Matt's Musings

  As we make our way toward the new year, we’re getting a mixture of blockbuster films and films that have award aspirations. But are they any good? Below is my take on the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Brutalist (Limited) Starring : Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, and Felicity Jones Synopsis: This is an epic tale looking at life in pursuit of the American Dream in the aftermath of World War II. Laszlo Toth (Brody) was an architect of some renowned whose life and career was derailed by persecution during the war. After surviving the Holocaust and believing himself alone, he heads to New York in 1947. There, he reunites with his American cousin Attila (Alessandro Nivola), who owns a furniture store, has an American wife, and has left his Jewish faith behind. Attila gives Laszlo a place to stay, a job, and a reason for hope—letting him know his wife, Erzsebet (Jones), and niece, Zsofia (Raffey Ca...

We’re closing in on Christmas and that means this is the last set of new series making their debut in 2024. You might have some free time the next couple of weeks, but what of these new shows is worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series, and occasional unscripted series, this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Sundays: Dexter: Original Sin, Sundays at 10 p.m. on Showtime (Premiered December 13) About : This new series takes the action back to 1991, and even further in flashbacks, to show what life was like for Dexter Morgan (Patrick Gibson) when he first joined Miami Metro and became a serial killer under cover. Here, he’s living and working with his adopted father, Harry (Christian Slater). The rest of the cast includes famous faces like Patrick Dempsey and Sarah Michelle-Gellar, among others. I like Gibson here, as he’s doing a nice job capturing the essence of Michael C. Hall, who ...

  Week 16 : Los Angeles Chargers 34, Denver Broncos 27 Season Record: 9-6 (5-2 Home) Key Play : In the Fourth Quarter, with the Chargers leading 27 to 24, Hassan Haskins caught a screen pass from Justin Herbert and went 34 yards for the touchdown, putting the game away. Recap : Thursday night presented a golden opportunity for the Broncos. A win would lock up a playoff spot and give them a leg up on a higher seed. For the first half, it looked good. The Broncos scored touchdowns on the first three drives. The problem was, the team couldn't sustain it. That ended up being their undoing as they were badly outplayed in the fourth quarter, leading to a loss. The Broncos were swept by the Chargers and lost to the Steelers and Ravens, meaning they'll loose every tie-breaker for teams in the Wild Card race. That means, while likely they make the playoffs, they'll be locked into the No. 7 seed. The hope is they can win one of the next two games, and get to 10 wins on the season. E...

  Films released in 1994 will turn 30 this year. Over the next few months, I'll be looking at some of the memorable films from that year, including some of my favorites. Today, it's a Christmas classic. Scott Calvin : Who gave you permission to tell Charlie there was no Santa Claus? I think if we're going to destroy our son's delusions, I should be a part of it. The Santa Clause Starring: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, and Eric Lloyd Director: John Pasquin About: It's almost Christmas, so it makes sense that we wrap up this look at films from 1994 with The Santa Clause , a Christmas classic. It's about a single dad (Allen) who is having a disastrous Christmas hosting his son. When Santa ends up dead, he ends up having to take his place. It leads to a wild adventure that plays out over the next year. It's a fun story that spawned two sequels and a Disney+ series. I love Allen in the role and it's definitely worth checking out each year for t...

  Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Stan : That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) Starring : Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, and Brian Tyree Henry Director: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman About: We've seen the Spider-Man story told many times on film, but never like this. I didn't have much in the way of expectations for this film. But what I saw blew me away. It was one of my favorite films the year it was released and a worthy winner of the Oscar for animation. It's a groun...

Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1.  Ellis : What you got ain't nothin' new. This country's hard on people. You can't stop what's coming. It ain't all waiting on you. That's vanity. No Country For Old Men (2007) Starring : Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, and Kelly Macdonald Director: Joel and Ethan Coen About: As we reach the top of this list, I have offered perhaps another unconventional choice. But, for me, it's one of the best films ever made. It's also one of my all time favorites. It's a beautifully crafted film that follows three central characters. It's not your typical Western film, but it definitely fits the genre. I love the back-and-forth of the characters and the exceptional writing, which draws you in and keeps you hooked...