Matt's Musings

 This second full weekend in July featured three new wide releases, all of them with a different kind of story and audience. Below is my take on the week’s big new releases. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Evil Dead Burn (Theaters) Starring: Souheila Yacoub, Hunter Doohan, and Luciane Buchanan Synopsis: It’s been 45 years since we were first introduced to the Necronomicon and the world of the Evil Dead. That low-budget horror film, which made stars of Bruce Campbell and director Sam Raimi, kickstarted a franchise. To this point we’ve seen five feature films and even a live-action series. And yet, interest in the world continues. Now, we get a new installment. Evil Dead Burn, the first film in the franchise since Evil Dead Rise in 2023. It’s helmed by Sebastien Vanicek, the fourth director to helm an Evil Dead film. And he brings his own take on the world. After a cold open taking place at a lake, as the evil arises, we’re ...

 We’re making our way through July. It’s a slower time, and yet there are still some interesting new series available. 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 summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Thursdays: The Man Will Burn, Thursdays at 10 p.m. on HBO (Premiered July 9) About: This is a new documentary series about Burning Man, the popular desert festival. The makers had unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes operations for a few years, starting in 2021 as the organizers were weighing whether the festival could move forward. The premier episode dives into that debate and discussion, while looking at the history of the festival, how it began, and what it means to the various people who make it a part of their regular yearly rhythm. If you’re a fan of Burning Man, this will be interesting. But, if like me you know little about the f...

This year Star Trek turns 60. For decades, it has enthralled and entertained audiences. Part of that legacy is 13 feature films. Over the next few weeks, I'll be looking back on each of the feature films in the franchise, including where I place them in my personal rankings! Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I'm trying to believe you, Shinzon. If there is one ideal that the Federation holds most dear, it is that all men, all races can be united. What better example? A Starfleet captain, standing in the Romulan Senate. Nothing would make me more proud than to take your hand in friendship - in time... when that trust has been earned. Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) Franchise Ranking : 12 Starring : Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, Michael Dorn, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, and Tom Hardy Director: Stuart Baird About: This is the fourth and final outing from the Next Generation cast. It's also their worst, and one of the worst of the franchise. Now, even a ba...

It's hard to believe, but 1996 was 30 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1996 that are turning 30 in 2026. Today, it's a classic sci-fi film. President Thomas Whitmore : Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. "Mankind." That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the ni...

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. Terry Malloy : You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it. It was you, Charley. On the Waterfront (1954) Original List Position : 8 Starring : Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, and J. Lee Cobb Director : Elia Kazan About : This is an American classic. It's also one of the films that put Brando on the map, and it's certainly an iconic performance in service of an iconic American story. Does it hit the same all these years later? Probably not. But it's still a fascinating exploration of these characters and story. And it's undeniable that Brando 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. Walter Neff : Yes, I killed him. I killed him for money - and a woman - and I didn't get the money and I didn't get the woman. Pretty, isn't it? Double Indemnity (1944) Original List Position : 38 Starring : Fred MacMurry, Barbra Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson Director : Billy Wilder About: Everyone loves a good noir. On the original list, the film appears higher at No. 38. It jumped up to No. 29 a decade later. That's a bit higher than where I have it. I enjoy a good noir, and I enjoyed this story. Wilder was a talented director who helmed a number of classic films, including a few on this list. This is an interesting story that in different ha...