Tag: movies

Sonic 3 “Review”

Release date: December 20, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jeff Fowler

Adapted from: Sonic the Hedgehog

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Box office: $1.4 million

Music by: Tom Holkenborg

Sprinkle some chaos energy on this review to temper expectations if you’d like. I’ll be going in on this “Review” however mind you being my most anticipated movie of 2024 I maybe wearing my rose tinted glasses.

If you’re unsure on what Sonic 3 will be about or what to expect. Maybe go watch the first two movies and the Knuckles Paramount + Show. It’s literally a turn your brain off and have a good time type of movie.

From the first title, to now. I’ve loved the world that’s being created for the Sonic Universe. Yes the human storylines are the weakest and continue to be, however I just love it when both Sonic and his gang are on screen as well as Jim Carrey himself playing as Doctor Eggman…..but wait a minute, now there’s two! Of him playing different characters in a movie by the same actor O.o.

Sonic 3 picks up with our trio of heroes as we discover it’s Sonic’s first bEarth Day when he met his human family back in the first movie. I honestly wished they left the humans here but alas…

Oh btw prior to the above we start this feature off with some nice action and introduction to Shadow himself. 😀 – I’ll tease and setup but wont go into spoilers. You know me by now ?

Human character shoutouts go to Krysten Ritter who plays the Director of Gun. Was very cool seeing her in this movie. Keanu Reeves was awesome playing Shadow, despite sounding like brain from pinky and the brain haha.

Loved Loved Loved! Jim Carrey playing both Doctor Eggmans. Loved him since the Mask, Dumb & Dumber & Ace Ventura. The same energy still exists today with his role playing these characters and I’m excited to see what’s to come next. – Press the Button 😉

Again no spoilers, but the overall plot of this title is overcoming Shadow the Hedgehog. If you know you know. If not, enjoy getting to learn more about the Sonic Universe that covers story from the video games. (Specifically Sonic Adventure 2)

Sit back and enjoy this very crazy adventure. Learn more about the characters and their back stories. New and Old characters get introduced, Developed and have their own moments to enjoy and behold.

Lots of epic 90’s nostalgia, specially for those into Sonic/Sega or that played video games during that period of time. keep watching to the end. A mid credit scene and a final end credit scene – BOTH WORTH STICKING AROUND FOR. – Very Juicy 😉

I can’t believe in 4 years we’ve gotten 3 Sonic Movies! – Insane! – Nintendo hurry up with Mario Bros and other franchises. I must get a Metroid & Ness movie so Smash Bros can be a thing.

You already know it’s a 9/10 from me for a Popped “Review”. If I had to be harsh maybe somewhere in the 8’s like an 8.5 but honestly I had such a blast and just love every scene with Jim Carrey and Team Sonic :D.

Here’s to looking forward to 2026? For the next installment. Maybe time to play some games and dive into the animated series?

Thanks for coming by Popped.blog for your “Review” of Sonic 3. Happy Holidays if I don’t return by next week and enjoy your festivities. ❤

Stay tuned toward new year on my 2024 break down and 2025 hopes and nopes.

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Kraven the Hunter “Review”

Release date: December 13, 2024 (USA)

Director: J. C. Chandor

Budget: $110–130 million

Story by: Richard Wenk

Distributed by: Sony Pictures Releasing

Based on: Marvel Comics

WoW! That’s a lot of $ to waste on this movie Sony. Maybe learn from WB and write it off on taxes rather than announce that this series is going no where and you’re done with your Spiderman less spin off movies.

Well, we’re counting down to the main event for the game awards so lets discuss the pros and cons. Or even the potential and wasted opportunities that Kraven the Hunter could have setup before Sony announced it’s going nowhere.

I’d like to start with some positives. The most positive is that this is a watchable movie and not awful like Morbius & Madame Web.

Loved the opening scene which they released online. I see why as it’s the best scene\s of the movie. Lots of good action worth checking out on the big screen. Honestly an entire could be cut from this feature to save 30 minutes would have gotten this back to a 7. I started at an 8 from the opening which quickly dropped with the backstory.

