Tag: movie

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.

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Here “Review”

Release date: November 1, 2024 (USA)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Distributed by: TriStar Pictures

Based on: Here; by Richard McGuire

Box office: $475,000

Budget: $50 million

I’m glad the coin landed heads 3/5 times because this movie was an experience. I usually avoid reviews before watching a movie. This time however I saw a 1/5 from the guardian pop up on my feed.

With that in my mind it led to the coin flip to determine if I go or not.

I’m glad I did, however I totally get why this wouldn’t hit for all.

Sometimes I watch a film and get up against a wall on what to write first and how. So I’m glad I could be present here to watch and be apart of so many individual stories throughout an hour and 40minutes.

If you have loved ones or those you’re close to then this movie maybe for you. So many moments and scenes that hit home and makes you appreciate or shine light on appreciating moments with family and loved ones. Make the most from life and try not push things off as you may never get back round to them.

It sure is crazy how time fly’s isn’t it. What a time for Here to arrive at the first day of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). An event that occurs once every year, running through the entirety of November for writers to achieve the goal of writing 50k words.

Here takes place within one still frame throughout time from the dinosaurs to present time. Sometimes there’s stories that I find hard to fit within this story as I have no idea what connects them with the films entirety.

Mostly though you’re going back and forth between times, even blending time periods together throughout the movie. I loved the use of picture within picture as it brought a cool and engaging affect for transitions between scenes and time periods.

The main story being told is across the time of Tom Hanks character Richard Young’s life from his parents moving in to the final chapter of Richard & Margaret Young played by Robin Wright.

As I’m writing I’m seeing a lot of 1/5 reviews which seem to be hitting on the fact that there’s to many stories being told and the disconnect between a few of them.

I wouldn’t hit it that harsh but I can see this being above average. That being said for me personally I give it a 7/10 for the simple fact that the messages being told and the current events in my life occurring, echoed a lot in the movie and it warmed my heart.

Take it as a 6-7 range if you’re on the fence. Love to hear your thoughts on this title. For tomorrow’s batch I’ll be checking out Conclave & The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Anime links will popup soon however I plan to start that at the beginning of 2025. So have any recommendations for new anime in 2025 drop them in the comments.

Thank you all for coming by and spending time here at popped. Blog I greatly appreciate you all and I’m excited to see what’s to come in 2025.

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Venom: The Last Dance “Review”

Release date: October 24, 2024 (USA)

Director: Kelly Marcel

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Based on: Marvel Comics

Budget: $120 million

Edited by: Mark Sanger

Welcome back movie goers to Popped with Venom: The Last Dance…..I hope they break a leg O.o?

I’ll give you a quick “Review” followed by a little more detailed “Review” that may go slightly into spoiler territory.

Non Spoiler Version

I wish Sony & Disney Marvel could play nice having this within the MCU. Having the second Venom film leading into the MCU to then be instantly thrown out makes this movie a huge disappointment for any kind of easter egg going forth. We’re in the Sony Universe and this is the best they have to offer :S eeek!

I had some fun with this movie but sadly there was way to much drag between good moments. Even when times got good or interesting it was short lived.

If you’re watching Venom for Sony Verse then check it out. If not, save your time and get told what happens in the cliff notes. Better yet get yourself a PS5 / PC and play Spiderman 2. Thank me later.

Without going into spoilers I’ll give this a 5/5.5 out of 10.

Average movie, disappointing and honestly probably could be skipped unless Sony can do something with their Sony verse to get this on the track.

Little Spicy/Spoiler Version

Eddie Brock accompanied by the voice of Venom (Mostly). Are back in their universe and on the run from killing the officer from Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

Sadly no easter eggs planted along the way (That I Saw) but honestly a certain element that made this movie good. Could have been totally done better and for the build up at least lasted longer.

Again, go play Spiderman 2 and you’ll thank me.

Two end scenes for this feature. Mid scene is a setup for next movie just like Let There Be Carnage did. Last scene after waiting 10minutes of credits is a gag scene probably not worth it unless you utilize the time for a bathroom break and come back.

Took an hour to pickup and then shortly lived I’d say I’m rather disappointed with a 5/10 but some of the scenes were fun giving it the .5 to almost above average at best.

