Matt's Musings

We’re at the end of April with quite a few new films coming to theaters. Below is a look at the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Accountant 2 (Theaters) Starring: Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, and J.K. Simmons Synopsis: After a certain amount of time has passed, it’s fair to believe your time in a world is over. When The Accountant dropped in 2016, I quite enjoyed the story and the ride. But in the nearly nine years since, I figured it was a closed loop that was over. With the release of The Accountant 2, which opened on Friday, we get a welcome return to the world. It picks up eight years later, advancing the story in some fun ways. Most of the main cast returns as we see Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) dive into another case. As we begin, Ray King (J.K. Simmons) is retired but working as a private investigator. He only takes on personal cases. And he’s at a local dive to meet with a target, Anais ...

  We’re almost through April, getting close to the deadline for the Emmy window at the end of May. That means some interesting returning shows alongside from interesting new contenders. 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 scripted series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: The Stolen Girl, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on Freeform (Premiered April 16) About: This limited series is based on the novel from Alex Dahl and focuses on a couple (Denise Gough and Jim Sturgess) who are reeling after their daughter is taken overnight by the mother (Holliday Grainger) of a school friend. There is more to it, but those secrets are being teased out quite slowly. The first two episodes run less than 40 minutes without commercials, but they feel much longer. The idea is interesting, and the cast is solid, but the actual experience of watching the show ...

 Summer is here! At least at the movies, where the Summer Movie Season typically kicks off the first weekend in May and runs through August. It's four months of blockbusters, long days, and fun. Today, I'll be looking at five Summer Movies I'm excited to see over the first two months of Summer, May and June. Check back next week as I look at my five for July and August. May: * Thunderbolts (May 2): This is the next film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I like the cast here and the potential for this to be a fun little ride. Plus, it's my birthday weekend movie! * Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (May 23): This is the eighth Mission Impossible film, and it feels like it could be the last one. It's a franchise that's run over the last 30 years. I love these movies and Tom Cruise in them. This is worth checking out. Other May Releases: * Shadow Force (May 2) * Clown in a Cornfield (May 9) * Fight or Flight (May 9) * Juliet and Romeo (May 9) * Final Desti...

It's hard to believe, but 2005 was 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2005 that are turning 20 in 2025. Today, it's the start of an animated franchise. Harry : Do you think I'm stupid? Perry : I don't think you'd know where to put food at, if you didn't flap your mouth so much. Yes I think you're stupid. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) Starring : Robert Downey, Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan Director : Shane Black About : I love Shane Black. He's a delightful writer and has done some fine films as a director, including this hard-boiled spy tale which is also a Christmas film and one of the funniest movies I've seen. Downey, prior to becoming the It man for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was a talented character actor. He plies those skills here as a small-time criminal turned actor turned private investigator. He's paired with Kilmer in an incredible role with a film that also feature...

Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey. Past Lives (2023) Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro Director: Celine Song About: It feels right to be looking at this masterful film from Song during a year when her next film is coming out. This is a complex love story of three people spread out over 24 years. It's a captivating tale that pulls you in and pulls at your heart. But the way this story and the interactions of these people is told feels fresh and beautifully done. There are a lot of deep, emotional sequences that pull you in and hold you. It was one of my favorite films released in 2023 and remains a powerfully told film. I'll never look at people interacting in a bar or restauran...

Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Kyle Chandler, Margot Robbie, and Rob Reiner Director : Martin Scorsese About : We've seen a few different phases of Scorsese's career. He's made some gritty films about troubled people, some films that feel like religious explorations, and a lot of films set in the world of organized crime. This feels like a different kind of mob film. It's the story of Jordan Belfort, based on his memoir of the same name. It's a massive undertaking with a huge cast, an over-the-top story, and some incredible visual sequences. It probably didn't get the credit it deserved the year it wa...

