Matt's Musings

  We've made it to March and there are blockbusters a plenty throughout the month. Let's dive in and see what's coming! Friday, March 1: * Dune, Part 2 (Theaters): The follow up to the first half, released in 2021, comes out to kick start the month. Delayed from last year, this figures to be the biggest film of 2024 so far. I'm excited to see it. *Megamind Vs. The Doom Syndicate (Peacock): This is a direct-to-streaming follow up to the Will Ferrell animated film. This one is also set to kickoff a new animated series. It should be fun for younger viewers. * Spaceman (Netflix): This is a feel-good story about an orphan who defies the odds on a solo space mission. This looks like a fun streaming option to kick off March. Thursday, March 7: * Ricky Stanicky (Prime Video): Three friends used a created person, Ricky, to get out of trouble. Years later, when their wives and girlfriends want to meet Ricky, they hire an actor to play the part. This one features Zac Efron and...

  We had a couple big new releases this weekend. Below are my thoughts on the new films in theaters and on Netflix. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Drive-Away Dolls (Theaters) Starring : Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo, and Beanie Feldstein Synopsis: By now, we know what to expect from a Coen Brothers film. But what about a film from just a Coen Brother? That’s the question answered with the new film Drive-Away Dolls, which comes from Ethan Coen and his wife, Tricia Cooke. The film was originally slated for a late 2023 release but got pushed to February. It’s got all the elements you’d expect with the Coen name—a strong cast, a crime gone wrong set up, and some quirky characters. But the sum of the parts in this case just doesn’t quite add up to a hit. In the film, we jump back to 1999 in Philadelphia. In the opening, a man (Pedro Pascal) is waiting for someone who never a...

  We’re making our way toward March, which begins in just a couple days. We’ve also gotten the return of network television, making viewing options plentiful. But with that and new shows, you can be left wondering what’s worth your time to check out. Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Constellation, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV+ (Premiered February 21) About: The latest from Apple takes the action to space, a location that has worked well for series on the streamer in the past. In this one, we begin with Jo Ericsson (Noomi Rapace) driving her daughter to the middle of frozen nowhere. She seems on edge and strange things are happening. Her daughter also seems concerned. Soon, we flash back five weeks and Jo is on duty on the International Space Station. It’s not long before things go wrong. While the rest of the crew escapes, Jo stays...

  On January 23, the Academy Award Nominations were announced. A total of ten films will be competing for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, which take place on Sunday, March 10. From now until then, I will be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees. Oppenheimer Starring : Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey, Jr., Emily Blunt, and Matt Damon Director: Christopher Nolan Total Nominations: 13 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Director (Nolan), Best Actor (Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Downey, Jr.), Best Supporting Actress (Blunt), Best Adapted Screenplay (Nolan), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Hairstyling and Makeup About : And now, we end with the favorite. This was one of my favorite films of the year and is certainly a favorite throughout the Academy Awards. I think this is the favorite to win Best Picture, and is my pick to get it. But that's far from its only likely award. I think Nolan w...

  On January 23, the Academy Award Nominations were announced. A total of ten films will be competing for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, which take place on Sunday, March 10. From now until then, I will be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees. Barbie Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, and Kate McKinnon Director : Greta Gerwig Total Nominations : 8 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Gosling), Best Supporting Actress (Ferrera), Best Adapted Screenplay (Gerwig and Noah Baumbach), Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Original Song "I'm Just Ken," Best Original Song "What Was I Made For?" About : Barbie was one of the best films of the year. I loved it. And it earned a number of Academy Award nominations, though not as many as I'd hoped or as it should have received. Still, I suspect it will go home with at least one Oscar. I'm not sold it wins Best Picture, though it could, or the acting award...

  Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Jessie : You never forget kids like Emily, or Andy, but they forget you. Toy Story 2 (1999) Starring : Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Kelsey Grammer Director : John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, and Lee Unkrich About : Pixar has given us some wonderful standalone stories and some powerful franchises. It all started with Toy Story . This film franchise is foundational to Pixar and foundational to viewers. It is for me, too. I resonate with Andy's journey and, as you'll see on this list, the franchise makes a few appearances. The first up is this sequel. It brought back all the characters from the original and expanded the adventure. It also brought us...

