Matt's Musings

The second half of the year has gotten off to a tremendous start as July has given us some incredible and varied films. But it’s possible the month saved the best for last as the biggest release of the summer, Deadpool & Wolverine, droped on Friday. It’s been a different year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After some critical failures in 2023 and a re-shuffling of the deck for films and shows to come, the weight of the cinematic universe is being carried by a couple long-time heroes that are new entries to this world. A few years back Disney purchased 20th Century Fox, and with it came the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and the most unlikely of Disney heroes, Deadpool. Through two films, Ryan Reynolds showcased not only his talent but his ability to create a different kind of superhero. Deadpool and his films are violent and crass, but also a lot of fun. The question was what an MCU version of the hero—paired with Hugh Jackman’s iconic Wolverine—would bring to the table. It turns o...

  We’re making our way through July, and we’ve hit the Summer Olympics. Both those things bring us to a time with fewer new show options. With some big options in theaters and the Olympics vying for your time, you will have to be choosy about your new shows. So, what of these new offerings is worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted, and select unscripted, series this Summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Time Bandits, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV+ (Premiered July 24) About: In 1981, we got a Time Bandits movie from Terry Gilliam. This series isn’t a sequel, but rather a re-make or re-imaging of the concept. It’s a 10-episode season, with two episodes releasing each week for five weeks. The series was created by Taika Waititi, Jermaine Clement, and Iain Morris. Clement and Waititi have supporting roles, with Waititi directing five episodes as well. The rest of the cast in...

  We're approaching the 2024 NFL Season, so it's time to dig in and preview the action. Over a series of posts the next two months I'll be previewing the league, division by division. Teams will appear in order of finish from 2023 and I'll include my 2024 prediction. Today, it's the AFC South! Houston Texans 2023 Finish : 10-7, First Place About : The Texans were a wonderful story in 2023. They went from bottom of the league to the playoffs, falling in the Divisional Round. This off-season, they doubled down to move forward with C.J. Stroud. The team brought back Dalton Schultz at tight end, traded for Stefon Diggs at wide receiver and signed running back Joe Mixon. Along with Nico Collins and Tank Dell, that gives Stroud a great arsenal of weapons. The team also has a strong defense. They won't sneak up on people, but the Texans can certainly compete. Prediction: Could this team regress? They could, but I think they'll be back strong, finishing in first pl...

  We've made it to August, the last of the full summer months. There are some big releases and, as has been typical of the rest of 2024, some notable horror films are coming. Let's dive in and see what awaits us in August. Friday, August 2: Harold and the Purple Crayon (Theaters): Zachary Levi takes the lead in this film about an animated figure brought to life through his magic, purple crayon. I don't know what to think of the film, but it could be some family-friendly entertainment. Trap (Theaters): This one from M. Night Shymalan features Josh Hartnett as a loving father taking his daughter to a concert. There is, of course, a twist. The twist is given away in the trailer, and I think it could make for a fascinating journey. Thursday, August 8: One Fast Move (Prime Video): This one features K.J. Apa as a dishonorably discharged soldier seeking out his father to get into the world of motorcycle racing. I don't know about this. Friday, August 9: Borderlands (Theater...

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! Lex Luthor : Just look at him. So sleek. So powerful. So... beautiful, like some great golden god made flesh. Of course, any sensible god would demand absolute obedience in return for his favor. But, no, our Man of Steel protects us, with no strings attached. The people? Hmph. They practically worship him anyway. Enjoy your reign while you may, Superman. For surely as night follows day, there comes a time when even gods must die. Superman: Doomsday (2007) Starring: Adam Baldwin, Anne Heche, and James Marsters Director: Lauren Montgomery, Bruce Timm, and Brandon Vietti About: In all of Superman, there's one story we've seen play out a few times that r...

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.  Ransom Stoddard: You're not going to use the story, Mr. Scott? Maxwell Scott: No, sir. This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) Starring: Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles, and Lee Marvin Director: John Ford About: This list has featured a lot of films from Wayne. That makes since as he's one of the most iconic men in the genre. This is the last of the films from Wayne I have on my list, and my favorite. It's another pairing with Stewart (the two are in The Shootist as well). It's another fascinating and layered story delivered by director John Ford. I love the structure, too. Stewart plays an aging politician who is approached by a journalist to tell the story of an incident th...

