agent who teams up with hitman mobster Marky Mark :D. By any means takes us on an investigation into the murders of civil rights leaders in the 1960’s Mississippi.

The pacing and epic finale ramps up after building the story and connection between characters. Loved this movie I’m giving a Popped score of 8.5/10

Catching up on typing my “Reviews”. Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Getting caught up on Bleach Anime. Watching BlizzCon Day 1. Videos games and movies a plenty 😀 It’s been a lot haha. But we’re not done yet with this week’s batch. Up next – The Uprising! – Tonight I’ll be checking out Hope.

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Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass “Review”

Release date: September 4, 2026 (USA)

Director: Gang Zhang

Running time: 1h 30m

Languages: Chinese, English

Production companies: China Film Group, Warner Bros. Discovery

MPAA rating: PG

Despite lasting only a week in theatres and low scores… I had a good time 😛

I’ve not watched Tom & Jerry in quite some time. So maybe my experience differed from that of current viewers, which could explain the disparity in our scores. A game of cat & mouse activates a forbidden compass, transporting the duo into a realm where they find themselves amidst a 300 year old feud.

One side wants revenge for being betrayed in his attempt to protect his city. The other has been banished from heaven and wants to find his way back. Tom & Jerry find themselves on both ends, but will friendship over come evil / temptation?

There’s a lot of gooey goodness here on both sides of the conflict. Phoenix master vs Rat Lord, this was a fun watch.

A jarring, odd rap occurred over dinner was an interesting choice, but I loved the Chinese musical themes and settings. First hour I honestly had a great time. Sadly last 30 minutes felt extremely rushed and dropped my score. Popped score of 7.5 which honestly maybe the highest I’ve seen out there but I honestly had such a fun time. Maybe having the theatre to myself raised my experience but you’ll have to check it out and see for yourself.

*Edit* – Changing to a 7 after watching Shaun the Sheep

Stay tuned for what’s coming next. Some awesome movies are still releasing after the summer wrapped!

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Legend of the White Dragon “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Directors: Aaron Schoenke, Allen Harris

Running time: 1h 24m

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Well Go USA Entertainment

Backed this Kickstarter twice – Successfully backed in May of 2020 – We finally have this on the big screen after a major hurdle, which is the sad passing of Jason David Frank – The Legend of the White Dragon, commonly known for his role in Power Rangers as the White & Green Ranger!

It’s been 6 years of development. It was kickstarted as a series. Got blown up with funding to equate to the epic movie now playing at your (Hopefully Local) theatre. Sorry for anyone who backed the movie who’s not near a theatre playing LotWD.

With this heavy toll of knowing we won’t be seeing Jason in any future projects they may have had/have planned. This movie ended on such a high note. Seriously, I can’t wait for the Blu-Ray to see all the behind-the-scenes and extra goodies packed into the creation of this movie. If you stick around throughout the credits, there’s a mid-credit scene for the film. Then a behind-the-scenes reel plays as they display all the Kickstarter patrons. That was pretty cool :D.

So how’s the movie? Well, understanding all the challenges behind the movie’s creation. I had a really good time. It felt like Power Rangers mashed with Arrowverse (Which I thoroughly love) – Mainly felt this way with some of the script and seeing David Ramsey in his role :D.

The start of the movie felt a little thrown in for the audience, but I enjoy storytelling that goes back and forth, introducing context and story points throughout the movie. The fire effects are pretty cheap, but this doesn’t have a big blockbuster-type budget to go off. Otherwise, the acting is solid. I enjoyed the characters and seeing David with his daughter Jenna Rae Frank in the movie; playing the role of his daughter was so emotional, as it reflected on screen to real life.

Personally, with the attachment and love for all that went into creating this movie and bringing it to the big screen, I’m giving LotWD a Popped score of 8/10. I’ll be following Bat in the Sun to see if anything comes further with this project but will totally be understood if this stays the finale to a legend. Rest in peace Jason Frank & Michael Madsen. Legends never die! So get out there this weekend and watch Legend of the White Dragon 😀 <3.

That’s the finale to this week’s batch, fellow movie-goers! Thanks for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Next week I may go a little lighter, but if a movie catches my eye. I’ll find a seat with my name on it :D.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going ❤

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It Ends “Review”

Release date: August 21, 2026 (USA)

Director: Alexander Ullom

Running time: 1h 29m

Distributed by: Neon

92% This must be good!…..right?

