Tag: movie-reviews

Send Help “Review”

Release date: January 30, 2026 (USA)

Director: Sam Raimi

Screenplay: Mark Swift, Damian Shannon

Producers: Sam Raimi, Zainab Azizi

Cinematography: Bill Pope

MPAA rating: R

Finally got to see Send Help, 1 scene could have looked good in 3D, but 2D was the way 😀

A strong balance between the usage of horror & comedy. Without spoilers, though. Is this Scary Movie or Scream? Does this parody the genre or take itself somewhat seriously? Depending on the line you find yourself in. That ending / last 30 minutes is going to either get you to a 9/10 or take some hits, bringing you into the 8’s.

Personally, I’m at 8.5/10, possibly 8, but in this ballpark. Without spoilers, this could have been a 9 in the bag and onto my top 10 list for 2026 thus far. It’s still the best movie of 2026 thus far that I’ve seen, but I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Shall we discuss the movie and set this up for y’all :D?

Rachel McAdams plays Linda Liddle (From Account?), a huge fan & lover of the Survivor TV Show. She also has this overbearing boss who doesn’t appreciate her work, her talents, or the commitment and dedication she’s given to the company, which the boss’s father built for him to inherit. The boss in question? Bradley Preston (Played by Dylan O’Brien) a total jerk and awful boss that’s going to find out how much Linda will have to offer in his survival.

Yes! His survival! Stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes en route to a business meeting. It’s a battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

Plenty of setup to create throwbacks and bowties. Even if there are a few layers of mystery to discover and reflect upon after the movie. It’s a great watch, and I’ll look forward to checking it out again at some point with the misses :D.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. What did you think of Send Help? Love to hear in the comments and with that I’m off to bed before I continue the battle in Oathsworn Session 14 in 6 hours :D. Night all or good morning for those waking up to this :D.

Until next time though, happy moviegoing fellow moviegoers 😀

0

Iron Lung “Review”

Release date: January 30, 2026 (USA)

Director: Markiplier

Starring: Mark Fischbach; Caroline Rose Kaplan; Seán McLoughlin; David Szymanski; Troy Baker; Elsie Lovelock; Isaac McKee

Producers: Will Hyde, Jeff Guerrero, Amy Nelson

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 7m

Didn’t know this was based on a video game…maybe should have done some research!

I went in, not seeing a single trailer of this movie. Markiplier’s name was enough and sold. I came out wishing I had more context for the story. Let’s discuss, shall we?

Let’s start with my headliner sentence and work from there. If this were an exclusive title on a streaming platform. I’d subscribe to see this movie. Iron Lung is a high-quality, low-budget movie that stars Markiplier, not just directed by himself. Markiplier is now in my mind, an actor, not just youtuber. He delivers an excellent performance throughout this movie and really holds the movie up, being that he’s our focus for 95% of the time.

I’d honestly consider this an Oscar nomination for costume and hair, harken back to Substance. For such a low-budget title, they did an excellent job with every design in this movie. I won’t spoil, just wanting to paint a picture :D.

It’s an extremely dark movie so don’t get too cozy or you may drift off like I did. But then something will occur. You’ll be locked in and they middle will pull you out and into a ride for the finale. Yes without context of the story I did find this rather long. But I was so intrigued I had to keep with it. Wanting to know the mystery and reveals to pay off.

Ask me about the story. You’ll get this: Convicts are granted an option. To have their freedom by going (Like a submarine) deep into the oceans of blood to explore/find (Something). Or be sentenced to prison instead. Looking at the Google overview, it says: “Survivors of the apocalypse launch an expedition to a barren moon with an ocean of blood.” I think doing some research with limited spoilers would be recommended for this title. It feels like an incredible adaptation of a video game. I just don’t have the accuracy for context. So far, 93% on RT. So, fans of Markiplier & the video game are very happy with this.

Personally, without that context, I’m giving Iron Lung a Popped score of 6.5 or weak 7/10. It’s a fine movie with plenty of good factors baked in. Without more story & lore explained/established throughout, I found this long after the initial intro, before the latter half picking up with awesome music and again, incredible acting from Markiplier and the costume designs.

