In today’s landscape of tired, rehashed IP slop that seems to dominate the market for the better part of the last decade, it’s rare to see a film rise above the low-hanging fruit of nostalgia bait and fanservice callbacks. Alien: Romulus, despite being a brighter spot in the long-running sci-fi horror franchise’s tumultuous and inconsistent history…

Paul Feig’s Jackpot! asks a strange question: what if a film combined the maddash comedy of 1963’s It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World with the gory dystopian free-for-all premise of The Purge? You’d get a weird action-comedy that’s more of a vehicle for Awkwafina and John Cena that’s occasionally very funny, until it’s not. I couldn’t help but think t…

As the great philosopher-musician Beck once said: in the time of chimpanzees, I was a monkey. And why wouldn't I be? Monkeys represent the heart and soul of the human experience.By popzara

I think I speak for most people when I say keeping your ears clean is something we don’t like to talk about or get into discussing too much, but we all know it needs to be done. This is especially the case for me as I have sensitive hearing and tend to produce cerumen aka ear wax more than the average person.…

Given the iconic status of the "Alien" franchise, Alien: Romulus had a lot to prove. As the newest entry in a series that's been terrifying audiences since 1979, the pressure was on to deliver a film that could stand alongside the classics.By popzara

For as long as they’ve been available, I’ve always wanted to check out some Bluetooth speakers but never got around to picking any of them up. It's true good things come to those who wait, as one of the best Bluetooth speakers came to me in the form of the Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, which is small but powerful and one…

Since I’m usually pretty mobile when I’m out and about walking or riding my bike, I’m always in the market for some solid headphones that can play my tunes and allow me to answer calls. The Creative Outlier Go Wireless Headphones are the latest to come my way and are perfect for those wanting great sound while still being able to hear around them.…

It’s impossible to look at a game like World of Goo 2 and not think about just how important its predecessor was, both in terms of unique game design as well as its unique creation and how it was made available to gamers. We live in a world where anyone with a laptop, a modicum of creativity (or worse, a complete lack of ethics and willingness to s…

It’s safe to say that videogames have been around long enough to produce what I like to call “forever games”, those specific titles that have survived their original release, re-releases, and every attempt to make them “better” by modernizing their visuals, updating gameplay, etc, etc. That’s not to say newer games can't become iconic, but there's …

Hello reader. Yes, you.By popzara

M Night Shyamalan has done it again, tricking audiences into seeing a film with a logline that’s a much better selling point than anything put on the screen. Trap, a name all too ironic in what it represents to the potential moviegoer, is arguably one of Shyamalan’s most uninspired films, with wonky dialogue and stilted performances up there with t…

It seems almost impossible that the Despicable Me franchise could have transcended the highly-specific premise of its first film — in which a super villain turns good after adopting three orphan girls — to become one of the most successful and longest-running series in animation history. Now six films in (including a pair of prequels), the Gruniver…

I’ll admit to being a really big fan of Supergiant’s Hades. I gave it quite the glowing review back in 2020, even calling it my personal choice for Game of the Year.By popzara

It seems like not long ago when Apple TV Plus was just getting started, and one of its hit shows, Ted Lasso, became the talk of the internet as everyone seemed to agree on it being one of the best TV series of all time. Those who don’t have access to the streaming service can finally see what the talk is about with the Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way B…

When I first saw the front cover to Human 2.0: A Celebration of Human Bionics, the simple yet colorful illustration from Samuel Rodriguez of a child with certain disabilities being enhanced by technology made me want to look closer into the book.By popzara

There's a reason I could never join the military and defend our homeworld against all threats, and it's this: I'm unsure the planet is actually round. How can invaders attack? We'll just push them off the size of the world! They'll fall into the cosmos for all eternity! Who needs soldiers when we could just use a bulldozer?! Anyway, let's pretend t…

I’ve noticed that a lot of the reviews for The Fall Guy fail to mention that it’s based off the hit 80s series starring Lee Majors (who has a nice cameo at the end of the film). Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, this fun reboot of the show has plenty of action, laughs and romance that anyone can enjoy.…

I’ve dabbled with a few point and click adventures throughout my gaming travels, from Discworld to Monkey Island, and even Day of the Tentacle. So when I received an early demo of developer imaginarylab’s Whirlight - No Time To Trip, I had to check it out and talk about it.By popzara

