Sparrow's Under Review

Stacey Sparrow
  • 4.5 (10)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Sparrows UnderReview, where hosts Stacey and JR dive deep into the world of movies, video games, and television, offering candid and honest reviews of everything under the sun. Stacey's unfiltered opinions paired with JR's logical insights create a perfect blend of thought, opinion, and common sense. Whether you're looking for the latest media critiques or timeless favorites revisited, Sparrows UnderReview is your go-to podcast for balanced and engaging reviews. Join us for thoughtful discussions and fresh perspectives on all things media, food , and books !!! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Is God Is

    4d ago

    Is God Is

    In this episode of Sparrows Under Review, JR Sparrow dive into Is God Is, the gripping revenge thriller written and directed by Aleshea Harris. Blending elements of Southern Gothic storytelling, dark comedy, and psychological drama, the film follows twin sisters on a haunting journey fueled by family trauma, vengeance, and long-buried secrets. JR and Stacey discuss the film's unique visual style, powerful performances, and the themes of identity, justice, and survival that drive the story forward. They explore whether the film's bold creative choices enhance the experience or leave audiences with more questions than answers. The story and themes behind Is God IsThe film's unique blend of genresCharacter development and standout performancesThe role of revenge in the narrativeCinematography, atmosphere, and directionWhat worked and what didn'tFinal ratings and recommendationsA fresh take on the revenge thriller genreStrong performances that anchor the storyMemorable visual storytelling and symbolismThought-provoking discussions about family, trauma, and redemptionDoes Is God Is deliver a satisfying revenge story, or does its ambitious storytelling get in its own way? Tune in to hear JR and Stacey's final thoughts and ratings. Have you seen Is God Is? What did you think of its story, performances, and ending? Let us know your thoughts and join the discussion. Follow Sparrows Under Review for more movie reviews, television discussions, and pop culture conversations. #SparrowsUnderReview #IsGodIs #MovieReview #FilmPodcast #MoviePodcast #MovieDiscussion #FilmReview #PopCulture #IndieFilm #RevengeThriller Topics CoveredHighlightsFinal VerdictJoin the Conversation

    6 min
  2. Michael

    Jun 30

    Michael

    Episode Summary JR and King Jerm of Pod & Saved Our Marriage sit down to review the 2026 Michael Jackson biographical film. JR, a lifelong MJ fan, breaks down the film's highs, its context in pop culture, and what viewers should keep in mind going in. Key Topics Covered Overview of the film's premise and runtime (127 minutes)Box office performance: $936.4M gross, 2nd highest-grossing film of 2026, 2nd highest-grossing biopic ever, and Lionsgate's all-time highest-grossing film (budget: $200M)Coverage of MJ's career arc — Jackson 5 through The Jacksons, Off the Wall, Thriller, and into Bad (up to ~1989)The film's portrayal of Joe Jackson's greed and how it limited MJ's potentialThe standout relationship between Michael and his bodyguardCritical takes: limited Diana Ross coverage, minimal The Wiz content, and a reportedly sanitized love lifeJR's recommended audience: MJ newcomers, curious fans, and anyone who enjoyed the Elvis biopicNow available on digital; physical release coming soonJR's Take Recommends the film, especially for those unfamiliar with MJ's legacy. Notes that while some details are fictionalized for entertainment, the film does justice to Michael Jackson and his impact. Encourages viewers to research beyond the movie. Where to Listen New episodes every Friday on all major streaming platforms (DSPs).