Iron Lung is going to be an awesome streaming movie. It’s a high-quality production within low-budget confines, which will be thoroughly enjoyed in theatres for fans and those in the know. Now it’s time for me to watch a lets play and dive into the lore before watching it again.

It’s been a minute but I’m back and with an interesting title at that. Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “reviews”. Did you check out Iron Lung? Interested to check it out? Or even doing some research now before your visit to the theatre. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Stay tuned for Sunday night / Monday for my Send Help “Review”. Wasn’t able to attend last night, but on Sunday, I’ll be checking it out. Heard lots of positive feedback thus far. So excited to jump in :D.

Until next time, though, fellow moviegoers. Happy movie going :D.

0

Mercy “Review”

Release date: January 23, 2026 (USA)

Director: Timur Bekmambetov

Starring: Chris Pratt; Rebecca Ferguson; Kali Reis; Annabelle Wallis; Chris Sullivan; Kylie Rogers

Producers: Timur Bekmambetov, Charles Roven, Majd Nassif, Robert Amidon

Running time: 1h 41m

Distributed by: Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Releasing International

Mercy – A guilty pleasure movie? Well, I had a good time at least 😀

Saw 19% on RT and, well, let’s get to it shall we :D.

I honestly had a really good time in this movie. Throw your hate for A.I aside if you’re watching this movie, as maybe that’s why the RT is that low? You’re not going into Mercy for Oscar-winning acting. It’s a popcorn movie that was entertaining and had great music. 7.5 from me at Popped.

Interested to hear more? Let’s continue.

Chris Pratt plays Detective Chris Raven, who awakens at the start, strapped to this chair. His (If you recall Minority Report, then you get the idea of this movie) judge, jury & executioner, Mercy is the A.I program Judge Maddox (Played by Rebecca Ferguson), which uses advanced technology to predict whether you’re guilty of a crime. In Chris’s situation, being guilty of killing his wife.

It’s an hour and 40-minute movie that moves the pacing along well. Keeps you engaged and even has breadcrumbs of a detective mystery to solve, leading to Chris’s execution before the 90-minute timer runs out. Is Chris guilty or innocent? If innocent who killed his wife? Go watch Mercy to find out :D.

I was going to say something, but that’d be a spoiler, so I’ll say the movie can be predictable if you’re following the breadcrumbs. But that’s what kept it from the 8 for me personally. Again, maybe a guilty pleasure movie for me, haha. Someone hated this movie, and others may not like their cup of tea. It’s a movie that’s for sure. A movie for someone like me? That’s true to be. Otherwise, a bump along the journey that is January, as we await the nominations for the Oscars! In just under 3 hours from this going live.

Love to hear your thoughts on Mercy in the comments below. Is this your marmite? You either love it or hated it. Maybe somewhere in-between. I wouldn’t be mad watching this movie again. But maybe only the 1 additional watch for quite some time :D.

Thanks for coming by, Popped for your movie “Reviews”. By time I awake, the nominations will be live for the Oscars and I’m excited…..I’m probably going to be disappointed.. 😛 that Ne Zha 2 wasn’t nominated for best animated feature of 2025.

Until then, though, happy movie-going fellow moviegoers. Good Luck & Have Fun, may your Oscar hopes and hopefuls be in the nomination by the time we all wake up :D.

0

All You Need Is Kill “Review”

Release date: January 16, 2026 (USA)

Director: Ken’ichirô Akimoto

Running time: 1h 25m

MPAA rating: R

Had no idea other than it’s an anime before entering theatre. Shall we dive in?

For those that watched Edge of Tomorrow back in 2014 think of this as that in animated beauty. A random alien plant type structure arrives on earth and dubbed by them as Darol. Awakens one day as Rita is carrying out her day collecting resources from it with releasing massive alien flowers. Too die and re-awaken the very same morning to relive the same day over again.