4 friends driving down a straight road never found their turn-out. It Ends takes you on a dark purgatory story of what-if scenarios. Continuing forth is the only available route. To track backwards leads to dead ends. When people in the woods start to awaken from the car noise, acting like zombies screaming for help. What do you do other than continue to drive forward down the straight road?

I hope you enjoy these 4 characters because you’re locked in as much as they are with one another. There are some interesting ideas here, but do they ever really get developed or delved into to enrich the story? For me personally, it’s what dragged this movie down into the 7’s. When the formula ran stale, we got a change-up for both the viewer and actors. That’s sadly about where things didn’t change up and ended the movie with a weak 7 mostly; it’s a fine movie.

Just checked the audience score and seeing a 50%. Seems like I’m in the middle, so curious where It Ends lands with you all? Planning on checking it out on streaming? Let us know in the comments below.

Final “Review” to come of this weeks batch, The Legend of the White Dragon :D.

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Buddy “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Casper Kelly

Cinematography: Zach Kuperstein

Distributed by: Roadside Attractions

Executive producers: Gideon Tadmor, Roberto Linck, Dexter Braff, Adam J. Wilde, Geoff Yaw, Kevin Flanigan

Genre: Horror

Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared, combined with Barnie….. Let’s discuss!

I had a good time with this one despite there being a potential rant for those interested :D. Alas, Buddy got a 7.5/10 Popped score, missing the 8 on it’s final acts.

You start within a kids’ show (Barnie of sorts or Blue Clues), watching episodes with a narrative focus before resetting with a song of loving Buddy. That’s until you get to see the behind-the-scenes of the show and expand on what occurs with Buddy when the cameras aren’t on him. Creating cracks within the seams that continue to grow each episode, affecting those who saw.

This had the inner makings of creating something epic on the scale of Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared. Sadly, they focused on adding some trigger-warning scenes for some viewers, which, within the setting of a kids show (yes, despite it being R-rated horror), felt really unnecessary and could have better been spent on setting up more of the lore / behind the scenes of how this all came to be. Possibly set up for sequels if popular, but I really would have preferred that over (Spoilers Rant).

Regardless, this was a good time with a 7.5/10. I can see it doing well on streaming for sure.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie Reviews!. We just hit 10k views on the site since starting this project :D. Appreciate you all taking the time! Stick around as we’re just halfway through this week’s batch of movie “Reviews”.

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Finding Emily “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Alicia MacDonald

Running time: 1h 50m

Producers: Olivier Kaempfer, Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan

Production companies: Parkville Pictures, Focus Features, Working Title Films

Screenplay: Rachel Hirons

Thought this would be cute… never thought I’d fall in love with it 😀 Legit! Let’s Discuss!

I loved pretty much the entirety of this movie.

From the characters, their personal journeys, the connections between one another, from strangers, friends, and family, I absolutely loved it all. Owen (Played by Spike Fearn) sees Emily one night while at work and falls for her. Due to having to rush out of the club for a birthday party, she misses a number entering it on Owen’s phone, and thus the movie Finding Emily exists :D.

Emily Raine (Played by Angourie Rice) is an Emily but not the Emily. Aiding Owen in the search for Emily, even if it results in her own personal gains.

Along the way, we meet Owen’s family, which I freaking loved; the connection between Owen and his brother. We also meet several dozen other Emily’s which have their own motives, agendas, and journeys within the movie. This is such a feel-good movie, and I ate it up. Angus Thongs & Perfect Snogging may be the last movie where I didn’t touch my popcorn due to loving everything on screen.

I haven’t even mentioned the music yet! From start to end, the music track and selections/usage were superb! Stay to the end for a music video amongst the credits 😀 So good.

Popped score of 9/10 I seriously loved it!

Apologies for this week’s batch being rather large and uploaded in one day. WordPress was having issues… well, at least on my end. Found out the ad blocker was preventing the page from loading… never occurred before, but alas, I’m back :D.

Stick around for Buddy coming up next here on Popped!

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Idiots “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Macon Blair

Casting directors: Chase Paris, Tara Feldstein, Mark Bennett

Cinematography: Guillermo Garza

Distributed by: Independent Film Company

Editor: Dane McMaster

I’m excited for Dave Franco in Forgotten Island, but let’s not be harsh in the opener…

Idiots focuses on 2 adults who, due to their idiot decisions, are let go of their jobs and find themselves working together transporting a delinquent kid to a behavioral school. Dave Franco plays Mark, a character quite similar to that of the kid being transported, Sheridan (Played by Mason Thames). Davis (Played by O’Shea Jackson Jr.) having been let go by the church for taking kids to an NR (Not Rated) movie finds himself being partnered with Mark on this transport gig.

