Tag: review

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle “Review”

Release date: September 12, 2025 (USA)

Director: Haruo Sotozaki

Running time: 2h 35m

Language: Japanese

Film series: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

MPAA rating: R

Loved this movie but there’s a but 😀 Let’s discuss shall we – Mostly in spoiler section!

We’re entering the final battle of this series so I wont go into what this movie is about. If you’re jumping in here……go watch the series and come back in the potentially 2 year gap before part 2 of this 3 part movie trilogy. YEA! 2029 could be when this conclusion wraps up. I think a whole bunch of people will be checking out this manga in that time span. (It’s very short series) Which is insane it’ll take so long.

I’ll save my rant in the spoiler section about that last comment above.

Let’s discuss non spoiler quick and then elaborate. By the by, speaking with my wife. We are two different fans of this property which I’m sure will be a challenge for the creator to please us both in the next 2 parts….. love to hear your thoughts on that one.

What I enjoyed!

Loved the action scenes, the quality of the imagery & the epic music! The film finished & started extremely strong. I’m pumped for the second part and may even re-read the manga once more.

What I didn’t enjoy!

The move felt long due to a foot on & off the pedal / gas pacing. From memory of watching this feature. All the scenes that weren’t present within the battle / (Spoiler) were in TV quality it felt like over the quality that was being shown during the battles. It did feel off and the cut to black felt like this is where the “episode” ended before continuing.

Why there’s a rant?

Because I love this series and I thoroughly enjoyed a lot of this movie. But the elephant in the room for me personally. Nezha 2. It’s my #1 animated movie for this year. I want Demon Slayer to destroy it or at least be held on that level…… for my personally. Due to spoiler talk. It just misses it. I’d love an edited version that shortens the movie and keeps to the battles / ending. But then that’s where my wife’s & I’s experience differ.

Shall we transition!

This is the final battle. It’s a trilogy of movies to finish this franchise. If you’re watching this movie. You most likely know what you’re getting into. Or have friends / family that have clued you in so you can enjoy this movie without or with little confusion.

So with that said and before we jump into spoilers. I’m giving the Infinity Castle Demon Slayer movie a very strong great 8.5/10 which I’d love to have had been a 9. Maybe it’s a 9 and Nezha 2 a 9.5 but seriously let’s get into why.

Wrap before the spoiler talk

Appreciate you for taking the time to come by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. This is an interesting one to discuss. With it being the finale of a series rather than a stand alone movie or earlier part of a series like the first movie which felt perfect as apart of the series while also stand alone.

Lots to discuss further more within the spoiler talk that not even I mentioned. So if you’re interested. I’d love to hear from you in the comments or soon to be our specific social media pages that I’ll eventually create by year 3 of this platform haha.

Until next time though – Happy movie going everyone ❤

Spoiler Talk

The battles were freaking awesome. The music and scores could rival that of KPop Demon Hunter which are Oscar worthy. But every time the battle got going you’d be taken out of the moment to have flash backs. You’ll have a recap or moment to build up and explain how we’re going to have the ability to defeat or fight further the opponent in front of us. (Reading the manga felt very quick and maybe it works in this media) But the movie having this took me out of the experience constantly in those first 2 fights.

Now with this said, this was my personal experience. My wife loved those parts while not enjoying the backstory of the last fight which I personally loved and hope it executed in the next feature in part 2.

Which brings me to the potential 2 year gap between sequels. I read it’s to improve the quality of the film….So why did those flash backs feel like quality TV episodes rather than feel like the movie playing around it? I hope this is what they mean by improving the quality but who’s to know other than the creators.

That ending had me hyped as it lead perfectly into the second part. I’m ready for more. I’ll have to re-watch the movie once more and see if that 8.5 gets to a 9. (Sinners did it but mainly due to a couple next to me talking).

Love to hear your thoughts in the comments on your experience. The movie was epic! Let’s agree there. But did you find it long due to reasons mentioned above? Did you get taken out of the fights due to the same reasons or another? Let me know below. I’m personally hoping part 2 is like the last fight. Nezha 2 had an incredible last 40 minutes that offered so much emotion while feeling epic and connected. For those that watched it and get what I mean let me know your thoughts also on the two experiences.

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The Conjuring: Last Rites “Review”

Release date: September 5, 2025 (USA)

Director: Michael Chaves

Prequel: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

MPAA rating: R

Running time: 2h 15m

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Last Rites – The “Final” Conjuring movie? Let’s see shall we…

Last Rites is the final case for the Warrens as the film takes us from Lorraine during her pregnancy. Introducing the demon that follows another family in 1986 to the current days within 1986 for where the Warren family currently is while also telling the story of the Smurl family being aggressively haunted by the same demon entity. Through a mother fracking Mirror!. I hate mirrors!

