Matt's Musings

  Today is Easter. It's one of the most important dates on the Christian calendar. It's a day to stop, remember Jesus' sacrifice and what it means to us and for us. It is weird to, for the first time in more than a decade, not be working. But I am looking forward to worshipping and remembering today. As has often been my tradition, I will leave you with some lyrics that have been meaningful to me from the song "Christ is Risen." May your day be reflective and blessed. Oh death, where is your sting? Oh fear, where is your power? For the mighty King of kings has disarmed you Delivered and redeemed Eternal life resounds Oh, praise His name forever Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave Hallelujah Christ is risen from the grave

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! Steve Trevor : Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Only today. Right now. That's why we fight, right? Justice Society: World War II (2021) Starring: Stana Katic, Matt Bomer, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Darren Criss Director : Jeff Wamester About: There is a rich archive of DC animated tales, particularly on Max. And they have all different approaches to the material. This is a fun one that features time travel and a classic setting for our heroes to do battle during World War II. The idea here drew me in but it was the story and the execution that really kept me hooked. I like the way this is put together and the strong voice cast. The narrative and the classic an...

  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. Monica : How dare you chase our son off to Mexico like he's some criminal. No Man's Land (2020) Starring : Joe Allywn, Frank Grillo, Jorge A. Jiminez, George Lopez, and Andie McDowell Director : Conor Allywn About : I remember when I first saw this film. It was one of the early screeners I got when I transitioned to doing more film reviews. I wasn't sure what to expect from this production, which featured a brother tandem at director and actor. What I got was an engaging story that stuck with me. This is another modern, unconventional Western. But it has a lot of themes of those who are lost, outlaws, and a quest for redemption. And it begins, as so many of these stories do, with a moment of violence as a result of a split-second decision. I enjoy the cast her...

  We're approaching April. This is the month before the summer movie season really kicks off. There are some intriguing new releases this month. Let's dive in! Friday, April 5: * The First Omen (Theaters). We got the original film in 1976, a string of sequels and a re-boot in 2006. Now, we're getting a prequel of sorts. This looks sufficiently creepy. * Monkey Man (Theaters) . Dev Patel directs and stars in this dark action film. It's got a great trailer and comes from producer Jordan Peele. Color me intrigued. Friday, April 12: * Civil War (Theaters). This one has an intriguing premise about a national fracture that leads to conflict. It also feels a little cautionary in 2024. Still, this could be one of the biggest releases in the month. * Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (Theaters). A re-make of a film that's something of a cult classic. We didn't need a new version and yet I'm somewhat intrigued. We'll see how it all plays out. Friday,...

  It was a big week for new movies as we head toward Spring Break for many. Below are my thoughts on this week’s new releases. You can follow everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Theaters) Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Dan Aykroyd, and Annie Potts Synopsis: This is the fourth official entry in the original franchise, coming a few years after the Jason Reitman re-boot Ghostbusters: Afterlife. As we begin, the Spengler family is working as Ghostbusters in New York City, bankrolled by Winston Zeddemore (Hudson). But things aren’t going smoothly. When the new mayor (William Atherton) cracks down, Phoebe (Grace) ends up sidelined. This leaves her frustrated. Meanwhile, Zeddemore has created other projects to expand the ghost-fighting capabilities for what’s coming. Ray (Aykroyd) is still kicking around and helping, as is Peter Venkman (Murray). While Janine (Pott...

  We’re nearing the end of March, meaning that many are on Spring Break, or about to be. That gives you some time to sit back, relax, and dive into some new content. But 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 Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Palm Royale, streaming on Apple TV+ (Premiered March 20)| About: This new dramedy from Apple TV+ takes the action back to 1969 in Florida. There, a new woman, Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig), is trying to break into high society and a certain elite club. But the members, including Dinah Donahue (Leslie Bibb) and Evelyn Rollins (Alison Janney) aren’t sold. Turns out, Maxine has a connection to this world, or rather her pilot husband (Josh Lucas) does. Can she pull off the transition to society? And why is she so focused on joining this group. That’s the central focus here. This is a strong cast, that al...

  This year films from 2009 are celebrating a 15th Anniversary. I will be looking at five films from 2009 that I've enjoyed as part of an anniversary celebration. Today, I'm looking at The Hangover. Phil Wenneck : Would you please put some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice. The Hangover Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zack Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, and Heather Graham Director: Todd Phillips About: It's fitting that today I'm in Las Vegas. This film might be the ultimate Vegas tale. It's one that I've seen a number of times over the years, often on the eve of a trip to Las Vegas. I'll note, however, I've never had the experience that Phil, Stu and Alan have. I love this comedy. I love the characters, some of the iconic moments, and the arc of the plot. I remember seeing it in theaters and being blown away. Now 15 years later, I'm still taken by this film. Its sequels are forgettable, and while it inspired a number of ...

