Matt's Musings

 This week Star Wars returned to theaters, but it was one of just a host of new films. My take on this week’s new releases is below. To keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. I Love Boosters (Theaters) Starring : Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige, Naomi Ackie, Will Poulter, LaKeith Stanfield, Eiza Gonzalez, and Demi Moore Synopsis : There is no one quite like Boots Riley, the writer/director of this new film. It’s set kind of in the fashion industry, focusing on a trio of friends (Palmer, Paige, and Ackie) who shoplift from high-end boutiques to sell the goods and support themselves. There is one franchise and one designer (Moore) in particular who they target, both for her clothes and because she’s called them out publicly. But this journey of theft turned vengeance leads to some unexpected places. This is a wild film with a wild premise at times. It’s also a completely original look and style from Riley. This is the most colorful film of the year....

As we approach the Emmy consideration deadline, with the Network season over, the tide of new series is slowing a bit. Still, we got a couple interesting new additions to the TV landscape, and you might be wondering what 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 Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV (Premiered May 20) About: This new series focuses on a mother, Paula (Tatiana Maslany), who is trying to balance the demands of work and being a co-parent. She’s gone through a messy divorce, and her ex-husband Karl (Jake Johnson), is always trying to push to take more away. So, when she connects with a cam boy, gets scammed, and gets pulled into a murder, it’s not a great look. She pleads with the local detective (Dolly De Leon) to help find the real killer. But she also employs her co-workers in the fact...

This year Star Trek turns 60. For decades, it has enthralled and entertained audiences. Part of that legacy is 13 feature films. Over the next few weeks, I'll be looking back on each of the feature films in the franchise, including where I place them in my personal rankings! Spock: Admiral, if we were to assume these whales were ours to do with as we pleased, we would be as guilty as those who caused their extinction. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) Franchise Ranking : 3 Starring : William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, Mark Lenard, Robin Curtis, and Catherine Hicks Director: Leonard Nimoy About: After getting Spock back, the franchise got back on track. Nimoy helmed his second straight installment and delivers one of the best. This one finds the Enterprise crew headed back to Earth to face the consequences of stealing and destroying the Enterprise. Along the way, a probe is attacking Earth, looking for ...

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 a film that earned Denzel and Oscar. Alonzo Harris : [to Jake] To protect the sheep you gotta catch the wolf, and it takes a wolf to catch a wolf. Training Day Starring : Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke Director : Antione Fuqua About : This film asks the question of whether you're willing to sell your soul? Or, more accurately, how corruptible are you? It features Washington in an electric lead role that earned him an Academy Award and Hawke as his young protege. Hawke's character is a bit innocent, but trying to fit in with a prestigious new unit. Washington's Alonzo is a veteran who is as corrupt as those he seeks to bring to justice. He shows Jake the ropes over the course of a difficult day that forces Jake to face up to who he is, or rather who he wants to be. I don't love the story...

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. David Huxley : Now it isn't that I don't like you, Susan, because, after all, in moments of quiet, I'm strangely drawn toward you, but - well, there haven't been any quiet moments. Bringing Up Baby (1938) Original List Position : 97 Starring : Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant Director: Howard Hawks About: This is a classic screwball comedy. Grant was well known for operating in this genre, but I think we think of Hepburn in a more dramatic light. And yet, she has a few more light-hearted films, like this. Hawks does a nice job of bringing the story, these characters, and the absurdity of the story to life. There is a leopard named Baby in this, a...

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. Professor Henry Higgins : There even are places where English completely disappears; in America they haven't used it for years. My Fair Lady (1964) Original List Position: 91 Starring : Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison Director: George Cukor About : This is a classic film that's been done a few different times in different ways. This is the big musical version, and one that is done in a unique style. This is a classic for Hepburn and a classic for many audiences, especially those who love musicals. It barely made this original list and was omitted from the follow up list 10 years later. It did make the musical list, and remains a personal favorite for man...