The NFL Draft kicks off today. That's the next evolution of the off-season, and there is still plenty of work left to be done for the Broncos. But where might they go with picks? Below, I'm looking at five positions where I think they might add some pieces over the next three days. Positions appear in order of need. No. 1: Running Back About: The Broncos let Javonte Williams go in free agency, which leaves them with options but no clear distribution in the backfield. Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime are the best bets, but Tyler Badie and Blake Watson are available. Still, the Broncos looked at Aaron Jones in free agency, which indicates they want something else in the backfield. I think this draft, which is deep at running back, is the answer. Will it be in Round One? That remains to be seen. But I think the starting running back for the Broncos isn't on the roster yet. No. 2: Offensive Line About : Can you ever have enough lineman? No, you can't. Plus, there are lon...

We’re making our way through April and we’re closing in on the summer movie season. But we’re getting some great movies this month. Below is a look at the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Sinners (Theaters) Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, and Jack O’Connell Synopsis: We’re moving closer to the mid-point of the year, and new releases are starting to pick. That makes it a perfect time for the latest film from writer/director Ryan Coogler. Sinners is a throwback to the past that tells an engaging and fiery original story filled with great songs and great performances. We drop to October 1932 in Mississippi. We quickly meet Sammie (Caton), who has clearly had a rough night. He stumbles into his father’s church shaken and battered. His father asks him to drop the piece of a guitar he’s clutching and turn his life over to God. Flash back 24 hours, and Sammie is q...

We’re making our way through April and we’re getting some interesting new shows. But what of these shows are worth making the effort 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: Sherlock & Daughter, Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on The CW (Premiered April 16) About : We’ve seen plenty of stories of Sherlock Holmes over the years, done in myriad ways. In fact, just this year we got one that focused on Dr. John Watson in the wake of Sherlock’s death. Here, we go back to the original time period in 1896, and we find Sherlock (David Thewlis) living and working alone. Something’s happened and Sherlock has become wearier of using his gift to solve cases. Soon, a young American girl named Amelia Rojas (Blu Hunt) arrives in London. She makes her way to Sherlock and impresses him with some of her skills. Then she drops a bomb—her mom is dead and appare...

The 2025 NFL Draft is coming at the end of April. It kicks off on Thursday, April 24. The next class of NFL players will be in the league, and on our fantasy teams. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be looking at the top options at each position heading into the draft. Today, I'm giving my Top 25 in SF Rookie ranks heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Rookie Top 25: 1 Ashton Jeanty 2 Tetairoa McMillan 3 Travis Hunter 4 Cam Ward 5 Tyler Warren 6 Omarion Hampton 7 Luther Burden 8 TreVeyon Henderson 9 Quinshon Judkins 10 Emeka Egbuka 11 Colston Loveland 12 Sheduer Sanders 13 Matthew Golden 14 Kaleb Johnson 15 Devin Neal 16 Mason Taylor 17 Jaxon Dart 18 Jayden Higgins 19 Tre Harris 20 Cam Skattebo 21 Elic Ayomanor 22 DJ Giddens 23 Bhayshul Tuten 24 Damien Martinez 25 Elijah Arroyo The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24.

It's hard to believe, but 2005 was 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2005 that are turning 20 in 2025. Today, it's the start of an animated franchise. Edward R. Murrow : No one familiar with the history of this country, can deny that congressional committees are useful. It is necessary to investigate before legislating. But the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one, and the Junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly. We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always, that accusation is not proof, and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason if we dig deep into our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. Not from men who feared to write, to associate, to speak, and to defend the causes that were for th...

Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey. Willow (1988) Starring : Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Joanne Whaley, and Jean Marsh Director: Ron Howard About: I mentioned before that Howard probably has the most varied filmography on this list. I mean that in terms of style and the tone of the films on this list from him. His first film was a modern blockbuster about firemen in Chicago. This is a partnership with George Lucas set in a magical world that feels like a big adventure. I like the performances here, especially the tandem of Davis and Kilmer. I like the magical world, the story elements, and the way it all plays out. This movie was my jam as a young child and it remains a magical and fun ride as an adu...

Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey. Django Unchained (2012) Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, and Samuel L. Jackson Director: Quentin Tarantino About: There is a phase in Tarantino's work where we got a big, Third Act bloodbath. That was certainly the case with my last selection, and it's the case here. This has a wild ending that is nothing short of a blood bath. But what helps this stand out a bit more for me is some of what comes before it. DiCaprio is great in the part, and I enjoy Jackson in that Third Act. But it's about the friendship and partnership between Waltz and Foxx. They playoff off each other well here, and I like a lot of the way...

  We're on the cusp of Easter weekend. That means a time of celebrating the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That could me turning to some shows and movies based on Scripture. If that's you, this post is for you! Below are a couple projects worth checking out that center on Jesus. In Theaters: * King of Kings. If you want a trip to the theaters, there's this animated tale. This one is about Charles Dickens telling the story of the Gospel to his kids. It's an interesting addition to the canon of tales about Jesus. Resurrection Films: * Passion of the Christ (2004). This film from Mel Gibson is focused on the end of Jesus' life. There is a sequel coming this year, which feels wild. But this is a well-made film that is one of the best on this subject. * Risen (2016). This follows the death of Jesus, and focuses on some Roman soldiers who are trying to find where his body has been taken. Joseph Fiennes is the lead, and I thought this film was really engaging. If y...

This week featured a packed selection in theaters. Below is all the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me @knighthawk7734 on Letterboxd. The Amateur (Theaters) Starring: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, and Laurence Fishburne Synopsis: Sometimes ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they get the right push. That’s the premise of The Amateur, a new film starring Rami Malek based on the novel from Robert Littell. This isn’t the first time the story has been adapted, but it is a fascinating update on the story that makes its way to theater this weekend. We’re introduced to Charlie Heller (Malek) and his wife, Sarah (Brosnahan). They are very much in love, but very different. Charlie is addicted to his puzzles, working as a top analyst for the CIA. Sarah is more grounded to the real world, heading off to London for a conference. Charlie reports to work where a secret contact shares a file. When he opens it, finally, Charlie discove...

We’re into April now and getting closer to the end of the Emmy window. There are plenty of shows out now, including many returning options. So, what of the new series are worth the time investment? That’s where this column comes in. I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Spring. Don’t see a new show below? Check previous weeks. Fridays: Your Friends and Neighbors, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV+ (Premiered April 11) About: The latest from Apple TV+ is a dramedy of sorts featuring Jon Hamm. He stars as Andrew Cooper, a man who is going through it. In the introduction, we learn that he built a nice life. He was married with two kids and built his career in the financial markets. But he discovered his wife (Amanda Peet) was cheating on him. That led to a divorce. Now, he has an icy relationship with his kids and lives alone in a much smaller, more depressing place. Then, he loses his job after his boss (Corbin Bernsen) pulls some shady stuff. So, Coop is alone,...

The 2025 NFL Draft is coming at the end of April. It kicks off on Thursday, April 24. The next class of NFL players will be in the league, and on our fantasy teams. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be looking at the top options at each position heading into the draft. Today, I'm looking at the top Tight Ends. This is sometimes a tough position for the draft and fantasy, but this year it has some pop. No. 1: Tyler Warren No. 2: Colston Loveland These are the top two Tight Ends for me, and I think both are likely to be First Round picks in the NFL Draft. That's a big boon for fantasy. That's why both these guys are First Round picks for me in fantasy drafts, too. In fact, both are in a top wave of players for me, which makes this a bit of a unique draft year. No. 3: Mason Taylor No. 4: Elijah Arroyo This is my next wave, and it's close. Both were good producers in college and both figure to have good potential in the NFL. I could seem them going in the Second Round...