I’ve been a fan of Deadpool since he first appeared in comics back in 1991, as how can you not like a guy that looks like Spider-Man crossed with a ninja? So needless to say I love everything he’s in, and when the Deadpool films came along, I was in movie heaven. Now we’ve come to the third entry of the “merc with a mouth” in Deadpool & Wolverine, …

The Catholic horror genre boasts some genuine classics among its ranks with the likes of The Conjuring, The Omen, and one of the greatest horror films of all time, The Exorcist. Delivering haunting depictions of demons, the devil, and other beings of pure evil, these films have long captured American audiences' attention and fears for decades.…

It’s The State of Gaming Podcast, Popzara’s in-depth look at what’s shaking up the gaming landscape delivered on a monthly basis. Listen as hosts Cory Galliher and Nate Evans guide you through the best, worst, and everything else making headlines and headway in the world of interactive entertainment. Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, Nintendo World Cha…

The history of the arcade fighting game is just as rough and tumble as the games themselves, and few examples of this are more impactful than the rivalry between Capcom and SNK. Most are probably familiar with Capcom's legacy, but for those who don't know, SNK is beloved by fans of classic arcade and fighting games alike for their amazing string of…

What defines a summer blockbuster? Is it the heart-pounding action, stunning special effects, or an exhilarating story? Twisters answers this question by delivering a truly memorable example. This standalone sequel offers more than just thrills and tornadoes; it injects a thrilling disaster element missing from recent films.…

I’ll admit I’m not the biggest Louis C.K.By popzara

Ever since music-based game classics such as Dance Dance Revolution, Bust A Groove, Frequency, and it’s follow up Amplitude came along, I’ve been a huge fan of the genre. There’s just something about that classic, hand and eye coordination gameplay that once you get in the groove (pun intended), it’s hard to stop playing.…

The original A Quiet Place was an excellent bottled low-budget horror film that impressed us with its intriguing premise and Christopher Nolon-esque high-concept worldbuilding. Its 2020 sequel was a solid continuation of the Abbot family story, only with Cillian Murphy replacing director/actor/writer John Krasinski as co-lead with Elizabeth Blunt, …

The A Quiet Place series has carved a niche in horror by exploring the chilling reality of a world where sound itself is deadly. Grief, a raw and primal human emotion, becomes a terrifying burden in this silence-obsessed existence.By popzara

Optoma is back with a new series of new and updated projectors and I've been lucky to spend some time with one of the most interesting, the UHZ55 4K Smart Laser DLP Projector, which is intended to be a full featured cinema/entertainment TV replacement that goes big at home, or anywhere else you can enjoy a big screen experience. The highlight, of c…

It’s nearly impossible to discuss Eddie Murphy’s prowess in ‘80s cinema without starting the conversation with his role as Axel Foley in 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop. While his film debut in 1982’s 48 Hrs.By popzara

In the 80s, there were so many talented and awesome musicians out there that also had that certain mystique about them. Michael Jackson and Prince are two that immediately come to mind, and it’s no surprise Hollywood tried to capitalize on them whenever they could.By popzara

It’s Popzara’s Movie Time! Podcast, where our in-house movie nerds Ethan Brehm and Nate Evans take you on an unscripted journey yakking and chatting about some of their favorite movie moments and cinematic scenes, from past and present, presented without snark and snobbery for your listening pleasure. On deck for this episode are two mid-century mo…

It’s The State of Gaming Podcast, Popzara’s in-depth look at what’s shaking up the gaming landscape delivered on a monthly basis. Listen as hosts Cory Galliher and Nate Evans guide you through the best, worst, and everything else making headlines and headway in the world of interactive entertainment. The Biggest Games of June 2024 The biggest games…

Rugged biker gangs, wearing patched-up greaser jackets, convening in derelict, smokey bars aptly named “The Bad Part of Town” have been cultural staples and synonymous with classic Americana since the 1950s. Unfortunately, this group has seen much of its original roots forgotten within the greater cultural zeitgeist, only showing up in modern times…

How do you go about adding to a game that a sizable number of people would call one of the best ever made? Could you toss another few time periods into Chrono Trigger and still have the same game, just more of it? How about a new chunk of the Super Metroid map? Can a pinnacle of perfection like Balan Wonderworld really be improved? No Man's Sky cer…

