Sparrow's Under Review

Podcast Episode Description: In this episode, JR and Stacey Sparrow review the movie "Christy," a biopic about professional boxer Christy Martin from West Virginia. They discuss the film’s portrayal of Christy’s life, her impact on women’s sports, and the challenges she faced both in and out of the ring. The conversation covers the movie’s strengths, its handling of sensitive topics, and the hosts’ personal connections to the story.Timestamped Show Notes:0:00 – Introduction: Movies about West Virginia and the hosts’ connection to the region0:26 – Guest plug: King Jerm from "Pod and Saved Our Marriage"0:38 – Meet the hosts: JR and Stacey introduce themselves0:41 – Movie overview: "Kristy" and its focus on Christy Martin1:05 – Initial impressions: Neither host is a boxing fan, but JR followed Christy’s career2:42 – The film’s portrayal of Christy’s life and the addition of fictional elements4:30 – Discussion of Christy’s mother and family dynamics6:03 – Christy’s look and the stereotypes of the era7:46 – Christy’s college years and the start of her boxing career8:45 – Hiding her identity for success in boxing9:28 – Christy’s career highlights: Don King, Mike Tyson undercard, Sports Illustrated cover10:50 – Later career, struggles with addiction, and the fight with Laila Ali12:18 – Critique of the movie’s time jumps and missing details13:11 – The film’s handling of Christy’s losses and career record14:56 – Final thoughts: The movie’s strengths, acting, and recommendations for viewersLinks & Recommendations:Watch "Christy" for an insightful look at Christy Martin’s lifeRead the Wikipedia pages for both the movie and Christy Martin for more context

Podcast Episode Description:In this episode, JR Sparrow and Stacey Sparrow review the classic film "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," discussing its cast, plot, and nostalgic value. They share personal insights, compare the film to other holiday movies, and reflect on its emotional impact and legacy. The conversation also touches on potential remakes and the enduring appeal of feel-good comedies.Show Notes & Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Meet JR and Stacey, podcast setup, and episode overview00:14 – Guest intro: King Jerm from "Pot and Saved Our Marriage"00:47 – Movie revealed: "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"01:10 – Cast and shoutouts: Steve Martin, John Candy, and movie suggestion origins01:57 – Why this movie? Holiday/Thanksgiving special, nostalgia, and comedy style02:54 – Movie plot: Steve Martin’s character, shower curtain rings, and the setup03:50 – The cab chase: Kevin Bacon cameo and New York City chaos04:49 – Airport misadventures and meeting John Candy’s character06:03 – Travel detours: From New York to Wichita, Kansas07:10 – Realism and geography: Where should they have landed?08:18 – The journey continues: Planes, trains, buses, rental cars, and a milk truck09:47 – Watching the restored version: 4K, Apple TV, and nostalgia11:05 – Emotional moments: Realizing the character’s loneliness12:08 – Reflections on the film’s message and giving grace during the holidays13:24 – Post-release info: 4K Blu-ray, deleted scenes, and John Candy’s legacy14:45 – Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and CinemaScore15:49 – Remake rumors: Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Drew Barrymore, Adam Sandler17:00 – Casting ideas and comedic duos18:10 – Closing: Thank you, movie suggestions, and where to follow the show

In this episode, Jayo and Stacey dive into the history and controversy behind Disney’s 1985 animated film, "The Black Cauldron." They discuss the film’s troubled production, its impact on Disney’s animation department, and why it stands out as one of the studio’s most infamous movies. The hosts share personal anecdotes, debate the film’s legacy, and invite listeners to share their own thoughts and facts about "The Black Cauldron."Show Notes & Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Meet Jayo and the episode’s theme00:22 – Guest intro: King Germ from "Pod and Saved Our Marriage"00:48 – Topic reveal: The dark side at Disney01:05 – The Black Cauldron: First impressions and memories02:04 – Why this movie? Jayo’s personal connection02:17 – The film’s box office flop and historical context03:24 – Production history: Delays, budget, and technology04:36 – The last film at Disney’s original animation building05:10 – The rise of Disney’s animation renaissance06:00 – The first use of CGI in a Disney film06:45 – What is CGI? Explaining the technology07:30 – The film’s unique sound and PG rating08:20 – Why was the PG rating significant?09:00 – Controversial scenes and test screenings09:50 – The impact of studio cuts on the story10:30 – Storyline discussion: Characters and plot gaps12:00 – The William H. Macy monkey and voice actors13:00 – Comparing characters to TV actors14:00 – Final thoughts: The film’s place in Disney history14:45 – The legacy: Tim Burton, Pixar, and the Disney Renaissance15:00 – Listener challenge: Share your Black Cauldron facts15:30 – Outro and where to find the hosts

