Sparrow's Under Review

Stacey Sparrow
  • 4.8 (9)
  • 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. Remarkably Bright Creatures

    1d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Hoppers 2026 Pixar Review: Plot Twists, Box Office Numbers & Bold Opinions | Sparrows Under Review

    May 5

    Hoppers 2026 Pixar Review: Plot Twists, Box Office Numbers & Bold Opinions | Sparrows Under Review

    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: ARogerEbert.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): Super Mario GalaxyPegasus 3Project Hail MaryHoppersWeathering HeightsFind 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

    13 min
  6. The CoHo Movie Universe: A Deep Dive into Colleen Hoover's Film Adaptations

    Apr 28

    The CoHo Movie Universe: A Deep Dive into Colleen Hoover's Film Adaptations

    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 HollywoodA rundown of the four CoHo films: It Ends With Us, Regretting You, Reminders of Him, and the upcoming VerityBox 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 disagreesJR's personal ranking of the CoHo films and why Reminders of Him might be the best entry point for new viewersWhat Colleen Hoover's hands-on involvement means for the franchise's futureJR'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.

    12 min
  7. Send Help – No Seriously, We Need It

    Apr 21

    Send Help – No Seriously, We Need It

    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 earlySam 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 revealThe moment Stacey says the character went too far — and what she would have done differentlyThe 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 yearsBy the Numbers: Budget: $40 millionBox Office: $90.4 millionRotten Tomatoes: 93% positiveMetacritic: 75/100CinemaScore: 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.

    10 min
  8. The Strangers: Chapter 3 – Terrifying or Tired? Our Honest Take

    Apr 14

    The Strangers: Chapter 3 – Terrifying or Tired? Our Honest Take

    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 yearsChapter 1: 2024 release, grossed $48MChapter 2: 2025 release, grossed $22MChapter 3: Released January 15th, grossed only $9.2MProduction budget: ~$8.5M for all three films combined🎬 Chapter 3 Breakdown Maya is the sole survivor from previous chaptersOne of the Strangers has been killedThe sheriff's backstory is revealedEnding is divisive: provides closure on the history but execution was disappointing⭐ Final Verdict Jr's Rating: 100% dumpster juice as a standalone filmRecommendation: 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 legacyNot 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 yearsChapter 1: 2024 release, grossed $48MChapter 2: 2025 release, grossed $22MChapter 3: Released January 15th, grossed only $9.2MProduction budget: ~$8.5M for all three films combined🎬 Chapter 3 Breakdown Maya is the sole survivor from previous chaptersOne of the Strangers has been killedThe sheriff's backstory is revealedEnding is divisive: provides closure on the history but execution was disappointing⭐ Final Verdict Jr's Rating: 100% dumpster juice as a standalone filmRecommendation: 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 legacyNot recommended as a standalone watch💡 Viewer Challenge What would you change about the ending to make it better? Let us know in the comments!

    13 min
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4.8
out of 5
9 Ratings

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
    172
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Stacey Sparrow
  • Show Website
    Sparrow's Under Review