Real question is, should I watch Hit Pig or wait for Here to arrive in theatres. I really hope November turns things around because October had a lot of promise and some heavy misses.

2 Months remain of 2024. How are your top 10’s forming? Does it stack alongside my list and if not. What would you drop / add? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Thanks for checking out Popped. Blog and I’ll see you in the next batch.

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We Live in Time “Review”

Release date: January 1, 2025 (UK)

Director: John Crowley

Distributed by: A24, StudioCanal

Box office: $314,537

Cinematography: Stuart Bentley

Edited by: Justine Wright

Welcome to this weeks Popped “review” batch with first up We Live in Time followed by Smile 2.

We Live in Time is focused around the beautiful relationship between Tobias played by Andrew Garfield and Almut played by Florence Pugh.

Performances were fantastic and I rather enjoyed this relationship and movie. Sadly however this movie can have wide swings depending how quickly you connect with these two.

The story telling was what killed the drive of the movie for me personally as at first they tell the story throughout periods of time of this couples relationship before the pieces come together.

Delivering the bad news up front, after introducing the characters. Made moments of the film feel draggy as I wished they setup the couples relationship and attachment between the audience first. Once the picture came together however you get to experience a touching and heart felt story.

Speaking of delivering, my favorite scene in the movie was the delivery of there child and the fun yet chaotic and sweet chemistry between Tobias & Almut along with some surprise characters that probably didn’t expect their day to turn out that way.

Not a movie I’d watch again but a good movie to experience with your romantic partner. Remember like the posters says. Every minute counts.

So go tell your loved ones how you feel and give them a huge hug today <3.

7/10 good movie!

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Joker: Folie à Deux “Review”

Release date: October 4, 2024 (USA)

Director: Todd Phillips

Music by: Hildur Guðnadóttir

Distributed by: Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures

Based on: Characters; by DC Comics

Budget: $190–200 million

Welcome to/back to Popped with an interesting “Review” for you all this evening. Looking at current scores across RT / IMDb / Metacritic & Google audience rating summary, this “review” will either resonate with you or be totally off the mark.

With that said I’ll cut to the point and work backwards for those still interested in hearing more on my personal experience with Joker’s sequel. I liked it! 8/10 I’d watch it again :O GASP! BOO’S? LAUGHTER from the back of the room.

Alright enough waffle, let’s begin the breakdown of how I came to like it within a manner of “Reviewing” this title.

“Review” Joker The Therapy Session – Begins

For the general public, this feature will not be enjoyed by them. You can clearly see that in the review scores. Maybe 20-30 minutes will be when people start to drop off. The key for me personally. Watch this movie as a psychology student who thoroughly enjoyed Arthur Fleck in the first Joker movie.

Doing this made the songs/music fit the story and I could see what the director intended to achieve with Joker: Folie à Deux. Although this movie would have worked for the general public without them. I totally get it despite getting harder to get through the songs in the second half.

I’m going to discuss moments without going into spoilers. If you’re attempting to avoid anything that could be considered a spoiler then maybe turn back now with my Key in mind.

Two fracturing movies are occurring or even being discovered along the way. One exists with the music and the other is viewed/witnessed. Those wanting the movie to be like the first film will want the latter. While a select few will go my path or the path of enjoying musical numbers. I used the cover picture on purpose to capture the polarizing responses to this sequel with this point.

*Question Time*

Curious questions midway through this “Review” – Do you enjoy my rating system with 7 being that of a good watch and 8 being I’d watch the movie again? Working on a clarity system for 2025 and onwards :D.

There were moments when I got genuine goosebumps and loved this feature. This is before momentum slows and requires building back up to more moments of greatness.

Some fans don’t understand Lady Gaga’s role in this movie. I’ll leave it as.. an activator for Arthur and leave it there for after you’ve watched. Did you come to watch Joker or Arthur is another thing I’ll briefly mention. Those who come for Arthur will have a better experience than those coming for a Joker movie. That being said, for those interested in a Joker movie…hehehe catch you in the comments afterward *Joker Laugh*.

Out of all the songs I’d have to pick “The Joker Is Me” as my favorite.