Episode Description:In this episode, JR Sparrow and Stacey Sparrow dive into a wild movie review, discussing the film "Roof Man" starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. The conversation covers the film's plot twists, true story origins, standout performances, and the hosts' personal takes on the movie's themes and characters. Along the way, they share laughs, debate details, and offer insights into what makes this film memorable.Show Notes & Chapters:00:00 – Introduction & Weekly RecapJR and Stacey reflect on their week and introduce the show.00:11 – Special Guest: King JermKing Jerm joins to promote his podcast and share thoughts on marriage and podcasting.00:40 – Movie Introduction: Ruth MannJR introduces the movie, sharing initial impressions and how they discovered it.01:07 – Movie Trailer & First ImpressionsThe hosts discuss how they came across the trailer and their expectations.02:04 – True Story OriginsRealization that the movie is based on true events and reactions to that fact.03:34 – Plot OverviewA breakdown of the movie’s story, focusing on the main character’s journey and challenges.04:41 – Character Analysis & Turning PointsDiscussion about the protagonist’s background, motivations, and pivotal moments.05:47 – The Role of SteveThe impact of the character Steve and his advice to the protagonist.06:53 – Movie Structure & ForeshadowingHow the film’s narrative structure and foreshadowing affect the viewing experience.07:57 – Final Act & ReflectionsThe hosts reflect on the movie’s ending, lessons learned, and personal takeaways.09:12 – Box Office & Critical ReceptionBudget, box office numbers, and critical scores from Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and CinemaScore.12:06 – Closing Thoughts & OutroFinal recommendations, shoutouts, and reminders to follow and subscribe.

Episode Description:In this episode, JR and Stacy dive into a lively review of "Black Phone 2," reflecting on sequels, movie timelines, and their own podcasting journey. The hosts share personal anecdotes, discuss the supernatural elements of the film, and offer candid thoughts on what makes a good horror sequel. Tune in for laughs, movie insights, and a few surprises along the way!Show Notes & Timestamps:00:00 – Opening banter: Sequels, phone rings, and podcast intros00:34 – Guest plug: "Pod and Saved Our Marriage" with King Germ00:35 – Welcome to Sparrows Under Review: Meet JR and Stacy01:10 – Black Phone timeline confusion & Mandela effect02:03 – Wikipedia, movie facts, and supernatural themes03:01 – Personal stories: Spencer, WV, and movie night mishaps05:04 – Box office breakdown: Black Phone 1’s success05:42 – Reviewing Black Phone 2: Plot setup and snowy Colorado07:04 – Character analysis: Hope, her daughter, and dream sequences07:21 – Prequel vs. sequel: How Black Phone 2 fits the story07:50 – Overall thoughts: Supernatural thriller vibes, jump scares, and pacing09:00 – Movie highlights: Dream within a dream, sleepwalking, and character perspectives10:00 – Final verdict: Would you watch both movies back-to-back?11:00 – Family reactions and who should (or shouldn’t) watch14:00 – Outro: Where to find the podcast, social plugs, and goodbyesConnect with the hosts:Spotify: Sparrows Under ReviewYouTube: Sparrows Under ReviewThreads: @SparrowsUnderReview

"The Smashing Machine" offers an intriguing exploration into the tumultuous life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, while highlighting the involvement of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jr and Stacey Sparrow, both seasoned film critics, delve into the movie’s narrative strengths and notable shortcomings during their analysis. Jr Sparrow, who appreciated the film's educational value and character development, lamented the missed opportunity to explore Kerr's career downfall more deeply, critiquing both its advertising strategy and financial outcomes. Meanwhile, Stacey Sparrow echoed these sentiments, noting the film’s solid structure yet average execution, and found the inclusion of actual fight footage to be a commendable decision. Both critics agreed that while the film was informative and showcased a different side of The Rock's acting capabilities, it ultimately did not achieve greatness due to its narrative gaps and lackluster box office performance.(00:02:01) "In this movie, he changed my opinion of him for the first time ever." - Jr Sparrow(00:05:20) "The development of his story, the character arc, everything was fine in this film, except the one flawed area that I will like to speak about." - Jr Sparrow" - Jr Sparrow(00:15:07) "A great movie won't be nominated for anything because it doesn't have. It's just a great story to tell." - Jr Sparrow(00:17:34) "This movie will not have a sequel because there's no sequel to the story. And this type of movie will not be made again because of certain issues in our market in day and age now." - Jr Sparrow(00:21:56) "And said, hey, here's my story. Here was my struggle. Don't feel bad for me. Learn from it." - Jr Sparrow (00:22:02)" - Stacey Sparrow

