Sparrow Under Review

Episode Description: JR and Stacey dive into their review of "The Housemaid" (December 2025), a psychological thriller that kept them hooked until the final twist. This suspenseful film explores domestic violence and mental abuse through the lens of a gripping narrative featuring an all-star cast.

🎬 Movie Details:

• Film: The Housemaid (2025)
• Director: Spencer (from 1923)
• Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar
• Production: Hidden Pictures, Pretty Dangerous Pictures
• Distributor: Lionsgate
• Budget: $35 million
• Box Office: $386 million
• Status: Sequel in development with Sydney Sweeney set to return

⭐ Critical Reception:

• Rotten Tomatoes: 74% positive
• Metacritic: 65/100
• CinemaScore: B
• PostTrak: 84% overall positive

Introduction & Setup (0:00-2:30)

• Welcome to Sparrows Under Review
• March episode format announcement
• Why they chose The Housemaid

Movie Discussion (2:30-8:00)

• Initial confusion with "The Handmaid's Tale"
• How they discovered the film through friends
• Viewing experience and first impressions
• Sydney Sweeney as "this generation's Julia Roberts"

Content Warnings & Themes (8:00-10:30)

• Domestic violence and psychological abuse themes
• Importance of viewer sensitivity
• The film's gripping, suspenseful nature
• Real-life parallels to the fictional story

Character Analysis (10:30-12:00)

• Portrayal of sociopaths and psychopaths
• The charming villain archetype
• Amanda Seyfried's "gangster" performance
• Perfect casting across all three leads

Budget & Box Office Analysis (12:00-15:00)

• Discussion of the $35 million budget
• Debate about whether actor salaries are included
• Minimal special effects needed
• Impressive $386 million box office return

Final Thoughts (15:00-End)

• Comparison to Lifetime/TNT thriller movies
• Perfect for spring break viewing
• Where to follow their reviews (Letterboxd, Instagram, Threads)
• Shoutouts to international listeners (Ghana, Netherlands, USA)

✅ Highly Recommended - A must-watch psychological thriller with masterful plot twists ✅ Strong Performances - All three leads deliver compelling performances ✅ Handle With Care - Contains sensitive content regarding domestic violence and psychological abuse ✅ Box Office Success - Exceeded expectations with nearly $400 million worldwide ✅ Sequel Confirmed - Development underway with Sydney Sweeney returning

• 📱 Instagram Stories for ratings
• 🎬 Letterboxd for detailed reviews
• 💬 Threads for discussions
• 🎙️ New episodes every Friday on all DSPs

"It paints a sociopath and a psychopath. The loving God, the guy with all the charm, he can whip anybody off their feet and literally whip them off their feet." - JR Sparrow

Next Episode: More movie reviews coming your way!

Sparrows Under Review: Where every take is examined and nothing escapes the spotlight. Movies, food, relationships, and culture put under the microscope with bold opinions and real perspective.

Show Highlights:Episode Timestamps & Topics:Key Takeaways:Connect With Sparrows Under Review:Quote of the Episode:

Episode Summary

JR and Stacey review Predator: Badlands, the seventh installment in the Predator franchise. The discussion covers the film's unique storytelling approach, its connection to the Alien franchise through the Waylon-Yutani corporation, and whether it's accessible to newcomers.

• Release Date: November 7, 2024
• Budget: $105 million
• Box Office: $184.3 million
• Notable Cast: Elle Fanning (Dakota Fanning's younger sister) as an Android
• Franchise Position: 7th installment, follows Prey (2022)
• Related Content: Ties to Predators: Killer of Killers (2025 animated film) and Marvel comic book series

Unique Perspective

• Film tells story from the Predator's point of view
• Shows internal power struggles among Predators
• Explores conflict with Waylon-Yutani corporation

Franchise Connections

• Bridges Alien and Predator universes through Waylon-Yutani
• References to Alien vs. Predator films
• Comparison to Alien: Romulus (2024) - budget $80M, earned $350M

Accessibility for New Viewers

• JR considers it an easy entry point for sci-fi newcomers
• Similar to Alien: Romulus in being newcomer-friendly
• Can be enjoyed without seeing previous films

