Sparrow Under Review

JR flies solo to review Project Hail Mary (2026), the sci-fi film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, based on Andy Weir's novel. Starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Bullock, James Ortiz, and Lionel Boyce, the film became the third highest-grossing movie of 2026 at $668 million worldwide on a ~$200M budget. JR breaks down the plot, the surprising alien friendship at the heart of the story, and why it's one of the best films he's seen in years.

Timestamped Show Notes:

• 0:00 — Cold open: Teasing the film and its directors
• 0:20 — Show intro by King Jerm / Pod Saved Our Marriage
• 0:48 — JR introduces the solo episode and Project Hail Mary
• 1:21 — Box office & production overview: budget, cast, streaming release
• 1:49 — Plot breakdown: Ryan Gosling as Raylan Grace, waking up alone in space
• 2:16 — Introduction of Rocky, the alien companion
• 3:11 — The one-way mission to save Earth; Grace and Rocky's shared goal
• 3:58 — Cultural exchange between Grace and Rocky; the planetarium scene
• 4:37 — Emotional depth: the alien develops human-like emotion and sacrifice
• 5:09 — The feel-good quality that sets this film apart
• 5:44 — JR's recommendation: open your senses and immerse yourself
• 6:12 — Who can relate to Raylan Grace (teachers, loners, drifters)
• 6:33 — Disclaimer: requires a good attention span; one of the best films of 2026
• 7:05 — JR's 2026 movie streak; looking ahead to the next review
• 7:30 — Thanks to listeners; show charts milestone (Apple Film Review Top 200, 128+ days)
• 7:56 — Outro: Connect on Threads, feedback welcome, sign-off

Overview: Stacey and JR review the sci-fi comedy Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, comparing it to their previous review of Wuthering Heights. They break down the film's budget, box office performance, critical reception, and share their spoiler-free takes.

Key Topics:

• Box Office vs. Budget: $20M budget, only ~$8–9M worldwide box office
• Critical Reception: 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67/100 on Metacritic, B from CinemaScore
• Comparison to Wuthering Heights: Despite a much smaller box office, Good Luck scored significantly higher with critics than Wuthering Heights (57% RT, $221M box office on an $80M budget)
• Genre: Sci-fi comedy with elements of horror, action, and drama — compared to Scary Movie vibes and the indie feel of Everything Everywhere All at Once
• Spoiler-Free Impressions: JR calls it a future cult classic; Stacey says it kept her engaged and giggling. Both recommend it.
• Viewing Tips: Pay close attention to the opening 5 minutes and all diner scenes. "Don't worry about a damn piece of pie."
• Double Feature Weekend: Watched back-to-back with Wuthering Heights on Friday the 13th weekend — both left them wanting more.

Call to Action: Watch both Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die and Wuthering Heights, then comment which one you preferred.

Hosts: JR Sparrow & Stacey Sparrow Guest Intro: King Jerm (Poddin' Saved Our Marriage)

This Week's Review: Hoppers (Disney/Pixar, 2026)

This week JR Sparrow flies solo to review Pixar's latest animated feature, Hoppers — currently the 4th highest-grossing film of 2026with a $375 million box office haul on a $150 million budget.

What's it about? Hoppers follows Mabel Tanaka, a young girl raised near a forest by her grandmother, who becomes deeply connected to nature and wildlife. When Mabel is transformed into a beaver, she finds herself navigating a world of animal kingdoms — insects, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and birds — each with their own rulers, agendas, and comedy. The film tackles themes of government, environmental activism, neglect, and loss, wrapped in stunning Pixar animation.

Director: Daniel Chung End Credits Song: Save the Day by Scissor

Critical Reception:

• Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
• Metacritic: 73/100 (based on 46 critics)
• CinemaScore: A
• RogerEbert.com (Neil Minow): ★★★★ — "Pixar at its very best"

JR's Take: A well-crafted, thoughtful film that demands your full attention from the start. The plot twists are earned, the ensemble voice cast is stellar, and the writing subverts villain expectations in a refreshing way. Best suited for teens and adults, though younger kids will enjoy the humor and colorful animal characters. Features a standout performance from Meryl Streep.

2026 Box Office Rankings (as of April 28):

1. Super Mario Galaxy
2. Pegasus 3
3. Project Hail Mary
4. Hoppers
5. Weathering Heights

Find us on Threads — drop your takes, requests, and what movies you want covered next!

Sparrows Under Review — every take is examined, nothing escapes the spotlight. Follow Poddin' Saved Our Marriage with King Jerm — new episodes every Friday

JR Sparrow flies solo this week to break down the growing cinematic universe built around bestselling author Colleen Hoover — aka the "CoHo Movie Universe." With over 26 books and a built-in audience supercharged by BookTok, Hoover's work has attracted major Hollywood studios including Sony, Paramount, Universal, and Amazon MGM.

