Genre: Comedy, drama

Rated: 12

Directed by: Alexander Payne

Written by: David Hemingson

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa

Although Christmas has passed, the festive spirit fortunately does not disappear from one day to the other. If you’re planning to stay at home and watch movies until New Year’s Eve, we’ve got another streaming gem for you. The Holdovers was one of the best contenders in the 2024 Oscar line-up. It’s much more than an average Christmas movie, and it won’t leave you without some valuable thoughts.

The long-awaited winter break has arrived for teachers and students at Barton Academy. However, there are some who, for various reasons, will not be able to go home for the holidays. Tully (Dominic Sessa) is staying away from his family because his mother wants to honeymoon with her new husband. Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) is mourning the loss of her son and insists on staying within the school walls until the New Year. And Professor Hunham (Paul Giamatti), the school’s stern and insufferable history teacher, is appointed by the headmaster himself to oversee the remaining students.

As good dramedy should be, The Holdovers offers the most in terms of detailed characterisation and dialogue between the participants. There is enough time for us to get to know each of them in depth. The personality-shaping moments in their past are gradually revealed. And when they disagree, the intentions and feelings of the opposing parties are fully understood. The creators are able and willing to deal with issues such as loneliness, regrets carried over decades, grief and mental illness. These are serious issues, but the film makes tasteful use of humour. You may not laugh loudly, but if you’re open to the sarcastic style, you’ll find plenty of moments of levity.

The story itself doesn’t have much to offer, but the second half of the film is much more eventful. There is more situation comedy and unexpected events. The visuals are deliberately old-fashioned. Of course, for a dialogue-driven creation we don’t want to complain, but we would have liked to see some more imaginative shots. The point is that the actors are all excellent. Paul Giamatti’s performance is commendable. Dominic Sessa has a bright future ahead if he is given similar opportunities to develop. Da’Vine Joy Randolph deservedly won the gold statue for Best Supporting Actress.

Experiences like The holdovers are sometimes much needed. It helps us recognise the constructive potential of community, the importance of gratitude, and that first impressions are not necessarily reliable indicators. As the famous saying goes: Don’t judge a book by its cover.

Have you seen the movie? If so, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. If not, we hope we’ve made you want to see it. All that remains is to thank you for your attention this year. We wish you a happy new year. You can still count on us in 2025 if you’re at a loss for cinema and streaming options. And if you’re in the mood for a tasty snack while watching a film or series, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.

Genre: Action, adventure, drama

Age limit: 12

Directed by: Jake Kasdan

Written by: Chris Morgan, Hiram Garcia

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, J.K. Simmons

Watching a film is a great hobby that can give you thousands of experiences. Whether it’s a heart-wrenching drama, a thought-provoking thriller or a historical film, the possibilities for cultured entertainment are almost endless. Red one is nothing of the sort, but it is a stunningly funny, imaginative family entertainment. It’s a popcorn movie in the truest sense of the word, bringing a smile to faces tired after a year’s hard work.

Dwayne Johnson plays Santa’s head of security, who ensures that the big beard can meet children who come to him with wishes in complete peace. But his protector is about to retire, disillusioned by the growing number of bad guys in the world. They agree to ‘one last job together’, but things go wrong. The Arctic base is mysteriously hacked and the children’s favourite gift-bringer is kidnapped. The only help they have is the infamous Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), who can find anyone on the planet.

Can you feel that intense „B-movie” flavour as you read the synopsis? It was hard for us to sketch the story without an awkward half-smile. Still, beyond the silliness, The Red one takes a quite clever, satirical approach to the legends associated with Santa Claus and the questions most kids ask about the old red coat. How do you get presents to all the children in just one night? Where does he wrap and store the presents? Who is Krampus? In this aspect, it is very similar to the director’s previous work, the 2017 Jumanji sequel. There, the clichés of the video game world were the primary source of humour, and now the children’s tales of the man in red have been given a similarly witty reinterpretation. By the end of the film, we’d seen so many unique locations and strange creatures that for us, the Santa Claus mythos elaborated in the film had become a coherent whole.

The visuals are not anything like Avatar, to say the least. The characters could be described in about 2–3 sentences, yet they were easily memorable. Evans managed to play an excellent, quite irritating anti-hero. Since Knives out (2019), we think he’s well suited to these kinds of roles. And Johnson brings his usual good-hearted, decent, endearing character. They make a good pair together, making the most of their situations.

Although the story is quite simple and there are no big twists and turns, the jokes work quite well. The Red one is recommended for anyone looking for a relaxing entertainment in the wait for Christmas.

We hope we’ve inspired your curiosity about the film. If you’ve already seen it, we welcome your thoughts in the comments. If you liked our article, please share our post with others. And if you’re in the mood for a tasty movie and series-watching snack, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.

