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 classic Superhero film. Superman : I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one. Superman Returns Starring : Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, and Kevin Spacey Director : Bryan Singer About: I get it, this probably isn't a memorable film for many. It hasn't aged well in part to the work of Spacey and Singer, who are problematic creators. And yet, it remains my favorite Superman film. I love Routh in the role. I love the story. I love how it weaves in actual audio from the original and takes the story into a new place. I think Spacey is great as Lex Luthor, even if I don't want to spend any personal time with him. This is a superhero film that, for me, is vastly under-rated. I would have liked to see where it would have gone fr...

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. Margo : Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night! All About Eve (1950) Original List Position : 16 Starring : Bette Davis, Anne Cunningham, and George Sanders Director : Joseph L. Mankiewicz About : This is a classic film that won six Oscars, including Best Picture. Ironically, Davis was nominated by didn't win an Oscar. And yet, if you were to ask people what they most remember about this film decades later, the first thing to come to mind would likely be Davis and her performance. She plays an aging star and it's a bit of an over-the-top performance. I thought this was an interesting and engaging film when I saw it, but I don't love ...

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. Tom Joad : Then it don't matter. I'll be all around in the dark - I'll be everywhere. Wherever you can look - wherever there's a fight, so hungry people can eat, I'll be there. Wherever there's a cop beatin' up a guy, I'll be there. I'll be in the way guys yell when they're mad. I'll be in the way kids laugh when they're hungry and they know supper's ready, and when the people are eatin' the stuff they raise and livin' in the houses they build - I'll be there, too. The Grapes of Wrath (1940) Original List Position : 21 Starring : Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, and John Carradine Director: John Ford About...

 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 25 Dynasty TEs, divided into five tiers. Tier 1: No. 1: Brock Bowers No. 2: Trey McBride About: These top two tight ends have separated themselves. They are both not only the top at the position but the top pass-catcher for their team. They are great dynasty assets, but they could soon have some company. Tier 2: No. 3: Colston Loveland No. 4: Tyler Warren No. 5: Tucker Kraft No. 6: Harold Fannin, Jr. No. 7: Sam LaPorta No. 8: Kyle Pitts No. 9: Oronde Gadsen II About: This is a great group of young tight ends that have tremendous upside. In the case of some, we’ve seen it and recently. In the case of some, they are still ascending. For Loveland and Warren, it’s possible they coul...

 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...