Loved Aaron Taylor-Johnson whom plays Kraven the Hunter. It’s a little odd seeing how he’s the “Good” guy of this title after playing Spiderman 2 video game. However! I loved the opportunity this movie sets-up to have an Amazing Spiderman 3 which bounces off this movie, the video game and the ending of Amazing Spiderman 2.

Maybe that’s why I ended up giving this a 6/10 because of the potential to have these characters in an actual amazing spiderman movie….Buuuut I have no idea what Sony is cooking up now. Will they start from scratch? Jump off where Marvel currently is? Try and salvage these spin-off movies but now include Spiderman? Love to hear your thoughts on that in the comments.

Calypso by the way was the character I’d cut from this movie. I’m not sure her origins from the comics but in this movie she’s not needed. Kraven’s brother Dimitri played by Fred Hechinger which you may remember most recently from Gladiator 2 would be my almost cut from the film but offered enough where I’d like to see his character more in an Amazing Spiderman sequel.

Loved Kraven’s dad being played by Russell Crowe. Sadly the storyline that played out wasn’t the one setup in my head from the start which was unfortunate. Still had lots of awesome worth watching scenes and I enjoyed where he took the story of Kraven toward the end of the movie to jump from into what’s going to come next? If anything comes from it at all :S.

I’d place Kraven probably 2nd best Sony Spiderman movie of the spin-off movies. 1st place going to Venom 1 of course. I did enjoy this more than Venom 2/3* (Overall – 3 Had some good scenes still) and way more than the previous mentioned Morbius & Madame Web.

I’d love to get the video game Kraven from these actors in a sequel but who knows what Sony is doing next with these properties.

From a 8/10 down to a 7 then eventually a 6. I gave Kraven the Hunter an above average 6/10 rating and with that, we wrap up the spiderman less spiderman movies from Sony. Let’s give them lots of good feedback for their new direction.

With DC resetting, Marvel? Rethinking their direction?, now Sony resetting? I’m excited to see if Comic Book movies can come back and be done right again.

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog – Enjoy the Game Awards and I’ll see you next time with potentially Sonic or ??? an unexpected viewing of The Order maybe?

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The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim “Review”

Release date: December 13, 2024 (USA)

Director: Kenji Kamiyama

Adapted from: The Lord of the Rings

Story by: Jeffrey Addiss; Will Matthews; Philippa Boyens

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Budget: $30 million

For someone who watched LOTR once back in the day and then the Hobbit trilogy once, before watching the first film’s extended cut last year (Which I loved and became invested in the series unlike my first viewing), I probably wouldn’t have had this on my list of movies to watch. After my experience last year, I’m even more grateful to have watched it, as I’d have missed out on such a cool anime movie of LOTR’s.

As much as I didn’t like Wulf and his sudden switch in perspective on events that occur in the setup of this movie. I really enjoyed all the characters. Wulf and his dad just completely suck (Wulf’s Dad sucks for his actions while Wulf himself sucks for his poor writing).

The war of Rohirrim comes to be due to our main female lead, Hera refusing to marry and supported by her father and older brothers would have a war break out with Wulf and his people that leads to bigger stakes than just a rejected proposal.

This tale goes back almost 200 years from the original series where Frodo comes into contact with the ring. Here we get some sprinkled easter eggs. Delicious lore setup and exploration. Along with extra character history that I’m hoping leads to future movies that tie nicely in with this series.

The music is rather nostalgic to the original series. Even if a little reworked/tweaked, I was delighted to hear a familiar tune as we come into, through, and out of this movie.

Lots of good action is sprinkled into this 2-hour feature. Some extremely long credits of roughly 8 minutes and no end scene. This was a fun title to watch. Maybe I’ll watch it again as a recap for the entire series but otherwise, this is a solid 7/10 good watch movie.

Thank you for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and look forward to Kraven potentially tomorrow. Next week Sonic 3, maybe another 1/2 movies before the years out but Sonic 3 is my most anticipated movie of 2024 and I’m so hyped to sink my teeth into it :D.

