Tag: movies

Heretic “Review”

Release date: November 8, 2024 (USA)

Directors: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods

Distributed by: A24

Box office: $3.8 million

Music by: Chris Bacon

Production companies: Beck/Woods; Shiny Penny

I was sold on this movie when people compared it to Black Phone. Loved that this movie referenced south parks book of Mormon. Shall we dig in?

When two young missionaries, Sister Paxton & Sister Barnes (played by Sophie Thatcher & Chloe East) visit Mr. Reed’s (played by Hugh Grant) home during a stormy night. They become ensnared in a deadly trap where their faith will be truly tested.

The most intense and educational scene on monopoly plays out. The rain continues to drip while music plays. 3 individuals find themselves in a game of cat and mouse. Who’s going first? Which action will you take? Is that blueberry I smell? The more you discover the less you discover, unless you play the game right.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie without going into spoilers. Enjoy the ride, look around at your surroundings and pay attention. It may very well save your life.

Loved that Mr. Reed was both terrifying yet harmless. Gave you choices yet kept control. Sold a theory yet purchased a theory. I’d honestly watch this movie again. Was it perfect? Not quite. But a great movie? You bet ya!

Popped “Review” for Heretic – 8.5/10 – Great movie with excellent performances. Loved the sound and visuals. Story telling was good with slight weakness but overall a solid great movie well recommended.

I believe Heretic places us at 62 reviews for 2024 thus far and well on track for 75 reviews this year. Initially intended to reach 50 however 75 is in reach and I’m ready to go.

Some upcoming movies I’m looking forward to are:

Anora (Coming Sunday/Monday) | Red One | Gladiator 2 | Wicked | Moana 2

Y2K | Kraven | Lord of the Rings | Sonic 3 | A Complete Unknown | Nosferatu

Possible movies to hit 75: Mufasa | Babygirl | ? Something Unexpected ? |

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog for movie reviews. Appreciate all those taking the time to like and subscribe. In the coming weeks I should have a link posted for the either audio / visual podcast – Still deciding :D.

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Conclave “Review”

Release date: October 25, 2024 (USA)

Director: Edward Berger

Distributed by: Focus Features

Based on: Conclave; by Robert Harris

Budget: $20 million

Cinematography: Stéphane Fontaine

Honestly with how high the reviews for Conclave were I was excited. Maybe this set my expectations to high or maybe it’s inflated by the divisiveness?

When events unfold and you’re tasked with one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events — participating in the selection of a new pope. This movie was interesting and surrounded by mystery that kept me in the theatre.

Sadly however the execution kept me asleep throughout periods of long boring silence. To awaken by a great tid bit of sound and intrigue as events unfold before the next nap.

The actors do a great job, however, sadly it takes to long to hit the beats along the way and it lost me constantly. When things start to pickup I was grasped once more. With this being a mystery I want to keep spoilers away. That being said it’s not going to be for everyone. Maybe the mystery entices you? Will the pay off be worth your 2 hours? Without going down a divisive spiral, it wasn’t enough for me to feel like it had a big pay off.

I hadn’t expected the film to go in such a direction but wish they went further to give more merit to the decision. How does this impact going forth and will this have ramifications. The film kind of just ends which is why I’m left with the feeling of wasting 2 hours of time.

It had elements of good, however the amount it put me to sleep I have to put it behind “Here” which I gave a 7/10 yesterday. It’s interesting this film came out around the US Election as it echoes in elements. It could have been good maybe even great but sadly feels like an above average movie at best.

Popped! Is placing Conclave at a 6/10 but leaving the theatre felt like a 5.5/10 however could be to harsh to say its average when there’s goodness in there.

We’re in the final 2 months of the year and plenty more to enjoy. Will my top 10 or bottom 5 be changing by the time January rolls around? I’m curious to find out. Until then though you’ll catch me either next batch or writing for NaNoWriMo throughout November.

Happy watching all and for those writing, good luck and have fun!

Thank you all for coming by Popped .Blog for your movie “Reviews” with me Prowen.

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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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Smile 2 “Review”

Release date: October 18, 2024 (USA)

Director: Parker Finn

Distributed by: Paramount Pictures

Budget: $28 million

Cinematography: Charlie Sarroff

Music by: Cristobal Tapia de Veer

Welcome to the second “Review” in this week’s batch. Following that of We Live in Time. Buckle up for this “Review” you may experience a twist like no other!

Don’t Drink The WATER – Crazy is source

Shall I start with the jaw-dropper and move into the why! to save people time and only dive into detail for those interested? Go watch M. Night Shyamalan’s trap over this film or The Substance. You can skip Smile 2 if you’re waiting on a sequel to Smile.

“Review” Begins

The intro to Smile 2 started off strong. Setting the film up as a direct sequel to Smile following the events at the end. This molded nicely into the introduction of our main lead which turned out to be black mold and not the most perfect analogy to avoid spoilers.

I will attempt not to spoil and yet get close to the line while explaining my disappointment in this sequel to Smile. Summed up the amount of “scares” that occur has plenty of time to bore the viewer if you’re not connecting with our main lead and those around her. You’ll either tune out awaiting the next scare or jump scare which will be wasted on you as it’ll occur during your pit of boredom that it had no affect.

