Matt's Musings

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. Jules: If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions. Pulp Fiction (1994) Original List Position : 95 Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, and Uma Thurman Director: Quentin Tarantino About: This is a fascinating film. It's probably the first real one that put Tarantino on the map. While Reservoir Dogs gets some credit, this elevated things to an Oscar level. The film was 95 on the original list and 94 10 years later. I like it significantly more than that. I'm probably more of a Tarantino fan than the typical AFI member, but I remember this film and the impact it had on the culture and my generation. That gives it a so...

 Week 3 saw me fall off my steady pace. Let's try to get back on track in Week 4. NFL Picks, Week 4: Steelers Over Broncos Colts Over Commanders Bills Over Patriots Bears Over Jets Bengals Over Jaguars Cardinals Over Giants Rams Over Eagles Packers Over Bengals Ravens Over Titans Cowboys Over Texans Vikings Over Dolphins Raiders Over Steelers Broncos Over 49ers Seahawks Over Chargers Lions Over Panthers Saints Over Falcons Last Week : 7-9 Season: 29-19 NFL Picks Spread, Week 4: Steelers -2.5 Over Browns Commanders +3.5 Over Colts Bills -7.5 Over Patriots Bears -3.5 Over Jets Bengals -2.5 Over Jaguars Cardinals -1.5 Over Giants Rams -2.5 Over Eagles Buccaneers +3.5 Over Packers Titans +11.5 Over Ravens Cowboys +2.5 Over Texans Dolphins +11.5 Over Vikings Raiders +4.5 Over Chiefs Broncos +2.5 Over 49ers Seahawks -6.5 Over Chargers Panthers +3.5 Over Lions Falcons +2.5 Over Saints Last Week : 7-9 Season : 25-23

 The final weekend of September was full of some great movie 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. Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! (Theaters) Starring: Rinko Kikuchi Synopsis: Dance can open people up. We watch dance performances and series about those learning and performing dance because we enjoy the spectacle, but more importantly we enjoy the stories. There is something powerful about moving your body and using it to work through your grief, pain, or joy. I am a lover of Dancing With the Stars, and a few years ago I bought ballroom dance lessons for my wife. It ended up being one of our favorite activities for years, as we could forget the world and just get out there and dance. The new film, Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty is about that powerful world of dance. In the film we meet Ha-Chan (Kikuchi), who is living a happy life with her husband and dance partner Lu...

 We’re nearly through September. The network season is heating up with a lot of Fall premiers coming this week and next week. That leaves with you with plenty of options for what to watch, but you might be wondering what’s actually 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 Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: In the Line of Fire, Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC (Premiered September 21) About : This new series stars Peter Krause and Hope Davis, among others, as a family of law enforcement officers spread across multiple agencies. They represent the FBI, Justice Department, US Marshals, and Secret Service. And now, they’re part of a targeted campaign that just might have ties directly to their family. In the second episode, it becomes a bit more clear that the ongoing story will bubble in the background while we have some cases of the week, often pitting the family against ...

Week 3: Denver Broncos 30, Los Angeles Rams 26 Season Record: 2-1 (2-0 Home) Key Play: In the fourth quarter, with the Rams leading 26-23, Bo Nix took the ball in from inches out with less than a minute left to give the Broncos a lead. Recap: Will the real Denver Broncos please step up? I don't know that we've seen the real team, and we certainly haven't seen a consistent game. Though the Broncos came back to beat the Jaguars and the Rams in back-to-back weeks, it's been ugly. Still, a 30-point explosion in the second half is encouraging. Now, if the Broncos can keep it up on the road in San Francisco, that will be something to celebrate. With the Raiders and Chiefs already at 3-0, the AFC West won't be a cake walk, and neither will the rest of the league. It's a strong start, but there is work yet to be done! Game Balls: * Pat Bryant. The second-year receiver had a big touchdown and a big two-point conversion Sunday. * Talanoa Hufanga. A pair of intercept...

 October is here, bringing with it a host of interesting and seasonal releases. Below is the new films coming this October. Friday, October 2: * Verity (Theaters): This is the latest Colleen Hoover adaptation, but it's not what you're thinking. This is more of a horror story with Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson. Consider me intrigued. *Digger (Theaters): A big starring vehicle for Tom Cruise with a loaded cast. It's hard to get a read on the film which will either be a masterpiece or an epic disaster. Either way, it will be unique! *Beware Boiuna (Theaters): This is a big horror movie centered on a big snake. It looks sufficiently creepy. *Rolling Loud: The Movie (Theaters): Owen Wilson tries to be the cool dad and take his son to a music festival only for things to spiral out of control. Looks like it could be some funny counter-programming. *The Last First: Winter K2 (Apple TV): This new documentary debuted at Sundance. Now it's getting a streaming release for A...