• Important: The hosts watched a version without English subtitles for the Predator's alien language, which significantly impacted Stacey's viewing experience
• Proper version includes English subtitles for full comprehension

JR Sparrow:

• Enthusiastic about the film
• Appreciates the world-building and Waylon-Yutani connections
• Would recommend to sci-fi newcomers
• Rates it worthy of his "sci-fi catalog"

Stacey Sparrow:

• Admits to only half-watching due to language barrier
• Interested in rewatching with proper subtitles
• Plans to watch the entire Alien/Predator franchise from the beginning
• Recalls enjoying Alien: Romulus in theaters (August 2024)

Watch if you like:

• Tension and atmosphere
• Predator as an actual threat
• Science fiction world-building

Skip if you want:

• Constant explosions
• Frequent jokes
• Fast-paced action without substance

• Prey (2022) - Previous Predator film, mentioned as must-watch
• Alien: Romulus (2024) - Comparable in accessibility
• Predators: Killer of Killers (2025) - Animated companion piece

Sparrows Under Review - Available on all major podcast platforms
Sister Show: Pod and Saved Our Marriage with King Jerm and Queen Jerm - New episodes every Friday

Key Discussion PointsMovie OverviewMain Themes DiscussedTechnical NoteHosts' PerspectivesRecommendationsRelated ViewingPodcast Information

pisode Description: Join JR Sparrow and Stacey Sparrow as they dive into two iconic films from the '80s and '90s: Top Gun (1986) and Twister (1996). The hosts share their nostalgic memories, discuss the cultural impact of these movies, and debate where they rank in their all-time favorites. From Tom Cruise's career-defining role to Bill Paxton's tornado-chasing adventure, this episode celebrates the movies that shaped a generation.

[0:00 - 0:40] - Introduction & Podcast Promo

• King Jerm introduces "Pod and Saved Our Marriage" podcast
• JR and Stacey set up the episode theme: movies from 1986-1996

[0:40 - 2:18] - Top Gun: The Crown Jewel of 1986

• Discussion of Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer's collaboration
• Top Gun's impact on Tom Cruise's career
• Stacey shares her family's love for the film

[2:18 - 4:22] - Top Gun's Cinematic Excellence

• Why Top Gun does "everything you need in a movie"
• Comparison to Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
• The 36-year gap between films

[4:22 - 6:47] - Top Gun's Legacy & Cultural Impact

• Film preservation at the Library of Congress
• How Top Gun paved the way for long-awaited sequels
• Miles Teller's role connecting generations

[6:47 - 8:07] - Personal Memories & Re-releases

• JR's experience seeing Top Gun in 3D
• Why this is a must-watch film for anyone

[8:07 - 9:45] - Box Office & Critical Reception

• Budget: $13-15 million, Box Office: $357.4 million
• Highest-grossing film of 1986 worldwide
• Rotten Tomatoes: 59%, Metacritic: 50/100, CinemaScore: A

[9:45 - 10:25] - Personal Rankings & Wrap-up

• Stacey: Top 5 movie
• JR: Top 10 movie

[10:25 - 11:09] - Twister Introduction

• Featuring Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, and Kathleen Kennedy
• Michael Crichton's involvement

[11:09 - 13:18] - Twister: A Defining Tornado Movie

• JR's first DVD and theater experience
• The cultural significance of tornado films
• The device named "Dorothy"

[13:18 - 14:47] - Twister's Box Office Success

• Budget: $88-92 million, Box Office: $499.2 million
• Discussion of theatrical release windows in the '90s

[14:47 - 15:45] - Critical Reception & Cast

• Rotten Tomatoes: 67%, Metacritic: 68/100, CinemaScore: A-
• Shout-out to Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride)

[15:45 - 16:48] - Final Thoughts & Wrap-up

• Stacey: Twister is in her top 3 movies
• Jamie Gertz's notable appearance
• Closing remarks

Timestamps & Show Notes:

Episode Summary: JR and Stacey dive into the Colleen Hoover adaptation "Regretting You," discussing the film's quiet release, impressive box office performance, and why the critical response might be unfairly harsh. They explore the cast, compare it to other Hoover adaptations, and debate whether this movie deserved better ratings than it received.