  Spring Break is here, for most. This year Spring Break aligns with the week leading to Easter, giving a lot of people some free time. The movies know this. On March 22, we got Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire . On March 29, we get Godzilla X Kong: A New Empir e. It's a rich time for blockbusters. In honor of the dual blockbuster releases, I'm looking back at the franchises. Below is my ranking of the four previous films for each of these sequels in my preferred order. Ghostbusters: 1. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) . This film, from Jason Reitman, is a great, emotional tribute. It's the most emotionally resonant of the films for me and that's why it tops my list. 2. Ghostbusters (1984). The original is a classic for so many reasons. I love the iconic scenes and plot. It is high on this list. 3. Ghostbusters (2016). This female-led re-boot is arguably the most purely comedic of the four films. It's wildly under-rated. I enjoy Kristin Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Kate M...

  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! Aladdin : All this for a loaf of bread? Aladdin (1992) Starring : Robin Williams, Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin, Jonathan Freeman, and Gilbert Gottfried Director : Ron Clements and John Musker About: I mentioned a few weeks ago that there is a certain era of Disney animated features that will always have a special place in my heart. Aladdin is another one of those. I remember the film and how much I enjoyed the music. In fact, I had a song book and learned many of these on the piano. But this is also a fun and funny film. Williams is one of the bigger stars in these early Disney animated features and he gives a heck of an iconic performance here. This is a fu...

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.  Toby Howard : I've been poor my whole life, like a disease passing from generation to generation. But not my boys, not anymore. Hell or High Water (2016) Starring : Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges Director: David McKenzie About: This isn't a conventional Western. It's set in the modern era. But it has all the hallmarks of a good Western story. It's got a bank robbery, outlaws, a sheriff on his last ride and, of course, a larger theme about battling societal injustice. That's a credit to Taylor Sheridan, who's only become more prolific as a writer in the time since this film. The interesting twist here is you're rooting for the outlaws who are actually the ones battling injustice. Pine and Foster are great, but this is also a lot about...

  This year films from 2009 are celebrating a 15th Anniversary. I will be looking at five films from 2009 that I've enjoyed as part of an anniversary celebration. Today, I'm looking at State of Play. Rep. Stephen Collins : Am I talking to my friend now or am I talking to a reporter? Cal McAffrey : I gotta be both. State of Play Starring : Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck, Helen Mirren, Robin Wright, Jason Bateman, and Jeff Daniels Director: Kevin Macdonald About : A murder on the street, a dead Congressional aide, a Congressman on the rise, a young online reporter, and a grizzled veteran reporter all are brought together. These are the elements in play for this film, which I loved. It's got a great cast and an intriguing premise. If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that I love journalism films. This is one of the journalism films that have always stuck out to me. I like the arc of the story here and the rich performances. This isn't the...

  It was a packed week for new releases with some interesting and emotional film options. Below is my take on this week’s new films. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The American Society of Magical Negroes (Theaters) Starring : Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan, and Drew Tarver Synopsis : Sometimes a film surprises you. That was the case here, with a comedy that has poignance and some good performances. This film, from writer/director Kobi Libii, starts with a concept and builds a story from there. We begin with the definition of a Magical Negro, which ties into the way Negros were used in stories and films in the past. It spins into the idea being real and a young artist (Smith) being recruited for the program. He has a mentor (Grier) and an assignment with a client (Tarver) who is in something of a crisis. When they both fall for the same woman (Bogan), it creates tension and threatens to derail his mission. Th...

  It’s March and we’re rapidly approaching Spring Break for many—with some already getting to Spring Break. All that time off will provide more time to search for and dive into new content, but 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 Spring. Thursdays: The Girls on the Bus, Streaming Thursdays on Max (Premiered March 14) About : It’s a campaign year, so it makes sense we’d start getting some political stories on the big and small screen. One of those is this new Max series, which follows four female reporters (Melisa Benoist, Carla Gugino, Natasha Behnam, and Christina Elmore) as they travel the country following candidates in a Presidential race. This is right up my alley as I love journalism stories and fun political stories. I was hoping it would be like the latter seasons of The West Wing, on the campaign trail. The first two episodes were engaging and pulled me in, though they ...