I actually enjoyed the two stories in the beginning and middle acts. Lots of surprise scares that weren’t shown in the trailer. Sadly the ending act was the weakest and I can see why the current scores are coming in so low. With that said, it’s the final “episode” of this series so go have fun with this experience I don’t need to explain what type of movie you’re getting into.

It feels like a closing chapter for the Warrens but keep reading to hear a potential spoiler on sequel/s. Popped score of a weak 7/10. It’s a good one time watch. I actually enjoyed it for the franchise more than Wolfman which I gave a 6.5 fine score which is why it gets the 7 for me personally.

Closing out Comments prior to “Spoilers”

Before I mention a potential spoiler, wanted to say as usual a big thank you for all those that come by for these “Reviews”. We’re coming up to having done this for two years and I’m certainly not winding down any time soon….that I know of :D.

Thus stay tuned as we plan for future ideas in year 3 like the before mentioned ideas of joining Rotten Tomatoes Critic application March 1st. Among maybe other ideas? – Thinking Youtube shorts or something to co-inside with these “Reviews”. Either way, thank you again and let’s get into the potential spoiler talk for sequels.

Until next time though, happy movie going everyone 😀

*Potential Sequel Spoiler Discussion*

You’ve just watched the movie or interested to hear my thoughts on what could come next or how to continue this franchise timeline. Then let’s dicuss.

We have a couple of avenues I can see the creators taking this franchise.

Staying with Judy Warren and her husband Tony Spera and their children in the current day timeline. We’ve seen how connected Judy is to all these spirits so that’s an easy route to take.

Another route which seemed heavily nodded towards was the ending with the Annabelle music playing over the information about the current standings of the Conjuring Mirror. This could setup again within the current day timeline events that’ve occurred within our lives paranormal occurrences to the items within the Warren Museum.

Just because the Warren’s story has been told doesn’t mean that’s the ending of the spirits & Demons introduced and setup with the franchise. We have so many Youtube Paranormal investigators and experts out there inspired by the Warrens. With some good writing we could totally have modern day series based on this franchise going forth.

But that’s just my thoughts. I’d love to hear from you all in the comments below. What do you think is to come? Want this series to be over for good and return in like 20 years with the current day storyline I mentioned? I’ll be reading them all and very interested.

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Smurfs “Review”

Release date: July 18, 2025 (USA)

Director: Chris Miller

Music composed by: Rihanna, Henry Jackman

Producers: Rihanna, Tyran Smith, Ryan Harris, Jay Brown

Running time: 1h 32m

MPAA rating: PG

Going to make this quick as need to pack for Comic Con! 😀

Quick thoughts. Movie was overall okay. It had good content and fun scenes within it. For a short movie it sure got boring at moments. Could have cut the Rihanna songs personally for the classics but we eventually got some :D.

Loved the Sponge Bob short at the beginning. Also cool setup for a sequel in the mid credit scene. Thought the multiverse stuff would be explored more from what’s shown in the trailer but alas it’s mainly the worlds been shown from the trailer.

MVP goes to the turtle, loved him. Also was cool for No Name Smurf to have his journey. Was a little distracting having James Corden be the voice as a No Name character. His voice actor certainly isn’t.

It’s got some lore building to the world which is cool and I’m down for a sequel. It’s an okay to fine movie at best. 6/10 for Smurfs Popped.blog “review” :D.

Thank you all for coming by Popped.blog. I’ve seen an increase in traffic to the sight recently and appreciate all those recent subscribers 😀 Once live and Comic Con have been caught up on. Let’s dive into the second half of the year like I WANTED TOO back in late June early July :D.

A las until next time movie goers. I’ll see you, next time. Happy Fantastic 4 viewings this weekend and excited to see if this keeps momentum for the MCU or the ride to Dooms Day is going to be a dry spell of nothingness.

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Karate Kid: Legends “Review”

Release date: May 30, 2025 (USA)

Director: Jonathan Entwistle

Running time: 1h 58m

MPAA rating: PG-13

Producer: Karen Rosenfelt

Distributed by: Sony Pictures

Been awhile since visiting the Karate Kid franchise. Never saw Cobra Kai but checked out all the movies. How’s this gap in time affect my experience of Legends? Let’s discuss.

Maybe it’s the low expectations. Maybe my bias for Joshua Jackson playing Victor in this feature. (Massive fan of Dawson’s Creek & Fringe) I had a good time honestly despite the mid to low reviews.