  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Mary Gordon : If she'd had her sons around her she wouldn't have had to confide in strangers. She told me what fine men you were, never forgetting her, sending her money, helping her send Bud through school. She was so proud. Her tall sons for whom she kept making up lies so she could hide her shame. Blamed Texas for taking her sons. Texas is a woman, she used to say, a big, wild, beautiful woman. You raise a kid to where he's got some size, and there's Texas whispering in his ear and smiling, saying, "Come and have some fun." "It's hard enough to raise children," she'd say. "But when you've got to fight Texas, a mother hasn't a chance." That's why she pushed Bud. She let Texas beat her with the rest of you...

  The Independent Spirit Awards take place on Sunday, February 25. As a voter for Film Independent, I had the honor of casting a ballot this year. Below are my picks in the key categories. We'll see how it all shakes out on Sunday. Best Feature: Past Lives About: I loved Past Lives , which was a a gripping and emotionally engaging film. There were a few in the category I liked, but I voted Past Lives . Best First Feature: Upon Entry About : This was a film I encountered on my screener. I didn't know much about it, but I was really taken with the story and execution. It ended up being my pick. Best Director: Celine Song, Past Lives About : I mentioned my love for Past Lives, so naturally I went with Song here. Best Screenplay: Cord Jefferson, American Fiction About : American Fiction was a close second for me as Best Feature, so I went with Jefferson's script here. Best Lead Performance: Greta Lee, Past Lives About : There were so many rich performances. I was tempted by J...

  We got Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekend, meaning we got a few different projects this week. Below is my quick take on the new movies in theaters and streaming I caught this week. You can always keep up with what I’m watching @knighthawk7734 on Letterboxd. Bob Marley: One Love (Theaters) Starring : Kinglsey Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch Synopsis : We’ve heard Bob Marley’s songs. Though he died more than 40 years ago, his legacy endures to this day. The new biopic, which focuses on a couple key years in his short life, are meant to shed more light on the singer and his passions. It focuses on Marley (Ben-Adir) and his wife, Rita (Lynch), along with the political unrest that he sought to quell through his music. There’s a lot to explore here but this film doesn’t always make time to dive into the details. We get plenty of his famous songs and see the inspiration for his style of music-making. The film shines when it pairs Ben-Adir and Lynch and lets them play off one-another...

  We’re rapidly approaching the end of February as we’ve cruised through President’s Day Weekend. We’re getting plenty of returning favorites on networks and even a few new shows. What of these new shows is worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: The New Look, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV+ (Premiered February 14) About : The latest from Apple TV+ looks at the designs of Christian Dior (Ben Mendelsohn) that came to be called the New Look in post-World War II. The pilot picks up years after the war as Dior has become a household name. At the same time, Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche) is back in France after years away, hoping to resume her work at Chanel to challenge Dior. Soon, we’re taken back to 1943, when France was occupied by the Nazis. Dior is working for designer Lucien Lelong (John Malkovich), who is taking work from...

  On January 23, the Academy Award Nominations were announced. A total of ten films will be competing for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, which take place on Sunday, March 10. From now until then, I will be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees. Poor Things Starring : Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, and Ramy Youssef Director : Yorgos Lanthimos Total Nominations : 11 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Actress (Stone), Best Supporting Actor (Ruffalo), Best Director (Lanthimos), Best Adapted Screenplay (Tony McNamara), Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score About : This was one of the most unique films of the year. Given its style and story, it makes sense that you either loved it or didn't care for it. I was taken with the production and the way this film comes together. So, too, was the Academy. Its 11 nominations makes it one of the most honored films, and I'd be shocked...

  On January 23, the Academy Award Nominations were announced. A total of ten films will be competing for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, which take place on Sunday, March 10. From now until then, I will be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees. Past Lives Starring : Gretta Lee, John Magaro, and Teo Yoo Director: Celine Song Total Nominations : 2 Nominated For : Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay (Song) About: We could talk all day about the award nominations that should have been bestowed on this film. This is a very powerful story that was among my favorites since I saw it over the summer. I'd have loved to see Song recognized for her directing and any of the three stars make the acting field. In fact, Lee would have been a Top three option for me at actress. But this isn't about what didn't get a nomination, but rather what did get in. While I don't think this film wins Best Picture, I do think it's got a great shot for its script. It's a ...

  Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Buster Moon : When you've reached rock bottom, there's only one way to go, and that's up! Sing (2016) Starring : Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Seth MacFarlane, Taron Egerton, and Tori Kelly Director: Garth Jennings About : I'm drawn to stories that connect with me, emotionally. This animated film about a scrappy group of people looking for a break, led by a scrappy dreamer who needs a break, captured my attention and my heart. It was followed by a sequel that I love even more. But it's this first film that introduces us to Buster Moon (McConaughey) and these singers who moved me. I liked the comedy and I like...

  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Ethan : Well, Reverend, that tears it! From now on, you stay out of this. All of ya. I don't want you with me. I don't need ya for what I got to do. The Searchers (1956) Starring : John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, and Natalie Wood Director : John Ford About : When you think about this format, the Western, the first person that comes to mind is Wayne. And the director that often comes to mind when thinking of Wayne is Ford. We saw them paired together to start this list in a famous film, Stagecoach. This is another of their famous pairings, a classic film based on the novel from Alan Le May. It centers on a Civil War veteran who goes on a pursuit for family members who've been abducted by the Comanche. It's a difficult and fascinating film. Wayne giv...

  On January 23, the Academy Award Nominations were announced. A total of ten films will be competing for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, which take place on Sunday, March 10. From now until then, I will be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees. Maestro Starring : Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan Director: Bradley Cooper Total Nominations : 7 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Actor (Cooper), Best Actress (Mulligan), Best Original Screenplay (Cooper and Josh Singer), Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling About : Maestro was the big swing for Netflix and is likely the best chance for the streamer in 2023. But will it win? I think it was a strong film but feels like something of a long-shot for Best Picture. In fact, it's something of a long-shot, to me, in all seven of its nominated categories. It's top half of the draw in a few, but not a favorite in any. It's a shame since it was such a passion project for Cooper, but I don't see him winning for...

  It’s mid-February and we’re getting plenty of interesting films, including some seasonal releases. Below is my take on all three new films released this week. If you want to keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Lisa Frankenstein (Theaters) Starring : Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, Liza Soberano, Carla Gugino, and Joe Chrest Synopsis : As we near to Valentine’s Day, we’ll be getting some more seasonal offerings. But not all love stories are the same. That’s the case with the new film Lisa Frankenstein, which opens today. The film is written by Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifer’s Body) and directed by Zelda Williams, the daughter of Robin Williams. It’s fair to say it’s not the kind of romance you’re used to seeing on the big screen. But it’s got its own charm and appeal. Set in 1989, Lisa (Newton) is undergoing a rough transition. After her mother was murdered, she moved to a new town for her senior year as her father (Chrest) got re-married. She...

  With it being Super Bowl Week, while we welcomed back old friends like Abbott Elementary, the stream of new shows slowed. We got two new releases—including the post-Super Bowl premier. But which of those is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Sundays: Tracker, Airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on CBS (Premiered February 11) About : This new series got the plum premier slot behind the Super Bowl. It features Justin Hartley, star of This Is Us, in the adaptation of a novel about a survivalist who plies his skills to solving mysteries. In the series, based on the book from Jeffery Deaver called The Never Game, the series follows Colter Shaw (Hartley) as he travels the country taking on searches where a reward is offered. It is his full-time job, and he’s really good at solving the mysteries. The show centers on Colter, exploring some...

  On January 23, the Academy Award Nominations were announced. A total of ten films will be competing for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, which take place on Sunday, March 10. From now until then, I will be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees. American Fiction Starring : Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown, and Erika Alexander Director: Cord Jefferson Total Nominations : 5 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Actor (Wright), Best Supporting Actor (Brown), Best Adapted Screenplay (Jefferson), Best Original Score About : I loved American Fiction . It was a film that caught me by surprise, pulled me in and enthralled me. That had a lot to do with the story and the performances from Wright and Brown. The fact all three are nominated is little surprise to me. But will it win? That's more of a question. I think it's something of a long-shot for Best Picture and Best Original Score. I like Wright and I would think him a worthy winner, but I think he's running behind Paul...

  On January 23, the Academy Award Nominations were announced. A total of ten films will be competing for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, which take place on Sunday, March 10. From now until then, I will be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees. Killers of the Flower Moon Starring : Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro Director : Martin Scorsese Total Nominations : 10 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Director (Scorsese), Best Actress (Gladstone), Best Supporting Actor (De Niro), Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song About : This was one of the most buzzed about films prior to 2023 and ended up being one of the most honored. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, making it one of the most nominated film. So, surely, it will be a big winner on Oscar night, right? Perhaps not. When looking at the races, I don't think it's a favorite in any of them. It could wi...

  Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Jack Skellington : [singing] What's this? What's this? There's color everywhere! What's this? There's white things in the air! What's this? I can't believe my eyes, I must be dreaming; wake up, Jack, this isn't fair! What's this? The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Starring : Danny Elfman, Catherine O'Hara, and Chris Sarandon Director : Henry Selick About : This film comes from Tim Burton, who was a co-writer and served as a producer. It's a stop-motion animation style holiday story that's become a seasonal classic. And I say seasonal because it's a film that seems to find its place throughout the Fall, fr...

  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Buster Scruggs : There's just gotta be a place up ahead where men ain't low-down and poker's played fair. If there weren't, what are all the songs about? I'll see y'all there. And we can sing together and shake our heads over all the meanness in the used-to-be. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018) Starring : Tim Blake Nelson, James Franco, Liam Neeson, Harry Melling, Tom Waits, Brendon Gleeson, and Zoe Kazan Director : Joel and Ethan Coen About : Here we have a Western written and directed by the Coen Brothers. This isn't the only film on this list, merely the first. This one is a collection of short stories put together as a feature for Netflix. Each of the stories has its own cast and its own flair, but the whole thing feels uniquely Coen Brot...

  It all comes down to this. We’ve seen a lot during this season of NFL football, including three action-packed playoff weekends. And now, the season comes down to one final game. We have the Chiefs and the 49ers set to battle Sunday in Las Vegas. It hasn’t been a great playoffs for me when it comes to picking winners. I went 0-2 during the Conference Championship Weekend, dropping to 4-8 for the playoffs. Let’s see if I do better with the final game! San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) Super Bowl 58 features two good teams with two good coaches, two solid offenses and two strong defenses. We’ve seen these teams matched before, a few years ago when the Chiefs got past the 49ers for their first Super Bowl win with Patrick Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid. Of course, the 49ers are a slightly different team. This time it’s Brock Purdy leading the 49ers along with Christian McCaffrey. So, let’s break down the metric of the game on the basis of a few different catego...

  We’re launching into a crowded month of February with a loaded slate this first weekend, including three new streaming films. Below is my take on this week’s new offerings. As always, you can follow everything I’m watching on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Argylle (Theaters) Starring : Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, John Cena, Dua Lipa, and Samuel L. Jackson Synopsis : The latest from director Matthew Vaughn is a complex espionage tale. Writer Elly Conway (Howard) is a famous author, writing a series of books about her hero Argylle (Cavill) and his partners. But it seems she’s gotten too close to the truth and now a nefarious agency, led by Director Ritter (Cranston), is trying to capture her to see what else she knows. A rogue spy, Aidan Wilde (Rockwell), intercedes. He wants to protect Elly, while discovering what she knows. But it turns out Aidan knows more about Elly and her past than it first appears. There is a great look and...

  We’re into February now and we’re getting a lot of returning shows mixed with a few new high-profile series. But what of these new series are worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Feud: Capote vs the Swans, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX (Premiered January 31) About : Film and television has long been fascinated with the writer Truman Capote. This new installment of the anthology series from Ryan Murphy is focused on Capote (Tom Hollander) and his friendship turned fight with a few wealthy elites in New York City. Among those was Babe Paley (Naomi Watts), Nancy “Slim” Keith (Diane Lane), C.Z. Guest (Chloe Seviny), Lee Radizwill (Calista Flockhart), Ann Woodward (Demi Moore), and Joanne Carson (Molly Ringwald). We see their decades-long relationship play out, with what starts as a deep friendship turning into a fe...

  On January 23, the Academy Award Nominations were announced. A total of ten films will be competing for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, which take place on Sunday, March 10. From now until then, I will be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees. The Holdovers Starring : Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa Director : Alexander Payne Total Nominations : 5 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Actor (Giamatti), Best Supporting Actress (Randolph), Best Original Screenplay (David Hemingsen), Best Editing About : This is a film that has really gained traction the past few months. It was a bit of a late release, dropping in November, but it is a powerful drama and a fun holiday film. I've long enjoyed films from Payne, and I enjoyed this film as well. I don't think it's among the favorites for Best Picture, but it could be a strong competitor in a few categories. It's got an outside shot at screenplay, though I don't thing Hemingsen's scr...