Flicks and Friends with Zach Pope

In this episode, I review Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, Gore Verbinski’s audacious new sci-fi film starring Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, and more. Part action adventure, part dark comedy, and deeply reflective on the role of technology in our lives, this movie blew me away — and I explain why I think it could be the most important science-fiction film of the decade. From performances to world-building to its message about AI and humanity, we dive into exactly what makes this one unforgettable.

In this episode, I review The Moment, the new 2026 mockumentary starring Charli XCX and directed by Aidan Zamiri. The film blends reality and fiction to satirize fame, celebrity branding, and the pressures of pop stardom. I break down why this movie worked for me, how the satire lands, and what makes Charli’s performance compelling. If you’re into films that play with genre and celebrity commentary, this one’s worth your attention.

In this episode, I review Shelter — the 2026 Ric Roman Waugh-directed action thriller starring Jason Statham. Unlike typical blockbuster fare, Shelter leans into character, regret, and emotional survival stakes as a reclusive man is forced back into danger after rescuing a young girl. I break down why the film works, why I think it’s the first certified “dad film” of 2026, and what sets it apart from Statham’s other action work.

Exclusive interview with Ric Roman Waugh — director of Shelter and visionary behind films like Snitch, Shot Caller, Angel Has Fallen, and Greenland.In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Ric Roman Waugh, the director of the brand-new Jason Statham action thriller Shelter (in theaters January 30, 2026), to talk about his entire career, his evolution as a filmmaker, and what shaped his creative voice.Ric started his career as a stunt performer before transitioning to writing and directing — bringing a grounded, visceral feel to his action films. Over the years he’s built an eclectic filmography that includes gritty character dramas like Snitch (2013) and Shot Caller (2017), massive action franchises like Angel Has Fallen (2019), and disaster epics like Greenland (2020).In Shelter, Ric takes a more emotional, character-focused approach to action, blending intense physical sequences with authentic performances — something he attributes to his background and philosophy of placing viewers “inside the action.” This is the second episode of Flicks and Friends!We break down:🔥 How his stunt roots influence his directing🎥 Why character matters in big action films💥 What he learned from each major project in his career📽️ What Shelter was like to shoot and what’s coming nextWatch the full interview and let me know: Which Ric Roman Waugh movie is your favorite?

In this episode, I review Send Help, the brand-new survival thriller directed by Sam Raimi. Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, the film follows two plane-crash survivors stranded on a deserted island where survival becomes a tense and darkly humorous battle of wills.I dive into why Send Help is a must-watch — from Raimi’s escalating suspense and visual flair to the strong performances, sharp character dynamics, and Danny Elfman’s score. This is a spoiler-free discussion focused on what makes the film work and why it stands out in Raimi’s career.Send Help is now playing exclusively in theaters.

Wonder Man is actually pretty good — and easily one of the most unique MCU shows yet.Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man takes a wildly different approach to the MCU, blending superhero storytelling with Hollywood satire in a way that feels like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood meets Atlanta or Barry. And honestly? It works.In this review, I break down why Wonder Man surprised me, from its sharp writing and offbeat tone to its character-driven storytelling and industry commentary. This series feels smaller, stranger, and more confident than recent MCU projects—focused less on world-ending stakes and more on identity, fame, and performance.I dive into the performances, humor, themes, direction, and how Wonder Man fits into the larger MCU. It’s not perfect, but it’s fresh, creative, and proof that Marvel can still take risks when it wants to.Watch my full review and let me know if Wonder Man worked for you!

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 is PURE PERFECTION — the beginning of the end has finally arrived on Netflix! This is my full review of the first batch of episodes for Stranger Things Season 5! In this video, I break down why these episodes deliver everything fans have waited YEARS for: the emotional reunions, the jaw-dropping twists, the insane horror sequences, the character payoffs, and how this explosive start sets the stage for the FINAL showdown in Volume 2 and Vol 3! So much to talk about in this review as WILL BYERS GETS POWERS, Kali is back!, Vecna is kidnapping kids! and SO MUCH MORE! This is Zach Pope's Review on Stranger things Season 5 Vol 1 Review!

Zootopia 2 is the latest sequel from disney animation studio and after years later... Nick Wilde and Judy hopps are back on another case! Disney animation has been in a slump for a few years now for most so for Zootopia 2 to come out and be better than the original Zootopia! "Zootopia 2", After cracking the biggest case in Zootopia’s history, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) find their partnership isn’t as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo (voice of Idris Elba) orders them to join the Partners in Crisis counseling program. But it doesn’t take long for their partnership to be put to the ultimate test when they find themselves on the twisting trail of a mystery tied to the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis. The trailer, poster and trailer stills are now available to download and share. While “Zootopia 2” introduces Gary De’Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (voice of Fortune Feimster) and quokka therapist Dr. Fuzzby (voice of Quinta Brunson), Shakira is also back with an awesome new song! This is my movie review for Zootopia 2!