In this episode:

• How TikTok's BookTok community turned Colleen Hoover into a publishing phenomenon — and made her irresistible to Hollywood
• A rundown of the four CoHo films: It Ends With Us, Regretting You, Reminders of Him, and the upcoming Verity
• Box office breakdown: It Ends With Us ($35M), Regretting You ($90M), Reminders of Him ($88M on a $25M budget)
• Why critics gave Reminders of Him mixed reviews — and why JR disagrees
• JR's personal ranking of the CoHo films and why Reminders of Him might be the best entry point for new viewers
• What Colleen Hoover's hands-on involvement means for the franchise's future

JR's Take: Reminders of Him tells a grounded, realistic story about redemption, community, and second chances — themes that resonate far beyond the romance genre. Don't let the critic scores fool you.

Subscribe & Listen: 🎙️ Search Sparrows UnderReview Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes dropping regularly — don't miss Stacey's return next week.

Stacey and Jr. Sparrow sit down with King Jerm to review a 2026 thriller directed by Sam Raimi, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. Jr. calls it his top film of the first quarter of 2026 — a suspenseful, twist-filled ride that kept him on the edge of his seat. Stacey came in for Rachel McAdams and left with a lot to say about the film's morally complex lead character.

What We Cover:

• First impressions and why this film was on Jr.'s radar early
• Sam Raimi's filmography and how this film compares to his usual style (think Evil Dead, Drag Me to Hell, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness)
• Stacey's "you go, girl" reaction to the main character's big reveal
• The moment Stacey says the character went too far — and what she would have done differently
• The subtle clues you might miss on a first watch (and why Jr. wants to rewatch it)
• Comparisons to M. Night Shyamalan's Old and other suspense films from recent years

By the Numbers:

• Budget: $40 million
• Box Office: $90.4 million
• Rotten Tomatoes: 93% positive
• Metacritic: 75/100
• CinemaScore: B+

The Verdict: A well-earned B+ in the hosts' book — with Jr. ready to rewatch for hidden clues and Stacey impressed by the lead's calculated, survivor-mentality performance.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Sparrows Under Review, Jr and Stacey complete their trilogy review with The Strangers: Chapter 3. After loving Chapter 1, being disappointed by Chapter 2, they discuss whether the final installment delivers a satisfying conclusion—or leaves them wanting more.

📽️ The Trilogy Experience

• All three films were shot in 2022 as one production, then released over multiple years
• Chapter 1: 2024 release, grossed $48M
• Chapter 2: 2025 release, grossed $22M
• Chapter 3: Released January 15th, grossed only $9.2M
• Production budget: ~$8.5M for all three films combined

🎬 Chapter 3 Breakdown

• Maya is the sole survivor from previous chapters
• One of the Strangers has been killed
• The sheriff's backstory is revealed
• Ending is divisive: provides closure on the history but execution was disappointing

⭐ Final Verdict

• Jr's Rating: 100% dumpster juice as a standalone film
• Recommendation: Watch all three movies as a trilogy in one sitting (4.5-5 hours total)
• Certified as a "Sparrow Under Review trilogy" - enshrined in the show's legacy
• Not recommended as a standalone watch

💡 Viewer Challenge What would you change about the ending to make it better? Let us know in the comments!

Key Discussion Points

📽️ The Trilogy Experience

• All three films were shot in 2022 as one production, then released over multiple years
• Chapter 1: 2024 release, grossed $48M
• Chapter 2: 2025 release, grossed $22M
• Chapter 3: Released January 15th, grossed only $9.2M
• Production budget: ~$8.5M for all three films combined

🎬 Chapter 3 Breakdown

• Maya is the sole survivor from previous chapters
• One of the Strangers has been killed
• The sheriff's backstory is revealed
• Ending is divisive: provides closure on the history but execution was disappointing

⭐ Final Verdict

• Jr's Rating: 100% dumpster juice as a standalone film
• Recommendation: Watch all three movies as a trilogy in one sitting (4.5-5 hours total)
• Certified as a "Sparrow Under Review trilogy" - enshrined in the show's legacy
• Not recommended as a standalone watch

💡 Viewer Challenge What would you change about the ending to make it better? Let us know in the comments!

JR Sparrow, Stacey, and King Jerm sit down fresh off opening weekend to give their take on The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Galaxy — and they've got a lot to say.

