Matt's Musings

 It was a busy weekend for new movies, with a couple rising above the crowd. Below is my take on this week’s new movies. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Resident Evil (Theaters) Starring: Austin Abrams Synopsis: For decades, people have been drawn to Raccoon City and the antics of the Umbrella Corporation. The world of Resident Evil has been the basis for countless games and at least seven films in the past. It’s been a popular and bankable brand. And now it’s getting another iteration. It’s fair to say this new take—from director Zach Cregger—is unlike anything that’s come before. And it turns out that’s a very good thing. The new film follows Bryan (Abrams), a medical courier who is having a rough night. He’s in a fight, of sorts, with his girlfriend. She presented him with some big news, and he didn’t respond well. But he’s trying to focus on work. After making a delivery he’s offered a chance to make another to Racco...

 It’s mid-September, and we’re getting a flood of new shows. The Network season is beginning and we’re starting to get all kinds of options on a weekly schedule and in streaming drops. But which 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 Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: Line of Fire, Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC (Premiered September 21) About: This new series is about a family of law enforcement professionals embroiled in a big case. It’s the latest Monday night drama for NBC, coming behind The Voice , which is a swell lead-in. The series follows a family of law enforcement agents stretching across the US Marshals Service, FBI, Secret Service, and Department of Justice. The series features Peter Krause and Hope Davis, among others. It's clear all of them, despite being in different agencies, are going to be pulled together on the same case. Th...

Week 2 : Denver Broncos 20, Jacksonville Jaguars 13 Season Record : 1-1 (1-0 Home) Key Play : As the Third Quarter was ending, and the Jaguars led 13-6, Trevor Lawrence fired deep for Parker Washington and was intercepted by Riley Moss. It got the Broncos going and led to their first win. Recap : It makes sense that, on Tim Tebow day, the Broncos would need some Fourth Quarter magic to get a win. The offense looked terrible early, but it found its way. And the defense made the big plays that they needed to get things back on track. It wasn't a complete victory, but it was a win. And with a tough schedule coming it is important to get a win. The defense looked solid and it was great to get Jaylen Waddle going, finally. It's a positive step and I can't wait to see what happens next. Game Balls: * Jaylen Waddle . After a rough Week 1, he had eight receptions for 138 yards. * Jonah Coleman . The rookie had a solid rushing day, the go-ahead touchdown, and some receptions. * Rile...

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 Robert Rodriguez joint. Seth: Peachy, Kate. The world's my oyster, except for the fact that I just rammed a wooden stake in my brother's heart because he turned into a vampire, even though I don't believe in vampires. Aside from that unfortunate business, everything's hunky-dory. From Dusk Till Dawn Starring : George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino, Juliette Lewis, Selma Hayek, and Harvey Keitel Director: Robert Rodriguez About: We're closing in on October and smack in the middle of spooky season. That makes it a great time to talk about this one, which plays as more of an action film but is definitely a lot of fun. It's hard to believe this one is 30 years old. It's a great cast, led by Clooney. Tarantino gives a fun supporting performance. There is good action and this is rea...

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. Scottie: One final thing I have to do... and then I'll be free of the past. Vertigo (1958) Original List Position: 61 Starring: James Stewart and Kim Novak Director: Alfred Hitchcock About: This is one of Hitchcock's classic films, and one of a few iconic ones featuring Stewart. Hitchcock is a director that makes a number of appearances on this list. This film came in at No. 61 in the original list, jumping up to No. 9 a decade later. That speaks to the enduring power of this and a few other of Hitchcock's films. This is well worth seeking out and one I quite enjoy.

  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. Travis Bickle : You're only as healthy as you feel. Taxi Driver (1976) Original List Position : 47 Starring : Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster Director : Martin Scorsese About : Just a last week we talked about Scorsese in a classic film led by De Niro. This week, we are at it again with another iconic film. Ironically this one sits at 47 on the original list and slipped to 64 on the revised list. I actually have it a bit higher than Raging Bull . The performance is, again, spot on. It's a very difficult story and I can understand it's not as comfortable a watch. But I think that is, in part, what makes it a more iconic film. Either way, it's a cl...