Sparrow's Under Review

Stacey Sparrow
  • 4.8 (8)
  • 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. Unhinged: Our Favorite Movie

    1D AGO

    Unhinged: Our Favorite Movie

    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 performancePandemic comfort film: Watched it 2-3 times together, plus multiple viewings with Stacey's dadWhere to watch: Currently streaming on Tubi (free)The premise: Road rage thriller that taps into universal driving frustrationsLeft lane etiquette: Should only be used for passing or going 5-10+ mph over the speed limitThe honking debate: When is it appropriate to honk at a green light?Semi-truck frustrations: Especially on hills in mountainous areasWest Virginia driving culture: Local knowledge of roads, potholes, and coal truck safetyJR 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 atMultiple 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 FacebookShare 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 throughoutRoad rage themesPassionate discussions about drivingProduced 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

    13 min
  2. Scream 7

    MAR 24

    Scream 7

    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 — Intro0:28 — Welcome & Background1:14 — First Impressions & Gore Factor4:52 — Stacey's Take6:07 — Box Office & Budget7:39 — Critic Scores & Ratings8:36 — The Scream Franchise Legacy10:01 — Final Verdict & Recommendations10:29 — Outro

    11 min
  3. Wuthering Heights... A Classic Turned Into A Masterpiece

    MAR 17

    Wuthering Heights... A Classic Turned Into A Masterpiece

    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.

    17 min
  4. The Housemaid

    MAR 10

    The Housemaid

    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 SklenarProduction: Hidden Pictures, Pretty Dangerous PicturesDistributor: LionsgateBudget: $35 millionBox Office: $386 millionStatus: Sequel in development with Sydney Sweeney set to return⭐ Critical Reception: Rotten Tomatoes: 74% positiveMetacritic: 65/100CinemaScore: BPostTrak: 84% overall positiveIntroduction & Setup (0:00-2:30) Welcome to Sparrows Under ReviewMarch episode format announcementWhy they chose The HousemaidMovie Discussion (2:30-8:00) Initial confusion with "The Handmaid's Tale"How they discovered the film through friendsViewing experience and first impressionsSydney Sweeney as "this generation's Julia Roberts"Content Warnings & Themes (8:00-10:30) Domestic violence and psychological abuse themesImportance of viewer sensitivityThe film's gripping, suspenseful natureReal-life parallels to the fictional storyCharacter Analysis (10:30-12:00) Portrayal of sociopaths and psychopathsThe charming villain archetypeAmanda Seyfried's "gangster" performancePerfect casting across all three leadsBudget & Box Office Analysis (12:00-15:00) Discussion of the $35 million budgetDebate about whether actor salaries are includedMinimal special effects neededImpressive $386 million box office returnFinal Thoughts (15:00-End) Comparison to Lifetime/TNT thriller moviesPerfect for spring break viewingWhere 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:

    14 min
  5. Predator

    MAR 3

    Predator

    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, 2024Budget: $105 millionBox Office: $184.3 millionNotable Cast: Elle Fanning (Dakota Fanning's younger sister) as an AndroidFranchise Position: 7th installment, follows Prey (2022)Related Content: Ties to Predators: Killer of Killers (2025 animated film) and Marvel comic book seriesUnique Perspective Film tells story from the Predator's point of viewShows internal power struggles among PredatorsExplores conflict with Waylon-Yutani corporationFranchise Connections Bridges Alien and Predator universes through Waylon-YutaniReferences to Alien vs. Predator filmsComparison to Alien: Romulus (2024) - budget $80M, earned $350MAccessibility for New Viewers JR considers it an easy entry point for sci-fi newcomersSimilar to Alien: Romulus in being newcomer-friendlyCan be enjoyed without seeing previous filmsImportant: The hosts watched a version without English subtitles for the Predator's alien language, which significantly impacted Stacey's viewing experienceProper version includes English subtitles for full comprehensionJR Sparrow: Enthusiastic about the filmAppreciates the world-building and Waylon-Yutani connectionsWould recommend to sci-fi newcomersRates it worthy of his "sci-fi catalog"Stacey Sparrow: Admits to only half-watching due to language barrierInterested in rewatching with proper subtitlesPlans to watch the entire Alien/Predator franchise from the beginningRecalls enjoying Alien: Romulus in theaters (August 2024)Watch if you like: Tension and atmospherePredator as an actual threatScience fiction world-buildingSkip if you want: Constant explosionsFrequent jokesFast-paced action without substancePrey (2022) - Previous Predator film, mentioned as must-watchAlien: Romulus (2024) - Comparable in accessibilityPredators: Killer of Killers (2025) - Animated companion pieceSparrows Under Review - Available on all major podcast platformsSister 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