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September 5 “Review”

Release date: January 9, 2025 (Germany)

Director: Tim Fehlbaum

Producers: Tim Fehlbaum, Sean Penn, Philipp Trauer, Thomas Wöbke, John Ira Palmer, John Wildermuth Jr.

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures, Constantin Film

Cinematography: Markus Förderer

Music by: Lorenz Dangel

Got to watch an early access screening of September 5 the other day. With a limited release this kind of hits 2024/25 but I wont be long with this one.

September 5 is set in 1972 during the Munich Olympics. An American sports broadcasting crew finds themselves thrust into covering a hostage crisis involving Israeli athletes.

Before I go into my thoughts, however brief. This is based on true events. Several people after the showing were discussing with myself and some others that they actually lived through this and remember it well. They came away enjoying this title so I wanted to start with that before the later half.

When it comes to my experience. I warn those that are tired, to rest before this feature. Going into this tired with its slow pacing, dated, yet intended for the time period can have you dozing off. Unlike that of Conclave I didn’t find myself compelled to stay awake to see what’s happening as the pacing was just so slow and none of the characters, cinematography, visual beats was enough to grab my attention in such a tired state.

That was my experience, but I hope that if you went to check this title out. That you came away having had a good time and maybe learnt something of historic events.

It’s not much of a “Review” but a pin in the calendar for watching and scoring this for the year. The trailer was good to lure me in but sadly the film in my tired state wasn’t enough.

6/10 – Above Average

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Moana 2 “Review”

Release date: November 27, 2024 (USA)

Directors: Dana Ledoux Miller, Jason Hand, David Derrick Jr.

Story by: Jared Bush; Dana Ledoux Miller; Bek Smith

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Box office: $109.6 million

Music by: Mark Mancina; Opetaia Foaʻi

Enjoyed the first one back in 2016! WoW I had to check that to confirm it’d been almost 10 years since then. INSANE! Wasn’t all that into watching the sequel but glad I went.

If you’re coming back for dem feels then Moana 1.5 is the place to be. I’m calling this title Moana 1.5 as I heard this was meant to be a Disney + Series however released as Moana 2.

Sadly, as much as I had a good time, this felt like a TV Series converted to a movie. With no real villain or antagonist, some world-building, and revisiting characters we know and love, this felt like an outstanding 1.5 series.

Maybe it’s due to Red One souring my taste these days for Dwayne Johnson. I felt like the best parts were coming from Auliʻi Cravalho whom voices Moana. Maui was cool and all and had one of the better forgettable songs but the supporting characters and Moana’s sister were what stole the show here.

Speaking of the songs, they felt good in the moment but nothing WoW! Incredible! That will stay with you after you leave the theatre. Honestly, everything felt great but doesn’t match that of the original. I’m hopeful for the sequel of Moana to bring this home.

Discussing that of the theatre and the experience. Massive shoutout to everyone at Harkins putting in solid hard work. Y’all crushing it and putting on a stella experience.

Studios pivoted to the streaming model during 2020 while theatres had to find ways to survive. With Disney + Shows like Moana 2 coming to the big screen and doing so well. I really hope other studios continue to bring their content to the theatre as that’s the greatest experience to behold such a spectacle.

When I began this “Reviewing” journey back in January 2024 I thought to myself. I’ll watch the movies I miss in the theatre on a digital platform. In attempts to do that multiple times, I don’t get that movie-going experience at home. I find myself distracted with other options or wanting to play World of Warcraft these days haha. While at the theatre I’m connected with the movie on screen with no other distractions. I’m able to fully immerse myself with what the title is offering me.

It’s for this that I recommend you go out and watch Moana 2 in theatres. Enjoy the emotions, the story and the characters that couldn’t be experience while at home watching Disney + in the background.

Maybe that works for Red One which is a disappointment. But for experiences of good content you need to feel emersed at the theatre rather than being at home. I was surrounded by so many people enjoying this title along with me. That feeling of connection to other movie going enjoyers like myself and future “Reviewers” watching their first movie was such a delight and something special.

With all that, I’m giving Moana 2 a Popped score of 8/10, a great watch. Could rewatch this film again in preparation for the sequel or even as a continuation after watching the first film once more.