Key Discussion Points:

• How JR accidentally picked this thinking it was a rom-com (spoiler: it's not)
• Stacey's initial theory about the plot twist vs. what actually happened
• The film's marketing strategy and quiet theatrical release
• Box office success: $30M budget → $90.5M worldwide gross
• Critical reception disparity: 28% Rotten Tomatoes vs. B CinemaScore
• Cast highlights: McKenna Grace, Mason Thames, and Dave Franco
• Comparisons to "It Ends With Us" and the Colleen Hoover cinematic universe
• Why this generation's Colleen Hoover is like previous generations' Danielle Steel
• The impact of cancel culture on critical reviews

Box Office & Reception:

• Budget: $30 million
• Box Office: $90.5 million worldwide
• Rotten Tomatoes: 28%
• Metacritic: 33/100
• CinemaScore: B

Hosts' Verdict: Both hosts disagree with the harsh critical scores, with Stacey suggesting it deserved at least 75%. JR argues the negative reviews stem from backlash against the first Hoover adaptation rather than the film's actual quality.

Shout Outs:

• Paramount Pictures
• Half Price Books & McKay's used bookstores
• King Jerm's podcast "Podddin Saved Our Marriage"

JR and Stacey dive into the 1996 classic Space Jam, exploring Michael Jordan's iconic collaboration with Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes gang. They discuss the cultural impact of the film, its legendary soundtrack, and how it became a defining moment in 90s pop culture. The Sparrows share personal memories of seeing the movie, debate its critical reception, and compare it to the 2021 sequel with LeBron James.

• Release Context: Space Jam premiered in 1996 during Michael Jordan's return to the NBA following his father's death in 1993 and brief baseball career
• Production Background: The film grew out of two Super Bowl commercials MJ did with Bugs Bunny in 1992-93, directed by Spike Lee
• Cast & Crew: Featured voice actor Billy West as Bugs Bunny, Wayne Knight (Newman from Seinfeld), and Bill Murray in a memorable cameo
• Animation Style: Compared to other live-action/animation hybrids like Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Cool World
• Box Office: Held the record as highest-grossing basketball film until 2022

• Commercial Success: Went 6x Platinum
• Iconic Tracks:
• Cultural Impact: The soundtrack became as legendary as the film itself, with "I Believe I Can Fly" serving as an inspirational anthem across sports and beyond

• JR's Experience: Saw the movie at River Ridge Mall (not the dollar theater), remembers the hype around the PlayStation game
• Cultural Moment: The film represented a unique crossover of sports, animation, and music that defined mid-90s entertainment

• Metacritic: 59/100
• Rotten Tomatoes: 43%
• CinemaScore: A-
• Critics' Consensus: "Silly Looney Tunes-laden slapstick and vivid animation will leave younger viewers satisfied, though accompanying adults may be more annoyed than entertained"
• Hosts' Take: Both hosts felt critics couldn't separate the movie from Michael Jordan's real-life controversies and politics

• Brief Comparison: The LeBron James sequel was poorly received by the hosts
• Notable Difference: The original sold a video game; the sequel gave the game away for free
• Verdict: The original remains superior

"I believe I Can Fly became the biggest song across regular radio, Christian radio, wherever. People still sing it today." - JR

"I feel like they weren't able to separate the sport in the movie." - Stacey (on the 43% Rotten Tomatoes score)

"Michael Jordan sold a video game. They gave the game away for free with the LeBron movie." - JR

JR's Rating: Top 100 movie (not quite top 20 or 50, but holds a special place in his catalog)

Overall Take: A fun, nostalgic film that successfully blended sports, animation, and music into a cultural phenomenon. While critics were mixed, the movie resonated with audiences and created lasting memories for 90s kids.

New episodes drop every Friday on all major podcast platforms. King Jerm and Queen Germ also host episodes showcasing how "pod and saved our marriage."

Note: The hosts acknowledge R. Kelly's legal issues while recognizing "I Believe I Can Fly" as an undeniably impactful song from the era.