Films released in 1999 will turn 25 this year. Over the next few months, I'll be looking at some of the memorable films from that year, including some of my favorites. Today, I'm continuing with another blockbuster that changed films. Billy Chapel: Tell them I'm through, "for love of the game", Billy Chapel For Love of the Game Starring : Kevin Costner, Kelly Preston, John C. Reilly, Brian Cox, and J.K. Simmons Director : Sam Raimi About : Baseball is part of the fabric of America, and baseball films are part of the fabric of the cinematic landscape. Among baseball films, Costner is one of the kings. He's done all kinds of films about the game and he's great in all of them. For Love of the Game , released in 1999, is no exception. It isn't the kind of film you'd normally expect to see from Raimi, but he does a beautiful job with it. It's based on the novel from Michael Sharra, and it's an exceptional film. It's about a pitcher, Billy C...

  While violent storms were dominating the theater, we got a couple of smaller releases on streaming. Below are my thoughts on this week’s new releases. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. My Spy: The Eternal City (Prime Video) Starring: Dave Bautista, Ken Jeong, Chloe Coleman, Anna Faris, Flula Borg, and Kristen Schaal Synopsis: This is a sequel to an original comedy about a CIA Agent (Bautista) who bonded with a young girl (Coleman) while on assignment. You’d be forgiven for not remembering the original because it was released during the pandemic in 2020 and also wasn’t very good. Nevertheless, we get a sequel here that returns Bautista and Coleman along with original film stars Jeong and Schaal. J.J. (Bautista) is now officially Sophie’s (Coleman) stepfather, and they still have a bond. But her entering into puberty has somewhat changed the nature of their relationship. While chaperoning a school trip to Europe, things go...

  We’re racing through July, but there’s still a steady stream of new content, including some high-profile scripted and unscripted series. But what of these new series are worth exploring as an escape from the summer heat? Let this weekly piece be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted, and select unscripted, series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Simone Biles Rising, Streaming on Netflix (Premiered July 17) About: Biles is the greatest gymnast, and one of the greatest athletes of all time. She had a public struggle that knocked her out of the Tokyo Olympics, but now she’s on the cusp of a return in Paris. This new docuseries chronicles the Tokyo games and all that’s followed as Biles works her way back toward a third Olympic games. The first two episodes dropped Wednesday, each about an hour. Subsequent episodes will come later this summer/fall. It’s a fascinating look into the mindset and process of a...

  We're approaching the 2024 NFL Season, so it's time to dig in and preview the action. Over a series of posts the next two months I'll be previewing the league, division by division. Teams will appear in order of finish from 2023 and I'll include my 2024 prediction. Today, it's the NFC South! Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 Finish : 9-8, First Place About: The Buccaneers took the division with Baker Mayfield finishing as QB10. The Buccaneers are keeping the band together in 2024, bringing back Mayfield and his top target, Mike Evans. Along with Chris Godwin, tight end Cade Otton, and running back Rachaad White, the core of this group returns. But they're missing Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales, who is now the Head Coach for the Panthers. The defense also lost some key pieces due to budget constraints. The division remains open, but the competition might be better in 2024. Prediction: I think the Buccaneers will remain around the nine win mark, but that might not...

  We're approaching the 2024 NFL Season, so it's time to dig in and preview the action. Over a series of posts the next two months I'll be previewing the league, division by division. Teams will appear in order of finish from 2023 and I'll include my 2024 prediction. Today, it's the AFC North! Baltimore Ravens 2023 Finish : 13-4, First Place About: The Ravens were the NFL's best team in 2023, at least during the regular season. That didn't translate to the playoffs, where the Ravens lost a heart-breaking battle to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. The team added Derrick Henry, to give a boost to the rushing game, but they are relying heavily on Rashod Bateman to step up in year four in order for the passing game to thrive. We'll see how it goes. Prediction: I still like the Ravens. I think they'll be in the mix for the playoffs again. Cleveland Browns 2023 Finish: 11-6, Second Place About: Despite getting only six games from Deshaun Watson...

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! Lumiere : Ma chère mademoiselle. It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you tonight. And now we invite to relax. Let us pull up a chair as the dining room proudly presents... your dinner. Beauty and the Beast (1991) Starring: Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury, and Jerry Orbach Director: Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise About: This is a classic tale and one of the classic animated films from Disney. It also happens to be my wife's favorite film of all time, so I've seen it a few times. It was an important film in the genre, too, earning a Best Picture nomination at a time before the animated films had their own catego...