Happy Holidays everyone! Hope you’re all doing well out there and enjoying time with family and loved ones. I may not remember any songs but sing a favorite song in your head as you head to your nearest theatre to experience Moana 2 or any movie this holiday season. Say thank you and give your cashier or theatre staff member a smile. Some say it’s contagious :D.

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Wicked Part 1 “Review”

Release date: November 22, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jon M. Chu

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Adapted from: Wicked, The Wizard of OZ

Budget: $145–150 million

Cinematography: Alice Brooks

I enjoyed the play many moons ago pre-COVID. I’ve watched and enjoyed The Wizard of OZ several times. So it’s awesome to finally be in a timeline where Wicked has been created into a theatrical movie.

I’d like to start by reminding people that Wicked is a musical. I just didn’t want anyone to be surprised when going in to watch this movie. Although comparing the length of this movie to Joker, this felt to have the same or slightly less music. (I’d like to have had more music, which I’ll get into later.)

The Wicked movie is told from the perspective of our two witches, Elphaba (Played by Cynthia Erivo) & Galinda (Played by Ariana Grande). Setting up the movie we start with Galinda, Munchkin Land, and the death of the Wicked Witch of the East. The story begins by highlighting the fact that Dorothy has arrived in OZ. This story travels back to prior times introducing Elphaba from conception, her childhood including introducing her sister, and then how Elphaba & Galinda became friends with one another in school.

You’re watching a musical so let’s begin with that, shall we? It’s awesome! Countless good songs throughout this 2-hour and 31-minute spectacular (Skip the non-post-credit scene crawl unless you’re enjoying the music). My most remembered songs going into the film were fantastic and knocked each performance out of the park. I may even lock this title in for the Oscars for Best Production & Costume Design. Some of the music was elevated by these two categories making the scene/s stand out and worth re-watching.

As usual, I’ll keep story spoilers away and touch on brief topic matters despite being based on the Wicked Broadway play. This theatrical release incorporates a book that I never read.

I found it fascinating the history on animals and how much this played into the storyline of Wicked. Maybe I missed this while watching the play but it gave so much grounded development to Elphaba and strengthening her decisions and choices that leads her to become who she is later on.

I’m a real underdog supporter in movies so to incorporate this, I was totally enthralled. I have so many notes to discuss however I just want you to go out and experience this movie for yourself. (Caveat – You’re watching a musical remember. Don’t want any surprises like Joker now) If you’re not a fan of musicals this maybe a hard watch despite the incredible performances from the entire cast.

Something that stands out early is the chemistry felt between Elphaba & Galinda, something truly magical and that captivates throughout. I had a moment of emotional swirl get me during a scene, helping with the long run time. When you start to feel the movie length you’re heading into the final act which feels to go by in an instant due to how good it is. I’m ready to re-watch again and could have sat another 3 hours watching Part 2.

I’m not sure about movie of the year however do checkout my top 10 list which has shifted somewhat with this release. I may have to re-watch Dune 2 as it’ll be bumped off the list which doesn’t seem right but it’s a strong 8.5 almost 9 so we’ll see by year end.

With that giant hint, I’m giving Wicked Part 1 a Popped score of 9/10. Worthy of a Blu-ray purchase and definitely a multi-re-watch.

Out of the big 3 to end November I’d say this is the clear winner. (Despite not seeing Moana 2 yet so let’s see next week if that stance changes) – Thank you all for coming by Popped for your movie “review” and looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.

Did you check out Wicked yet? What’s your top 10 looking like in comparison? Let us know before the next popped batch of “Reviews”.

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Gladiator 2 “Review”

Release date: November 22, 2024 (USA)

Director: Ridley Scott

Story by: Peter Craig; David Scarpa

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Based on: Characters; by David Franzoni

Box office: $87 million

When a mystery movie presents itself to you, purchase that ticket. It may very well treat you to a delightful surprise. Having just watched Gladiator for the first time in preparation for the sequel. I’m very excited that this review will arrive earlier than expected!