There was 1 true jump scare for me personally, that occurred after 1 hour of watching this film. For those coming over from watching Terrifier 3 this past weekend, Smile 2 will seem like a baby film. Even those interested in this kind of horror will find themselves feeling desensitized and may even have scenes lost on you because the movies had time to create that feeling of boredom.

For those interested in the story of Smile, you can honestly watch the first film and wait for the third. Those wanting a thriller horror then check out Trap, Long Legs, and Cuckoo. For those wanting body horror, check out The Substance.

Smile 2 had moments of being a good watch movie at a 7/10 however I’d have to say this is above average at best giving it somewhere around a 5.5 or 6/10. I wish the ending wasn’t so rushed as it could have landed at 6.5/10 but that’s where I recommend The Substance as this movie just continued to fail on so much fronts.

Hopefully, Smile 3 grants us a true sequel to Smile without repeating the exact same formula on another individual without any of the good stuff we got to explore in the first film. Such a shame as the start had so much promise.

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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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Piece by Piece “Review”

Release date: October 11, 2024 (USA)

Director: Morgan Neville

Distributed by: Focus Features, Universal Pictures

Budget: $16 million

Edited by: : Jason Zeldes; Aaron Wickenden; Oscar Vazquez;

Production companies: The Lego Group; Tremolo Productions; I Am Other

Hello everyone and welcome to this week’s batch of “Reviews” which started with Saturday Night and now Piece by Piece.

I included the first movie as I make the point twice that the origins of these movies kind of go over my head. So with that caveat, I’ll dive into this “Review”.

During my youth I listened to very different music and wasn’t in the scene of music while growing up. Due to not understanding lyrics I listened to anything I could bop to and headbang while playing video games.

That being said when it comes to all the music that Pharrell Williams had a hand in creating, I LOVED all those songs and within their genres is amongst my favorite songs.

I wouldn’t have watched this movie however without it being in the style of Legos. This direction was a beautiful decision for a broader appeal to the movie-going audience which already knows when coming into the theatre that the music will be amazing.

Piece by Piece tells the story of singer/songwriter AND record producer Pharrell Williams from his childhood in Virginia to his success in the music and fashion industry.

It’s a cute entertaining movie that’s also informative and powerful. Navigating the meanings behind the creation of certain songs during real-life events both on an individual level and global impact level.

I’ve personally not been a fan of the interview style which is why I appreciated having such a vibrant and entertaining style to watch while individuals spoke on screen.

Moments that stuck out to me were of course the incredible music being created and depicted visually onscreen. But also the storytelling elements of Pharrell growing up and achieving throughout his entire life to now. It was both eye-opening and informative how much he’s done and the impact on our lives he’s had even if we didn’t know in the moment.

Despite having moments I found myself a little bored. Which mostly came from the movie getting started within the first 30 minutes. I came away enjoying this movie and giving it a good score of 7/10.

I appreciated listening and discovering the story behind Pharrell Williams and encourage others to check out Piece by Piece at your local theatre.

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Saturday Night “Review”

Release date: October 11, 2024 (USA)

Director: Jason Reitman

Distributed by: Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing

Budget: $25–30 million

Cinematography: Eric Steelberg

Music by: Jon Batiste

Hello everyone and welcome to this weeks batch of “Reviews” starting with Saturday Night and followed by Piece by Piece.

I include the second movie as I’ll make the point twice that the origins of these movies kind of go over my head. So with that caveat I’ll dive into this “Review”.

You’re 90 minutes away from going live on your first live episode ever and the show still can’t be fully explained or finalized. What more could go wrong with an hour and a half to fill with 3 hours of potential content and the suites funding this thing are betting against you.

Welcome to Saturday Night the movie leading up to the very first episode of SNL which I’ve only seen 1 episode for which was solely for dogecoin meme.

Ready or Not: 11:30 p.m. hits, and we’re going live no matter what is shown on screen or about preparedness. To sum this film up I’d have to say “Entertaining”. Although I had no idea who these real-life people were and the sketches being rehearsed I was entertained throughout this movie.

A good movie that kept me wanting more and honestly by 11:30pm came around and the show went live I wanted to see another hour and a half of what’s to come on the live episode. Sadly there are only 10 minutes roughly of that first episode but for those that watched it live back in the day, will have a blast seeing how it all came to be within this feature.

Stand-out actors for me personally were Cory Michael Smith playing the character Chevy Chase. I kept telling myself during the film he looked like Riddler from the show Gotham, of which I can confirm was true :D.

In addition to Gabriel LaBelle playing the character Lorne Michaels whom I thought they kept calling John. His timing on the jokes and range of comedy was brilliant.

Lastly of my top 3 standout actors was Lamorne Morris playing the character Garrett Morris which was totally hilarious and brought a lot of impact and meaning behind his scenes. Calling out the times for how certain decisions and treatments wouldn’t and shouldn’t be allowed in today’s era.

I’d place Saturday Night at a 7.5/10. Loved how the film came together and had a good time. Wouldn’t complain about watching it again however most likely won’t.

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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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