  Free agency and a new league year has begun. With the Broncos moving on from Russell Wilson and eating $85 million in dead salary cap, including $53 million in 2024, it was always going to be a quiet off-season. In addition to Wilson, the team released Justin Simmons, traded Jerry Jeudy and saw Josey Jewell sign with the Panthers and Lloyd Cushenberry sign with the Titans. It's not addition by subtraction, it's the first painful steps of a true re-build. No one wanted it, but the Broncos need to do it. While those have gone, the team has brought back some of its own players. P.J. Locke re-signed, giving some experience and stability at safety. The team also brought back receiver Lil' Jordan Humphrey, and re-worked the deal with Tim Patrick for him to stay. The team also re-signed Michael Burton at fullback. The team also brought back Adam Trautman at tight end. In addition, Denver has pulled in a few free agents, so far focusing on the defense. The biggest signing was saf...

  Throughout this year, I'll be looking at a few films from 1999 that are celebrating their 25th Anniversary. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I'm looking at a classic that befits the holiday. Monsignor : And I am reminded, on this holy day, of the sad story of Kitty Genovese. As you all may remember, a long time ago, almost thirty years ago, this poor soul cried out for help time and time again, but no person answered her calls. Though many saw, no one so much as called the police. They all just watched as Kitty was being stabbed to death in broad daylight. They watched as her assailant walked away. Now, we must all fear evil men. But there is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men. The Boondock Saints (1999) Starring: Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flannery, and Norman Reedus Director: Troy Murphy About : This film kicks off on St. Patrick's Day and celebrates Irish culture, in a way. So, it seems fitting that we're look...

  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! Sadness : Crying helps me slow down and obsess over the weight of life's problems. Inside Out (2015) Starring: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Phyllis Smith, and Richard Kind Director: Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen About: The best Pixar films are ones that mine deeper emotional depths. That's certainly the case here with a film that is literally about emotions. More specifically, it's about appreciating the existence and importance of all emotions, even ones like sadness, and how they help shape who we are as people. There's fun colors and fun voices here. There's a fun story and some fun visuals. But it's th...

  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. Maggie : Why didn't you stay. Samuel : [long pause] There's an Apache story about a man that woke up one morning and saw a hawk on the wind. Walked outside and never returned. After he died he met his wife in the spirit world. She asked him why he never came home, he said "Well, the hawk kept flying". [pause] There's always the next something, Maggie. And that will take a man away. The Missing (2003) Starring : Cate Blanchett, Tommy Lee Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Val Kilmer, Evan Rachel Wood, Elisabeth Moss, and Eric Schweig Director : Ron Howard About : Howard probably isn't the first person you think of when it comes to Westerns, but he's had a varied career. And he delivers an engaging film here that works on two levels. When her daughter (Woo...

  What a wild few days it's been in the NFL. We've seen an onslaught of free agent movement with a number of players swapping teams. Below are my thoughts on some of the biggest deals. Quarterbacks: * Kirk Cousins to the Falcons . I love it for Kyle Pitts and Drake London. I also think it keeps Cousins as a top-end QB2. * Baker Mayfield back to the Buccaneers . The Buccaneers have kept their core together, which gives them a chance to compete. * Russell Wilson to the Steelers . He figures to be the starter, and could give the Steelers some stability at the position. I'm curious to see how it all works out. * Gardner Minshew to the Raiders . A two-year, $25 million deal indicates he could be the guy for now. It's an interesting move and we'll see how it all pans out. Running Backs: * Saquon Barkley to the Eagles. Barkley is a great talent. He was a Top 10 RB despite missing games and playing in a poor Giants' offense. He's still a strong RB1 for Dynasty. * D...

  It was a packed week for new releases in theaters, on streaming, and on VOD. Below are my thoughts on the new releases for the weekend. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Accidental Texan (Limited, VOD) Starring: Rudy Pankow, Carrie-Anne Moss, Thomas Haden Church, and Bruce Dern Synopsis : Sometimes all you need is for someone to believe in you and give you a second chance. What you do with that opportunity can help define your life. That’s the moral at the heart of The Accidental Texan, a new film that opens in limited release and on VOD this Friday. The film centers on Erwin (Pankow), a young actor who travels from Hollywood to New Orleans for his big break. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t go his way. After a disastrous first day, he’s fired. On the journey home, his car breaks down just outside a small Texas town. Erwin is spinning out. But in that crisis comes an opportunity. He stumbles into a diner and there meets Mer...

  We’re nearly to Spring, but we’re getting plenty of new shows. In fact, some networks are just now doing their premier week. With all those shows on the air, choosing what to watch can be tricky. 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: The Regime, Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered March 3) About: This series sees Kate Winslet as the Chancellor of a “European” nation that’s undergoing something of a crisis. She won an election, supposedly, but this doesn’t seem like a particularly free society. And as we see in the pilot, it’s in conflict with the United States. It’s a weird show. I thought the pilot was somewhat uneven and it wasn’t clear to me where it was going. I still can’t say for sure where we’re headed, but I enjoyed the second episode more. There’s a great sequence with Martha Plimpton, while the back-and-forth with Winslet and Matthi...