There’s so much to this movie to break down and discuss but sadly people won’t be giving it a chance. That’s a true shame. Read the next part for potential spoiler if you’re curious.

*Potential Spoiler Discussion Point*

Depending on how you watch this sequel. This could very well be an origins story to the new DCU Joker ;). Love! To hear your thoughts on that. Did anyone watch the Gotham TV show? ;).

“Review” Session Wrap-up

I was back and forth on either a solid good one-time watch or placing it where I did with an 8/10. The awesome moments and continued exploration into Arthur’s mind were what kept me from going lower than a 7. The ending and cinema moments of greatness are what secured it in my 8/10’s and I’ll be looking forward to watching Joker: Folie à Deux many more times in the future awaiting the creation of the new DCU projects being currently cooked up by James Gunn.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this “Review” and for checking out Popped. Blog. My friend inquired earlier if I’d ever get into reviewing anime or shows. This is something I used to do on Podcasts some time ago.

Anyone interested in reading more “Reviews” on other media content like Manga, Anime, Shows etc. Maybe once a month I’ll record an episode combining the reviews as a recap for those interested in checking movies or media content on streaming after they’ve left the theatre or completed their season.

For those interested in Anime I’d strongly recommend checking out HiDive and watching Oshi No Ko & Made In Abyss. Each has 2 seasons and MIA has incredible movies.

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The Wild Robot “Review”

Release date: September 27, 2024 (USA)

Director: Chris Sanders

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Adapted from: The Wild Robot

Budget: $78 million

Music by: Kris Bowers

While the trailers for Transformers One grew on me the more I watched it leading to the film’s release. The Wild Robot sadly had the opposite affect. Showing way to much of the movie leading to release even dropping a trailer 3 days before release.

Within 5 minutes of watching this movie, I removed my review cap and was locked into this adorable and emotional story. They have such loving characters and a beautifully written story. I’m excited to see what’s next for this series as it’s based on a 3 book series.

If Baymax was dumbed down for kids to enjoy by Disney. The Wild Robot has Roz, who combines a smart and engaging personality and dark adult humor which honestly captured the adults and kids in my theatre. I laughed out loud and cried a lot with how connected I got with these characters.

DreamWorks is honestly back and for the past couple of years, it seemed like Universal Animation was coming for Disney. DreamWorks may very well come in with such quality movies and stories to topple the castle. Super excited to see Shrek 5 and Bad Guys 2 😀

I won’t get deep into storylines and all however will include some shout-outs for this incredible feature.

Roz finds herself awakened within the wilderness looking for its customer to complete the requester’s objective. This leads to our characters coming together in a story that I wish came out for mothers day. The connection created between Roz and the possum family was priceless! Loved these characters literally all of them had so much personality it all came together for my locked-in 2024 best-animated feature and hopeful Oscar winner.

Loved it more than Inside Out 2 and recommend all checking this movie out. Bring tissues if you connect with characters like I do haha. Easy 9/10 and thus makes it into my top 10 of 2024.

Have you checked out The Wild Robot yet? On the sidelines? Let me know what you’re thinking in the comments. Thank you all for spending time with me on another Popped “Review” Next up should be Joker unless something unexpected pops up like Megalopolis?

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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.

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The 4:30 Movie “Review”

Release date: September 13, 2024 (USA)

Director: Kevin Smith

Distributed by: Saban Capital Group

Produced by: Joshua Bachove; Liz Destro; Jordan Monsanto

Production companies: Destro Films; SMODCO

Didn’t even know this movie existed until yesterday as I saw there’s a 4:30pm showing of a movie called The 4:30 Movie. I had to check it out. Directed and Edited by Kevin Smith this movie was such a joy to watch.

The start of this movie hit the period perfectly on the head and I was in love. The young relationship in this movie was FU*^ING CUTE AF AND ADORABLE! I loved the performance by the actors Siena Agudong, who played Melody Barnegat, and Austin Zajur, who played Brian David. Loved them loved them loved them.

Brian’s friends were also greatly cast and had a lot of fun. This coming-of-age movie was such a delight. The music was spot on. Writing is emotional and funny. I honestly loved the beginning of this film. I was thinking of buying the Blu-Ray. Sadly the middle was rather mid when Melody and Brian’s friendship was not on screen and the brotherhood was let loose in a movie theatre.

