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.

Stacey and Jr present how cutting the cord has turned back into having cable without the cord but with the headache of never knowing what to watch .

Episode Description:
In this episode, Stacey and JR Sparrow dive into a candid review and discussion of the film "Die My Love," starring Robert Pattinson. The conversation covers personal stories, the film's release journey, psychological themes, and the impact of postpartum depression as depicted in the movie. The hosts share their unique perspectives, highlight key performances, and reflect on the importance of mental health awareness.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction & Robert Pattinson Obsession
  Stacey shares her long-standing fascination with Robert Pattinson and how it led to watching "Die My Love."

• 01:15 – Guest Promo: King Jerm
  King Jerm introduces his own podcast and encourages listeners to check it out.

• 02:45 – The Twilight Story & Movie Fandom
  Stacey recounts her Twilight journey, collecting memorabilia, and the nostalgia of early fandom.

• 04:30 – The Search for the Movie
  JR and Stacey discuss the challenges of finding "Die My Love" in theaters and the impact of boutique releases.

• 07:00 – Movie Release & Streaming Trends
  JR explains how movies are now released on various platforms and the process of preparing for movie nights.

• 09:00 – First Impressions & Psychological Drama
  The hosts share their initial thoughts on the film and its unique storytelling style.

• 12:00 – Navigating Confusion & Flashbacks
  Stacey and JR talk about the film’s use of flashbacks and how it can be confusing without context.

• 14:30 – Watching Experience & Anecdotes
  The duo reminisces about where and how they watched the movie, including some humorous delivery mishaps.

• 16:30 – Book Adaptation & Martin Scorsese’s Role
  Discussion about the film’s origins as a novel and Martin Scorsese’s involvement as a producer.

• 18:30 – Cast Highlights: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, Sissy Spacek
  The hosts highlight standout performances and fun casting connections.

• 22:00 – Thematic Deep Dive: Postpartum Depression
  A thoughtful conversation about the film’s portrayal of postpartum depression and its real-life implications.

• 25:00 – Character Relationships & Affairs
  Analysis of the main character’s relationships, infidelity, and the impact on her mental health.

• 28:00 – The Ending & Final Thoughts
  Reflections on the film’s conclusion, its message, and recommendations for viewers.

• 31:00 – Closing Remarks
  Stacey and JR wrap up the episode, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.

Connect with the Hosts:

• Stacey Sparrow
• JR Sparrow

Special Guest:

• King Jerm (Pod and Saved Our Marriage Podcast)

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 region
• 0:26 – Guest plug: King Jerm from "Pod and Saved Our Marriage"
• 0:38 – Meet the hosts: JR and Stacey introduce themselves
• 0:41 – Movie overview: "Kristy" and its focus on Christy Martin
• 1:05 – Initial impressions: Neither host is a boxing fan, but JR followed Christy’s career
• 2:42 – The film’s portrayal of Christy’s life and the addition of fictional elements
• 4:30 – Discussion of Christy’s mother and family dynamics
• 6:03 – Christy’s look and the stereotypes of the era
• 7:46 – Christy’s college years and the start of her boxing career
• 8:45 – Hiding her identity for success in boxing
• 9:28 – Christy’s career highlights: Don King, Mike Tyson undercard, Sports Illustrated cover
• 10:50 – Later career, struggles with addiction, and the fight with Laila Ali
• 12:18 – Critique of the movie’s time jumps and missing details
• 13:11 – The film’s handling of Christy’s losses and career record
• 14:56 – Final thoughts: The movie’s strengths, acting, and recommendations for viewers

Links & Recommendations:

