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 the re-birth of James Bond. James Bond : [to Vesper] Why is it that people who can't take advice always insist on giving it? Casino Royale Starring : Daniel Craig, Mads Mikkelsen, and Eva Green Director : Martin Campbell About : The Bond franchise began in 1962. By the time Craig took over as Bond in 2006, the franchise had been going for 44 years and six other actors had played the role. This was something of a re-boot, coming four years after Brosnan's time ended. It captures Bond as he's just attaining 007 status, and it tells a very tense and engaging story. It dives into Casino Royale , which in the 1960s had been used as a parody with David Niven in the role. This is a different kind of film, setting up a different kind of James Bond universe. Craig kills it and I loved this film. It is ...

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. Bennett Marco : Raymond Shaw is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life. The Manchurian Candidate (1962) Original List Position : 67 Starring : Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury, and Laurence Harvey Director: John Frankenheimer About : This is a political thriller with a solid cast and based on the famous book. It's been re-made and referenced a few times since. But it's the original that has most often sat with people. It was No. 67 on the original list, and falls in nearly the same spot for me, here. Ironically it didn't end up on the list when it was re-issued a decade later. It's hard ...

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. Ethan Edwards : Livin' with Comanches ain't bein' alive. The Searchers (1956) Original List Position : 96 Starring : John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, and Natalie Wood Director: John Ford About : This is a fascinating film. It's one of the signature entries from Wayne, and one of his classical Westerns. It also comes from the director Ford, who is revered. And yet, in the original listing, it nearly didn't make it. This is a film that is higher for me than where it landed on this original list. But when it came to re-doing the list a decade later, this film was ranked No. 12. That is an incredible jump up for the film, and probably refle...

 We've made it to May, which is the official kickoff to the Summer Movie season. While there are some interesting releases, May is lighter on blockbusters than in year's past. Let's dive in. Friday, May 1: * The Devil Wears Prada 2 (Theaters) : The big film to kickoff summer is this highly anticipated sequel. This should be a fun romantic comedy to begin the season. * Animal Farm (Theaters): This is an animated film based on the George Orwell novel of the same name. Yes, you read that correctly. But, this seems aimed at kids? * Deep Water (Theaters): We have a plane that crashes in shark infested waters. So, a shark movie and a disaster movie. I'm already seated. * Hokum (Theaters): This is a horror release. It's more of a haunted house type set up with Adam Scott in the lead role. It looks creepy. * Swapped (Netflix): This is an original animated feature with a voice cast that includes Michael B. Jordan. This offers some family-friendly entertainment at home. F...

 It was a packed weekend at theaters with three big theatrical releases as well as a new action film on Netflix. Below is my take on the new releases I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Apex (Netflix) Starring : Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton Synopsis: This new action film from director Baltasar Kormakur focuses on a woman (Theron) who suffered a terrible mountain climbing accident. That accident forms the opening sequence of the film. Now, sometime later, she’s trying to recover and rediscover her love for exploration rafting in Australia. The natives aren’t exactly friendly, but she comes across one man, Ben (Egerton) who seems to be trying to help. When it turns out he might be the biggest threat of them all, it pits the two against each other in a battle for survival. This one has some big action sequences and is mostly a two-hander pitting Theron against Egerton in a battle of wills and a battle for s...

 We’re making our way through April, with some interesting new series making their debut. But what of these new series 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. Thursdays: Half Man, Thursdays at 9 p.m. on HBO Max (Premiered April 23) About : This is the new series from creator/star Richard Gadd, who was the force behind the phenomenon Baby Reindeer. That show didn’t click for me the way it did for others, and I feel like that might end up being the case here. In the early going we’re introduced to Ruben (Gadd) and Niall (Jamie Bell). They have a past and a connection, and their meeting in a secluded place as Niall is about to get married doesn’t seem to be going well. It ends in a physical confrontation, and then we’re quickly thrown into the past. We see Ruben and Niall as teenagers, and spend the bulk of the premier episode getting...