Description:In this episode, hosts JR and Stacey are joined by special guest King Jerm to break down the wild season of college football coaching changes. From high-profile firings at LSU, Florida, and Penn State to the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, the crew debates which jobs are truly elite, what it takes to keep a coaching gig, and who should be hired next. Plus, candid takes on rivalries, buyouts, and the future of the sport.Show Notes & Timestamps:00:00 – Opening thoughts: The wildest college football season for coaching changes00:22 – Guest intro: King Jerm from "Pot and Saved Our Marriage"00:47 – Meet the hosts: JR and Stacey00:57 – King Jerm’s impromptu appearance and football expertise01:10 – Weekly football calls and the state of coaching firings01:48 – The business of college football: Big names, big firings02:15 – LSU’s Brian Kelly: Why he was let go and the program’s expectations03:16 – Is LSU a top job? Debating resources, recruiting, and reputation03:40 – Stacey’s perspective: Is this many firings normal?04:13 – Why so many mid-season firings at big programs?04:55 – The end of long coaching tenures and the pressure to win now05:15 – The impact of NIL, transfer portal, and playoff changes06:00 – Money in college football: How it’s changing the game06:33 – Next big firing: Florida’s coaching situation and fan expectations07:00 – Billy Napier’s fate and the importance of play-calling08:00 – Florida’s rivalry games and fan loyalty09:00 – Can Florida upset Georgia or Florida State this year?09:45 – Georgia’s dynasty: Is it over?10:16 – Penn State’s James Franklin: 12 seasons, but not enough big wins11:00 – The role of boosters and the importance of rivalry games12:00 – What gets a coach fired? Losing to rivals12:45 – Most surprising firings of the season13:10 – Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Virginia Tech, and more14:00 – Buyouts and the business side of firing coaches15:00 – Who should be hired next? Hot takes for LSU, Florida, Penn State, Arkansas, Virginia Tech, and Stanford16:30 – Closing thoughts: The mindset of a realistic college football fan17:30 – Fun banter: Quarterbacks, the Dallas Cowboys, and NFL tangents18:30 – Final thanks and sign-offListen on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation!

Episode Description:In this episode, JR and Stacey dive into the latest installment of "The Strangers" trilogy, sharing their candid reactions, movie insights, and a few laughs along the way. They discuss the film’s pacing, plot twists, and how it fits into the trilogy, while also reflecting on horror movie tropes, cult classics, and their own viewing experience. Tune in for honest opinions, a bit of banter, and a look ahead to what’s next for the series.Timestamps & Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Podcast WelcomeMeet your hosts, King Germ and Stacy, and get a quick overview of the show’s vibe.00:59 – Shoutouts & Movie SetupShoutouts to listeners and a quick setup for the movie review.01:32 – The Strangers Trilogy ContextDiscussion about the trilogy, filming timeline, and expectations for the new installment.02:31 – Movie Promotion & Halloween PlansHow the hosts found the movie and their Halloween episode plans.02:53 – Movie Structure & Viewing AdviceWhy you should watch the trilogy in order and in one sitting.03:36 – Backstory & Plot DevelopmentThe importance of backstory in Chapter Two and how it ties to Chapter One.04:05 – Movie Length & Viewing ExperienceReflections on the movie’s pacing and technical hiccups during their watch.04:49 – Avoiding Spoilers & Emotional ReactionsThe hosts share their reactions to the ending—without giving away spoilers.05:50 – Stacy’s Take & Cliffhanger FeelingsStacy shares her thoughts on the movie’s ending and anticipation for the next film.06:44 – Cult Classics & Box Office TalkComparing the trilogy to other cult classics and discussing box office performance.07:56 – Critical Reception & Personal RatingsRotten Tomatoes, CinemaScore, and the hosts’ own ratings.08:44 – Final Thoughts & Series OutlookThe hosts discuss the trilogy as a whole and what they hope to see in the final installment.10:22 – Outro & Listener Call to ActionWrapping up the episode, inviting comments, and encouraging listeners to follow on Facebook.Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to leave a comment and follow us on Facebook for more episodes.

