The Mushroom Kingdom just got even bigger. Illumination and Nintendo‘s “The Super Mario Galaxy,” is now in theaters. Following the massive success of the first film 2023’s The Super Mario Bros.Movie, the duo is back. Mario and Luigi and their crew return in a new adventure that takes the characters beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, delivering new challenges and a sense of nostalgia.
After the events of the first film, Browser’s son (Brower Jr.) is determined to avenge his family legacy and rescue his father. Along the way, the brothers encounter both new allies and familiar faces as they journey across the galaxy. Facing unexpected dangers and expanding their world far beyond anything they’ve experienced before. Once the film begins, it rarely slows down. At just one hour and Thirty-Eight Minutes, The Super Mario Galaxy moves at a nonstop pace from beginning to the final scene. Like its predecessor, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the energy is crazy. Something that may be a drawback for some viewers. That fast pace works as both a strength and a weakness.
On one hand, it pulls the audience into an exciting high speed ride that keeps the adventure engaging. Throughout the film the story can feel underdeveloped at times. There are key moments where character arcs are not getting the depth they deserve. Introduction of fan favorite characters including Rosalina (Brie Larson), Yoshi (Donald Glover), and Fox McCloud (Glen Powell). Each brings something unique to the story as Mario and Luigi dive deeper into the galaxy.
The film’s most memorable moments come from how it introduces and develops its characters. Fox McCloud makes a standout entrance with a 2D comic book-style intro that feels visually fresh and different from the rest of the film, giving his character an instant edge. Meanwhile, Rosalina’s opening scene alongside Bowser Jr. and Bowser adds emotional weight early on, setting the tone for the story. The father-son moments between Bowser and Bowser Jr. are surprisingly heartfelt, adding depth to characters who are often just seen as villains. These scenes help balance the film’s fast-paced action with more meaningful character-driven moments, even if they are a bit brief.
Overall, The Super Mario Galaxy is a film I genuinely enjoyed. Going into watching the film my main goal was simple to have a great time and it absolutely delivered on that. While the story and pacing don’t always hit the mark. The Film makes up for it with heart, energy, and stunning visuals. It’s truly a visual feast that brings the galaxy to life in new exciting new ways.
April is almost here, and it’s packed with new TV shows and movies you won’t want to miss!
April Movie Release:
Weekend One: April 2-5, 2026
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: April 1, 2026
Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom.
The Drama: April 3, 2026
A happily engaged couple is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.
The Blue Trail: April 3, 2026
To maximize economic productivity, the Brazilian government orders elderly people to move to remote housing colonies. A 77-year-old woman refuses and embarks on a journey through the Amazon that will change her destiny forever.
A Great Awakening: April 3, 2026
One of the most defining moments in American history is the story of an unlikely friendship between the Reverend George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin.
Pizza Movie: April 3, 2026 (Hulu Streaming)
High college students face an unexpectedly epic journey when they must navigate two flights of stairs to retrieve their pizza delivery, turning a simple task into a surreal adventure.
The Third Parent: April 3, 2026
Amidst the 4th of July celebration, a disturbing figure named Tommy Taffy emerges, disguising himself as a human to infiltrate a suburban neighborhood and impose authoritarian rule over an unsuspecting family.
The Killer Re-Release: April 5, 2026 (Fathom Streaming)
A disillusioned assassin accepts one last hit in hopes of using his earnings to restore the vision of a singer he accidentally blinded.
Weekend Two: April 9-11, 2026
Exit 8: April 10, 2025
A man becomes increasingly desperate when he realizes he is trapped in a subway station, needing to complete a mission to get out.
You,Me & Tuscany: April 10, 2026
When a woman crashes at an empty Italian villa, posing as the owner’s fiancée, she discovers an unexpected romance that may transform her life.
Beast: April 10, 2026
MMA legend Patton James, now a commercial fisherman, is pulled back into the cage when his brother is in danger. Reuniting with his old coach Sammy, he commits to one final fight in ONE Championship against its brutal champion Xavier Grau.
Bunnylovr: April 10, 2026
A cam girl navigates a toxic client relationship while reconnecting with her estranged, dying father, exploring complex relationships and family dynamics.
