Matt's Musings

We’ve hit the weekend and, perhaps, you’re looking for a new movie. Below is a roundup of some theatrical and streaming releases you can check out! You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Couture (Limited) Starring : Angelina Jolie, Ella Rumpf, and Anyier Anei Synopsis: This limited release is loosely tied to Paris fashion week and features loosely connected stories of three women struggling. One is an American director (Jolie) who is going through a divorce and dealing with a painful medical diagnosis. One is a makeup artist (Rumpf) who is trying to expand her career. And one is a new model (Anei) trying to get established in a bigger market. Most of the film finds these three living out their own stories, all in the same city. While they do loosely intersect in the final act, all coming together as part of the same show, it’s not as if there is a big, joint payoff. It’s an interesting character study, or at least an interesting idea...

 As we round out June, the number of new shows has shrunk. But your free time, heading to a holiday weekend, might be increasing. So, what of these new shows is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Fridays: Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: an Almost History of America, Fridays at 10 p.m. on HBO (Premiered June 26) About: Larry David is back with a new comedy for HBO. The co-creator of Seinfeld, who gave us Curb Your Enthusiasm, knows his way around comedy. And this new series certainly demonstrates that. Larry is back with a sketch comedy series, exploring key points in American history. The pilot had moments ranging from the Declaration of Independence and creation of the telephone to Rosa Parks. All of them featuring Larry in a new character bringing his trademark humor and view of the world. And it was outstanding. T...

 We've made it to July, the middle of summer, and predictably things are heating up at the Box Office. Let's dive in. Wednesday, July 1: * Minions & Monsters (Theaters) : This is the latest in the Minions franchise, which is itself a spin-off of the Despicable Me franchise. The trailer and marketing looks fun enough. This ought to be great for younger viewers for the holiday weekend. * Enola Holmes 3 (Netflix): This franchise, led by Millie Bobby Brown, has been a sturdy and reliable player for Netflix. I enjoyed the first two, focusing on Sherlock's sister, and I expect this to be fun, too. Friday, July 3: * Young Washington (Theaters): This one gets the traditional Friday slot for the holiday weekend. This is a biopic focusing on George Washington as a young man. Feels apt for the 250th anniversary of the United States. Friday, July 10: * Evil Dead Burn (Theaters) : This is the latest from the Evil Dead franchise, which spins a new story for a new director. The trai...

It's hard to believe, but 2001 was 25 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2001 that are turning 25 in 2026. Today, it's an ambitious literary adaptation.  Frodo : I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened. Gandalf : So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Starring : Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, and Andy Serkis Director : Peter Jackson About: The Lord of the Rings books are dense, fanciful stories that have thrilled readers for generations. I remember when it was announced the books would be adapted for the scree...

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. Shane : Joey, there's no living with... with a killing. There's no going back from one. Right or wrong, it's a brand. A brand sticks. There's no going back. Now you run on home to your mother, and tell her... tell her everything's all right. And there aren't any more guns in the valley. Shane (1953) Original List Position : 69 Starring : Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, and Jack Palance Director : George Stevens About : This is another Western, and an iconic one at that. The film landed later on the original list than where I have it, but it leapt up to No. 45 on the updated list. So, I have it right about in the middle, which feels right. Ladd is g...

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. Norma Desmond : No one ever leaves a star. That's what makes one a star. Sunset Boulevard (1950) Original List Position : 12 Starring : Gloria Swanson and William Holden Director : Billy Wilder About : This film is much more popular than where I have it placed. It was No. 12 on the original list and fell only to No. 16 10 years later. I get it. This is an iconic film with an engaging story and some great performances. Wilder is a talented director and I think he's delivered some excellent films that continue to resonate even decades later. This is an ambitious film that has some good component and an it's a fascinating watch. I just don't love it a...