Matt's Musings

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...

 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 50 Dynasty WRs, divided into seven tiers. Tier 1: No. 1: Ja’Marr Chase No. 2: Jaxon Smith-Njigba No. 3: Justin Jefferson About: Chase is a rare talent and JSN has taken a huge step up. Jefferson had a bit of a down year in 2025, but you have to figure his quarterback play has nowhere to go but up. I think these three are the top with a bit of separation from the next group. Tier 2: No. 4: CeeDee Lamb No. 5: Malik Nabers No. 6: Amon-Ra St. Brown No. 7: Puka Nacua About: The question you probably have is about Nacua. You could make a case he belongs in the top tier, and I would agree if this was just about talent and play on the field. But Nacua has had some increasingly concernin...

 It’s been a big week for releases, including one of the most anticipated animated films of the year. But was it worth your time to check the films out? I give my take on the week’s new movies below. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Drama (Theaters) Starring: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya Synopsis: For most, their wedding day is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. It’s the happiest day of your life. You’ve found love and are ready to make a commitment and build a life with someone you know deeply. But what happens when all those feelings and plans get derailed? In the new film The Drama, we have a couple that are faced with that exact question. The film from writer/director Kristoffer Borgli is about a couple embarking on their wedding week when a simple question and game among friends throws everything out of balance. We meet Charlie (Pattinson) as he’s writing his wedding speech and toast. He’s about to mar...

 We’re into April and Spring is upon us. It’s a time where Networks and Streamers are trying to get that final wave of series in for Emmy consideration. But there’s also shows aimed at attracting viewers of all interests, too. 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 Spring! Mondays: Star Wars: Maul—Shadow Lord, Mondays on Disney+ (Premiered April 6) About : The one staple of Star Wars content in the Disney era has been the animated series. Whether ongoing shows or the annual limited releases, we’ve seen a plethora of these stories each year, usually targeted toward the spring and the upcoming Star Wars Day. That’s the case for this latest series, Maul, which focuses on the iconic character first introduced in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The series debuted with two episodes on Monday and will offer two more episodes each week through May 4. The series is set after t...