ETERNITY is a romantic comedy MASTERPIECE! One of the most heartwarming, hilarious, and emotionally resonant rom-coms I’ve seen in years—Eternity is A24’s latest and greatest romantic achievement, and it’s going to stick with you long after the credits roll. In this video, Zach Pope gives their spoiler-free movie review for Eternity, the brand new romantic classic.

Wicked: For Good Movie Review! My Non spoiler movie review for Wicked Part 2!In this review, I break down what worked, what fell short, and why Wicked: For Good is still a solid, enjoyable time… even if it never reaches the heights it could have.

The Running Man Movie Review From director Edgar Wright comes The Running Man, the 2025 adaptation of the classic novel by Stephen King (under his Richard Bachman pen name). Set in a dystopian near-future, the film stars Glen Powell as Ben Richards, a man forced into a deadly televised game where survival is everything. In this review, I’ll highlight what works best (Wright’s direction, Powell’s performance, the dystopian world-building), where the film could have pushed harder, and why this remake might be the one that finally does justice to the original concept.👉 Don’t forget to LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE for more reviews, and drop a comment below:Did The Running Man hit its mark for you — or did the originals still hold the edge?

Every Predator Movie Ranked!It’s officially hunting season. Today, I’m ranking all 9 Predator movies — from Predator (1987) to Predator Badlands (2025)This franchise has evolved from 80s jungle horror to all-out sci-fi chaos, and with Badlands and Killer of Killers redefining what the series can be, it’s time to see which one truly stands at the top of the food chain. These are the films ranked in this video:Predator (1987)Predator 2 (1990)Alien vs. Predator (2004)Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)Predators (2010)The Predator (2018)Prey (2022)Predator: Badlands (2025)Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)Let me know your personal ranking of the Predator films down below 👇If you love sci-fi, horror, and action movies, hit that subscribe button for more reviews, reactions, and rankings every week!

Pluribus Review — Vince Gilligan returns with a mind-bending sci-fi epic that proves he’s still one of TV’s greatest storytellers.From the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Vince Gilligan delivers another knockout with Pluribus — a grounded yet deeply imaginative sci-fi series that explores humanity, identity, and the cost of connection in a fractured world.Starring Rhea Seehorn, luribus blends emotional storytelling with Gilligan’s trademark tension and moral complexity. I absolutely loved this series — it’s thought-provoking, haunting, and may just be one of the most fascinating pieces of TV this year.In this spoiler-free review, I dive into why Pluribus stands out among Apple TV+’s best shows, how its performances elevate the material, and why Vince Gilligan continues to redefine what television can be.If you’re a fan of Breaking Bad, Black Mirror, or Better Call Saul, The Leftovers or Severance you need to check this one out.👉 Don’t forget to LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE for more reviews, and comment below:

I LOVED BUGONIAFrom director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite, Poor Things) comes Bugonia, a darkly satirical sci-fi thriller starring Emma Stone as Michelle Fuller, CEO of a major pharmaceutical company abducted by conspiracy-obsessed men who believe she’s an alien intent on destroying humanity. Having seen it early, I found Bugonia to be fascinating — a film that’s weird, unsettling, and absolutely alive with ideas. The performances are top-tier (Stone and Jesse Plemons in particular), the style is bold, and the satire cuts deeper than many give it credit for. Reviews say it’s “whip-smart,” “intoxicating,” and a reflection of our conspiracy-driven age.This is My movie review of BUGONIA

Star Wars: Visions Season 3 ReviewFrom Lucasfilm and Disney+, Star Wars: Visions returns with Season 3 (Volume 3), launching on October 29, 2025. This new volume features nine animated shorts created by legendary Japanese studios like Kamikaze Douga, Production I.G., TRIGGER, and more — delivering stylized storytelling that re-imagines the galaxy far, far away. After watching the entire season early, I found it to be a standout — stylish, bold, inventive, and emotionally resonant — possibly the best season of Visions yet. The mix of animation styles, cultural creativity, and familiar Star Wars themes feel fresh and exciting. While some anthology moments still hit varying levels, the high points here soar.In this review, I dive into what makes Volume 3 shine: the animation studios pushing boundaries, the standout episodes that deliver emotionally and visually, and why this season might be the perfect gateway for both anime fans and Star Wars lovers. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and comment below:📌

