Matt's Musings

  As we continue through October, we’re continuing to get a flurry of new releases, including plenty of streaming options befitting the Spooky Season. Below is a look at the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Apprentice (Theaters) Starring : Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, and Maria Bakalova Synopsis: Sometimes we get biopics that help explore a subject who we know little about. Sometimes it’s meant to give us a window into who they are—or who they would become. The Apprentice—which focuses on a young Donald Trump (Stan) and Roy Cohn (Strong)—falls into the latter category. The film picks up the action in the 1970s as Trump is trying to make a name for himself and build a business—and a brand. That means both trying to please his father Fred (Martin Donovan) and trying to find a way to get ahead in spite of him. The film follows Trump’s life and career over about a decade. It shows his meeting and

We’re into October now, and we’re seeing an uptick of Spooky Season content as we get ready for Halloween. We’re also on the cusp of another wave of premiers as more networks kick off their seasons. That leaves plenty of viewing options, but which new shows are for you? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted and select unscripted series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: NCIS: Origins, Mondays at 10 p.m. on CBS (Premiered October 14) About: Have you ever wondered how Leroy Jethro Gibbs got his start with NCIS? If so, you’re in luck. This new spin-off to the franchise is a prequel. It kicks off with Gibbs (Mark Harmon) building a fire and thinking back, beginning to weave a story “he doesn’t ever tell.” Quickly we transition to Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in 1991 in California. He’s just been hired by NIS (the forerunner to NCIS) despite failing his psychology exam. He’s in a raw state. He’s just

  Week 6 : Los Angeles Chargers 23, Denver Broncos 16 Season Record : 3-3 (1-2 Home) Key Play : In the Fourth Quarter, with the score 23-13, the Broncos went for a two-point conversion. Marvin Mims, Jr., came up short. That left it a two-score game, dictating the Broncos path. Recap : This was a tough game. The Broncos really struggled in the first half on both sides of the ball. The Chargers scored on all four possessions, while the Broncos couldn't get anything going. That led to a 20-0 deficit. To the team's credit, it was a 16-3 second half that cut it down and made the game close. The Broncos' offense is still wildly uneven. The biggest loss was Patrick Surtain, who went out with a concussion on the first play of the game for the Chargers. The Broncos felt that loss in the first half. In the second half, the defense was much better. But, still, the team wasn't able to generate enough to come back. Now, the Broncos have to play on a short week, which will be somethi

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 murder mystery set in the era of Radio. Announcer : And that's it from WBN in Chicago. If it wasn't clear before, it's certainly clear now; There'll never be anything quite like... radio. Radioland Murders Starring : Brian Benben, Mary Stuart Masterson, Ned Beatty, Scott Michael Campbell, Jeffrey Tambor, and Christopher Lloyd Director : Mel Smith About : As a writer and director, George Lucas has his challenges. But as a producer and an idea man, he's incredible. This little film is based on a story from Lucas, who served as a producer. It has a great cast and has a lot of humor and drama. This is a hidden gem that didn't have a huge audience, but it's become a cult classic. For those that love a good yarn, this one is worth seeking out and checking out. You'll be gla

  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! Moonwind: You know, lost souls are not that different from those in the zone. The zone is enjoyable, but when that joy becomes an obsession, one becomes disconnected from life. Soul (2020) Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Richard Ayoade, and Graham Norton Director: Pete Docter and Kemp Powers About: This film got the streaming role out on Christmas in the midst of a pandemic. It might not have gotten the high-profile release it deserved, but it remains one of my favorite Pixar films. I like the idea this film and the way it's been put together. Foxx and Fey are fun here, and the film is funny, emotional, and compelling. The animated sty

  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.  Mattie Ross : You must pay for everything in this world, one way or another. There is nothing free except the grace of God. True Grit (2010) Starring : Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin Director : Joel and Ethan Coen About : Yes, John Wayne made the character of Rooster Cogburn famous. His version of True Grit is considered a classic, and even inspired a sequel. And yet, the Coen brothers plied their talent to adapting the novel in a new version in 2010. Bridges steps into the role and is incredible. The original is on this list, but it's the Coen Brothers version that I have a great appreciation for. The writing is crisp and the performances are great from Bridges, Steinfeld, and Damon. It's an engaging and beautifully crafted film tha