ChaO: April 10, 2026 (Japanese anime film)
In a world where humans and merpeople exist, Princess Chao gets engaged to human engineer Stephen. What will become of their romance?
The Christophers: April 10, 2026 (limited Release)
The children of a once famous artist hire a forger to complete some unfinished, long ago abandoned canvases so they’ll have an inheritance when he dies.
Weekend Three: April 16-19, 2026
Balls Up: April 15, 2026 (PrimeVideo Streaming)
Two marketers pitch a bold new condom World Cup sponsorship. After a booze-fueled scandal, they must outrun chaos to survive.
A24 Mother Mary: April 17
Long-buried wounds rise to the surface when iconic pop star Mother Mary reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam Anselm, on the eve of her comeback performance.
Lee Cronin’s The Mummy: April 17
young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace. Eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.
Erupcja: April 17, 2026
A tense disaster thriller centered around a small European town sitting on a long-dormant volcano. When seismic activity suddenly spikes, a group of scientists and locals must race against time to evacuate before a catastrophic eruption destroys everything. At its core, it’s about survival, trust, and the cost of ignoring warning signs.
Mile End Kicks: April 17, 2026
Set in a vibrant neighborhood (likely inspired by London or Montreal), this coming-of-age drama follows a group of friends chasing dreams in music, fashion, and street culture. As opportunities start to pull them in different directions, their loyalty is tested. It blends friendship, ambition, and identity with a strong urban vibe.
Wasteman: April 17, 2026
A gritty character-driven drama about a young man struggling to escape a toxic environment and the label society has placed on him. As he navigates crime, relationships, and self-worth, he’s forced to decide whether he’ll live up to expectations—or break the cycle. Expect something raw, emotional, and realistic.
Weekend Four: April 23-22, 2026
Michael: April 24, 2026
Over Your Dead Body, April 24, 2026
Apex: April 24, 2026 (Netflix Streaming)
April TV Shows Release:
XO Kitty S3: April 2, 2026 (Netflix Streaming)
follows Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart) into her senior year at KISS, tackling the “Senior Sunset” list. She navigates a complicated romance with Min Ho, explores her Korean heritage, faces surprising revelations, and maps out her future after a renewed scholarship.
Your Friends & Neighbors S2: April 3, 2026 (Apple TV)
A hedge fund manager resorts to burglary after losing his job, targeting wealthy neighbors to maintain his family’s lifestyle, but makes a fateful error breaking into the wrong home.
Star Wars Maul(Shadow Lord): April 6 (Disney+)
After the Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire.
The Boys: April 8, 2026 (Prime Video, final season)
A group of vigilantes set out to take down corrupt superheroes who abuse their superpowers.
The Testaments: April 8, 2026 (Hulu, three episodes)
A sequel to The Handmaids Tale, set 15 years after the events learnt in the original series, based on the book by Margaret Atwood.
Big Mistakes April 9, 2026 (Netflix Streaming)
Two directionless siblings are blackmailed into the world of organized crime.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair: April 10, 2026 (Hulu Streaming)
Margo’s Got Money Troubles April 15, 2026 (Apple TV Streaming)
As Margo navigates internet fame, financial pressure, and motherhood, the show dives into themes like hustle culture, judgment, independence, and what people are willing to do to survive. Along the way, she’s also dealing with complicated family dynamics, relationships, and figuring out who she really is outside of the chaos.
Love Island: Beyond the Villa April 15, 2026 (Peacock Streaming)
This is a spin-off of Love Island that follows fan-favorite Islanders after they leave the villa and return to real life.
Beef S2: April 16, 2026 (Netflix Streaming)
This time, the show centers on two people whose lives become dangerously entangled after a seemingly small conflict spirals completely out of control. What starts as something petty quickly turns into obsession, revenge, and emotional destruction—impacting not just them, but everyone around them.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85: April 23, 2026 (Netflix Streaming)
Set in Hawkins, Indiana in the winter of 1985, where Eleven and her friends unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town.