It’s up to Rita and Keiji to figure this thing out and break the time loop and save earth. This title offers some nice character development and awesome action. Sadly I’d like to have known more on Darol the before / after of this story which maybe could come with a sequel but it’s lacking of setup / narrative wrap up kept me from getting to a great score.

Popped score of 7.5/10. Had a solid good time with this one and it’s pretty short if you happen to have it playing near you.

With that fellow moviegoers out there within the real of Popped 😀 We come to a close on this batch for January week of the 16th. To be continued next week with Mercy & Return to Silent Hill which I’m very much excited for…..but not expecting much from haha.

Thank you all very much for coming by Popped and spending your time with us here. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Going to check out the titles mentioned above next week?

See you then fellow movie-goers and happy watching 😀

0

No Other Choice “Review”

Initial release: August 29, 2025

Director: Park Chan-wook

Cinematography: Woo-hyung Kim

Story by: Donald E. Westlake

Languages: Korean, English

Producers: Park Chan-wook, Michele Ray Gavras, Alexandre Gavras, Baek Ji-sun, Oh Hyeon-am

Came out last year but finally made it’s way to my area this year January 😀

Yoo Man-soo (Played by Lee Byung-hun) has worked for the Solar Paper company for 25 years. After being brought by American owners. Sadly gets laid off. Having had everything in your life to finding yourself in a moments notice as a desperate man. No other choice takes you through the journey of Yoo Man-soo going through extreme lengths to protect his family and home by eliminating the competition for the job he wants.

Another movie with a fantastic cast and great characters. This movie has you going through such lows I ended up checking the time with an hour left and mind blown there’s so much more that can unfold.

Popped score of 8/10 – This was a great movie and worth checking out if you were unable to see it in your area late last year and expanding to more markets now in January.

Appreciate you coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. No Other Choice is currently my highest rated movie of 2026 but what’s to be my first 9 ? Maybe its the last title in this batch.

All you need is Kill…. 😀 See you there.

0

Dead Man’s Wire “Review”

Release date: January 9, 2026 (USA)

Director: Gus Van Sant

Producers: Noor Alfallah, Cassian Elwes, Tom Culliver · See more

Screenplay: Austin Kolodney

Production companies: Pressman Film, Elevated Films, RNA Pictures, Sobini Films, Elevated Films (II)

Running time: 1h 45m

Based on a true story which is truly insane when you see what unfolds!

Richard Hall (Played by Dacre Montgomery (Not Zac Efron which I kept thinking :P)) son of Mortgage company president M.l. Hall, is taken hostage in 1977 by Tony Kiritsis (Played by Bill Skarsgard) to expose the Halls and demand justice for a sabotaged property deal.

Sometimes movies that are based on true events take liberties but it’s insane the real footage included in this title to parallel what you see recreated on screen.

Solid performances across the board and sit back to listen to a very beautiful voice over the radio as Fred Temple (Played by Colman Domingo) provides the peanut butter to a very enjoyable jam sandwich as you get dug in and take several layers of bites into the story unfolding before your eyes.

A 7.5/10 solid good movie well worth watching. I’d be happy watching again.

That’s 2 of 4 from this batch :D. What’s your thoughts on The Bone Temple & Dead Man’s Wire? Let us know in the comments below! Shall we get stuck into No Other Choice next 😀

0

Is This Thing On? “Review”

Release date: December 19, 2025 (USA)

Director: Bradley Cooper

Screenplay: Will Arnett, Bradley Cooper, Mark Chappell

Producers: Will Arnett, Bradley Cooper, Weston Middleton, Kris Thykier

Running time: 2h 4m

MPAA rating: R

Checked it out after seeing this is based on a true story. Let’s Discuss!

Without spoilers or wanting to come off as to harsh, this movie is just too long. I did fall asleep after the first hour as the pacing was just so slow. I expected something more inline with Song Sung Blue but sadly I left a little blue that this was mostly a 6/10 okay to fine movie at best for me personally.