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You Movie Review From writer/director Mary Bronstein and starring Rose Byrne, Conan O'Brien, Danielle Macdonald, and A$AP Rocky. DIRECTOR: Mary BronsteinCAST: Rose Byrne, Conan O'Brien, Danielle Macdonald, and A$AP RockyIf I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a film that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go — a judgmental, funny, and sometimes painful look at revenge, identity, and the messiness of human relationships. The movie balances sharp dark-comedy moments with uncomfortable emotional beats, creating an experience that’s as thrilling as it is unsettling.In this review I dive into what makes this film work: the fearless direction, the committed performances, and those moments of startling honesty. I also break down where the movie stumbles — pacing choices that undercut the drama, tonal swings that won’t be for everyone, and a finale that some viewers may find divisive.If you like films that push boundaries, make you squirm, and stick in your head long after the credits roll, this review is for you.

IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 1-5 Non Spoiler reviewFrom showrunners Andy Muschietti & Barbara Muschietti (who helmed the original IT films) comes IT: Welcome to Derry, a chilling prequel series set in 1962 that expands the mythology of the town of Derry and the evil lurking beneath its surface. Having seen the first five episodes early, I found the series to be solid and worth recommending — it may not reinvent the wheel, but it delivers enough tension, lore, and creepy atmosphere to make fans of the films sit up and take notice.If you enjoyed IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two, you’ll appreciate the callbacks, the new characters, and the promise of deeper scares to come. In this review, I’ll walk you through what works—not spoiling anything—why the series hits early, and what it still needs to prove.

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere Movie Review From writer-director Scott Cooper comes Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, a biographical drama chronicling the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 album Nebraska and the personal struggles behind the legend. The film stars Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen, with a supporting cast including Jeremy Strong, Paul Walter Hauser, and Stephen Graham. I found Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere to be a solid film — it doesn’t reinvent the biopic format, but its strengths lie in its lead actor. Jeremy Allen White delivers an incredible, transformative performance as Springsteen, fully inhabiting the role and delivering the emotional core of the movie.The narrative is competent and the production values are high, but the film sometimes falls into familiar biopic pitfalls — pacing issues, conventional structure, and moments where the film plays it safe. Despite that, the power of White’s portrayal elevates the whole experience and makes it worth recommending.In this review, I break down Jeremy Allen White’s performance, what the film gets right, where it could have pushed harder, and why I still recommend it — especially for fans of Springsteen or quality actor-driven dramas.

Frankenstein Netflix Movie Review — Guillermo del Toro's gothic masterpiece in theaters now on Netflix in NovemberFrom writer-director Guillermo del Toro comes Frankenstein (2025), a long-cherished passion project based on Mary Shelley’s classic. Starring Oscar Isaac as a tortured Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi as the creature, and Mia Goth, Frankenstein delivers lush production design, tragic grandeur, and a story steeped in gothic horror and emotional depth. I found it to be a gothic masterpiece — one of the most visually arresting, emotionally resonant takes on Shelley’s novel in recent memory. Between Isaac’s conflicted scientist, Elordi’s monster finding sorrow in his creation, and Del Toro’s signature blend of beauty and darkness, this film doesn’t just adapt the story — it elevates it. In this review, I dive into what makes Frankenstein shine so bright as the definitive Frankenstein storyDon’t forget to LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE for more reviews, and share your thoughts in the comments: Do you think this is Del Toro’s best film yet?

Shelby Oaks Movie Review — A Near Perfect Debut from Chris StuckmannFrom writer-director Chris Stuckmann comes Shelby Oaks, a haunting exploration of loss, fear, and the supernatural that marks one of the most impressive horror debuts in years. Starring Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, and Keith David, the film follows a woman searching for her missing sister — one of the members of a paranormal investigation group known as The Paranormal Paranoids — as eerie footage and real-life horror begin to collide.I found Shelby Oaks to be a perfect horror debut — the kind that doesn’t just scare you, it stays with you. Stuckmann crafts an atmosphere thick with dread, mixing psychological terror, found-footage tension, and a deeply human story about grief and guilt.The movie truly got under my skin, evoking the unnerving realism of The Blair Witch Project and the existential unease of Signs. Every frame feels purposeful — from its chilling sound design to the way the camera lingers just long enough to make you doubt what you’re seeing.In this review, I break down what makes Shelby Oaks such a powerful debut, how Stuckmann balances emotion and fear, and why this might be one of the most effective horror films of the year.