  The 96th Oscars telecast took place last night and it mostly went as expected. I ended up going 16-for-23 in picks, including most of the top awards. Below are some quick thoughts on the telecast. Oppenheimer dominates The favorite did, indeed, have a big night. It won seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey, Jr., got awards for their work. I was also thrilled to see Nolan finally win an Academy Award. Poor Things does well It won four total awards, including Best Actress for Emma Stone. It was a fascinating film and it was interesting to see it take so many awards. Stone gave my favorite performance of the year, so I was pleased to see her get the win. Killers of the Flower Moon, Past Lives, and Maestro shut out These three films, all in the Best Picture race with multiple nominations, went home empty-handed. It's not completely unexpected but it's a bit of a surprise. I'm Just Ken steals the show Ryan Gosling ...

  The Academy Awards take place tonight. Ahead of the Ceremony, I'm making my predictions below! Best Picture: Oppenheimer. I think the favorite gets it done. Best Director: Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer. I suspect it's going to be a big night for Nolan and his film. Best Actor: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer . Murphy is the front-runner and I think he gets the win. Best Actress: Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon. I think this one follows SAG, and Gladstone gets the win. Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey, Jr., Oppenheimer . I think Downey gets an Oscar here. Best Supporting Actress: Da'Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers. Randolph is the favorite and I think she gets the win. Best Original Screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet and Arthur Harai. I think Anatomy of a Fall gets the call. Best Adapted Screenplay: Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan . The favorite wins another award. Best Cinematography: Oppenheimer. I think it's Oppenheimer 's night. Best...

  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! Bruce Wayne: I only came here out of respect for my parents, who knew your family. Carmine Falcone: Your father was more than just a friend to my family. Bruce Wayne : That was a long time ago. Carmine Falcone: Yes. A long time. Thomas Wayne believed in my father. He believed a man could bring order to a world of chaos. And you, Bruce? Bruce Wayne : I believe in Gotham City. Batman and the Long Halloween, Part One (2021) Starring : Jensen Ackles, Josh Duhamel, David Dastmalchian, Naya Rivera, and Troy Baker Director: Chris Palmer About: There have been a number of DC Comic stories given the animated treatment. I've been watching more of them in recent...

  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. Marshal Will Kane : Stay at the hotel until it's over. Amy Fowler Kane: No, I won't be here when it's over. You're asking me to wait an hour to find out if I'm going to be a wife or a widow. I say it's too long to wait! I won't do it! Marshal Will Kane: Amy! Amy Fowler Kane : I mean it! If you won't go with me now, I'll be on that train when it leaves here. High Noon (1952) Starring : Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Lloyd Bridges, and Lon Chaney Director: Fred Zinneman About: This film is a classic and it features two staples of the genre: Gary Cooper and a showdown between the hero and the villains. That is, in fact, what this whole film is about. Cooper won an Oscar for his role and this is a great cast, which includes Kelly, Bridges an...

  The Academy Awards are Sunday. In the run up, I'm previewing some of the big races and categories. Today, I'm looking at Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Best Director: * Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer * Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things * Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon * Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall * Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest About: There are some great directors here including two who produced international films. The five films represented are well-crafted and diverse. But I think this will come down to Nolan. He's one of my favorite directors and I think this is his year. Best Original Screenplay: * Anatomy of a Fall, Justine Triet and Arthur Harai * Maestro, Bradley Cooper and Josh Singer * Past Lives, Celine Song * May December, Sami Burch and Alex Mechanik * The Holdovers, David Hemingson About : Some interesting and diverse scripts here. I am a huge fan of Past Lives . If I could wave a magic wand, it...

  We’ve reached March and we’re starting to get into a season of blockbuster releases, but we’re still getting some smaller streaming films, too. Here’s a look at the new movies I saw this week. If you want to keep up with all that I’m watching this week, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Dune: Part Two (Theaters) Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Javier Bardem, and Rebecca Ferguson Synopsis: When the first installment of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, I was taken with the astounding technical achievement in building a visually stunning world. But I wasn’t always taken with the characters that populated that world. So, approaching the sequel, I wondered if that would change. It does in a big way. The film is still a stunning visual marvel with incredible world-building. But it’s the depth of character and the resonance of the journeys—particularly for Paul Atreides (Chalamet)—are the heart of the film. That’s what helps Dune: Part Two rise to be the first grea...