Episode Summary: Welcome to a special New Year’s episode! JR and Stacy are joined by friends to kick off 2026 with a deep dive into the most anticipated movies of the year, pop culture trends, and a few personal favorites. From superhero blockbusters to animated classics and unexpected sequels, the crew covers it all with their signature banter and honest takes.
Key Topics Discussed:
- 2026 Movie Releases: The hosts run through a comprehensive list of upcoming films, including "The Odyssey," "Supergirl," "Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," "Coyote vs. Acme," "The Legend of Aang," "Toy Story 5," "Street Fighter," "Scream 7," "Evil Dead Burn," "The Devil Wears Prada 2," "Ready or Not 2," "Moana (Live Action)," "Greenland 2: Migration," "The Strangers: Chapter 3," "Terrifier 4," "Dune: Messiah," "The Drama" (starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson), "The Sheep Detectives," "Super Mario Galaxy," "Faulker and Law," "Angry Birds 3," "Watchdogs," "The Cat in the Hat," "Matchbox," "Jumanji 4," "Hoppers," "Violent Night 2," "Verity," "Reminders of Him," "Star Wars: Mandalorian & Baby Yoda," "Goat It," "Mortal Kombat 2," "Trek 5," "Avengers: Doomsday," "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," "Lilo & Stitch (Live Action)," "Billie Eilish Concert Movie," "Scary Movie 6," "Michael Jackson Biopic," "I Can Only Imagine 2," "Hamnet," and "28 Days Later" sequel.
- Sequels & Nostalgia: The team debates the merits of long-running franchises like "Toy Story," "Scream," and "Evil Dead," and whether sequels can still capture the magic.
- Animated & Family Films: Highlights include new entries in beloved series and adaptations, such as "The Cat in the Hat" and "Super Mario Galaxy."
- Video Game Adaptations: Discussion of upcoming movies based on games like "Street Fighter," "Watchdogs," and "Angry Birds."
- Personal Picks & Hot Takes: Each host shares their most anticipated films and a few that left them skeptical.
- Pop Culture Moments: Shoutouts to returning stars (Meryl Streep in "Devil Wears Prada 2"), music crossovers (Billie Eilish), and more.
Listener Engagement:
- What 2026 movie are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments or on Facebook at Sparrows Under Review.
- Follow the show on Threads and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Closing: Thanks for tuning in to this extra-long kickoff episode for 2026! Stay subscribed for more movie reviews, pop culture discussions, and fun throughout the year.
