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.

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 performance
• Pandemic comfort film: Watched it 2-3 times together, plus multiple viewings with Stacey's dad
• Where to watch: Currently streaming on Tubi (free)
• The premise: Road rage thriller that taps into universal driving frustrations

• Left lane etiquette: Should only be used for passing or going 5-10+ mph over the speed limit
• The honking debate: When is it appropriate to honk at a green light?
• Semi-truck frustrations: Especially on hills in mountainous areas
• West Virginia driving culture: Local knowledge of roads, potholes, and coal truck safety

• JR 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 at
• Multiple 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 Facebook
• Share 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 throughout
• Road rage themes
• Passionate discussions about driving

Produced 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 — Intro
• 0:28 — Welcome & Background
• 1:14 — First Impressions & Gore Factor
• 4:52 — Stacey's Take
• 6:07 — Box Office & Budget
• 7:39 — Critic Scores & Ratings
• 8:36 — The Scream Franchise Legacy
• 10:01 — Final Verdict & Recommendations
• 10:29 — 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.

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 Sklenar
• Production: Hidden Pictures, Pretty Dangerous Pictures
• Distributor: Lionsgate
• Budget: $35 million
• Box Office: $386 million
• Status: Sequel in development with Sydney Sweeney set to return

⭐ Critical Reception:

• Rotten Tomatoes: 74% positive
• Metacritic: 65/100
• CinemaScore: B
• PostTrak: 84% overall positive

Introduction & Setup (0:00-2:30)

• Welcome to Sparrows Under Review
• March episode format announcement
• Why they chose The Housemaid

Movie Discussion (2:30-8:00)

• Initial confusion with "The Handmaid's Tale"
• How they discovered the film through friends
• Viewing experience and first impressions
• Sydney Sweeney as "this generation's Julia Roberts"

Content Warnings & Themes (8:00-10:30)

• Domestic violence and psychological abuse themes
• Importance of viewer sensitivity
• The film's gripping, suspenseful nature
• Real-life parallels to the fictional story

Character Analysis (10:30-12:00)

• Portrayal of sociopaths and psychopaths
• The charming villain archetype
• Amanda Seyfried's "gangster" performance
• Perfect casting across all three leads

Budget & Box Office Analysis (12:00-15:00)

• Discussion of the $35 million budget
• Debate about whether actor salaries are included
• Minimal special effects needed
• Impressive $386 million box office return

Final Thoughts (15:00-End)

• Comparison to Lifetime/TNT thriller movies
• Perfect for spring break viewing
• Where 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:

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, 2024
• Budget: $105 million
• Box Office: $184.3 million
• Notable Cast: Elle Fanning (Dakota Fanning's younger sister) as an Android
• Franchise Position: 7th installment, follows Prey (2022)
• Related Content: Ties to Predators: Killer of Killers (2025 animated film) and Marvel comic book series

Unique Perspective

• Film tells story from the Predator's point of view
• Shows internal power struggles among Predators
• Explores conflict with Waylon-Yutani corporation

Franchise Connections

• Bridges Alien and Predator universes through Waylon-Yutani
• References to Alien vs. Predator films
• Comparison to Alien: Romulus (2024) - budget $80M, earned $350M

Accessibility for New Viewers

• JR considers it an easy entry point for sci-fi newcomers
• Similar to Alien: Romulus in being newcomer-friendly
• Can be enjoyed without seeing previous films

• Important: The hosts watched a version without English subtitles for the Predator's alien language, which significantly impacted Stacey's viewing experience
• Proper version includes English subtitles for full comprehension

JR Sparrow:

• Enthusiastic about the film
• Appreciates the world-building and Waylon-Yutani connections
• Would recommend to sci-fi newcomers
• Rates it worthy of his "sci-fi catalog"

Stacey Sparrow:

• Admits to only half-watching due to language barrier
• Interested in rewatching with proper subtitles
• Plans to watch the entire Alien/Predator franchise from the beginning
• Recalls enjoying Alien: Romulus in theaters (August 2024)

Watch if you like:

• Tension and atmosphere
• Predator as an actual threat
• Science fiction world-building

Skip if you want:

• Constant explosions
• Frequent jokes
• Fast-paced action without substance

• Prey (2022) - Previous Predator film, mentioned as must-watch
• Alien: Romulus (2024) - Comparable in accessibility
• Predators: Killer of Killers (2025) - Animated companion piece

Sparrows Under Review - Available on all major podcast platforms
Sister 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