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Spring TV Roundup, Week 3

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 We’re making our way through April and closing in on the Emmy consideration window. That means some high-profile new series are dropping just in time, but which of them are worth checking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Margot’s Got Money Troubles, Wednesdays on Apple TV (Premiered April 15) About: This new series comes from David E. Kelley based on the novel of the same name from Rufi Thorpe. It features Elle Fanning as Margot Millet. At the outset, she’s a talented writer at a small college in Fullerton. She receives special guidance from her professor, Mark (Michael Angarano). Soon, an affair blooms despite the fact Mark is married and has a family. When Margot ends up pregnant, it throws her life into turmoil. Mark cuts her off, so she leans on her mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) and her father (Nick Offerman), a former wrestler and recov...
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Summer Movie Preview, Pt. 2

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We're rapidly approaching Summer at the Box Office. The Summer Movie Season typically kicks off with the first Friday in May and runs through August. The next two weeks, I'll be previewing the Summer of 2026. Last week, I look at five films I'm anticipating from May and June. Today, it will be five from July and August. July Releases: * Moana (July 10): We've seen two different animated takes on Moana, but now we get a live-action version. Can they capture the same wonder? I loved the trailer, so it's possible. * The Odyssey (July 17): This is the movie event of the summer, perhaps of the year. Christopher Nolan doesn't miss, and I'm incredibly hyped to see this story play out on the big screen. * Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31): All three Tom Holland films have been great. We got left in a dim place for Peter Parker after the last one, and I'm excited to see how this picks up. July is full of bangers. Other July Releases: Minions & Monsters (...
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2006 Rewind: Superman Returns

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It's hard to believe, but 2006 was 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2006 that are turning 20 in 2026. Today, it's a classic Superhero film. Superman : I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one. Superman Returns Starring : Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, and Kevin Spacey Director : Bryan Singer About: I get it, this probably isn't a memorable film for many. It hasn't aged well in part to the work of Spacey and Singer, who are problematic creators. And yet, it remains my favorite Superman film. I love Routh in the role. I love the story. I love how it weaves in actual audio from the original and takes the story into a new place. I think Spacey is great as Lex Luthor, even if I don't want to spend any personal time with him. This is a superhero film that, for me, is vastly under-rated. I would have liked to see where it would have gone fr...
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100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 72

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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. Margo : Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night! All About Eve (1950) Original List Position : 16 Starring : Bette Davis, Anne Cunningham, and George Sanders Director : Joseph L. Mankiewicz About : This is a classic film that won six Oscars, including Best Picture. Ironically, Davis was nominated by didn't win an Oscar. And yet, if you were to ask people what they most remember about this film decades later, the first thing to come to mind would likely be Davis and her performance. She plays an aging star and it's a bit of an over-the-top performance. I thought this was an interesting and engaging film when I saw it, but I don't love ...
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100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 73

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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. Tom Joad : Then it don't matter. I'll be all around in the dark - I'll be everywhere. Wherever you can look - wherever there's a fight, so hungry people can eat, I'll be there. Wherever there's a cop beatin' up a guy, I'll be there. I'll be in the way guys yell when they're mad. I'll be in the way kids laugh when they're hungry and they know supper's ready, and when the people are eatin' the stuff they raise and livin' in the houses they build - I'll be there, too. The Grapes of Wrath (1940) Original List Position : 21 Starring : Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, and John Carradine Director: John Ford About...
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Dynasty Rankings, Top 25 TEs

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 We’re into the new league year and have seen major movement among veterans. We’re still a bit away from the draft, where rookies will start to shake up the standings. But this is start up season. So, if you’re looking to jump into dynasty, it’s time to take stock of the players available. Below is my Top 25 Dynasty TEs, divided into five tiers. Tier 1: No. 1: Brock Bowers No. 2: Trey McBride About: These top two tight ends have separated themselves. They are both not only the top at the position but the top pass-catcher for their team. They are great dynasty assets, but they could soon have some company. Tier 2: No. 3: Colston Loveland No. 4: Tyler Warren No. 5: Tucker Kraft No. 6: Harold Fannin, Jr. No. 7: Sam LaPorta No. 8: Kyle Pitts No. 9: Oronde Gadsen II About: This is a great group of young tight ends that have tremendous upside. In the case of some, we’ve seen it and recently. In the case of some, they are still ascending. For Loveland and Warren, it’s possible they coul...
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Now Playing

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 As we hit the second weekend of April we have one bigger wide release, and plenty of limited releases and streaming options. Below is a look at 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. Hamlet (Limited) Starring: Riz Ahmed Synopsis: It’s been centuries since William Shakespeare authored his classic Hamlet, and yet the story continues to thrill and entertain audiences. We’ve seen many actors and directors try their hand at bringing the story to life, each finding a unique way to impart the story to a new generation of viewers. That’s true of this latest adaptation of Hamlet, which opened in theaters on Friday, April 10. The new adaptation brings a modern twist to the story. The action is set in contemporary London as a family grieves a death and celebrates a wedding. But while the setting and trappings of the world are modern, the dialogue is pulled straight off the page of Shakespeare’s ...
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