Genre: Drama, thriller, crime

Age limit: 16

Directed by: Justine Triet

Written by: Justine Triet, Arthur Harari

Starring: Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado-Graner

September was not a particularly exciting month for premieres. That’s why we’ve been looking for films to recommend among recent releases. Our pick from this year’s Oscars is the winner of the Best Original Screenplay award. Although Past lives was a strong contender in this category, Anatomy of a Fall has received well-deserved professional recognition.

Sandra (Sandra Hüller) and Samuel (Samuel Theis) are a couple who live in the Alps with their visually impaired son. While Sandra is being interviewed by her student, Sam listens to music so loudly in the attic that they have to postpone the meeting. Shortly afterwards, Daniel returns from a walk with his dog and finds his father dead. As the autopsy does not clearly rule out foul play, Sandra is put on the dock. In addition to the uncertainty of her son’s testimony, the investigation is hampered by language barrier.

Anatomy of a Fall revives the finest traditions of courtroom drama. It is reminiscent of classics such as Witness for the Prosecution (1957), To kill a mockingbird (1962) or Kramer vs. Kramer (1979). This is a work of restrained visuality, based on acting and dialogue. The detective story, typical of the crime genre, is certainly present, but the characters’ personal stories are given much more time. The characters are highly authentic, well-written and complex. The dialogue is also very realistic. We slowly get to know the background of the case. The subtle dosage of dramatic tension and the portrayal of relational dynamics are the result of exemplary writing, directing and acting. The film presents a vivid picture of the nature of jurisdiction, in which, especially for the person offering legal defence, the truth is as much a variable in the formula as the memories and objective evidence that contradict or even support it, but are heavily distorted by subjectivity.

Unfortunately, despite the many positives, we are sure that the length of the film will put many people off. With its 150 minutes, it’s not an after-work, weekday evening, light-hearted entertainment. It is a film that takes time to watch, and it may not be as enjoyable to see in multiple parts. It’s long, but we have no idea where we should have cut it. We highly recommend it to you.

Have you seen the film? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments. If you enjoyed our article, give it a like and share it with others. Follow our posts as we’ll be back soon with one of the most anticipated cinema premieres of the year. And if you’re in the mood for a tasty movie-watching snack, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.

Genre: Fantasy, adventure, action, drama

Age limit: 16

Directed by: Charlotte Brändström, Louise Hooper

Written by: Based on the works of J. R. R. Tolkien: Patrick McKay, John D. Payne, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchinson, Helen Shang

Starring: Morfydd Clark, Charlie Vickers, Markella Kavenagh

NOTE: This review refers to the first 3 episodes of the second season

Fans of the fantasy genre didn’t have to wait too long to be entertained by another series. But it’s not as if they’re being flooded with dozens of indistinguishable shows. Whereas Game of Thrones is a modern, realistic approach that does not shy away from brutality, Lord of the Rings is more of a classic, fairytale-like, idealised presentation. Both have their place on the TV screen. We felt it was important to clarify this from the beginning, because we found that many people have a different perception of the two works because they are involuntarily comparing them to each other. For our part, we are pleased that the second season of Rings of Power started in the last week of August and that we were able to watch the three-part opening right away.