This week, Stacey and JR venture into the lush gardens of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. We follow the fearless little mongoose as he faces off against the deadly cobra duo, Nag and Nagaina, in a battle of wits, speed, and survival. From childhood nostalgia to the timeless lessons about bravery, loyalty, and protecting what matters, we dig into what makes this story endure—and whether it still charms a modern audience. Plus, we share our favorite (and least favorite) moments, animal facts you never knew, and a few playful tangents along the way.

Episode Summary:In this deeply emotional episode, Stacey and Jr take on Grave of the Fireflies, Studio Ghibli’s haunting 1988 masterpiece directed by Isao Takahata. Far from the whimsical worlds of Totoro or Spirited Away, this film drops us into the brutal final days of World War II Japan through the eyes of two children—Seita and Setsuko—struggling to survive after losing everything.Opening Thoughts:Jr: “This isn’t your typical animated film. It’s devastating, beautiful, and uncomfortable all at once. You don’t watch Grave of the Fireflies—you endure it.”Stacey: “And that’s the point. Takahata wanted us to feel every ounce of loss and innocence slipping away. It’s a film that stays with you, whether you want it to or not.”Themes Discussed:The human cost of war beyond the battlefield.Childhood innocence versus harsh adult realities.The power—and limitation—of pride and independence in tragedy.How animation can sometimes convey emotion more effectively than live action.Cinematic Breakdown:Stacey: praises the film’s quiet storytelling, watercolor visuals, and emotional restraint.Jr: dives into the symbolism—the fireflies representing fleeting life, the jars, the darkness closing in—and how minimal dialogue amplifies every moment.Both discuss the realism of postwar Japan and how the film remains politically neutral yet morally shattering.Emotional Impact:Stacey: “Setsuko broke me. There’s no other way to say it.”Jr: “It’s one of the few films that genuinely left me speechless when the credits rolled. No music, no comfort, just silence.”Legacy & Reflection:Grave of the Fireflies is often called one of the greatest anti-war films ever made.It challenges the idea of animation being ‘just for kids.’Both hosts reflect on how it redefines what storytelling through animation can achieve—and why it’s essential viewing, even if you can only watch it once.Final Verdict:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Stacey) — “A masterpiece that hurts, but in the way truth hurts.”⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Jr) — “One of the most emotionally honest films ever made.”Closing Line:“Sometimes the hardest stories to watch are the ones we most need to remember.”

Taylor Swift's latest album presentation has captivated audiences, drawing comparisons to the grandiosity of past musical milestones. Jr Sparrow views this release as a momentous occasion in Swift's career, akin to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" era, and admires her ability to integrate humor and behind-the-scenes insights into standout tracks like "Fate of Ophelia" and "Father Figure." With a background that appreciates both music and theatrical presentations, Jr Sparrow finds the experience to be a positive and innovative approach that other artists might emulate, despite minor discomforts like theater seating. On the other hand, Stacey Sparrow possesses a more tempered perspective, as her expectations were not fully met due to the pre-release hype comparing it to legendary music videos. Though she acknowledges the fine sound quality, Stacey believes that experiencing the album live or on-screen does not surpass listening to it firsthand, ultimately suggesting that fans should still explore the album's unique sound for themselves.(00:00:57) "Taylor Swift's Thriller-Inspired Album Presentation"(00:03:37) Navigating Taylor Swift's "Fearless (Taylor's Version)"(00:17:39) Vocal Style Debate: Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter(00:19:11) 'Canceled' Song Sparks Controversy with Fans(00:22:34) Immerse in Unique Album Experience with Taylor.(00:02:02) "I am here to tell you, as of today, I don't want to make that comparison again. I don't want to sit here and belittle either artist because both of them have great artistry." - Jr Sparrow(00:03:59) "This album made me feel like I, I was inside of a David Bowie type feel." - Jr Sparrow" - Jr Sparrow(00:08:56) "I'm not saying there's not something coming because I don't dig that deep into that. I'm not. I'm not that intelligent to keep along, keep up with that, I guess. But like you said, I did enjoy it for what it was." - Stacey sparrow (00:08:32)" - Stacey sparrow(00:20:25) "I can sit there and judge you and not like what you've done, but if you didn't hurt me, it don't matter." - Stacey Sparrow