Key Topics DiscussedThe MovieThe SoundtrackPersonal MemoriesCritical ReceptionSpace Jam: A New Legacy (2021)Memorable QuotesFinal VerdictConnect with Pod and Saved Our Marriage

Episode Summary

JR and Stacey Sparrow share their excitement for the upcoming Lexington Comic and Toy Convention (March 26-29, 2026) at Central Bank Center. They discuss why this is their favorite convention, share memorable experiences from past years, highlight some of the celebrity guests, and offer tips for first-time attendees.

Convention Details

• Event dates: March 26-29, 2026
• Location: Central Bank Center, Lexington
• Why it's their favorite Comic-Con

Memorable Experiences

• The Cat Magic game story - meeting the creator and winning the game
• Evolution of their convention experience over the years
• First year: overwhelming
• Second year: more comfortable and social, won multiple games
• Third year: fully prepared

What Makes This Convention Special

• Inclusive atmosphere with no judgment
• Something for everyone: anime, video games, books, comics
• Amazing cosplay from all fandoms
• Supportive volunteers and staff
• Game room experiences

Celebrity Guests Announced

• Christopher Lloyd
• Randy Quaid
• Jamie King (My Name is Earl)
• Kane (professional wrestler)
• Patrick Warburton (Joe from Family Guy, Kronk from Emperor's New Groove)
• John Schneider (Dukes of Hazard)
• Zach Gilford (Criminal Minds)
• Giancarlo Esposito (Better Call Saul, Far Cry 6)
• EG Daily (voice of Tommy Pickles, Buttercup from Powerpuff Girls)

Tips for Attendees

• Don't focus solely on celebrity guests - the experience is the real draw
• Get tickets at lexingtoncomiccon.com
• Expect long autograph lines - arrive early or be patient
• Consider purchasing fast passes for quicker access
• Look for convention rules if you're a first-timer
• Collect ribbons for your name badge - WV Uncommon Place and Sparrows on the Review will have ribbons this year
• Remember: schedule changes happen, don't blame the staff

• All volunteers, staff, and security at Lexington Comic Con
• The Inner Geek (Ashland and Huntington locations)
• King Jerm and the "Pod and Saved Our Marriage" podcast

• Find JR and Stacey at the convention to collect their ribbons
• Listen to "Sparrows on the Review" podcast
• Check out "Pod and Saved Our Marriage" (Fridays on all DSPs)

Key Topics & TimestampsShout OutsConnect

Description: Join JR Sparrow and Stacey Sparrow as they kick off a new monthly series revisiting classic (and not-so-classic) films from 1986! In this episode, they dive into the infamous "Howard the Duck"—the first Marvel theatrical release since 1944 and a movie often cited as one of the worst ever made. Hear about JR’s excitement over his first 4K UHD experience, Stacey’s deep-dive into the Golden Raspberry Awards, and the duo’s hilarious reactions to the film’s cringe-worthy moments, animatronics, and unexpected cast.

Highlights:

• The story behind buying an 80-inch TV and discovering 4K movies
• Why "Howard the Duck" is both terrible and oddly entertaining
• Fun facts about the Golden Raspberry Awards (the “Razzies”)
• Marvel movie history and the film’s connection to George Lucas
• Notable cast members: Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins
• Animatronics nostalgia and 80s movie magic
• Listener call-to-action: Suggest your favorite 1986 movies for future throwback reviews!

Connect: Follow the Sparrows on Facebook at "Sparrows Under Review" and let them know which 1986 movie they should review next!

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Stacey and JR Sparrow dive into the 2025 adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Running Man.” They discuss the film’s origins, its connection to the 1982 novel and the original Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, and how the new version stacks up. The conversation covers box office numbers, the impact of streaming, and the role of Glen Powell and the supporting cast. The hosts also explore the broader Stephen King universe, including tie-ins to “Welcome to Derry” and other King works set in Maine.