We’ve prepared a spoiler-free review, so we’re only going to tell you as much of the story as you already know about the first season, and to help you get back into it. We remain in the second age. Halbrand, whose true identity has been revealed, is seeking allies to rise as Sauron. The Elves are about to make some big decisions, while the three rings are already in their hands. And the mysterious stranger continues on his journey in the company of the Harfoot Nori.
Yes, the scenery is still stunning, overwhelming, and we could go on and on with the various superlatives. Whatever TV you have in your living room, the Rings of Power will suit it just fine. The splendour of Númenor, or even the harsh wastes of Mordor, are all meticulously crafted locations that exude the atmosphere of the earlier films. If you’re looking for a distinctly aesthetic piece of content to watch at home, look no further.
Although there are interesting things going on, the story itself moves very slowly. Most of the first three episodes were spent placing the main characters on an imaginary chessboard and introducing story threads that will surely be important in the future. The exception is Sauron himself, about whom we have learned much more than before. He is clearly the focus of the current season, but he has also been dealt with mainly to get a better understanding of the lore. Galadriel, on the other hand, has been pushed into the background, and in most scenes she wanders around cluelessly, ruminating on her past mistakes. Of course, her behaviour is understandable given what happened in the first season, but a huge amount of time is spent on her brooding. Still, on the whole, what we’ve seen so far is promising, but we’re looking forward to the real events kicking off.
The Rings of Power continues to be a series inspired by the legacy of Tolkien, which is most evident in the characters. Morally, they are easily characterised individuals who represent the eternal struggle between good and evil. We get the feeling that in most films and series today, the creators are consciously avoiding this kind of romanticised characterisation, claiming that they want to create heroes with complex personalities. For us, however, it reminds us of childhood fairy tales and gives us a good feeling when we watch them. We recommend it to those who would like to return to Middle-earth or are just looking for a fantasy with a traditional spirit.

What did you think of the series premiere? Will you continue to watch it? We’re looking forward to your comments. Whether it’s a film or a series, you can expect to hear from us throughout the autumn about the latest releases. And if all you need is a tasty snack, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.

We continue with our two-part article, in which we look at the work of Hans Zimmer, bringing you some of our favourites. If you haven’t read the previous part, you can do so here:

POPZ-CULTURE – Hans Zimmer Selection – Part One

In our previous piece of writing, we mentioned frequent director-composer collaborations. From the 2000s onwards, the German genius became a worldwide collaborator with Christopher Nolan, who became famous mainly for his twisted sci-fi films and the modern-day Batman trilogy. We anticipate that the current selection will focus on the fruits of this collaboration.

The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012)
The much darker reinterpretation of Gotham’s vigilante has a massive fanbase. It’s no wonder, as Nolan’s more mature approach has made the Batman serious again for fans and the general public alike. As for the soundtrack, our favourite is the second part, The Dark Knight, but the other episodes also have excellent scores. We didn’t think we would get a score worthy of Danny Elfman’s work, but it happened.

Inception (2010)
There are dozens of sci-fi films with unusual settings. Distant alien planets, underwater civilisations, or the recently popular alternate dimensions are less and less surprising. It was therefore an innovative idea to place the plot at the level of the subconscious, of dreams. Inception is also a rare example from a soundtrack point of view, as the songs used, in addition to the original compositions, are an excellent way of capturing the fusion of reality and fantasy. The melodies, which are based on bassoon, trombone, and horn instruments, we can recognise it in our sleep, and we are sure that since the film’s premiere, it has also increased the popularity of Edith Piaff’s Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.

Interstellar (2014)
One word: organ. It presented an exciting premise for Interstellar, in which humanity is preparing to leave a doomed Earth to seek new homes in unknown galaxies. But for us, it is the music of the film that remains the most outstanding. We can’t forget the cinematic experience of the vastness of space and Zimmer’s wonderful music written for the organ. Perhaps never before has the cosmos been so artistically captured on the big screen. When we got home from the screening, we had to listen to it again.

Dunkirk (2017)
Nolan chose the Western Front of World War II as the setting for his first historical film. In 1940, the Franco-British forces caught in the Third Reich’s grip and got in a very vulnerable position on the Atlantic coast. Along with the double bass and cello, the tension was heightened to almost unbearable levels by the distinctive clock ticking that accompanied the entire film. It was a constant reminder of the time pressure and made us feel the desperation the Allies must have felt as they waited for the relief troops to arrive.

Dune: Part One (2021) & Dune: Part Two (2024)
Dennis Villeneuve is a great filmmaking talent of our time, whose long-held dream of directing Frank Herbert’s classic has come true. Although the 1984 David Lynch version of the film still has an unsurpassed soundtrack, Zimmer has not disappointed with his latest composition. By using choral vocals, he has created a soundscape that brings Fremen culture close to us. He managed to express the wild, unrelenting nature of Arrakis through music. If the Canadian director delivers on his promise and expands his own adaptation into a trilogy, he will hopefully call on Zimmer’s expertise to bring it to conclude it.