  It's hard to believe, but 2005 was 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2005 that are turning 20 in 2025. Today, it's the start of an animated franchise. Father Moore : Once you've looked into the darkness, I think you carry it with you for the rest of your life. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) Starring : Jennifer Carpenter, Laura Linney, and Tom Wilkinson Director : Scott Derrickson About : We've seen plenty of exorcism films in the past. I break it down into two groups. In the first, the film uses the rite of exorcism as a plot device for a horror film. For the most part, that's how The Exorcist plays out. In the second group, the film is interested in exploring the religious aspects of exorcism. That's the category this film falls into. It was directed by Derrickson, who attended Biola University like me, which is one of the reasons I was interested in seeing it. It plays out like a courtroom dram...

Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey. Incendies (2010) Starring : Lubna Azabal and Maxim Gaudette Director: Denis Villeneuve About: This is one of Villeneuve's early films, and one that wasn't done for a primarily American audience. This film has some fantastic shots. I love the way Villeneuve uses the camera, and the way the images are framed. And all of it is in service of a story that hits really hard. This story has a big twist that is quite unsettling, and might be a turn off for some viewers. But the way that the film is told and the way it is all put together ends up being quite powerful. I thought the performances were great and the craft is really strong. It's worth seeking out to...

Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey. Serpico (1973) Starring : Al Pacino, John Randolph, and Jack Kehoe Director: Sidney Lumet About : Lumet had a great partnership with Pacino over the course of a few films in the 1970s. One of those is Serpico , which is based on a true story. It finds Pacino as an honest cop in a corrupt department in New York City. It's a massive undertaking and a great performance from Pacino. It's one of those movies that pulls you in and takes you on a ride. I enjoyed a lot of Lumet's work during the 1970s, and several of those films are on this list. I also really enjoyed his partnership with Pacino in some incredible films based on true stories. If you haven't...

  The 2025 NFL Draft is coming at the end of April. It kicks off on Thursday, April 24. The next class of NFL players will be in the league, and on our fantasy teams. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be looking at the top options at each position heading into the draft. Today, I'm looking at Wide Receivers. There's some top end talent in the draft, but there are also plenty of questions. So, let's look at the receivers that are out there. No. 1: Tet McMillan No. 2: Travis Hunter These are the top two, and the only locks in this group for the First Round for me. I know there's some concern about Hunter, especially with him possibly being a defender. But the upside is too high, and he's a seeming lock for Top 5 draft capital. Meanwhile, McMillan is the receiver I like best in the class. Both these guys would be considerations for me before Ward at QB even in a SuperFlex draft. No. 3: Luther Burden No. 4: Emeka Egbuka No. 5: Matthew Golden This is the next wave....

We’re into the first week in April, which has afforded us a couple interesting new releases. Check out my take on the new movies released this week below. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Freaky Tales (Theaters) Starring : Pedro Pascal, Jay Ellis, Ben Mendelsohn, and Tom Hanks Synopsis : We’ve seen Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden do a period piece before. With their Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Captain Marvel, they took the action back to the mid-1990s. Now, they’re going even further back with their new action-comedy Freaky Tales. The film is set in Oakland in 1987 and follows a group of four short, inter-connected tales of life in the city. The stories are varied. The first tackles a group of punk enthusiast teens battling some Neo Nazi hecklers. The second focuses on a pair of young girls who have aspirations to be rap stars. The third finds Pascal as an enforcer for a local crime boss who is ready to retire. When a tragedy occ...

As we make our way through April, we’re drawing closer to the Emmy consideration deadline. That means the action on the small screen is heating up. But what of these new series is worth your time? 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. Sundays: MobLand, Streaming Sundays on Paramount+ (Premiered March 30) About: This series is a London-set crime saga. Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren lead a crime family, the Harrigans, while Tom Hardy plays their fixer. In the pilot, we meet the characters and learn about the world. We also saw that the Harrigans are on the cusp of a war, leaving plenty for Hardy’s character to do to keep the peace or win the day. The second episode, which is the second of the episode directed by Guy Ritchie, continues things down that story arc. This is a solidly built series that has plenty of potential. Paramount+ has succeeded with these...