The pacing of story telling can feel rushed. But the story being told in rather entertaining. I included the poster with the other two characters as it’s these 3 that are our main stars. Our two paths of the same tree legends are there for some montage and setup but otherwise not properly focused on.

My main critique of the movie is not being long enough. I loved the story that was told. Connecting with Li Fong (Played by Ben Wang), seeing the relationship of his older brother. His mother which was sadly supporting behind the curtains (The amazing Ming-Na Wen) Li Fong’s teacher Mr. Han (Played by Jackie Chan). Sadly this wasn’t all to flushed out for the supporting characters even though Li Fong was.

Like the mentioned bias. I loved getting to know Victor & his daughter Mia (Played by Sadie Stanley). This trio was awesome and very entertaining. Throwing in the ” Bad Guy – Connor Day ” (Played by Aramis Knight) gave me vibes of the original Karate Kid bully.

If we’re to see more from Legends then I’d love to see what future Li Fong has planned. If Mr. Han & Daniel LaRusso (Played by Ralph Macchio) teach future legends or if this is it for the franchise? I did enjoy seeing the O.G Mr. Miyagi from the first movie in the opening of legends. Maybe it’s time to revisit the series and include Cobra Kai as now I’m curious to watch it.

With all this said I did enjoy Karate Kid Legends. It’s short enough to get in and out so Popped scoring of 7/10. – Good Movie.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews”. What did you think of Karate Kid? Love to hear in the comments below. Don’t forget that a new horror movie dropped officially today. Bring Her Back – This topped my top 10 and I’m excited for others to discover this feature.

Switch 2 Drops Thursday the 5th – Let’s see if I can watch John Wick 1-4 before the upcoming release of Ballerina!

Until then, happy movie going 😀

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Hurry Up Tomorrow “Review”

Release date: May 16, 2025 (USA)

Director: Trey Edward Shults

Running time: 1h 45m

MPAA rating: R

Screenplay: Trey Edward Shults

Producers: The Weeknd, Reza Fahim, Kevin Turen, Harrison Kreiss

What’s the story about? Or at least the purpose of this movie? I had no idea going in…. still no idea coming out. Let’s discuss, Hurry Up Tomorrow.

PSA – If you’re sensitive to strobe effects / flashing lights. Please be warned going into this movie. I’ve never had a movie display a warning card prior to the films beginning on this. I even had to close my eyes during some scenes in the first half.

I’ll be frank with this one. Unless the context is in the music. I have no idea the purpose of this feature. It started to get good with Ortega’s character Anima going all out. She was so good…. then the movie ended and sizzled and I even looked at my watch minutes before the title card popped up as the ending didn’t seem insight but I lost track of how long the movie had been playing for.

It’s okay at best. If I’m being fair it’s a weak 6. With a somewhat okay enough plot with curious to learn characters that you’ll keep with it. But the purpose and potential felt wasted with the ending. To be honest if it wasn’t for the weak ending it maybe a watch this weekend. With how the ending left me though I’d say its a streaming movie at best unless you want to see Jenna Ortega in a good roll unlike Death of a Unicorn.

There’s better movies to check out this weekend but if you do see Hurry Up Tomorrow. What did you think of it? Did I miss a lot from not understanding the lyrics to the songs being sung? (My wife calls my tone deaf when it comes to music) Placing this at a 3 with a combined 6 depending on who’s watching it.

It’s better than death of a unicorn so I’m knocking that down to a 2.5 so this stands above it.

To the point, pretty quick. But thanks for coming to Popped for your Hurry Up Tomorrow “Review”. Those were my thoughts and I’m hopeful for tomorrow’s feature to be at least good with Final Destination.

P.S No end scene to H.U.T so feel free to walk out after the title card.

Thank you again and see you next batch.

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Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing “Review”

Release date: April 18, 2025 (USA)

Director: Hiroyuki Hata

Art director: Kurumi Suzuki

Cinematography: Kazuya Iwai

Distributed by: Shochiku

Editor: Ayumu Takahashi

Only got on my radar due to being a movie and not a concert exclusive movie. I’ve seen nothing of Miku content. I don’t watch V-Tubers outside of Ironmouse so I’m probably not the targeted audience for this title. With that caveat said. Shall we jump into this “Review”?

I’m going to compare this to Colors Within for comparison as “Reviewing” an anime movie focused around music. Firstly before that. I did love the messaging and get the point behind what Miku was attempting. I just didn’t connect with her song which impacted my experience.