Inspired by the energy bottled up in George Lucas’ American Graffiti and playing off the rambunctious stage set by Amy Heckerling’s Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the ‘80s teen movie scene is one of the rare categories that gets talked about like an actual genre in its own right. Led by major players such as John Hughes, Cameron Crowe, Joel Schumach…

If I were a more indulgent writer, I'd introduce this game by going on, at length, about how the mainstreaming of the internet has had its ups and downs, and one of those downsides might be the way that culture is becoming increasingly sterile over time. Pockets of weird are becoming a bit harder to find, and I'm talking real weird, the kind of wei…

Nintendo's Switch is powered by a fantastic concept - take the same games you play at home on the go without having to compromise in terms of performance or gameplay. By and large, the Switch kept this promise, but it does so in a "corrupted wish" fashion worthy of the most sinister genie: as the years have ground on since the Switch's release, you…

Logitech’s slimmer, lighter Key-2-Go 2 Keyboard is an exercise in compromises, offering users a versatile and comfortable typing experience..By popzara

Let’s be honest, when you think of Apple products, gaming isn’t one of the words that comes to mind. I have to give them credit though as they’ve been putting in work to change that, starting with last year’s port of Resident Evil Village that looked and ran just as well as its PC and console counterparts, with the exception of a lower framerate an…

Being a lifelong giant monster fan, I was past excited when 2014’s Godzilla hit the states, followed by 2017’s Kong: Skull Island which would set the stage for these two kings to clash in 2021’s Godzilla vs Kong which me, my family and friends loved. So I was more than hyped when I learned another entry was coming with this year’s Godzilla x Kong: …

Unintentionally juxtaposing the grimy filth of an actual dive bar with the gloss of the modern-day streaming palette, the 2024 Road House remake may be doomed from the very start. It never seems to realize that much of the charm of Rowdy Herrington's 1989 original comes from a film grain that matches its smoke-filled sets; you can almost smell the …

Richard Linklater has long been one of the most versatile filmmakers in the industry. While he does prefer a specific lane — hangout comedies like Dazed and Confused, Slacker, and SubUrbia — the writer-director has found an equally strong voice with other types of films as well, regardless of financial success.…

Ah, the cyberpunk future! There's a lot of apocalyptic murmuring about how we're well on our way to techno-dystopia, but I say bring it on! The sooner I can get uploaded into a robot body, the better, and I'm hoping we see some AI bots that are a little more impressive than AIM's SmarterChild was back in 2007 sooner than later. For now, seems like …

Here on Popzara we're all about being open and vulnerable with our readership. That's why I'm going to admit to a secret shame: I was not a GameCube kid.By popzara

Anyone remember retro gaming magazines? I suppose they still exist, but with the advent of the modern connected world it's a little less necessary to pick up the latest issue. Back in the day, though, they were a great way to stay on top of new and upcoming gaming news.By popzara

Turtle Beach is ready to improve your sound game - literally - with two new upgrades to their best-selling gaming headsets: the Stealth 500 and Stealth 600. Both offer a great experience, and while only 20 bucks separate them in price, there are several quality-of-life differences that could make it difficult choosing one over the other, and even m…

Turtle Beach is ready to improve your sound game - literally - with two new upgrades to their best-selling gaming headsets: the Stealth 500 and Stealth 600. Both offer a great experience, and while only 20 bucks separate them in price, there are several quality-of-life differences that could make it difficult choosing one over the other, and even m…

Turtle Beach is widely known for their gaming headsets, and chances are you’ve seen a few of them featured on the site. Along with the updated Stealth 500 and Stealth 600, their flagship headset is the Turtle Beach Atlas Air Wireless Gaming Headset that’s a great sounding, highly versatile device that has all the features you need to keep your head…

Those who follow my tech reviews will know I’m a big fan of Turtle Beach and their PC peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Along with the Vulcan II TKL Pro, I was sent another improved classic device from their Burst gaming mice lineup, the Turtle Beach Burst II Air Wireless Gaming Mouse.By popzara

As with most PC gamers and users, I’m always looking for the best keyboards and mice I can get my hands on, both figuratively and literally. Our friends at Turtle Beach have come through once again to let me check out the new Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.By popzara