Widow’s Bay: April 29, 2026 (Apple TV)
As she reconnects with old friends, strained family ties, and people who clearly know more than they’re saying, long-buried truths start to resurface. What really happened all those years ago? And why does it feel like the town doesn’t want her digging for answers
The House of the Spirits: April 29, 2026 (Prime Video)
Man on Fire: April 30, 2026
The story follows the Trueba family over several decades, blending personal struggles with political upheaval. At the center is Clara, a woman with spiritual abilities, and her connection to her family as love, power, trauma, and fate shape their lives across generations. As the country.
And that’s a wrap on all the shows and movies hitting screens this April! From intense thrillers like Erupcja to messy, addictive reality like Love Island: Beyond the Villa, and sweeping family dramas like The House of the Spirits, there’s truly something for every kind of viewer this month.
Every year, I make a vision board,but 2026 feels different. This isn’t just about goals or aesthetics; it’s about clarity. About growth. About finally letting my brand evolve into what it was always meant to be.
This post is a look at where I’m headed, what I’m building, and why Project Pop Culture is officially becoming Project Pop Cinema!
Projectpopculture=Projectpopcinema:Why is the name changing?
Project Pop Culture did exactly what it needed to do. It gave me room to explore, experiment, and find my voice. But over time, my interests narrowed and deepened. Film became the through line.
Not just movies, but the craft, the commentary, and the cultural impact behind them. Project Pop Cinema isn’t a pivot; it’s a refinement. The name change simply makes the direction official.
Hope you’re ready to come on this new journey with me and let’s look forward to the rest of 2026!
Goals for Projectpopcinema in 2026
Watching 100 movies — across genres, eras, and moods
Writing more consistently and more freely
Becoming a stronger writer through practice, not perfection
Getting out of over-analysis and back into curiosity
Treating this project as a creative laboratory, not a performance
Looking ahead
Project Pop Cinema is a place to watch closely, think deeply, and create without restraint.
This relaunch reconnects with the project’s original creative impulse, sharpened by clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of play.
So Charli XCX is a movie star now? In just the past few weeks, I’ve seen her pop up in headline after headline about new film roles alongside some major names.Let’s break down every project she’s got coming up and what this new era of Charli might look like.
Erupcja
Ms.XcX just made her 2025 Toronto Film Festival debut with the film Erupcja. She looked amazingly beautiful wearing a stunning black dress on the red carpet.
PLOT SUMMARY OF THE FILM:
While on vacation in Poland, Bethany breaks away from a romantic itinerary planned by her doting boyfriend, Rob, fearing that a marriage proposal is imminent. Reuniting instead with an old friend, Nel, the two women rekindle a uniquely combustible chemistry over a few days — a chaste but burning tryst fueled by poetry and sapphic synchronicity.
Cast: Charli XCX, Lena Gora, Will Madden, Jeremy O. Harris and Agata Trzebuchowska.
I saw the trailer for this one a few weeks ago, The trailer looks crazy and wild!
PLOT SUMMARY OF FILM
“Whatever the lady wants.”
When a charming house guest arrives at a remote castle, the delicate dynamic between a neglectful husband, his innocent bride Cherry, and their devoted maid Hero is thrown into chaos.
Watch the Trailer Here!
Cast: Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Richard E.Grant, Josh Cowdery, Nicholas Galitzine and Charli XCX.
Director: Julia Jackman
Sacrifice
Written and directed by Romain Gavrasthe film is slated to be an updated remake of the 1978 horror film of the same name. In the upcoming version, a website content moderator encounters a group seemingly reenacting the murders of the original film online, and has to discern whether or not the videos are real.
PLOT OF THE FILM:
During a star-studded charity gala brimming with celebrities, billionaires and empty speeches, a movie star in the midst of an existential crisis is taken hostage by a radical warrior and her devoted followers. As the night descends into chaos, both an inward journey and an outward adventure ensue, where the line between performance and belief, salvation and sacrifice, begins to blur.
cast: Chris Evans, Charli xcx, Anya Taylor-Joy, John Malkovich, Salma Hayek Pinault, Vincent Cassel, and more.
The Moment is a new A24 film coming out soon and getting a The thatrical release very soon.
Charli is producing the film with her production company Studio365 label, as well as David Hinojosa of 2 AM. Exec producers are Brandon Creed, Mikey Schwartz-Wright and Zach Nutman. The film will be released in theaters next year. She well also Ms. XcX is collaborating with A.G. Cook on the original music for the film.