Selected from nearly forty years of movies, these ten soundtracks are the best of Hans Zimmer’s career. This is not to say that, for example, Black Rain (1989), Driving Miss Daisy (1989) or True Romance (1993) are not worthy of recognition, but unfortunately we had to set a limit. It’s amazing when quality and quantity go together.
How did you like our list? What are your personal favourites? Let us know in the comments! If you’d like to see more similar content about composers, directors or actors, feel free to let us know. We’ll have a series premiere coming soon. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a tasty movie and series-watching snack, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.

When we summarise our thoughts about a movie or TV series, we focus on the three main elements of the work. These are the story, the characters and the visuals. However, there is a fourth component that can fundamentally define the film experience: the music. Whether it’s original compositions or the use of well-known songs, a skillfully chosen or expertly composed soundtrack can make a huge difference to the overall effect, even if the basic pillars are otherwise not very solid.
The film industry has given our culture as many great composers as it has directors, screenwriters, and actors. It is not uncommon for certain filmmakers to stick to one particular composer, regardless of the subject matter of the film. The most famous of these collaborations include Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone, Tim Burton and Danny Elfman, but for Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, for example, John Williams was a favourite.
With these articles, we would like to pay tribute to one of the most famous and respected composers of our time, Hans Zimmer. The artist, who has been working since the 1980s, has an extremely varied career. He composed music for heart-pounding dramas, fast-paced action movies, and even animated films. We’ve decided to give you a list of the best films from his vast oeuvre in two parts. Here is our list of our personal favourites, in chronological order.

Rain Man (1988)
The first major breakthrough for the master came with the score for Barry Levinson’s drama. Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise’s captivating performances are accompanied by Zimmer’s calm but well-paced melodies. The score is both traditional and modern, using electronic elements and synthesizers alongside piano and drums. A unique and exceptional composition that made Raymond and Charlie’s journey unforgettable for us.

The Lion King (1994)
Simba’s story of growing up remains a lasting memory of our childhood. To this day, it has a universal message about the responsibilities of power, friendship, and overcoming fears that is accessible to audiences young and old. Its soundtrack is a collection of sublime, dramatic, and uplifting movements that provide the perfect accompaniment to the scenes. A real emotional rollercoaster ride, like life itself.

The Rock (1996)
Michael Bay’s epoch-making action film features some of the biggest stars of the 90s, with Ed Harris, Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage all in fine performances in this fast-paced masterpiece. Once again, the music is fantastic, and it’s an adrenaline rush. When we made our list, there was no doubt about its place on it. We highly recommend it to fans of the genre, and the soundtrack is worth listening to on its own.

Gladiator (2000)
The sequel to Ridley Scott’s historical film is being talked about more and more, and this November it will be one of the biggest movie premieres. In addition to the stunning visuals, Gladiator also delivered a strong musical performance. Maximus’ plight is underpinned by emotive melodies and creates an excellent atmosphere. Although the film leaves something to be desired in terms of historical fidelity, the music is first class.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
Who doesn’t know the stories of Captain Jack Sparrow? Zimmer, in collaboration with Klaus Badelt, have created iconic theme that is instantly recognisable and hummable. The songs almost invite the viewer on an adventure and make them want to explore the endless sea. It is easy to imagine that even those who have not seen the films will recognise them.

How do you like our selection so far? Let us know in the comments! Stay tuned, because we’ll be back soon with part two. If you liked our article, share it with others and like our post. And if you’re in the mood for a delicious movie and series watching snack, POPZ Popcorn is the best choice.

Genre: Fantasy, action, drama

Age limit: 18

Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik, Clare Kilner, Geeta V. Patel, Greg Yaitanes

Written by: George R. R. Martin, Ryan J. Condal

Starring: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke

NOTE: The night is dark and full of spoilers. Only read our article if you’ve already seen the season, because we are writing about important plot details.