    7 min
  3. Stand by Me : Steven King Reexamined 40 years later

    Jun 23

    Stand by Me : Steven King Reexamined 40 years later

    Episode Summary JR, Stacey, and King Jerm put the 1986 classic Stand By Me under the microscope. Directed by Rob Reiner and based on Stephen King's novella The Body, the film follows four young boys on an adventure to find a dead body — and features a star-studded cast before they were stars. What We Covered The surprising Stephen King connection — and why JR didn't realize it until digging deeperHow the film fits into their ongoing series reviewing movies from 1986, 1996, and beyondStacey's honest take: she missed the opening and wasn't fully hooked, but would give it another watchThe iconic cast: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, and Kiefer SutherlandThe famous Ben E. King title track — and how neither host initially connected it to the movieBox office: $7.5–8M budget → $52M grossRatings: Rotten Tomatoes 88%, Metacritic 75/100, CinemaScore AStephen King himself called it the first successful film adaptation of his work, and one of his favorites alongside The Shawshank RedemptionBrownsville, Oregon hosts an annual Stand By Me Day on July 24th, complete with a pie-eating contest and outdoor screeningRatings Rotten Tomatoes: 88%Metacritic: 75/100CinemaScore: A

    11 min

  4. Jun 16

    TV vs Projector – Which One Is Actually Worth It?

    Choosing the right projector can greatly enhance your viewing experience, transforming your living space or outdoor setting into a personal theater. Jr Sparrow and Stacey Sparrow offer valuable perspectives on selecting a projector, drawing from their experiences and preferences. Jr Sparrow emphasizes the importance of balancing price with quality while tailoring the choice to fit personal needs and conducting thorough research. Meanwhile, Stacey focuses on the significance of image quality, connectivity options, and the projector’s adaptability to different environments, underscoring the need for a model that meets specific requirements. Both agree on the merits of the XGiMi projector, appreciating its affordability, advanced features, and versatility compared to other models like the Nebula. 00:02:54) Affordable Projector Options for Home Entertainment (00:05:11) XGME's Technological Superiority Over Nebula Projectors (00:10:04) Power-Based Stands Enhancing Projector Portability (00:12:25) High-End Soundcore Nebula P1 Projector Option

    16 min
  5. Remarkably Bright Creatures

    Jun 2

    Remarkably Bright Creatures

    Episode Summary: JR flies solo to review Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026), the Netflix mystery drama directed by Olivia Newman, based on Shelby Van Pelt's beloved novel. Starring Sally Field and Lewis Pullman, JR breaks down the story of Tova (a quiet aquarium cleaning lady), Cameron (a young drifter), and Marcellus the octopus — whose surprising intelligence ties their stories together. JR calls it one of the best straight-to-Netflix films he's ever seen and urges listeners to put the phone down and give it their full attention. Timestamped Show Notes: 0:05 — Cold open: JR teases Remarkably Bright Creatures and calls it the best movie of the year0:20 — Show intro by King Jerm / Pod Saved Our Marriage0:49 — JR welcomes listeners and introduces the solo episode1:20 — Film overview: cast (Sally Field, Lewis Pullman), Netflix release, subscription value2:01 — Production background: announced August 2024, CGI, Vancouver Aquarium2:37 — Rotten Tomatoes (81%) and Metacritic (47/100) scores; the film's twist3:10 — Why it demands your full attention; intro to Tova and Marcellus the octopus3:34 — Character breakdown: Cameron Casmore (Lewis Pullman), Ethan Mock (Colm Meaney)4:03 — Star Trek shoutout; O'Brien's romance with Sally Field4:31 — A-list and supporting cast dynamics; Netflix direct release4:52 — Slow start warning; payoff is worth the patience5:20 — Marcellus the octopus: escape attempts, touching characters, supernatural intelligence5:54 — How Tova and Cameron's stories interlock; no spoilers6:17 — JR's verdict: one of the best straight-to-Netflix films ever made6:43 — Thanks to listeners on Threads; solo episode format note7:20 — Call to action: like, subscribe, email, Threads, future Substack; sign-off

    8 min
  6. The Cable Guy Review – Jim Carrey’s Strangest Role?

    May 26

    The Cable Guy Review – Jim Carrey’s Strangest Role?