Genre: Action, adventure, drama

Age limit: 16

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Written by: David Scarpa, Peter Craig, David Franzoni

Starring: Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington

Panem et circenses

2024 cannot pass without a Ridley Scott movie. It’s long been rumoured that the director was making a sequel to one of his best-known works, and we had mixed feelings about it. We weren’t averse to seeing another tale from Rome’s less glorious era after all this time, and the casting of Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington gave us further reason to be optimistic. However, the memory of last year’s Napoleon is still fresh in our minds, and while it was not without its spectacular scenes, it was otherwise a disappointment. We were also aware of the moderately negative reception of the film, but despite the scandal on social media, we tried not to be influenced about Gladiator 2.

The plot runs on two lines, which later connect in a very predictable way. Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), a Numidian warrior, loses everything and becomes enslaved after a clash with the Roman army. He regains his freedom in a gladiatorial contest in the Colosseum. Meanwhile, General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) grows increasingly disillusioned with the oppressive regime. But those who oppose him could find themselves in the infamous amphitheatre just as much as the defeated.

It would be unfair to judge solely in terms of historical authenticity. There are many characters inspired by real historical figures on screen, but they and the story are also fiction. It was not primarily the inaccuracies that bothered us, but the fact that the plot itself is rather boring. We are sure that after 30 minutes anyone can guess the outcome. Anyway, it’s worth rewatching the first part, because it’s not just small hints that are attached to the sequel.

We expected that the visuals would not be disappointing. The first impression was very convincing indeed. The film opens immediately with a battle scene, which sufficiently illustrated the harshness of the conquering campaigns. However, shortly afterwards, we were confronted with CGI animation that recalled the visuals of early 2000s console games.

The actors save the day. Paul Mescal in the lead role was a good choice, and apart from one rather overacted scene, he played the revenge-driven gladiator in an acceptable way all along. Pedro Pascal had a much harder job, as Accacius was the least complex character in the story. He was noticeably overshadowed. Denzel Washington, however, outshone them all. It’s true that he got the most rewarding role, but without his experience he could not have played Macrinus so well.

Gladiator 2 fits in perfectly among the mediocre sequels to films with long-standing fan bases, such as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire or even Beverly Hills Cop 4. There’s nothing you don’t get from the first movie, which is also a visual feast after almost 25 years. It has its moments, it helps pass the time, but it doesn’t live up to the original. Not a Maximus experience, but not… Minimus.

What did you think of the film? What memories do you have of the first chapter? Leave your thoughts in the comments. If you liked our article, share it with others. You can expect our recommendations on both cinema and streaming fronts in December. And if you’re in the mood for a tasty movie and series-watching snack, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.

Genre: Animation

Age limit: 12

Directed by: Chris Sanders

Written by: Chris Sanders, Peter Brown

Starring (voice): Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor

We’ve been browsing through the upcoming premieres and were surprised to see how many animated films are coming to cinemas until the end of December. Most of them are prequels to already well-known movies like Mufasa: The Lion King, or sequels like Moana 2 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. We’ll even see an animated episode from Lord of the Rings, about the war of the Rohirrim. Among these, the Wild Robot stood out, earning itself the acclaim it deserves as a brand-new title.

The story is quite strange and unusual, but very clever. Roz (Lupita Nyong’o) is a machine programmed to solve problems and help others. She is shipwrecked on a wildlife-rich island. While exploring a new environment, she accidentally crushes a goose egg and, as the hatchling sees her first, she follows her as its mother from that moment on. Roz finds a new purpose: She has to provide food for Brightbill and teach him to swim and fly before winter comes. To survive in the harsh wilderness, Fink the fox (Pedro Pascal) becomes a suspicious ally.

The difficulty of becoming a parent as a theme is very exceptional for an animated film that is basically for children. Of course, we have seen stories where this topic has been more or less mentioned, but to have it as a central element, and from the perspective of a mother, we can’t really think of examples. It is communicated in a way that is understandable and relatable for youngsters, while the older generation will not be bored. Mothers and fathers may well laugh together at the scenes where the experienced possum with a lot of kids shares parenting advice to Roz. Equally, it’s hard not to get emotional at the moments that show Brightbill’s ostracism and self-acceptance, stemming from his family background.

We could pile up positive adjectives about the visuals, but you only need to search for a few pictures of this film. Besides the beautiful natural images, we were most enchanted by the vividness of the colours. The animals themselves are depicted in a rather simple and sketchy way, but the environment and the backgrounds speak for themselves. It’s available to stream in many countries, but if you have the chance, go to a cinema screening.

Wild Robot has its place in the year-end best animated film rankings. But the whole truth is, there are also the excesses that characterise most similar works. Three major action sequences have been forced into the plot, without which a much better outcome could have been achieved on the relation between technological progress and nature. At one point, we were reminded of Zootopia (2016), which, among its many outstanding virtues, also presented an unnecessarily surrealistic picture of the wildlife. At the very least, the manner in which Fink’s moving speech made the wild animals decide, once locked in a confined space, not to eat each other, was a cause for a chuckle.