Time flies faster than Prince Daemon on the back of Caraxes. The second season of House of The Dragon is already over. It’s a great opportunity to recap our feelings and insights about the series, and to reflect on what we expect from it in the future.

While Targaryen infighting remains the essence of House of The Dragon, the series deftly portrays the increasingly complex network of allies that are taking shape. By the last few episodes, there was a greater sense that the jostling of the Greens and Blacks was forcing the whole of Westeros into division and civil war. Decisions made in the Small Council carried real weight, resulting in a steady realignment of power. But to be specific, Aemond’s elevation to the Regency was a predictable but still memorable moment. And the arrogance of King Aegon led to a shocking tragedy on the battlefield. Speaking of the battlefield, the clash in episode four was one of the most spectacular fight ever seen on TV. From the opening of the conflict to the final outburst of flame, it was a breathtaking scene. The last time we felt such excitement was during the Battle of the Bastards in Game of Thrones. It is clearly the highlight of the season in terms of action and drama.

We are increasingly asking ourselves what the future of the series will be? Well, we don’t want to make any predictions. Instead, we have summarised in 5 points how the series could be better.

Pacing: It has been officially confirmed that the makers are planning a four-season series.  We think that’s plenty of time to bring House of The Dragon to a close without missing a beat. The final seasons of Game of Thrones have moved at too fast a pace, characterised by a rush. But in the case of the current series, things sometimes happen too slowly. It would be worth finding a compromise.

As much as we love the world of Ice and Fire, to drag out the Dance of the Dragons for several more seasons would not be very exciting in our opinion. Instead, we want to see new stories from the Seven Kingdoms. Whether it’s the conquests of Aegon, the Children of the Forest, or the rebellion of House Baratheon, we’d certainly be excited, but we’d be most interested in a completely unknown story. We have recently learned that 7 more spin-offs are in the pipeline. We hope that the creators will strive for quality as well as quantity.

Personal dramas: Prince Daemon’s sojourn in Harrenhal was certainly not the experience the dreaded dragon rider had hoped for. The fever dreams that plagued him were portrayed in scenes so gruesome they sent shivers down the spine. At the same time, this made it quite a parking lot, which is a waste. The same is true of Rhaenyra: her character development and mental breakdown are almost completely absent. Let us hope that they will bring out more of these otherwise interesting characters.

Duels: The scenes between Rhaenyra and Alicent, Aemond and Aegon, Rhaenyra and Daemon, or even Alicent and Criston, have resulted in great dialogue, of which we want more and more in the future. We love the dragon fights, but also the witty exchanges full of intrigue. Everything is in place to portray the two sides’ confrontation in a unique way.

Moral dilemmas: The choice between Black and Green felt too easy. More scenes would have been needed to further nuance the picture of the characters. It could be more challenging to vote for one side or the other. We feel that it would add real depth to the story if both sides could arouse sympathy and antipathy in the audience at the same time.

Mystery: Aside from the political line, we must not forget that House of the Dragon is, after all, a fantasy. The fate of the Iron Throne is key, but we also want to hear about forgotten legends, rumours and mythical creatures surrounding the fate of great warriors. Although Daemon’s storyline has touched on these themes, it has not expanded the world of the series in any meaningful way. A little mystery would go a long way to improving the overall picture.

How did you like the second season? We look forward to your thoughts in the comments section. If you liked our article share it with others. And if you’re in the mood for a delicious movie and series watching snack, POPZ Popcorn is the best choice.

Genre: Sci-fi, action, adventure, comedy

Age limit: 18

Directed by: Shawn Levy

Written by: Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin

After years of rumours and anticipation, the most outspoken superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has finally arrived to shake up the comic book movie fan community. Deadpool is back on the scene, and just in time to bring freshness to a genre that is showing signs of fatigue.

The Deadpool movies have always been a category of their own in the MCU. Not just because of the style, language and visuals aimed at adult audiences. They dealt the clichés that characterise the comic books and film adaptations in a ruthless way, and this time is no different.