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.  El Mariachi : You know, it's easier to pull the trigger than play guitar. Easier to destroy than to create. Desperado (1995) Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, and Joaquin de Almeida Director: Robert Rodriguez About: This is the second film in the El Mariachi film series. It's the first with Banderas in the lead role, and it's my favorite. The third and final film in the series was on this list, too, but I like this better for a couple reasons. I think the action sequences are fun here. I like the snappy dialogue and the story a bit more. But, mostly, it's the back-and-forth between Banderas and Hayek, who is largely absent from the final film. I like their relationship and story in this film. It's a fun ride that's well crafted by Rodrigue...

  Films released in 1999 will turn 25 this year. Over the next few months, I'll be looking at some of the memorable films from that year, including some of my favorites. Today, I'm continuing with another blockbuster that changed films. Malcolm Crowe: Once upon a time there was this person named Malcolm. He worked with children. He loved it. He loved it more than anything else. And then one night, he found out that he made a mistake with one of them. He couldn't help that one. And he can't stop thinking about it, he can't forget. Ever since then, things have been different. He's not the same person that he used to be. And his wife doesn't like the person that he's become. They barely speak anymore, they're like strangers. And then one day Malcolm meets this wonderful little boy, a really cool little boy. Reminds him a lot of the other one. And Malcolm decides to try and help this new boy. 'Cause he feels that if he can help this new boy, it woul...

  This weekend featured two new wide releases, both of which are worth seeking out. Below is my take on our new releases. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Fly Me to the Moon (Theaters) Starring : Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson, and Jim Rash Synopsis: Landing men on the moon was a big accomplishment for NASA and remains a big part of our cultural history in America, even decades later. Still, there are those that aren’t convinced this achievement was real. For both groups, the new film Fly Me to the Moon will entertain and delight. The film spins back to the late 1960s as the space race is in full swing. With Richard Nixon taking office, and America growing weary of a costly space race that’s yielded few results, government fixer Moe Berkus (Harrelson) is looking for help. He turns to Kelly Jones (Johansson), a woman with a shady past and a gift for spin. Moe cajoles Kelly into take a job wi...

We’re making our way through July and that means an interesting and slower mix of new shows. But of those new shows, what 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, and some unscripted, series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks! Tuesdays: Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered July 2) About: This new version of Hard Knocks is an off-season addition, focusing on the time from the end of the 2023 season through to when training camp begins. It’s about building the team, focusing on the front office, going through the combine, draft prep, free agency, and more to build the team. The first episode introduced the players and some of the themes, while this second episode dove deep into the combine and the rookie scouting process. The series provides a unique, behind-the-scenes view of a team’s off-season work. It’s helpful and f...

  We're getting closer to the 2024 NFL Season, so I'll be taking stock of how I rate groups in the NFL. Today it's NFC pass catching groups. This means taking stock of the whole room, including tight ends. Below is my take on the NFC rooms from No. 1 to No. 16. No. 1: San Francisco 49ers About: The 49ers go five deep in pass catchers that are all great. It starts with the top duo of receivers in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. It's a formidable and talented duo. The team also has a star at tight end in George Kittle. To that, they added rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall and retained veteran Jauan Jennings. It's a great group with diverse options, leaving them as the No. 1 in the NFC. No. 2: Philadelphia Eagles About: The Eagles also have a great group of starters, with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith at receiver, and Dallas Goedert at tight end. The problem is there isn't much behind them. Currently Parris Campbell profiles as the No. 3 receiver. So, there's some...

  We're approaching the 2024 NFL Season, so it's time to dig in and preview the action. Over a series of posts the next two months I'll be previewing the league, division by division. Teams will appear in order of finish from 2023 and I'll include my 2024 prediction. Today, it's the NFC North! Detroit Lions 2023 Finish: 12-5, First Place About: The Lions finished atop the NFC North in 2023 and made it all the way to the NFC Championship. The core of the team, particularly on offense, remains in tact. That leaves Jared Goff with receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, and running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to lead the charge. They're still a good team that added pieces to the defense and should be poised to make another run in 2024. Prediction: I think the Lions win the division again and make a push toward the Super Bowl. Green Bay Packers 2023 Finish : 9-8, Second Place About : The Packers were a surprise in 2023. A young team with a f...

