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 early
• Sam 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 reveal
• The moment Stacey says the character went too far — and what she would have done differently
• The 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 years

By the Numbers:

• Budget: $40 million
• Box Office: $90.4 million
• Rotten Tomatoes: 93% positive
• Metacritic: 75/100
• CinemaScore: 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 years
• Chapter 1: 2024 release, grossed $48M
• Chapter 2: 2025 release, grossed $22M
• Chapter 3: Released January 15th, grossed only $9.2M
• Production budget: ~$8.5M for all three films combined

🎬 Chapter 3 Breakdown

• Maya is the sole survivor from previous chapters
• One of the Strangers has been killed
• The sheriff's backstory is revealed
• Ending is divisive: provides closure on the history but execution was disappointing

⭐ Final Verdict

• Jr's Rating: 100% dumpster juice as a standalone film
• Recommendation: 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 legacy
• Not 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 years
• Chapter 1: 2024 release, grossed $48M
• Chapter 2: 2025 release, grossed $22M
• Chapter 3: Released January 15th, grossed only $9.2M
• Production budget: ~$8.5M for all three films combined

🎬 Chapter 3 Breakdown

• Maya is the sole survivor from previous chapters
• One of the Strangers has been killed
• The sheriff's backstory is revealed
• Ending is divisive: provides closure on the history but execution was disappointing

⭐ Final Verdict

• Jr's Rating: 100% dumpster juice as a standalone film
• Recommendation: 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 legacy
• Not 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 few
• Their 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 universe
• Easter 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 Yoshi
• Returning 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 it

The 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.