Side Note for readers: You’re going to hear the word SEKAI a lot in this movie. A potential drinking game? I’ve only heard this in reference to Isekai’s. SEKAI in Japanese means “World” or “Universe” which you’re going to be jumping around a lot which was a little jarring at first to know if the characters were the same people or different versions of one another.

The story / premise of this movie is based around Miku wanting to reach those in need of support and form a deeper connection through emotional music. (Sadly her song didn’t hit with me unlike Colors Within) In order to achieve this due to having difficulty connecting with those surrounded in darkness, she reaches out to others that are able to reach people through their music (Which I did enjoy once you finally get there).

For around 45minutes this movie was okay. Then it started to “Cook” as people say. Some very interesting story and character development occurs that got me interested in the title….which was sadly ruined by repetitive conversation going over and over what Miku’s mission was and how they were going to achieve her mission and reach her and others alike.

The reason why I compare this to Colors Within is because this process setting up the concert was extremely drawn out and should have been cut down. While Colors Within was enjoyable and the music did connect with me which kept me engaged wanting to see their performance. Miku can’t sing was sadly not resonating with me but maybe that’s because I knew nothing of these characters. I disliked the robotic voiced characters over the human ones. (Apologize if these people are big in this world. I’ve no idea.)

For me personally it was good overall. I’d give it a 7/10. But fans are loving this title. Socials are from 6.4 on IMBd to 96% on RT & Fandango. Fun fact for those wanting more after the credits. There’s an after show which plays for an additional 10-15minutes. (Which was weird as the lights up go up during the credits. So having an anchor concert in bright lights was off).

Did you checkout this title? Have plans to? Seen Colors Within? Love to hear your thoughts below. Colors Within is $10 right now on Amazon Prime which I may actually go purchase to revisit their music.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’ll see you next batch :D. Big one next week! Thunderbolts. – Spoilers are all over the internet so be careful if you’re hiding from them.

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Freaky Tales “Review”

Release date: April 4, 2025 (USA)

Directors: Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden

Distributed by: Lionsgate Films

Music by: Raphael Saadiq

Production companies: Entertainment One Films; MACRO Media; Gowanus Projection

Was between this and luckiest man in America. Can’t speak for the latter but glad I checked out Freaky Tales 😀 was a solid good time.

Apologize for the lateness on this “Review”. I’m sure most theatres may have lost this title in their bookings this week with the amount of content releasing. That being said if you can find a showing. It’s worth checking out :D.

Freaky Tales is an interesting title. Telling a story across 4 chapters that interweaves even if slightly at first connects to make a solid good movie. I’d even say a weaker great movie. So what is it about?

Take Scott Pilgram vs The World & Kill Bill, with your main enemy being neo-Nazis set in 1987 Oakland California. Each chapter focuses on a different set of characters. From an NBA star, to a corrupt cop. Female rap duo and Punk teenagers. Sit back and enjoy this these freaky tales dealing with this group of Nazis.

Some surprise cameos in this title are so worth checking out and everyone did a great job in each role. Only thing that took me a bit to get into is the first chapter. It’s aspect ratio or quality was vastly different to chapters 2 through 4. It’s a creative choice but interesting for sure. Part 4 was what brought this solid 7 up into the 7.5/8 region for me personally.

Thus with that we come to presenting Freaky Tales with a great score of 8/10. Other platforms range from 72% to 88% with 91% of google users liking this movie. So people are thoroughly enjoying this title.

Have you checked out Freaky Tales? On your radar? Love to hear your thoughts on this one. Stay tuned throughout this week as several titles release.

Plan on “Reviewing” The Amateur, Drop, King of Kings, Warfare & Sneaks this week. So lots to look forward to as April ramps up. Before we get to May, keep an eye on Popped Dates for my Summer expectations / hopes and predictions :D.

Thanks for coming to Popped for your movie “Reviews” and we’ll see you, next batch.

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Screamboat “Review”

Release date: April 2025 (USA)

Director: Steven LaMorte

Producers: Steven LaMorte, Amy Schumacher, Michael Leavy, Steven Della Salla, Martine Melloul

Distributed by: Iconic Events

Based on: Steamboat Willie; by: Walt Disney; Ub Iwerks

Music by: Yael Benamour; Charles-Henri Avelange

Shall we rapid fire today’s “review” batch.

Maybe more inline for those into Terrifier? (I never really sat down to watch the series) but Screamboat had a lot of promise for a B rated horror movie. Sadly it outstayed its welcome going on 30minutes to long and tried to wrap the feature up for a sequel / series.