    Episode Description JR and Stacey dive into Ben Stiller's 1996 dark comedy "The Cable Guy" starring Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. This retro review examines how this psychologically twisted comedy holds up 30 years later, exploring its controversial humor, standout performances, and why it developed a cult following despite mixed critical reception. The Movie Overview Jim Carrey's extreme performance as an obsessive cable installerMatthew Broderick as the unwitting victim of an increasingly dangerous friendshipNotable cast: Jack Black (described as "skinny Jack Black"), Leslie Mann, Owen Wilson, Kathy Griffin, Andy Dick, and Ben StillerKey Themes Dark humor vs. sensitivity in modern contextThe evolution of comedy from 1996 to todayJim Carrey's acting range and how this film showcases his psycho-dramatic abilitiesHomoerotic undertones and obsessive relationshipsProduction & Reception Budget: $47 millionBox Office: $102.8 millionCritical reception: Mixed (56% Rotten Tomatoes, C+ CinemaScore)Roger Ebert called it the worst film of 1996Gene Siskel praised it as Carrey's best since The MaskDeveloped a cult following over timeOur Takes JR's perspective: The movie made him cringe, doesn't hold up to Carrey's classics like Ace Ventura or The Mask, but showcases a different acting abilityStacey's perspective: Enjoyed it for its time period, appreciated it as a standalone product, recognized Carrey's strong performance despite production limitations"This movie hurt my body... it made me cringe." - JR "If you're offended, don't watch it. Like that is not gonna hurt the producers, directors, or authors." - Stacey "A cable guy could be watching from anywhere." - JR While not Jim Carrey's best work, "The Cable Guy" serves as a time capsule of 1996 comedy and demonstrates Carrey's range beyond his typical comedic roles. Worth watching for those who appreciate dark humor and aren't easily offended. Tune in every Friday on any DSP (Digital Service Provider) Content Warning: This episode discusses a film with dark humor, mature themes, and content that may not be suitable for all audiences.

    12 min
  7. Project Hail Mary

    May 19

    Project Hail Mary

    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 directors0:20 — Show intro by King Jerm / Pod Saved Our Marriage0:48 — JR introduces the solo episode and Project Hail Mary1:21 — Box office & production overview: budget, cast, streaming release1:49 — Plot breakdown: Ryan Gosling as Raylan Grace, waking up alone in space2:16 — Introduction of Rocky, the alien companion3:11 — The one-way mission to save Earth; Grace and Rocky's shared goal3:58 — Cultural exchange between Grace and Rocky; the planetarium scene4:37 — Emotional depth: the alien develops human-like emotion and sacrifice5:09 — The feel-good quality that sets this film apart5:44 — JR's recommendation: open your senses and immerse yourself6:12 — Who can relate to Raylan Grace (teachers, loners, drifters)6:33 — Disclaimer: requires a good attention span; one of the best films of 20267:05 — JR's 2026 movie streak; looking ahead to the next review7:30 — Thanks to listeners; show charts milestone (Apple Film Review Top 200, 128+ days)7:56 — Outro: Connect on Threads, feedback welcome, sign-off

    8 min
  8. Rotten Tomatoes Said 83%, the Box Office Said Nah : The Good Luck , Have Fun, Don't die Movie Review

    May 12

    Rotten Tomatoes Said 83%, the Box Office Said Nah : The Good Luck , Have Fun, Don't die Movie Review

    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 officeCritical Reception: 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67/100 on Metacritic, B from CinemaScoreComparison 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 OnceSpoiler-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.

    12 min
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4.5
out of 5
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About

Welcome to Sparrows UnderReview, where hosts Stacey and JR dive deep into the world of movies, video games, and television, offering candid and honest reviews of everything under the sun. Stacey's unfiltered opinions paired with JR's logical insights create a perfect blend of thought, opinion, and common sense. Whether you're looking for the latest media critiques or timeless favorites revisited, Sparrows UnderReview is your go-to podcast for balanced and engaging reviews. Join us for thoughtful discussions and fresh perspectives on all things media, food , and books !!! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Stacey Sparrow
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    177
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Stacey Sparrow
  • Show Website
    Sparrow's Under Review