What’s the story all about? Will Arnett (Playing Alex Novak) is facing an impending divorce. Juggling their personal lives with their friends & family ties. During this, Alex finds his purpose in New York within the comedy stand up scene. Maybe I missed the growth in the 20minutes I nodded off. But the ending was sweet, but didn’t have that emotional moving feeling like Song Sung Blue, or characters I connected with which empowered me to cheer on the character.

Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, hopefully you had that connection and magic that didn’t get cast on my viewing experience.

Thank you for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. While posting The Plague I realized I need to add some new categories to the site and thus 2026 can truly begin :D.

Happy Movie-Going fellow movie-goers :D.

0

The Plague “Review”

Release date: December 24, 2025 (USA)

Director: Charlie Polinger

Producers: Joel Edgerton, Lizzie Shapiro, Lucy McKendrick, Derek Dauchy, Roy Lee, Steven Schneider

Nominations: Prize of Un Certain Regard · See more

MPAA rating: R

Distributed by: Independent Film Company

I thought The Plague was another zombie movie. WoW did I walk into something else.

I went through a couple of stages reflecting on this movie throughout my viewing experience. A coming of age kept coming to mind but mainly, without spoilers. The Plague is a dark window to viewers on the consequences of bullying.

A great group of young actors which should use this movie for their portfolio. It’s got good things going for it. As much as it’s not a zombie movie. I liked the lens being focused on this angle of dark consequences of bullying. It ramps up and keeps the movie concise. Even a bow tie of an ending? It’s a fine movie at a 6.5/10.

Solid performances from this group of actors. The Plague focuses on a group of young lads apart of a water polo camp. The social dynamics to Ben (Played by Everett Blunck) being new to this group are portrayed very well as the viewer is new to this world and environment. Eli (Played by Kenny Rasmussen) has some sort of infection and dubbed by Jake (Played by Kayo Martin) to have “The Plague”. Touch him and you’ll get it also.

This anxiety from the ruthless hierarchy of the water polo group spirals into psychological turmoil over the summer period. The horror elements or done in away of situational and environment. Something of an intrigue is the inclusion of music almost of that of Aztec in nature.

Thinking of checking out The Plague or already seen it ? Let me know in the comments below. Love to hear your thoughts. RT has it at a 100% believe it or not. IMDb at 7.2/10. Stay tuned for a continued batch of “reviews” as we dive next, into Is This Thing On?.

Thank you for coming by Popped! For your movie “Reviews”. Happy Movie-Going!

0

Song Sung Blue “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: Craig Brewer

Producers: Craig Brewer, John Davis

Running time: 2h 13m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Distributed by: Focus Features, Universal Pictures

Hearing Hugh Jackman saying he’s huge!….next level entertainment :p

I thought I was walking into a film like Better Man or A Complete Unknown. Then I found out this is actually about a Neil Diamond tribute band…..to find out at the end of the movie…..It’s a real freaking story! – 2025 – The year of true story / true story-based movies!

From the incredible acting of the entire cast. Hugh Jackman (Playing Mike Sardina), Kate Hudson (Playing Claire Sardina), Claire’s daughter Rachel Cartwright (Played by Ella Anderson), Claire’s Son Dayna Cartwright (Played by Hudson Hensley) & Mike’s daughter Angelina Sardina (Played by King Princess). Along with an excellent supporting cast. This family dynamic and their story through extreme highs, lows, and hardships had my emotions going through a rollercoaster.

Not only the fantastic acting and characters, but Song Sung Blue has incredible music and storyboarding elements. It has a beautiful bow-tie ending, and honestly, I was blown away. I was going to skip it. But WOW! I’m so glad I didn’t because this is going into my top 10 movies of 2025.

The hard decision is whether to drop Last Breath or Sarah’s Oil. Two incredible true story movies that moved me. When I look back and think of repeat viewings. It’ll probably take the place of Last Breath. It’s hung in there since February, and that experience was Awing.

Song Sung Blue is a gem of a movie that will have you in laughter, feeling the highs of joy and happiness. While next hitting you in the gut and tears running down your face as you’ve connected and built relationships with these characters. No Spoilers. But WOW! This is a great movie and wrapped up 2025 beautifully. Popped score of 9/10!