Key Topics:

• Introduction and guest plug: King Jerm from “Pod and Saved Our Marriage”
• The legacy of Edgar Wright and Glen Powell’s rising star
• Comparing the 1987 original “The Running Man” to the 2025 adaptation
• Box office vs. streaming success: Is the new film a hit or a miss?
• Stephen King’s influence and the interconnected universe of his stories
• Character development and storytelling critiques
• Easter eggs and references for King fans
• “Welcome to Derry” and how it ties into the King multiverse
• Recommendations for other Stephen King adaptations and related series

Notable Quotes:

• “This movie will live on in streaming infamy.”
• “The supporting cast made this movie, but this was not Glen Powell’s defining role.”
• “If you’re a Stephen King fan, you’ll catch the Easter eggs and connections to his other works.”

Listener Engagement:

• Leave a comment and follow “Sparrows Under Review” on Facebook.
• Check out “Pod and Saved Our Marriage” for more great podcast content.

Where to Watch:

• “The Running Man” (2025) is available on Paramount+
• “Welcome to Derry” and “IT” series on HBO Max

Thank you for tuning in!

Movie plot analysis offers a fascinating lens through which to explore the intricate tapestry of narratives, characters, and themes that make films compelling and memorable. Jr Sparrow views this process as a means to connect with characters by relating their experiences to his own life, appreciating when movies strike a balance between humor and realism. His perspective is shaped by a preference for engaging and entertaining storytelling, emphasizing the role of good casting in determining a film's resonance and recommendation value. Stacey Sparrow, on the other hand, approaches movie analysis with an eye for relatable and timely storytelling, focusing on films that reflect contemporary issues and trends. Her background suggests a penchant for impactful narratives that fit comfortably within her busy schedule, often giving priority to standout films during leisurely breaks. Both perspectives underscore the significance of engaging storytelling and well-executed elements like casting and humor in movie plot analysis.

00:01:21) John Wick's Angelic Transformation in Film

(00:04:45) Guardian Angel's Influence on Gig Worker

(00:10:24) Target Audience Impact o(n Box Office Success

Episode Summary: Welcome to a special New Year’s episode! JR and Stacy are joined by friends to kick off 2026 with a deep dive into the most anticipated movies of the year, pop culture trends, and a few personal favorites. From superhero blockbusters to animated classics and unexpected sequels, the crew covers it all with their signature banter and honest takes.

Key Topics Discussed:

• 2026 Movie Releases: The hosts run through a comprehensive list of upcoming films, including "The Odyssey," "Supergirl," "Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," "Coyote vs. Acme," "The Legend of Aang," "Toy Story 5," "Street Fighter," "Scream 7," "Evil Dead Burn," "The Devil Wears Prada 2," "Ready or Not 2," "Moana (Live Action)," "Greenland 2: Migration," "The Strangers: Chapter 3," "Terrifier 4," "Dune: Messiah," "The Drama" (starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson), "The Sheep Detectives," "Super Mario Galaxy," "Faulker and Law," "Angry Birds 3," "Watchdogs," "The Cat in the Hat," "Matchbox," "Jumanji 4," "Hoppers," "Violent Night 2," "Verity," "Reminders of Him," "Star Wars: Mandalorian & Baby Yoda," "Goat It," "Mortal Kombat 2," "Trek 5," "Avengers: Doomsday," "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," "Lilo & Stitch (Live Action)," "Billie Eilish Concert Movie," "Scary Movie 6," "Michael Jackson Biopic," "I Can Only Imagine 2," "Hamnet," and "28 Days Later" sequel.
• Sequels & Nostalgia: The team debates the merits of long-running franchises like "Toy Story," "Scream," and "Evil Dead," and whether sequels can still capture the magic.
• Animated & Family Films: Highlights include new entries in beloved series and adaptations, such as "The Cat in the Hat" and "Super Mario Galaxy."
• Video Game Adaptations: Discussion of upcoming movies based on games like "Street Fighter," "Watchdogs," and "Angry Birds."
• Personal Picks & Hot Takes: Each host shares their most anticipated films and a few that left them skeptical.
• Pop Culture Moments: Shoutouts to returning stars (Meryl Streep in "Devil Wears Prada 2"), music crossovers (Billie Eilish), and more.

Listener Engagement:

• What 2026 movie are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments or on Facebook at Sparrows Under Review.
• Follow the show on Threads and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Closing: Thanks for tuning in to this extra-long kickoff episode for 2026! Stay subscribed for more movie reviews, pop culture discussions, and fun throughout the year.