Have you seen it? Are you interested in any of the animated films in the end-of-year dump? We welcome your answers in the comments. If you liked our article, please share our post with others. We’ll be back soon. Watch lots of movies and series, and if you want a tasty snack to it, POPZ popcorn is the best choice. 

Genre: Romantic comedy

Age limit: 12

Directed by: Greg Berlanti

Written by: Keenan Flynn, Bill Kirstein, Rose Gilroy

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson

As October draws to a close, we are well into autumn. The days are getting shorter, the evenings are getting colder, and it’s all about pumpkin spice and the upcoming Halloween. We’re definitely looking for movies to cheer us up on our nights at home. In the streaming offerings, we found Fly Me to the Moon, a romantic comedy set in an exciting period of history during the Apollo program.

Cole Davis is under enormous pressure. As NASA’s Launch Director, he is putting together a prestigious project in the increasingly fierce space race requiring a tremendous amount of resources as the venture to get the first man on the moon. He needs new supporters to keep everything on track. Help arrives in the person of Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson), a loquacious, sell-anything marketing professional who does whatever it takes to make the space programme attractive to the public and politicians again.

Apart from the many funny moments in the confrontation between professional and PR aspects, the romantic thread is also very stylishly presented. Channning Tatum has been mostly known for his comedic side, but now we had the chance to see him in a more complex role. Scarlett Johansson comes to the foreground more from the middle of the story and shows that she is not only convincing in the scenes they play together.

In comedies, it’s relatively rare to expect outstanding visuals, but in this case, we have to write about it. The costumes, cars and sets of the period look very nice, but what makes this film last is the quality of the editing. From the very first minutes, there is a succession of fast-moving, dynamic shots. Its pulsating rhythm kept us in front of the TV throughout, even though the running time was well over two hours.

Halfway through the film, the story takes a serious turn, which threw us off a bit, but afterwards we understood why it was necessary. The filmmakers cleverly reflected the popular conspiracy theories, according to which the lunar landing never actually happened, and it was all a staged, studio production. The more serious problem was with the character of Cole, who makes a rather out-of-character decision in the endgame. His behaviour could be interpreted as the conclusion of a personality development process, but in terms of the big picture it was more of a needless element to heighten the tension. Some of Kelly’s actions also seem too unrealistic.

Fly Me to the Moon is clearly one of the better streaming titles. Its light-hearted atmosphere, likeable characters and moving, creative scenes will provide a pleasant diversion for those who prefer to relax at home. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that it does not present the events of 1969 with the sophistication of a documentary.

What comedies have you seen lately? Do you know any good rom-coms? We welcome your answers in the comments. If you liked our article, share it with others. And if you’re in the mood for a tasty movie and series-watching snack, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.

Genre: Musical, drama, thriller, crime

Age limit: 16

Directed by: Todd Phillips

Weitten by: Scott Silver, Todd Phillips, Bob Kane

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson

The life cycle of conventional superhero movies is coming to an end. In 2024, we have seen two examples to renew the genre. Deadpool 3 went the route of parody, with a satirical tone aimed at moviegoers and filmmakers alike. And in Joker: Folie à Deux, director Todd Phillips opted for a solution of mixing with other genres. The result is a bold, unique and unexpected experience.

We see the aftermath of Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) rampage as the Joker, who awaits for his trial at Arkham Mental Hospital. His lawyer struggles to prove his insanity, while Arthur finds a partner behind bars. As well as a strange love affair, music becomes increasingly important to both of them.

The first Joker was a crime drama disguised as a comic book movie, but the sequel has added a new ingredient: the musical genre. It’s a very bold idea and works brilliantly. Arthur’s fantasy world is portrayed with bizarre musical interludes, which, although very uncomfortable to watch, certainly make for effective scenes.         

In terms of acting, both Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga did a great job. It was also a big surprise to see Brendan Gleeson, who enriched the production in a rather significant supporting role. A huge flaw with the title character himself was the lack of depth to his figure. The central issue of the movie is Arthur’s true identity, yet the potential of this is not realised. And apart from a few memorable scenes together, there is little to know about the relationship between Arthur and Lee. Only the ending provides some explanation, which just doesn’t feel like careless work.  

Besides the lack of characterisation, the most serious problem with Joker part two is that the story, the otherwise interesting underlying conflict, is not properly developed and explained despite the 138 minutes of screen time. If you watch films specifically for the experience, for the effect, you may find it worthwhile, but as soon as you require a substantial plot, you are more likely to leave the theatre disappointed.

However much Phoenix’s Joker 2 left us with mixed feelings, we have to respect and acknowledge the creators for daring to approach the comic book movie recipe with new ideas. Even if it is likely to face a negative critical response, it is representative of a willingness to experiment, without which the film industry could not progress.

  Did you like it? How did it make you feel? Let me know in the comments. Next time, we’re preparing a much more light-hearted comedy series to brighten up the autumn evenings ahead. If you liked our article, please share it with others. And if you’re in the mood for a tasty movie and series-watching snack, POPZ popcorn is the best choice.

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.