There were moments/scenes I got legitimately into and had a great time. Sadly, they were long-lived and felt extremely long in between. Get yourself a good drink from your theatre’s bar and enjoy an okay-to-fine movie with Idiots playing this weekend at your local theatre. Popped score of 6/10.

You know what else arrives this weekend? A mega release of movies! Coyote vs ACME, The Dog Stars, Buddy, Finding Emily, It Ends & The Legend of the White Dragon. It’s going to be an insane wide release of movies, and I’m excited to experience the majority of these and come back and share my thoughts :D.

Planning on seeing any of these at your local theatre? Seeing Idiots? – Let me know in the comments below. Appreciate you coming by Popped, for your movie “Reviews”.

Until next time, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going!

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Coyote vs. Acme “Review”

Release date: August 28, 2026 (USA)

Director: Dave Green

Story by: James Gunn, Samy Burch, Ian Frazier, Jeremy Slater

Producers: James Gunn, Christopher DeFaria

Screenplay: Samy Burch

Running time: 1h 43m

Thank you, Ketchup Entertainment, for saving yet another Looney Tunes movie! Take that ACME 😉

ACME is going to be kicking itself for benching this feature for a tax write-off. Seriously! Thank you, Ketchup, for saving this film. As a huge fan of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Coyote vs. Acme felt so good to watch. Whenever our favorite Looney Tunes characters were on screen, I was having such a blast!

No hate to the film’s cast. They did a good job. I just wasn’t feeling the scenes without Coyote when watching Will Forte. Luckily, his supporting cast were a lot of fun, with Lana Condor & Martha Kelly working at his law firm in the Coyote vs Acme suite. 😀 OMFG I just looked up why Martha Kelly sounded so familiar – She voices a character in the epic show Common Side Effects 😀 My fave show of 2025…. any who. Let’s continue haha.

On the other side of the lawsuit, I absolutely loved John Cena & Jeff Bergman. Although John Cena’s name is on the poster. I didn’t see him in the movie ;). This movie was so much fun, ramping up the laughs and character reveals as it progresses. No spoilers here, so you’re safe. Coyote VS ACME releases this coming weekend, so turn up and support this feature and prove to ACME why shelving this title was a bad mistake. Shoutout to Ketchup Entertainment for saving this feature. Go have a blast this coming weekend; I’ll be watching it again for sure. More of this, please! Love this world and thoroughly enjoy the live-action blend with Looney Tunes goodness :D. (Miss you, Roger Rabbit!)

Popped score of 8.5/10 – This was a great watch and looking forward to revisiting and finding more easter eggs :D.

Appreciate you coming by Popped, for your movie “Reviews”.

Come back tomorrow all going well for my “Review” on Idiots!

Until then, fellow movie-goers, happy movie-going! 😀

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The Magic Faraway Tree “Review”

Release date: August 21, 2026 (USA)

Director: Ben Gregor

Producers: Pippa Harris, Jane Hooks, Danny Perkins, Nicolas Brown

Running time: 1h 50m

Distributed by: Entertainment Film Distributors, Vertical

Almost skipped this but the 83% critic score got me in the seat….glad it did 😀

Depending on the connection you build with this family, I was between a 7.5 and 8. Honestly, the touching and emotional story with its beautiful whimsical vibes got this to an 8 without spoilers.

The worlds and set designs- I can see why they chose the creation team behind Wonka. There’s a specific scene in the trees that created a ha moment 😀 I’d love to have seen more worlds, but maybe that’s for a potential sequel? The story being told was perfect with all that they used.

The land of goodies had my childhood candy store memories hitting hard when penny sweets were a thing :D. Loved that world, remember not to be greedy ;). Either way, the two / three stories being told I loved. For the parents, their children, and for those living in the Magical Faraway Tree.

I could get lost in these worlds and be totally fine with it (Minus 1 :P). There’s a small scene before the crawl, but otherwise, unless you’d like more wine. You don’t need to stick around. Unless it’s to continue being immersed in this feature’s beautiful music. Have fun dancing and jigging along after this beautiful story :D.

Appreciate you all coming by. Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Possibly more to come throughout the week but stay tuned for next week as so many movies drop next weekend!

Until next time though, happy movie-going fellow movie-goers :D.

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