I wont draw this out over the next 2 hours and 18ish minutes so lets get to the point. – Did you enjoy Gladiator? – Then you’ll enjoy the sequel. Did you enjoy the characters and want to see more from Lucius & Lucilla in a sequel? Then you’ll love Gladiator 2.

Did you have any issues with Gladiator? Was it too long? Did the battles? Does the content matter? Anything? Then Gladiator 2 is going to be a hard sell, as the sequel literally takes the first movie and expands on it on a much grander scale.

Until the last third, Gladiator 2 would top Dune 2 from my top 10 list. However, without getting into spoilers, I’ll leave it as Gladiator 2 is a great movie that you’ll probably find yourself watching again, but it falls short of being as good as its predecessor.

Giving Gladiator 2 an 8/10 Popped review score. Does a good job of being a sequel while also providing enough information for those new to the franchise to follow along and work things out. It may even intrigue those new to go back and watch the first movie to piece connections together.

Still interested in hearing more? Then let’s dive in a little more without going into spoiler territory.

Gladiator 2 sets up the story giving a brief recap to the original and then setting the stage 16 years later as an incredible siege battle commences sea vs fortress. Those who may have seen an extended cut of the film may fondly remember this as it was used in marketing the movie.

As mentioned above, the settings and scope of the movie are expanded upon from the first movie. Similar story points while offering a grander experience in a modern cinematography era. Visually this feature is breathtaking. The actors do a great job and love the dynamic between the two new emperors.

Music harkened back to the original score while adding new elements to enhance what was before. Loved the overall direction of the story despite some shortcomings in the third act that left some development jarring.

I felt the original was better-paced than the sequel. However when the feeling of slowness came to mind the momentum picked right up engaging me and capturing the moment once more.

That’s enough without going into spoilers and I’d much rather you go out and experience this feature.

Watched the original or not, I’d love to hear if you’re going out this weekend to watch Gladiator 2. Maybe you’ll watch the original after/before also.

It kind of works the reversed way of how Mad Max and Furiosa worked in a tangent of one another. Knowing what’s to come the feeling of watching Furiosa into Mad Max is fantastic.

I feel like Gladiator 2 can work that way with knowing that such a great foundation was laid before it could be experienced and gone back to live those moments that lay the seeds to grow into.

Thank you for coming to Popped for your movie “Review” of Gladiator 2. Come back Thursday for your dose of Wicked Part 1 as we roll into the Wickiator weekend. Is this the new Barbenheimer?

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Red One “Review”

Release date: November 15, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jake Kasdan

Budget: 250 million USD

Story by: Hiram Garcia

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, Universal Pictures

Music by: Henry Jackman

Welcome, fellow moviegoers, to Popped. Blog with this week’s batch of “Reviews.” We started with A Real Pain, now for the real pain of a movie Red One.

Red One showed so much promise and yet gave it all away within the trailers. Failure from creation itself, some may find that their batch of cookies to Santa may be salvaged toward the end. However, the undercooked middle and surprised aftertaste of the first bite could put people off.

Red One opens with a younger version of our main character Jack O’Malley being played by Chris Evans. This opening scene felt like a Christmas movie before the 30 year time skip to present times.

Callum Drift (Played by Dwayne Johnson), an ELF member and bodyguard of Santa Claus is one day away from retirement as the naughty list grows each year with worse and worse adults. The magic of Christmas is waning on him but Santa reminds him that he does this job for the children that are no longer children to remember that feeling of their younger child.

Jack O’Malley, an L4 bad guy, gets into a situation where his actions result in Santa being kidnapped by an unknown group. Callum and Jack go on an adventure (which is all in the trailer) to rescue Santa and save Christmas.

The ingredients are all there. There is so much goodness behind Dwayne Johnson that he takes up 90% of the screen time. If only he gave the camera to anyone else to show off the world of the awesome creatures and characters supporting the film for 10% this could have been enjoyed more.

If you’re looking for a Christmas movie where a “failed” parent learns a lesson and does a good deed then I’d recommend seeing Elf. You feel the magic in that film and the characters all get to shine, unlike this film which finds it hard to show the creations that are forced to the back.

