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Episode Summary: Join Stacey and JR as they review the 1996 classic Matilda, based on Roald Dahl's beloved book. This episode dives deep into the film's box office performance, critical reception, and lasting impact as a timeless movie with powerful messages about standing up for yourself and finding hope in difficult circumstances. Episode Highlights: Opening: Introduction to Roald Dahl and the creation of Matilda (1988)First Viewing Memories: JR recalls seeing Matilda in theaters in 1996Box Office & Home Media: Discussion of the film's modest theatrical performance ($36M budget, $47M box office) versus its strong home video successTough Competition: How Matilda competed against Independence Day and A Time to Kill at the box officeCritical Reception: 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.6/10 average rating, 72/100 on MetacriticThe Iconic Villain: Miss Trunchbull as one of cinema's most memorable antagonistsPlot Overview: Matilda's neglectful family, her love of books, and her journey to self-empowermentThemes & Messages: Mental abuse, finding your voice, and the importance of asking for helpRewatchability: Why Matilda remains a solid seasonal watch and teaching tool for kidsThe Musical Remake: Brief mention of the modern musical adaptationKey Takeaways: Matilda is more than a fantasy film—it addresses real issues like neglect and bullying that resonate todayThe film offers teachable moments for children about self-esteem and standing up for yourselfIf you're struggling, reach out—somebody is there for you, and you matterFinal Verdict: A classic that deserves approval rather than a rating. Perfect for seasonal rewatches and as background viewing for those who know it well. Connect with Sparrows Under Review: Facebook: @SparrowsUnderReviewNew episodes every Friday on all podcast platformsMentioned in This Episode: Roald Dahl (author of James and the Giant Peach and Matilda)Danny DeVito & Rhea Perlman (Matilda's parents)Independence Day (1996)A Time to Kill (1996)The Matilda Musical adaptation

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 region0:26 – Guest plug: King Jerm from "Pod and Saved Our Marriage"0:38 – Meet the hosts: JR and Stacey introduce themselves0:41 – Movie overview: "Kristy" and its focus on Christy Martin1:05 – Initial impressions: Neither host is a boxing fan, but JR followed Christy’s career2:42 – The film’s portrayal of Christy’s life and the addition of fictional elements4:30 – Discussion of Christy’s mother and family dynamics6:03 – Christy’s look and the stereotypes of the era7:46 – Christy’s college years and the start of her boxing career8:45 – Hiding her identity for success in boxing9:28 – Christy’s career highlights: Don King, Mike Tyson undercard, Sports Illustrated cover10:50 – Later career, struggles with addiction, and the fight with Laila Ali12:18 – Critique of the movie’s time jumps and missing details13:11 – The film’s handling of Christy’s losses and career record14:56 – Final thoughts: The movie’s strengths, acting, and recommendations for viewersLinks & Recommendations: Watch "Christy" for an insightful look at Christy Martin’s lifeRead the Wikipedia pages for both the movie and Christy Martin for more context

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

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

Episode Summary JR Sparrow reviews The Drama, a 2026 American romantic Black comedy film starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. The episode opens with a brief promo from King Jerm for Pod and Saved Our Marriage, followed by JR's solo review. About the Movie Title: The DramaYear: 2026Genre: Romantic Black Comedy / DramaStars: Zendaya, Robert PattinsonRuntime: 105 minutesU.S. Release Date: April 3rdBudget: $28 million | Box Office: $125 millionDistributor: A24Plot Overview Zendaya and Robert Pattinson play a happily engaged couple whose relationship is tested by a shocking revelation in the week before their wedding. The film takes an unexpected turn when a serious subject — gun violence and mass shootings in the United States — becomes central to the story. Subplots involving their DJ, best man, and maid of honor add additional layers to the narrative. JR's Take Surprised by the film's quality and emotional depthPraised the chemistry between the two leadsAppreciated the "reset button" dynamic in the couple's relationshipNotes the dark humor woven throughoutRecommends watching with a partner or fan of either lead actorVerdict: Certified — go watch it, especially on HBO Max when it hits streamingShow Notes JR addresses the show's current transition, with co-host Stacy temporarily stepping back due to her workload. He thanks listeners for their continued support and hints at more solo episodes to come. Listen: Available every Friday on any DSP — search Pod and Saved Our Marriage and Sparrows Under Review

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

JR Sparrow, Stacey, and King Jerm sit down fresh off opening weekend to give their take on The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Galaxy — and they've got a lot to say. What's Covered: The hosts' history with the Super Mario franchise — owning every game but skipping a fewTheir opening weekend theater experience at Regal Theater in Nitro, WV (sold-out Yoshi buckets, uncomfortable seats, and a spot on the screen)A spoiler-light breakdown of the film's plot, pacing (98 min), and how it sets up a larger Nintendo cinematic universeEaster eggs and callbacks to Super Mario 2 — including the villain Wart (voiced by Luis Guzmán)The surprise appearance of Star Fox / Fox McCloud (voiced by Glenn Powell Jr.)Donald Glover as a surprisingly ruthless YoshiReturning cast: Chris Pratt (Mario), Jack Black (Bowser), Keegan-Michael Key (Toad), Brie Larson (Princess Rosalina)The mid/post-credits scene — don't leave early!Critical reception breakdown: Rotten Tomatoes 41%, Metacritic 36/100 vs. CinemaScore A- and PostTrak 79%Box office: $110M budget vs. $122.1M opening weekend haul (and counting)Should you see Movie 1 first? JR and Stacey debate itThe Verdict: A fun, fast, family-friendly film that serves as a bridge to a larger Nintendo universe. Critics may be harsh, but audiences are showing up — and the hosts recommend you do too. Stay until the END of the credits.

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

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

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.