Honestly I hoped it was so bad it’s good but it’s just bad. With some enjoyment for the first hour then walk out honestly. (Unless you’re digging it). Once the addition of the whore birthday party of Disney Princess’s left center stage this movie was between Willie and some random human characters that bored the poopdeck outta me.

Why was Pete a human and not recreated like Willie was? Is his public domain on a separate timeline? Honestly New York vs Willie Mouse wasn’t what I signed up for.

Honestly, enjoy the first hour. If you’re not committed then walk out and catch it on streaming. It’s lower than streamer and lower than so bad it’s good. Popped Score of 2.5/10.

I’ll update the bottom 5 list tomorrow. It’s been a long day with the Switch 2 Direct and then staying up for this batch but hey. That’s showbiz baby 😀 Gotta keep on keeping on to hit 100 :D. Honestly I after this evenings batch I may take the weekend off….. yea get ready for the next one.

Watching this to tempt me into Terrifier franchise wasn’t the smartest move but hey, go watch it with a group. Maybe get drunk before or get ready to cheese over this. Enjoy the classic tunes and whistles. Mixed with Joker laugh. Maybe you’ll have an okay time.

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Black Bag & Opus “Reviews” – Double Batch

Release date: March 14, 2025 (USA)

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Budget: $50 million

Distributed by: Universal Pictures, Focus Features

Cinematography: Peter Andrews

Produced by: Casey Silver; Gregory Jacobs

Double batch coming your way a little late due to busy / lack of interest in this mid range batch… no offence.

Seeing the current review scores, I’m glad it’s doing well. Love the cast but the pacing is so incredibly slow. Lack of action and only picked up in last 20minutes. I compare this movie to being in a 50MPH zone stuck behind someone going 30. I want to get to my destination but it’s taking forever.

Slow rides don’t put you off? Then have fun. 6/10 Popped Score

Distributed by: A24

Budget: $10 million

Music by: Danny Bensi (score); Saunder Jurriaans (score); Nile Rodgers (music); The-Dream (music)

The weirdness that intrigued me, maybe the thing that puts you off.

Think a lower budget Indie A24 version of Blink Twice. Popstar from the 90’s is returning to release a new album. Inviting several guests to his groups little “Resort?” we get introduced to our main lead POV Ariel Ecton being played by Ayo Edebiri.

Ariel is a journalist doing a report on this popstar / album but finds herself mixed into a twisted plan with….. cultists…. :O.

It’s a weird movie but personally a much more enticing one than Black Bag giving this a fine rating of 6.5/10. Again the weirdness will put off many. But for some, it maybe the thing that gets you to like it.

Rapid fire batch this week. Expect Snow White, Ash & Alto Knights to come for the next up-coming batch :D. Followed by to end the month, Death of a Unicorn, Women in the Yard & Working Man.

Thanks for coming by Popped for your movie “Reviews” and I’ll see you next time 😀

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The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tune Movie “Review”

Release date: March 14, 2025 (USA)

Director: Peter Browngardt

Distributed by: Ketchup Entertainment, GFM Animation

Adapted from: Looney Tunes

Box office: $1.92 million

Music by: Joshua Moshier

February delay was just enough time to brew a fresh batch of boba tea…let’s chew on that.

It’s been quite some time since we’ve had a Looney Tunes movie / content so I’m excited to finally have this IP back in action. Quick draw “Review” this is through and through a good movie. Let it chew a little and some may even say its g.g.g..g.g Boba Great!

Having just watched Night of the Zoopocalypse, it’s funny to see a similar yet different plot point. While not focusing on a zoo through the animals POV. We get to see the looney side of events that played out for the humans in that situation. Getting to explore the friendship between Daffy Duck & Porky Pig with the addition of a new member of the gang Petunia Pig.

The film starts off, as I mentioned before. Good and through time the Looney Tunes magic cooks up a very good fun ride throughout this feature. Worth checking out for sure and really gets me excited to see what’s to come for more Looney Tunes Movies. I wont spoil any potential cameos as I know a few people mentioned the lack of Bugs. So go explore the title yourself and have a fun time.

Maybe other characters will have their own movies before we get an Avengers type movie with the entire cast?

Short and sweet “Review” placing this title at a soft chew of an 8/10. Solidly 7.5/10 very good with a delightful after taste getting it to the 8 of greatness.

Stay tuned for Black Bag & Opus tomorrow as we approach the mid way point of March and almost wrap up the first quarter of 2025. Looking forward to doing our Summer predictions soon and to look back at what’s come thus far and any titles that stick out for next years Oscars.

Thanks for coming by Popped and stay Looney 😀

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