On today’s episode of Pope’s Press Play, I’m diving into A24’s newest thriller, How to Make a Killing — a darkly comedic, razor-sharp crime story starring Glen Powell in one of his most entertaining performances yet.

This film blends satire, tension, and absurdity in classic A24 fashion, following an everyday guy who suddenly falls into a criminal scheme spiraling out of control. I break down why this movie works, what surprised me, and how it stacks up against A24’s recent hits.

If you’ve watched the film, send in your thoughts — and let’s talk all things movies, TV, and pop culture!

In this episode, I review Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, Gore Verbinski’s audacious new sci-fi film starring Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, and more. Part action adventure, part dark comedy, and deeply reflective on the role of technology in our lives, this movie blew me away — and I explain why I think it could be the most important science-fiction film of the decade. From performances to world-building to its message about AI and humanity, we dive into exactly what makes this one unforgettable.

In this episode, I review The Moment, the new 2026 mockumentary starring Charli XCX and directed by Aidan Zamiri. The film blends reality and fiction to satirize fame, celebrity branding, and the pressures of pop stardom. I break down why this movie worked for me, how the satire lands, and what makes Charli’s performance compelling. If you’re into films that play with genre and celebrity commentary, this one’s worth your attention.

In this episode, I review Shelter — the 2026 Ric Roman Waugh-directed action thriller starring Jason Statham. Unlike typical blockbuster fare, Shelter leans into character, regret, and emotional survival stakes as a reclusive man is forced back into danger after rescuing a young girl. I break down why the film works, why I think it’s the first certified “dad film” of 2026, and what sets it apart from Statham’s other action work.

Exclusive interview with Ric Roman Waugh — director of Shelter and visionary behind films like Snitch, Shot Caller, Angel Has Fallen, and Greenland.In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Ric Roman Waugh, the director of the brand-new Jason Statham action thriller Shelter (in theaters January 30, 2026), to talk about his entire career, his evolution as a filmmaker, and what shaped his creative voice.Ric started his career as a stunt performer before transitioning to writing and directing — bringing a grounded, visceral feel to his action films. Over the years he’s built an eclectic filmography that includes gritty character dramas like Snitch (2013) and Shot Caller (2017), massive action franchises like Angel Has Fallen (2019), and disaster epics like Greenland (2020).In Shelter, Ric takes a more emotional, character-focused approach to action, blending intense physical sequences with authentic performances — something he attributes to his background and philosophy of placing viewers “inside the action.” This is the second episode of Flicks and Friends!We break down:🔥 How his stunt roots influence his directing🎥 Why character matters in big action films💥 What he learned from each major project in his career📽️ What Shelter was like to shoot and what’s coming nextWatch the full interview and let me know: Which Ric Roman Waugh movie is your favorite?

In this episode, I review Send Help, the brand-new survival thriller directed by Sam Raimi. Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, the film follows two plane-crash survivors stranded on a deserted island where survival becomes a tense and darkly humorous battle of wills.

I dive into why Send Help is a must-watch — from Raimi’s escalating suspense and visual flair to the strong performances, sharp character dynamics, and Danny Elfman’s score. This is a spoiler-free discussion focused on what makes the film work and why it stands out in Raimi’s career.

Send Help is now playing exclusively in theaters.

Wonder Man is actually pretty good — and easily one of the most unique MCU shows yet.Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man takes a wildly different approach to the MCU, blending superhero storytelling with Hollywood satire in a way that feels like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood meets Atlanta or Barry. And honestly? It works.In this review, I break down why Wonder Man surprised me, from its sharp writing and offbeat tone to its character-driven storytelling and industry commentary. This series feels smaller, stranger, and more confident than recent MCU projects—focused less on world-ending stakes and more on identity, fame, and performance.I dive into the performances, humor, themes, direction, and how Wonder Man fits into the larger MCU. It’s not perfect, but it’s fresh, creative, and proof that Marvel can still take risks when it wants to.Watch my full review and let me know if Wonder Man worked for you!

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 is PURE PERFECTION — the beginning of the end has finally arrived on Netflix! This is my full review of the first batch of episodes for Stranger Things Season 5! In this video, I break down why these episodes deliver everything fans have waited YEARS for: the emotional reunions, the jaw-dropping twists, the insane horror sequences, the character payoffs, and how this explosive start sets the stage for the FINAL showdown in Volume 2 and Vol 3! So much to talk about in this review as WILL BYERS GETS POWERS, Kali is back!, Vecna is kidnapping kids! and SO MUCH MORE! This is Zach Pope's Review on Stranger things Season 5 Vol 1 Review!