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! Lex Luthor: Funny story. I had my office made into a rocket ship. All billionaires have them. Batman: It's true. DC League of Super-Pets (2022) Starring : Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Keanu Reeves, John Krasinski, Kate McKinnon, Vanessa Bayer, Marc Maron, Diego Luna, Natasha Lyonne, and Maya Erskine Director: Jared Stern and Sam J. Levine About: This was another animated film that surprised me. I love superhero films, and DC Comics has some of my favorite characters. I've also grown in my appreciation of the animated films from this world but I wasn't taken with the trailer for this film. I wasn't sure it was for me. Then I tried it on a flig...

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.  Gus McCrae : Lorie darlin', life in San Francisco, you see, is still just life. If you want any one thing too badly, it's likely to turn out to be a disappointment. The only healthy way to live life is to learn to like all the little everyday things, like a sip of good whiskey in the evening, a soft bed, a glass of buttermilk, or a feisty gentleman like myself. Lonesome Dove (1989) Starring : Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Urich, Danny Glover, Diane Lane, Anjelica Huston, Ricky Schroeder, Chris Cooper, and D.B. Sweeney Director: Simon Wincer About: As I've mentioned, this list includes films but also mini-series. There's been few Western mini-series as famous, as appreciated, and as memorable as Lonesome Dove . The series played out over four mini...

Films released in 1999 will turn 25 this year. Over the next few months, I'll be looking at some of the memorable films from that year, including some of my favorites. Today, I'm continuing with another blockbuster that changed films. Walter Stratford: This morning, I delivered a set of twins to a fifteen-year-old girl, do you know what she said to me? Bianca: "I'm a crack-whore who should have made my skeazy boyfriend wear a condom"? Walter Stratford: Close, but no. She said, "I should have listened to my father". Bianca: She did not. Walter Stratford: Well, that's what she would have said if she wasn't so doped up! 10 Things I Hate About You Starring : Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, David Krumholtz, Alison Janey, Larry Miller, and Andrew Keegan Director : Gil Junger About : I remember when I first saw this film. It was a film we bought on Pay-Per-View, back when that was a common way to get a movie at hom...

  The Fourth of July weekend provided plenty of film options. Below, I take a look at the films that were available to audiences this week. If you want to keep up with all the films I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (Netflix) Starring : Eddie Murphy, John Ashton, Judge Reinhold, Taylour Paige, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Kevin Bacon Synopsis : It’s been 40 years since we first saw Eddie Murphy take on the role of Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop. That film was followed by a sequel in 1987 and a third film in 1994. But in the 30 years since, we haven’t seen the Detroit detective back on screen. It turns out absence makes the heart grow fonder and does little to diminish the excitement of seeing Foley back. Now, thanks to Netflix, we get the chance to see his adventures continue as Murphy is back in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which streams on Netflix beginning Wednesday, July 3. In the latest film we open with Axel (Murphy) still up to his ...

  We’re cruising to the middle of July but, as you might expect, the first week in July surrounding the holiday was light on new releases. So, this week I’m focused on a trio of unscripted series that made their debut. Are they worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted and some unscripted series. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered July 2) About: We’ve seen Hard Knocks become a yearly tradition in August as we approach the season. The series chronicles a different NFL Team as they go through Training Camp to prepare for the season. In recent years, the franchise has expanded to include an in-season version, where it follows a club through the highs and lows of the regular season. Now, for the first time, the franchise has expanded again, featuring the Giants in the run up to their 100th ...

  We're getting closer to the 2024 NFL Season, so I'll be taking stock of how I rate groups in the NFL. Today it's AFC pass catching groups. This means taking stock of the whole room, including tight ends. Below is my take on the AFC rooms from No. 1 to No. 16. No. 1: Miami Dolphins About: It's a narrow funnel in Miami, where Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have been a great duo. This year, the Dolphins added Odell Beckham, Jr., as the No. 3 and added Jonnu Smith at tight end. I like those two as complimentary pieces, bumping the Dolphins to No. 1 for me. No. 2: Houston Texans About: The Texans are a great unit from top to bottom. The team has some interesting depth, but also added veteran Stefon Diggs to the emerging duo of Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Then, the team re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz. That's a powerful top four, which was nearly enough for me to vault them to the top. It's a close call, but I have them No. 2 for now. No. 3: Cincinnati Bengals Ab...