Episode SummaryThis week, J.R. and Stacey dive into Nobody 2, the unexpected sequel starring Bob Odenkirk (a.k.a. Saul Goodman from Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad). We weren’t even sure we remembered the first one — but somehow this sequel pulled us in, kept our phones down, and had us laughing and wincing through all the chaos.From the 89-minute runtime to the brutal-but-relatable action, we break down what worked, what didn’t, and why this “ordinary guy turned action hero” flick just might earn itself a cult following. Plus, we talk about:​How Christopher Lloyd is still ageless (Back to the Future meets Rick and Morty energy).​Why Bob Odenkirk’s fights feel way more human than Liam Neeson’s invincible Taken style.​Colin Hanks stepping in and getting absolutely wrecked.​Whether lighting piles of cash really means we’re heading to Nobody 3.​Why this is the kind of movie that will live forever on TNT reruns.Movie Stats:​Budget: $25M​Box Office: $39.3M​Rotten Tomatoes: 78%​Metacritic: 59/100​CinemaScore: B+Our Take:A solid, fast-paced, funny action flick with just enough grit and heart. We’d watch another one — but three might be the limit.

Episode SummaryJ.R. and Stacey take on the latest Superman movie — and Jr had some strong opinions. While the film delivers classic superhero action and spectacle, our hosts can’t help but compare it to Fantastic Four, which Jr enjoyed even more.In this episode, we break down:J.R. and Stacey’s take on Superman (2025) — what worked, what didn’t, and standout moments.How Fantastic Four impressed with its pacing, humor, and character dynamics.Box office comparisons: did Superman live up to expectations financially, or did Fantastic Four steal the show?Key character highlights and performances that made a difference.Why sometimes a movie’s entertainment value can outweigh hype and big names.Our Take:While Superman (2025) brings the superhero thrills, Fantastic Four may have the edge for rewatchability and fun factor. Fans of both franchises get a candid, spoiler-free discussion with a few laughs and strong opinions.

This week on Sparrows UnderReview, JR and Stacy take you inside the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, home of NASA’s Space Camp and one of the country’s most impressive planetariums.From rockets towering into the sky to the immersive “Our Place in Space” planetarium show, we share our firsthand experience, funny stories, and what surprised us the most. We also break down the exhibits, rides (including the G-Force Accelerator), and why this destination should be on your must-visit list if you love space, STEM, or just unique travel experiences.Planetarium Experience – The “Our Place in Space” show delivered science that was engaging, clear, and fun for all ages.STEM Inspiration – Kids (and adults) can dive into space camp, science exhibits, and hands-on learning.Attractions Beyond Rockets – From the G-Force Accelerator ride to moonshot simulations, there’s something for thrill-seekers too.Affordable & Accessible – Tickets are reasonably priced, making it a great family trip.Recommendation – Whether you’re in Huntsville, Nashville, or Atlanta, this is a worthwhile destination for science lovers and casual visitors alike.00:00 – Intro + Alabama trip setup04:10 – First sight of the giant rocket09:30 – Talking Space Command news & Huntsville’s role14:00 – Planetarium experience explained22:45 – Pluto, dwarf planets & learning moments32:00 – Favorite exhibits + G-Force Accelerator ride story41:15 – Missed the Moonshot ride & other attractions50:00 – Final thoughts & travel recommendations🔑 Key Takeaways⏱ Suggested Timestamps

📖 Episode Description / Show NotesIn this episode of Sparrows UnderReview, Stacey and JR dive into Pixar’s Elio (2024) — a sci-fi coming-of-age story about a boy who finds family among the stars.We discuss:Why Elio slipped under the radar compared to Disney’s bigger releases (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon)The movie’s themes of family, sacrifice, and finding your place in the worldPixar’s animation style and how it stacks up against DreamWorks and Studio GhibliThe lack of marketing and merchandising that may have doomed its box office runWhether Elio deserves cult classic status despite its commercial strugglesElio delivers an emotional story about family and belonging, even if it feels like an “off-brand” Pixar release.The villain design stood out — strong enough to fit into a bigger Disney/Marvel franchise.Pixar’s animation continues to set the standard, even in smaller releases.Poor marketing and timing (released against massive blockbusters) limited its success.Despite mixed reviews, Elio has the potential to resonate with kids and become a cult classic.00:00 – Introduction + shoutout to Pied and Saved Our Marriage podcast03:30 – First impressions of Elio and how it slipped past the hype09:45 – Pixar’s “off-brand” films: Luca, Soul, Brave comparisons15:00 – Plot breakdown and character arcs24:15 – Villains, clones, and sci-fi influences33:40 – Marketing & box office breakdown41:20 – Final thoughts: where Elio lands in Pixar’s legacy