PLOT OF THE FILM:
I JUST WANT THIS MOMENT TO LAST FOREVER.
A rising pop sensation navigates the complexities of fame and industry pressures while preparing for her arena tour debut
Cast: Rosanna Arquette, Kate Berlant, Rachel Sennott, Charli Xcx, Kylie Jenner and more.
This marks Dakota Johnson’s directorial debut and stars Charli XCX, Vanessa Burghardt, and (possibly) Jessica Alba.
The story follows a young autistic woman
The story follows a young autistic woman who breaks free from her overprotective but loving mother in search of freedom, friendship, and a bit of chaos the summer after high school. Burghardt, who also wrote the script, is making her screenwriting debut and brings her own lived experience to the role.
Gregg Araki new film I want your sex, tells the story When fresh-faced Elliot (Hoffman) lands an exciting job for renowned artist, icon and provocateur Erika Tracy (Wilde), his fantasies come true as Erika taps him to become her sexual muse. But Elliot soon finds himself out of his depth as Erika takes him on a journey more profound than he ever could have imagined, into a world of sex, obsession, power, betrayal and murder.
Cast: Olivia Wilde,Cooper Hoffman,Daveed Diggs, Charli XcX,and Margaret Cho.
“Written by Yan (Birds of Prey) and James Pedersen (High Heat), the film follows a desperate gallerist who conspires to sell a dead body at Art Basel Miami. It’ll be produced by Ash Sarohia (The Little Hours, The Freshening) and Jonathan King (Green Book, Spotlight) from Concordia Studio; Sophie Mas and Portman from Mountain A (May December, Angel City); Tom McCarthy (Spotlight, Win, Win) and Rae Baron (Stillwater, Alaska Daily) from Slow Pony; and Zola Elgart Glassman (High Heat, Alone Together). It’s in pre-production now and is set to shoot at the end of this year.”
by Deadline(MRC Boards Cathy Yan’s ‘The Gallerist’ As Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Sterling K. Brown, Catherine Zeta-Jones & More Sign On:Deadline By Matt Grobar)
Cast: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Sterling K.Brown, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Charli XcX and more.
From A24 horror to Drama and more. I’m very excited to see what she is going to bring to the roles. And it feels like she’s fully embracing her “main character” era. Whether she’s behind the mic or in front of the camera, one thing’s clear: Charli’s about to dominate a whole new industry.
Updated Information as December 2, 2025
A24 Mother Mary
Directed and written by David Lowery (“The Green Knight,” “A Ghost Story”), “Mother Mary” follows Hathaway as a pop star who, after abandoning her tour due to an existential crisis, seeks out an old friend and fashion designer, Sam (Coel), who helped craft her public persona.
“Mother Mary” features original songs written by music heavyweights Jack Antonoff, Charli xcx and FKA Twigs, who also appears in the film. Additional cast members include Hunter Schafer, Atheena Frizzell, Kaia Gerber, Jessica Brown Findlay, Alba Baptista and Sian Clifford.
It’s my favorite time of year to cozy up with fall movies. The leaves are falling, the weather’s changing, and it’s time to pull out the throw blankets. There’s something magical about this time — when a good film and a cup of something warm just feel right.
This list is full of perfect films that capture the essence of fall. I’ll include where you can stream each one, and there’s a little something for everyone — from spooky comedies to heartfelt dramas.
Beetlejuice (1988)
When cable TV ruled our homes, I remember tuning in to ABC Family’s 31 Days of Halloween every October. Beetlejuice was always on that lineup — and it became one of my seasonal favorites.
After Barbara and Adam Maitland die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck haunting their country home. When the unbearable Deetz family moves in, their failed attempts to scare them away draw the attention of Beetlejuice — a mischievous and chaotic spirit whose “help” quickly spirals out of control.
Tim Burton’s film may be dated, but it’s timeless in its own way — full of dark humor, quirky
Scary Godmother (2003-2005)
Scary Godmother is one of those films I watch every single year. This animated series is based on the graphic novel by Jill Thompson — and it perfectly captures that playful, whimsical Halloween energy. It’s cute, creative, and full of heart — the kind of movie that instantly takes me back to childhood.