I hovered in the mid scores for sometime until an hour and a half where I wanted to walk out as I was done. The last 5 to 10 minutes was fun and I enjoyed the remaining good cookies in the batch as the film got to show off for a moment its creation.

Back and forth on the rating, however, I’m going with a 4/10 below average movie that may even be lower than others. This brings good news to my bottom 5 list as Abigail has been saved from ending the year in my bottom 5 by being joined by Red One.

This maybe hard for some as I’m sure many were looking forward to this title. If you enjoy the rock spreading the Christmas cheer through adult language then you may enjoy this movie. For me though I’ll be enjoying Elf and the best Christmas Pageant ever.

Thank you all for coming by Popped. Blog and I look forward to seeing you next week for 2 big doses of “Reviews” – Wicked & Gladiator 2.

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A Real Pain “Review”

Release date: November 1, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jesse Eisenberg

Distributed by: Searchlight Pictures

Box office: $1,020,065

Produced by: Ewa Puszczyńska; Jennifer Semler; Jesse Eisenberg; Emma Stone; Ali Herting; Dave McCary

Production companies: Topic Studios; Fruit Tree; Rego Park; Extreme Emotions;

Welcome fellow movie goers to Popped.blog with this weeks batch of “Reviews”. Starting with A Real Pain followed by Red One.

A real pain follows two Jewish cousins David & Benji (Being played by Jesse Eisenberg & Kieran Culkin) as they venture on a tour of Poland to honor their late grandmother.

With an excellent sound track with beautiful melody of piano music travelling the inner connection between scenes. I fell in love with the surrounds and musical notes that brought scenes completely together.

The connection between the two cousins kept me engaged and entertained throughout. Benji is unlike David and with that some old tensions resurface while exploring their family history.

Benji had so many layers to explore the movie felt wrapped and yet open to explore with Benji’s journey. Something of which David was able to have closed in a manner that left me feeling a real pain to drop my 7 to a 6.5/10 just slightly missing the mark of a good movie.

It’s a fine line, a very fine line of being a good solid 7 however I wanted 1 more scene for Benji. The supporting cast with the tour group were a delight and honestly did a really good job mixing up their characters with Benji and David in totally polar opposite ways.

It’s a short movie and thus worth checking out if you happen to catch it streaming or at the theatre this weekend. Next week are the biggens so ensure some appetizers before the big 3 of November.

A Real Pain will be getting a 6.5/10 placing it above average.

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Anora “Review”

Initial release: May 21, 2024

Director: Sean Baker

Distributed by: Neon

Budget: $6 million

Cinematography: Drew Daniels

Languages: : English; Russian; Armenian;

Buzzed on the Oscar nomination word I was excited to check this title out finally. Only took 3 weeks to eventually get to my neck of the woods so let’s discuss :D.

Anora is very R rated as we begin with a scene within a sex worker club within Brooklyn. Is this her Cinderella story? Anora, who goes by Ani played by Mikey Madison finds herself requested by her boss to entertain Ivan played by Mark Eidelstein as she speaks and understands Russian, Ivan’s home country.

This feature is split into two types of stories. Establishing a relationship between the two before pulling back the veil on their families. (Wedding Bells? O.o)

A fun entertaining movie which has a lot of heart. Loved me Igor who’s played by Yuriy Borisov. When he enters the scene with his companions I loved the tonal shift in story and pacing as we dive down the rabbit hole.

As usual I wont spoiler this title but sit back and enjoy a very stimulating story as you fall in love with your favorite characters and shipped relationships :D.

With some personal disconnection with character choices and storytelling toward the end I sadly dropped this rating down from a potential 8.5/9 to a 8/10 great movie which I’d watch again.

Others may find they enjoy this more but I feel good scoring this at a solid 8/10 great movie.

One week remains with Red One next week and then the big 3 of November come full swing into the holidays with Wicked, Gladiator 2 & finally Moana 2.

Have a favorite from these? Something else I’m missing? Or waiting for the December slate of films to wrap up the year?

Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear what you’re all waiting to see. Thank you all for coming by Popped. Blog and I look forward to our next batch, next week.

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