The story is so creative that we cannot write anything about it for your maximum enjoyment. What we can tell you is that, in keeping with current Marvel works, this is another cross-dimensional adventure with plenty of action sequences and the trademark fourth-wall-breaking jokes. Be careful! The filmmakers have not skimped on the brutality, so those more sensitive should think twice before buying a ticket.

It’s time to tell you about the most important thing: the duo of the movie. Deadpool brings his usual looseness, sarcasm and posturing. Wolverine, on the other hand, is on the big screen in a way he’s never been before. Beyond his classic yellow and blue costume, his whole persona is much more true to the comics. He’s a deeply wounded, lonely, burnt-out warrior who is very much not your typical, instantly likeable hero.

Deadpool and Wolverine could be a solution for cinema-goers who are looking for something new in the summer doldrums. Although it won’t be everyone’s cinema, due to the mature content and the ‘dirty’ humour, it is unique within its own genre. However, those who enjoyed the previous two films will almost certainly like this one. Another important tip: wait for the post-credits scene, otherwise you’ll miss an extra joke.

What will the coming years bring? There are certainly more alternative visions, or parallel dimensions, possible for the studio. Last week’s Comic Con in San Diego fills us with optimism. Everybody is talking about the big return of Robert Downey Jr. as one of the best supervillains in the Fantastic Four and perhaps the entire Marvel Universe, Dr. Doom. It’s an excellent idea and we think it fits the multiverse concept perfectly. Especially in the light of the fact that they are supposedly planning to adapt the Secret Wars comics, which promises to be a monumental project.

What did you think of the film? Let me know in the comments. If you liked our article, give it a like and share it with others. And if you’re in the mood for a tasty movie-watching snack, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.

Genre: Fantasy, action, drama

Age limit: 18

Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik, Clare Kilner, Geeta V. Patel, Greg Yaitanes

Written by: George R. R. Martin, Ryan J. Condal

Starring: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke

NOTE: This review refers to the first 3 episodes of the second season

„And with his death, the war of ravens and envoys and marriage pacts came to an end, and the war of fire and blood began in earnest.”

George R. R. Martin – Fire & Blood

After a two-year break, House of the Dragon, the throne quest of the Targaryen dynasty resumes. We’ve been watching each new episode week after week, because the war around the Iron Throne still manage to pique our curiosity.

First and foremost, we can recommend that those interested should at least briefly relive the events of the first season. The story picks up almost directly where it previously left off. The immoral struggle for domination between Blacks and Greens leads to the use of ever more bestial means, while alliances are forged and broken. But even within the two well-separated factions, infighting is rearing its ugly head. For those who have read George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, the book on which the series is based, it can be both predictable and yet surprising at many points. The novel provides ample space for imagination, so there are other interpretations, but for that very reason we would highly recommend the series to any fan of the Targaryen house.

House of the Dragon still has really high quality of visuals that make you feel like they’re bringing cinema quality into your living room. Everything from Harrenhal to Dragonstone looks beautiful, and when the dragons come into the picture, it takes our breath away. The performances are particularly strong. Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra and Olivia Cooke as Alicent continue to be the most well-developed characters in the production, playing their rivals with a well-developed routine. Tom Glynn-Carney stands out for us as the most outstanding of them, with his powerful portrayal of the inherently insecure yet ambitious, bloodthirsty Aegon II.

But this series is not for everyone. Those who have been favouring the Dragonriders since Game of Thrones will be captivated by this Targaryen succession war too. It may strike everyone else that the story, which focuses mainly on King’s Landing and Dragonstone, is on a much smaller scale, rather than a fantasy that pervades Westeros as a whole. The mysticism and symbolism have been replaced by visceral violence and sensuality, which, while effective, provides less tension and intellectual nourishment. There are memorable moments, but lack the complexity.

How do you like the new season? Let me know in the comments! We’ll definitely be watching the new episodes, because we still consider it one of the most outstanding works in the fantasy genre. If you liked our article, please like our post and share it with others. And if you’re in the mood for a delicious movie and series watching snack, POPZ Popcorn is the best choice.