There are two films in the series:
Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktakular (2003)
Hannah-Marie’s Halloween starts off with costumes, candy, and scary stories from her cousin Jimmy. But when Jimmy and his friends take the jokes too far and frighten her to tears, her Scary Godmother swoops in to save the night — turning fear into fun and showing that Halloween magic is for everyone.
Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy (2005)
A year after Hannah’s magical Halloween, Jimmy is still traumatized by the events of last year. Determined to stop Halloween forever, he tries everything — smashing pumpkins, stealing candy, and scaring kids — but his actions accidentally start to destroy the balance between the human world and the Fright Side.
Scream (1996)
This is hands down my favorite horror movie — and that’s saying something, because I’m not usually a horror fan. What I love about Scream is that it’s self-aware, darkly funny, and just the right amount of scary. It has this eerie charm that keeps you entertained the whole time.
The story follows a teen girl, still reeling from her mother’s murder, who becomes the next target of a masked killer obsessed with horror movies. Scream reinvented the slasher genre, blending scares with sharp humor, and it still holds up today.
Practical Magic (1998)
Practical Magic is pure fall comfort — witches, sisterhood, and small-town coziness wrapped in one magical story. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play two witch sisters who must navigate love, loss, and a family curse. It’s emotional, romantic, and just a little spooky — the perfect movie for a chilly October night.
It’s the Great Pumpkin,Charlie Brown (1966)
No fall movie list is complete without this classic. It’s nostalgic, heartwarming, and perfectly captures that childhood excitement of Halloween night. Watching Linus wait for the Great Pumpkin never gets old — it’s a tradition that never fades.
Halloweentown (1998)
If you grew up with Disney Channel, Halloweentown is the definition of Halloween magic. Marnie Piper discovers she’s from a family of witches and visits a secret town filled with ghosts, goblins, and spells. It’s charming, nostalgic, and a must-watch every October.
Scary Movie (2002)
Before memes, there was Scary Movie. This parody of classic horror films is ridiculous, over-the-top, and still hilarious today. It’s perfect for when you want Halloween vibes without the actual scares.
When Harry Met Sally (2000)
Okay, I know this isn’t technically a “fall movie,” but it feels like one. The autumn leaves, New York scenery, and cozy sweaters make it a perfect romantic watch for the season. It’s funny, heartfelt, and timeless — a must for any fall movie marathon.
Casper (1993)
A sweet, family-friendly ghost story that’s equal parts spooky and wholesome. Casper brings nostalgia and a touch of 90s magic — it’s one of those movies that makes Halloween feel comforting instead of creepy.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
You can’t talk about Halloween movies without mentioning Hocus Pocus. This film is pure 90s magic — a perfect mix of comedy, spookiness, and charm. The story follows three witch sisters, the Sandersons, who are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem on Halloween night.
With unforgettable performances from Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus has become a cult classic that people return to year after year. It’s fun, festive, and full of that mischievous Halloween spirit that never gets old.
paraNorman (2012)
This stop-motion gem deserves more love. ParaNorman tells the story of a boy who can talk to ghosts and must save his town from a centuries-old curse. It’s beautifully animated, heartfelt, and a reminder that being different can be powerful.
Thanks for hanging out with me and diving into my favorite fall movies! Whether you’re lighting a candle, sipping something warm,or curled up under a blanket, I hope this list inspires your next cozy movie night. What’s your go-to fall film? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new seasonal favorites!
What’s the first thing you do after the credits roll, for me its heading straight to my letterboxd. To jot down all my thoughts, hot takes, and reactions!
Hi! My name is Kyla, I’m an aspiring Film Journalist 🙂
I have a deep rooted love of film, TV, animation and so much more. Welcome to the Project Pop Culture Blog!
I want to start writing on the blog because I got the inspiration from letterboxd. Everytime I watch a new movie, the first thing I do afterwards is write my review on letterboxd. So I thought I could gather all my thoughts in one place. From dissecting the latest blockbuster to celebrating a hidden indie gem, we’ll cover it all.
Come along with me on this journey, where we deep dive and bond over the most amazing films!
Projectpopcinema 