What's Covered:

• The hosts' history with the Super Mario franchise — owning every game but skipping a few
• Their opening weekend theater experience at Regal Theater in Nitro, WV (sold-out Yoshi buckets, uncomfortable seats, and a spot on the screen)
• A spoiler-light breakdown of the film's plot, pacing (98 min), and how it sets up a larger Nintendo cinematic universe
• Easter eggs and callbacks to Super Mario 2 — including the villain Wart (voiced by Luis Guzmán)
• The surprise appearance of Star Fox / Fox McCloud (voiced by Glenn Powell Jr.)
• Donald Glover as a surprisingly ruthless Yoshi
• Returning cast: Chris Pratt (Mario), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), Brie Larson (Princess Rosalina)
• The mid/post-credits scene — don't leave early!
• Critical reception breakdown: Rotten Tomatoes 41%, Metacritic 36/100 vs. CinemaScore A- and PostTrak 79%
• Box office: $110M budget vs. $122.1M opening weekend haul (and counting)
• Should you see Movie 1 first? JR and Stacey debate it

The Verdict: A fun, fast, family-friendly film that serves as a bridge to a larger Nintendo universe. Critics may be harsh, but audiences are showing up — and the hosts recommend you do too.

Stay until the END of the credits.

Episode: The Movie That Defined Our Pandemic (Unhinged Review) Hosts: JR Sparrow & Stacey Sparrow, with intro by King Jerm Duration: ~13 minutes

JR and Stacey dive into their all-time favorite pandemic movie: Russell Crowe's "Unhinged." This road rage thriller became the couple's go-to film during COVID, and they explore why this underrated movie resonates so deeply with anyone who's ever experienced frustration on the road. The conversation spirals into hilarious and relatable rants about driving pet peeves, West Virginia road rules, and their own "unhinged" moments behind the wheel.

• Why they love it: Raw emotion, compelling story, Russell Crowe's intense performance
• Pandemic comfort film: Watched it 2-3 times together, plus multiple viewings with Stacey's dad
• Where to watch: Currently streaming on Tubi (free)
• The premise: Road rage thriller that taps into universal driving frustrations

• Left lane etiquette: Should only be used for passing or going 5-10+ mph over the speed limit
• The honking debate: When is it appropriate to honk at a green light?
• Semi-truck frustrations: Especially on hills in mountainous areas
• West Virginia driving culture: Local knowledge of roads, potholes, and coal truck safety

• JR admits he makes his own driving rules (just like Russell Crowe's character)
• Stacey relates to both the angry driver AND the person being honked at
• Multiple road trip horror stories across the US (Florida, Savannah, Indianapolis)
• The couple's upcoming Buc-ee's trips in Ohio

"Any person that's ever gotten in a vehicle and someone has disobeyed one of your driving laws... you have experienced Unhinged." - JR

"Drive in the right lane if you cannot afford a speeding ticket." - Stacey

"If you're in Southern West Virginia... you give leeway to the coal truck or you will die." - JR

"The speed limit in West Virginia is 70 everywhere. Or 90." - JR & Stacey

Rating: Favorite couple's movie of all time Rewatchability: Infinite (it could be a TNT movie on repeat) Who should watch: Anyone who's ever been frustrated by another driver

• Follow them: Find Sparrows Under Review on Facebook
• Share your stories: What's the craziest thing you've experienced or seen on the road?
• New episodes: Every Friday on any DSP (Digital Streaming Platform)

• Strong language throughout
• Road rage themes
• Passionate discussions about driving

Produced by: Sparrows Under Review "Every take is examined and nothing escapes the spotlight"

Episode SummaryKey Topics DiscussedThe Movie: Unhinged (2020)Driving Pet Peeves & Road RulesRelatable MomentsNotable QuotesHosts' VerdictCall to ActionContent Warnings

Hosts: JR Sparrow & Stacey Sparrow | Intro by: King Germ

JR and Stacey catch a surprise release of Scream 7 while JR recovers at the Cleveland Clinic. They break down the franchise's goriest installment yet — from the brutal Sabrina Carpenter lookalike opening to Courteney Cox and Matthew Lillard's returns — and debate whether the low critic scores are fair for a movie that pulled in $179M at the box office.

• 0:00 — Intro
• 0:28 — Welcome & Background
• 1:14 — First Impressions & Gore Factor
• 4:52 — Stacey's Take
• 6:07 — Box Office & Budget
• 7:39 — Critic Scores & Ratings
• 8:36 — The Scream Franchise Legacy
• 10:01 — Final Verdict & Recommendations
• 10:29 — Outro

Episode Summary: JR and Stacey review the 2026 Warner Brothers adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel Wuthering Heights. Recorded from a hospital room in West Virginia, the couple shares their candid takes on the film's visuals, storytelling, soundtrack, and character development.

Key Topics:

• Recording Update: JR has been hospitalized for several days; the couple set up a projector in the hospital to keep the show going.
• 3-Year Anniversary: Congratulations to the podcast for reaching its 3-year milestone (March 12th).
• Movie Review — Wuthering Heights (2026):
• Twilight Connection: Stacey ties in a reference to Bella's mention of the Wuthering Heights book in the Twilight series.