Some entertaining cameos for those that have followed Kevin Smith’s career but had a bit of a lull never swooping below an 8 but pendulum between an 8 and 9. With a solid beginning and a lovely ending, I would call this a great movie at an 8/10. Loved it! Would totally watch this again and recommend others give this a watch at 4:30pm at the movies or catch it streaming down the road.

Increasing the number of movies I watch in a year, results in catching movies like this that either release out of nowhere or so I can catch delightful movies that I may have skipped otherwise. Stay till the end of the credits for some bonus footage, bloopers if you will? Or is it? 😉

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Trap “Review”

Release date: August 2, 2024 (USA)

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Cinematography: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom

Music by: Herdís Stefánsdóttir

Production company: Blinding Edge Pictures

How should we start this “Review”. It’s M. Night Shyamalan’s best movie post 2020? Not on the level of Split but maybe Glass? If that gives a pictures lets open the door to Trap.

I applaud the trailer for setting up this movie. It does a great job of setting the scene and informing the viewer what this movie is about. The movie dives a little deeper in than the trailer reveals but the intro and the trailer work nicely hand in hand to one another without revealing anything futher.

Thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic relationship between the daughter and her dad as we navigated the scenes developing during this feature. I can’t go into much detail to contain the trap and the inner webbing of threads revealed throughout the movie.

I was very entertained throughout the majority of this feature. Hitting 8/10. Sadly without going into much detail the “plot twist” that M. Night placed on this movie could have audiences split. It brought my score down to a 7.5. However depending what they do next with this world/universe could bring it up or drop further without some solid writing.

I recommend everyone interested in the trailer / film go watch it. Then lets discuss the feature afterwards because there’s a lot to be discussed. A small post feature scene before the credits fully role. Nothing to stick around for at the end of the credits. Save yourself 5 minutes :D.

Appreciate you for reading this Popped “review” and next up should be Borderlands next week sometime after the movie premiers Thursday 8th.

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Despicable Me 4 “Review”

Release date: July 3, 2024 (USA)

Directors: Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Box office: $25.4 million

Music by: Heitor Pereira (score); Pharrell Williams (songs and themes)

Produced by: Chris Meledandri; Brett Hoffman

This will be a shorter “Review” as by now you’ve probably seen the first 3 and learnt the formula to these movies.

“Despicable Me 4” delivers another hit with its signature mix of humor and heart. This installment delights fans with a blend of new characters and beloved favorites, showcasing the continued growth of our favorite personalities.

Poppy stands out as a fantastic addition to the crew, bringing a fresh dynamic to the group dynamics. As is the summer trend Poppy has a cat which stars in one my favorite scenes.

The movie is a great fun ride that keeps audiences entertained throughout, mostly. Making “Despicable Me 4” a must-watch for fans of the series and scoring a Popped score of 8/10.

By the way, unless your little one is enjoying the minions flying/floating across the screen there’s nothing at the end of this movie. Saving you 6minutes.

Story Time

If you’d like to know a little more about this film then let’s carry on shall we.

Due to some rivalry based on an incident during Gru’s child hood. A new villain whom has his own minion army (That of cockroaches) has escaped maximum prison and is out to take Gru’s newly born baby son.

Placing the Gru family into a safe house by the AVL company. This forks our story between the Gru family living as a “normal” family with 3 assisting minions. With the remainder minion army going off to the AVL. Thus the Mega Minions were born (Queue the power puff girl theme tune).

Enjoy seeing our loveable bunch living in their new lives while flipping back and forth to our heroic minion fantastic 5 crew “Saving” the lives of everyday citizens.

Hope you enjoy and as I mentioned from the top. Another hit addition to this franchise but quite possibly the final one? Unless they keep coming up with new villains / missions this felt pretty wrapped up for Gru. Maybe the kids take over next? Another recent trend for bigger movie franchises.

Thanks for reading everyone, appreciate your time and support.

If you’re celebrating the 4th of July happy 4th everyone! For everyone else around the globe, enjoy “Despicable Me 4” only in theatres!

Popped Review – 8/10 “Despicable Me 4”

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