Thanks for coming by, Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Appreciate you taking the time to do so, and would love to hear your thoughts on Song Sung Blue in the comments.

With this “Review” that wraps up 2025, and if something technically limited release came out but releases wide in 2026. Just like Better Man, will be placed * into 2026. Unless the Oscars switch that up? We’ll find out within the month.

Next post will be a look back through 2025, followed by an additional post looking ahead into 2026. Look forward to those and see how right or wrong I was. Surprise hits and movies that weren’t even on my radar.

Lastly, I’ll calculate my total reviews for 2024 & 2025 and include that in the look back. I totally blew by 100, which is insane! My goal for 2024 was 50, then 2025 was 75. What # should we go for next year?

Looking at January, I already see 8 movies on my radar :D.

Until next time, though, fellow moviegoers. Happy Movie Going & Happy New Year!

1

Marty Supreme “Review”

Release date: December 25, 2025 (USA)

Director: Josh Safdie

Producers: Timothée Chalamet, Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush, Anthony Katagas

Cinematography: Darius Khondji

Screenplay: Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein

Running time: 2h 29m

Marty Supreme is a great movie! – I just watch too many movies. Let’s Discuss!

Let’s split this “Review” into two parts. The shorter, to-the-point, and the longer, which may touch upon spoilers, to explain the score. Shall we begin? 😀

Non Spoiler – “Review”

Timothee Chalamet playing Marty, set in 1950’s, Marty has a dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player. Enjoy a 2 and half hour journey to see if this dream comes true. It’s a great movie. Very entertaining and filled with incredible supporting characters.

Popped score of an 8.5/10 – I thought about the 9 all the way home once the credits began to play. I went out in the SoCal rains to check this feature out based on all the high praise and buzz. It didn’t disappoint. But when comparing it to other films. It had to be a .5. Shall we discuss below?

Potential Spoiler “Review” – the .5

I’ll use a couple of titles for examples for those interested in why it didn’t get the 9/10.

Sinners – A movie that intrigues at the start. Builds at a slower pace to set the stage. In a fantastic explosion of awesome! – Reveals the final stage for a spectacular second half that’s an insanely good watch, again and again.

F1 – A movie that had me on the edge of my seat. With no interest in Formula 1. Had me hooked and totally engaged with the sport and characters. Felt like there were stakes involved. *Marty Supreme* broke that immersion when I saw characters stand still and not return the ball when other shots were far harder to make.

One Battle After Another – Being slightly longer than Marty Supreme. I didn’t feel the length of time, unlike I had with Marty. Despite there being a solid score at times. Within OBAA, that score fueled you with energy. Energizing you through multiple long scenes that went by in a flash, for being so engaged and hooked. I’ve only seen OBAA once. Within that showing, I had a couple talking the ENTIRE time. Despite that experience. I was fully engaged and locked in. Marty Supreme sadly had slowed down, which, little things within the audience did distract, pulling me out of the experience.

Challengers – A previous year movie, which was my #1. Just like this year’s F1. The momentum. Engaged energy. Music & Characters back and forth. Presented a perfect performance for me personally, which I could honestly say is maybe my 10/10 film. I haven’t seen it more than once. However, based on that one showing. I had a 10/10 experience.

Marty Supreme – Offers slightly below the levels of the aforementioned movies. It’s a great movie and totally deserves the praise it’s getting. But comparing it to, for me personally. Popped score of an 8.5/10.

Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. Read the short or longer version I appreciate you taking the time. Love to hear your thoughts on Marty Supreme in the comments below.

I loved Sinners even more the second viewing. Specially the second half with the couple not talking. I’ve yet to see ABAA a second time without people talking. I mention them as currently they are my two contenders for 2025 Movie of the Year :D.

Any ideas what yours is yet? Love to hear it in the comments. Fingers crossed, Ne Zha 2 gets a nomination at the Oscars. Based on the Golden Globes, I’m rooting for Demon Slayer! For #1 Animated movie of 2025.

0

A WordPress.com Website.

Up ↑