Matt's Musings

 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 ...

We’re making our way through April and closer to the Emmy consideration window. That means some high-profile new releases making their way on screen before the window slams shut. But 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 Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: The Testaments, streaming Wednesdays on Hulu (Premiered April 8) About : This new series is based on the novel from Colleen Atwood, and is a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. It’s again set in Gilead, this time following young women who are preparing to serve as wives or leaders in the community. We meet Agnes (Chase Infiniti), the daughter of a commanders, and Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a new recruit. But not all is as it seems. This series, which again comes from Bruce Miller, features Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia and Elisabeth Moss as June. While June appears to be more of a cameo or support...

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. This week, I'm looking at five films I'm anticipating from May and June. Next week, it will be five from July and August. May Releases: * The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1): This is the highly anticipated sequel. It's not the typical blockbuster to kick off summer, but it has a great cast and should be a lot of fun. * Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22): This is the first big blockbuster of the Summer season, dropping right before Memorial Day Weekend. It is a continuation of the television series and the first big screen Star Wars film in a while. I'm excited to see what they do! Other May Releases: Animal Farm (May 1) Hokum (May 1) Deep Water (May 1) Mortal Kombat II (May 8) The Sheep Detectives (May 8) Obsession (May 15) Is God Is (May 15) I Love...

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 dark Todd Field drama. May McGorvey : You're a miracle, Ronnie. We're all miracles. Know why? Because as humans, every day we go about our business, and all that time we know... we all know... that the things we love... the people we love, at any time now can all be taken away. We live knowing that and we keep going anyway. Animals don't do that. Little Children Starring : Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, and Jackie Earle Haley Director : Todd Field About : This film was based on the novel from Tom Perrotta, adapted by Field. He's directed three feature films and this is the middle of those features, and the only one not nominated for Best Picture. It did earn three Academy Award nominations, but it didn't win any awards. Still, Winslet and Haley earned acting nominations for their work...

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. George Eastman : I love you. I've loved you since the first moment I saw you. I guess maybe I've even loved you before I saw you. A Place in the Sun (1951) Original List Position : 92 Starring : Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, and Shelley Winters Director : George Stevens About : This isn't an easy watch. This is the second film in a row from Stevens, and another one that earned a number of Oscar nominations. It is based on a novel which itself was based on a true story. It's about a man who falls in love with two women and makes a terrible decision, leading to terrible consequences. This was Taylor at the height of her power in films and certa...

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. Jordan 'Bick' Benedict : You want to know something, Leslie? If I live to be ninety, I will never figure you out. Giant (1956) Original List Position : 82 Starring : James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson Director : George Stevens About: Even decades after his death, Dean remains a larger-than-life figure in films. He only had the lead in three films. One, Rebel Without a Cause, we already saw on this list. This film earned him a second Academy Award nomination, though he died before it was released. This film is based on a novel and it's an epic, sweeping film. It earned nine nominations, including for Best Picture, earning a win for Stevens a...