    12 min
  6. 1986 and 1996 Top Gun and Twister

    FEB 24

    1986 and 1996 Top Gun and Twister

    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" podcastJR 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 collaborationTop Gun's impact on Tom Cruise's careerStacey 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 CongressHow Top Gun paved the way for long-awaited sequelsMiles Teller's role connecting generations[6:47 - 8:07] - Personal Memories & Re-releases JR's experience seeing Top Gun in 3DWhy this is a must-watch film for anyone[8:07 - 9:45] - Box Office & Critical Reception Budget: $13-15 million, Box Office: $357.4 millionHighest-grossing film of 1986 worldwideRotten Tomatoes: 59%, Metacritic: 50/100, CinemaScore: A[9:45 - 10:25] - Personal Rankings & Wrap-up Stacey: Top 5 movieJR: Top 10 movie[10:25 - 11:09] - Twister Introduction Featuring Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, and Kathleen KennedyMichael Crichton's involvement[11:09 - 13:18] - Twister: A Defining Tornado Movie JR's first DVD and theater experienceThe cultural significance of tornado filmsThe device named "Dorothy"[13:18 - 14:47] - Twister's Box Office Success Budget: $88-92 million, Box Office: $499.2 millionDiscussion 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 moviesJamie Gertz's notable appearanceClosing remarksTimestamps & Show Notes:

    17 min
  7. Regretting You

    FEB 17

    Regretting You

    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 happenedThe film's marketing strategy and quiet theatrical releaseBox office success: $30M budget → $90.5M worldwide grossCritical reception disparity: 28% Rotten Tomatoes vs. B CinemaScoreCast highlights: McKenna Grace, Mason Thames, and Dave FrancoComparisons to "It Ends With Us" and the Colleen Hoover cinematic universeWhy this generation's Colleen Hoover is like previous generations' Danielle SteelThe impact of cancel culture on critical reviewsBox Office & Reception: Budget: $30 millionBox Office: $90.5 million worldwideRotten Tomatoes: 28%Metacritic: 33/100CinemaScore: BHosts' 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 PicturesHalf Price Books & McKay's used bookstoresKing Jerm's podcast "Podddin Saved Our Marriage"

    15 min
  8. Space Jam

    FEB 10

    Space Jam

    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 careerProduction Background: The film grew out of two Super Bowl commercials MJ did with Bugs Bunny in 1992-93, directed by Spike LeeCast & Crew: Featured voice actor Billy West as Bugs Bunny, Wayne Knight (Newman from Seinfeld), and Bill Murray in a memorable cameoAnimation Style: Compared to other live-action/animation hybrids like Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Cool WorldBox Office: Held the record as highest-grossing basketball film until 2022Commercial Success: Went 6x PlatinumIconic 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 beyondJR's Experience: Saw the movie at River Ridge Mall (not the dollar theater), remembers the hype around the PlayStation gameCultural Moment: The film represented a unique crossover of sports, animation, and music that defined mid-90s entertainmentMetacritic: 59/100Rotten 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 politicsBrief Comparison: The LeBron James sequel was poorly received by the hostsNotable Difference: The original sold a video game; the sequel gave the game away for freeVerdict: 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

    18 min
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4.8
out of 5
8 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
    163
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Stacey Sparrow
  • Show Website
    Sparrow's Under Review