• Watch "Christy" for an insightful look at Christy Martin’s life
• Read 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 & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction: Meet JR and Stacey, podcast setup, and episode overview
• 00:14 – 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 origins
• 01:57 – Why this movie? Holiday/Thanksgiving special, nostalgia, and comedy style
• 02:54 – Movie plot: Steve Martin’s character, shower curtain rings, and the setup
• 03:50 – The cab chase: Kevin Bacon cameo and New York City chaos
• 04:49 – Airport misadventures and meeting John Candy’s character
• 06:03 – Travel detours: From New York to Wichita, Kansas
• 07:10 – Realism and geography: Where should they have landed?
• 08:18 – The journey continues: Planes, trains, buses, rental cars, and a milk truck
• 09:47 – Watching the restored version: 4K, Apple TV, and nostalgia
• 11:05 – Emotional moments: Realizing the character’s loneliness
• 12:08 – Reflections on the film’s message and giving grace during the holidays
• 13:24 – Post-release info: 4K Blu-ray, deleted scenes, and John Candy’s legacy
• 14:45 – Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and CinemaScore
• 15:49 – Remake rumors: Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Drew Barrymore, Adam Sandler
• 17:00 – Casting ideas and comedic duos
• 18:10 – 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 theme
• 00:22 – Guest intro: King Germ from "Pod and Saved Our Marriage"
• 00:48 – Topic reveal: The dark side at Disney
• 01:05 – The Black Cauldron: First impressions and memories
• 02:04 – Why this movie? Jayo’s personal connection
• 02:17 – The film’s box office flop and historical context
• 03:24 – Production history: Delays, budget, and technology
• 04:36 – The last film at Disney’s original animation building
• 05:10 – The rise of Disney’s animation renaissance
• 06:00 – The first use of CGI in a Disney film
• 06:45 – What is CGI? Explaining the technology
• 07:30 – The film’s unique sound and PG rating
• 08:20 – Why was the PG rating significant?
• 09:00 – Controversial scenes and test screenings
• 09:50 – The impact of studio cuts on the story
• 10:30 – Storyline discussion: Characters and plot gaps
• 12:00 – The William H. Macy monkey and voice actors
• 13:00 – Comparing characters to TV actors
• 14:00 – Final thoughts: The film’s place in Disney history
• 14:45 – The legacy: Tim Burton, Pixar, and the Disney Renaissance
• 15:00 – Listener challenge: Share your Black Cauldron facts
• 15:30 – 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 Recap
  JR and Stacey reflect on their week and introduce the show.

• 00:11 – Special Guest: King Jerm
  King Jerm joins to promote his podcast and share thoughts on marriage and podcasting.

• 00:40 – Movie Introduction: Ruth Mann
  JR introduces the movie, sharing initial impressions and how they discovered it.

• 01:07 – Movie Trailer & First Impressions
  The hosts discuss how they came across the trailer and their expectations.

• 02:04 – True Story Origins
  Realization that the movie is based on true events and reactions to that fact.

• 03:34 – Plot Overview
  A breakdown of the movie’s story, focusing on the main character’s journey and challenges.

• 04:41 – Character Analysis & Turning Points
  Discussion about the protagonist’s background, motivations, and pivotal moments.

• 05:47 – The Role of Steve
  The impact of the character Steve and his advice to the protagonist.

• 06:53 – Movie Structure & Foreshadowing
  How the film’s narrative structure and foreshadowing affect the viewing experience.

• 07:57 – Final Act & Reflections
  The hosts reflect on the movie’s ending, lessons learned, and personal takeaways.

• 09:12 – Box Office & Critical Reception
  Budget, box office numbers, and critical scores from Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and CinemaScore.

• 12:06 – Closing Thoughts & Outro
  Final 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 intros
• 00:34 – Guest plug: "Pod and Saved Our Marriage" with King Germ
• 00:35 – Welcome to Sparrows Under Review: Meet JR and Stacy
• 01:10 – Black Phone timeline confusion & Mandela effect
• 02:03 – Wikipedia, movie facts, and supernatural themes
• 03:01 – Personal stories: Spencer, WV, and movie night mishaps
• 05:04 – Box office breakdown: Black Phone 1’s success
• 05:42 – Reviewing Black Phone 2: Plot setup and snowy Colorado
• 07:04 – Character analysis: Hope, her daughter, and dream sequences
• 07:21 – Prequel vs. sequel: How Black Phone 2 fits the story
• 07:50 – Overall thoughts: Supernatural thriller vibes, jump scares, and pacing
• 09:00 – Movie highlights: Dream within a dream, sleepwalking, and character perspectives
• 10:00 – Final verdict: Would you watch both movies back-to-back?
• 11:00 – Family reactions and who should (or shouldn’t) watch
• 14:00 – Outro: Where to find the podcast, social plugs, and goodbyes

Connect with the hosts:

• Spotify: Sparrows Under Review
• YouTube: Sparrows Under Review
• Threads: @SparrowsUnderReview