JR and Stacey sit down to review The Naked Gun (2025), the reboot of the classic Leslie Nielsen comedy franchise. Starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, the movie tries to bring back the slapstick humor of the original trilogy — but does it succeed in today’s world?In this episode, we compare the new film to the 1988 classic, talk about the challenges of rebooting crude comedy, and share some hilarious behind-the-scenes trivia about the movie’s rocky development. From WWE wrestler cameos to Seth MacFarlane’s influence on the humor, we cover it all.If you’re looking for a funny, unfiltered podcast review of The Naked Gun (2025), this episode has you covered.Reboot vs. Classic – How the 2025 version stacks up against the original Naked Gun films.Liam Neeson’s Role – Why casting him as Frank Drebin’s son works… and where it doesn’t.Surprise Casting – Pamela Anderson’s unexpected return to the big screen, plus WWE cameos and Dave Bautista’s appearance.Type of Humor – From crude gags to slapstick setups, does the movie land with modern audiences or fall flat?Box Office & Reception – Budget, earnings, critic reviews (88% positive on Rotten Tomatoes), and whether a sequel is really worth it.Behind the Scenes – The multiple failed development attempts before Seth MacFarlane finally brought the reboot to life.Who Shouldn’t Watch – Why easily offended viewers might want to skip this movie. Final Verdict – JR and Stacey’s honest answer: Is The Naked Gun (2025) worth your time, or just a nostalgic cash-grab?Show Notes & Takeaways:

Stacey and JR dive into the vibrant—but controversial—2025 reboot of Smurfs, where Rihanna steps into the iconic blue shoes of Smurfette—as both voice actress, producer, and musical creator. When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is magically abducted, Smurfette leads her tiny blue crew into the real world to stage a rescue, complete with musical numbers and multiverse-level visuals. We unpack the real-world adventure, the star-studded cast (including James Corden, Nick Offerman, Sandra Oh, and Octavia Spencer), and whether Rihanna’s “cool-girl” energy modernizes the character—or just makes everyone miss the old Smurfette vibe. Think bold textures, catchy EDM beats, and 92 minutes of chaotic fun yanked straight from a garden into our world. Plus, we channel internet fan backlash—some loving the pop twist, others craving nostalgia—and riff on whether the Smurfs ever needed this level of star power.

This week, Stacey and JR dive head-first into Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025), the latest prehistoric blockbuster from director Gareth Edwards and writer David Koepp. With Scarlett Johansson leading a daring mission to harvest dinosaur DNA for medical breakthroughs, things quickly spiral into a fight for survival on an island crawling with new—and terrifying—creatures. We break down the film’s jaw-dropping action, nostalgic nods to Jurassic Park, and whether this installment truly breathes new life into the franchise… or just stomps over familiar ground.

In this episode of Sparrows UnderReview, Stacey and JR take on The Last Rodeo — a 2025 drama that ropes in themes of redemption, family, and second chances. Directed by Jon Avnet and starring Neal McDonough, this emotional ride follows a retired bull rider pulled back into the arena one last time, not for glory, but for something far more personal.Stacey gives her raw, unfiltered thoughts on the film’s emotional pacing and character arcs, while JR breaks down its message of faith, legacy, and perseverance. Together, they discuss how the film balances heartfelt drama with adrenaline-pumping rodeo action — and whether it sticks the landing or rides off into cliché territory.Whether you’re a fan of cowboy grit, family drama, or underdog stories, this episode’s got something for you. No spoilers here — just insight, laughs, and the signature Sparrows UnderReview honesty.

On this episode of Sparrows Under Review, Stacey and JR take flight with the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon—a bold reimagining of the beloved DreamWorks animated classic.JR dives into how the film honors the spirit of the original with heart and spectacle, while Stacey weighs in on the casting, creature design, and whether Toothless still has that same spark. They debate whether the transition from animation to live-action soars or stumbles, and if the magic of Hiccup and Berk survives the shift.Expect nostalgic nods, fiery critiques, and an honest take on whether this reboot lives up to its fire-breathing legacy—or if it’s just blowing smoke.