Matt's Musings

 July is a loaded month for films, including three hugely anticipated tent poles. Let's see how it all turns out! Wednesday, July 2: * Jurassic World: Rebirth (Theaters): This is the seventh film in the Jurassic Park franchise and the second time the franchise has gotten a re-birth. This one has Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali in the lead roles. Early buzz is mixed, but I'm interested to see how it turns out. * Heads of State (Prime Video): The Prime Minister (Idris Elba) and President of the United States (John Cena) become targets in this holiday weekend streamer. So, they have to join forces to get out of a jam. This has some fun potential. * The Old Guard 2 (Netflix): Charlize Theron is back in the lead of this sequel for Netflix. The first one was a sturdy action offering, so this figures to have some pop for those looking for a holiday streaming option. * Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado (Paramount+): This is another jump start for Dora the Explorer as a live-a...

It's hard to believe, but 2000 was 25 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2000 that are turning 25 in 2025. Today, it's a double dip from Steven Soderberg. George : You got a little girl? Erin Brockovich : Yeah. Yeah, sexy, huh? How 'bout this for a number? Six. That's how old my other daughter is, eight is the age of my son, two is how many times I've been married - and divorced; sixteen is the number of dollars I have in my bank account. 850-3943. That's my phone number, and with all the numbers I gave you, I'm guessing zero is the number of times you're gonna call it. Traffic and Erin Brockovich (2000) Starring : Julia Roberts, Aaron Eckhardt, Albert Finney, Benicio Del Toro, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones Director : Steven Soderberg About : This is a pair of films, which might feel like a cheat. But I'm adding both and lumping them together because they come from Soderberg, who ha...

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. Apollo 13 (1995) Starring : Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris Director : Ron Howard About : Howard is a chameleon as a director. He has such different styles and different kinds of films. We've seen that throughout this look at films. Howard helms this biopic, which was one of the biggest films when it was released featuring the biggest actor in Hanks. It's a faithful biopic that remains tense and well-produced. It has stood the test of time, now 30 years old, because of the way it was made and the beautiful way the story is told. That is typical of Howard's great and moving work as a director over the years.

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. Pulp Fiction (1994) Starring : John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, and Uma Thurman Director: Quentin Tarantino About: Tarantino is such a unique talent as a filmmaker. It's about the characters and the vibes that he creates. This film, which was a Best Picture nominee when it was released, is all about the vibe. No one writes dialogue and scenes quite like him. That's showcased beautifully here. I love some of the sequences, including the cold open and the concluding sequence. It's a showcase for Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer, but even moreso for Jackson, who steals the film. Tarantino has a fun part himself in the film, but the ...

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and free agency is mostly done. We're moving toward the season. I'm going to take a look at each of the position groups, including my early prediction for who makes the final roster. Today, it's the Cornerback group. On the Roster: Pat Surtain II, Jahdae Baron, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillan, Damarri Mathis, Kris Abrams-Draine, Quinton Newsome, Reese Taylor, Jaden Robinson, and Joshua Pickett About : This is a group that didn't need a lot of help. Surtain was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and is one of the best in the game. He anchors a group that has some good depth. Then the Broncos spent a First Round pick on Baron, a good young corner. It gives them an embarrassment of riches. How many will they be able to keep? That's the big question. I think they'd like to get six here. Roster Prediction : Pat Surtain II, Jahdae Baron, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillan, Damarri Mathis, and Kris Abrams-Draine

  Back in 2002, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland teamed for a unique zombie movie. 28 Days Later was about the outbreak of a pandemic caused by the rage virus in the United Kingdom. It drew fans and inspired a sequel in 2007. The sequel didn’t come from Boyle or Garland and didn’t feature the same cast. It wasn’t met with the same reception. Now, 23 years later, Boyle and Garland are back in this world. This story now takes place well into this pandemic. With 28 Years Later, as the title suggests, we are well into the world ravaged by the Rage Virus. In this case, it led to the United Kingdom becoming a quarantine zone as the rest of the world rebuffed the virus.  That’s left those not infected on their own in the United Kingdom. On an isolated island, a group of survivors have created something of a life. When the tide’s low, they can get back to the mainland to forage. But it leaves a lot of dangers to tackle. Into this world is Spike (Alfie Williams). He’s only ...

We’re rapidly running through June, getting a mix of new scripted and reality shows. After a week away, below is a look at the new shows we’re gotten of late. Which of them 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. Mondays: Virgins, Mondays at 9 p.m. on TLC (Premiered June 9) About : This new reality series follows four adults who are, as the title suggests, virgins. They range in age from 34 to 42, and all have an interesting backstory. We have three women and one men, all of whom are virgins for various reasons. All of them long to end that and find love, but can they get it done? This sounds like a wild idea, which is what first drew me to try it out. However, the stories here are a little sadder than what you’re expecting. These are real people with real issues. That leads to some interesting introspection and som...

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and free agency is mostly done. We're moving toward the season. I'm going to take a look at each of the position groups, including my early prediction for who makes the final roster. Today, it's the Running Back group. On the Roster : R.J. Harvey, J.K. Dobbins, Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie Michael Burton, and Blake Watson About: Yet another position group that went through changes. The team's leading rusher from 2024, Javonte Williams, is gone. He's a Cowboy now. That leaves Estime, heading into year two, and McLaughlin, in year three, as returners. In the draft, the Broncos grabbed Harvey out of UCF. He's a backfield weapon that gives the team plenty of potential pop in the backfield. The Broncos also picked up Dobbins in free agency. He spent 2024 with the Chargers, posting a career year. It seems the team is serious about fixing its running back room. They only kept three in 2024 and I think that remains t...

It's hard to believe, but 2000 was 25 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2000 that are turning 25 in 2025. Today, it's an action film from Christopher McQuarrie. Parker: There is a natural order. The way things are meant to be. An order that says that the good guys always win. That you die when it's your time, or you have it coming. That the ending is always happy, if only for someone else. Now at some point it became clear to us that our path had been chosen and we had nothing to offer the world. Our options narrowing down to petty crime or minimum wage. So, we stepped off the path, and went looking for the fortune that we knew was looking for us. Once off the path you do what you can to eat and to keep moving. You don't blow your ghost of a chance with nickel and dime. No possessions, no comforts. Need is the ultimate monkey. A pint of your blood can fetch you fifty bucks. A shot of cum, three grand. You keep y...

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. Sicario (2015) Starring : Josh Brolin, Emily Blunt, and Benicio Del Toro Director : Denis Villeneuve About : Villeneuve is such a strong visual director. That plays out well with this film, which smolders. Blunt is incredible in the lead role, but I love all three main actors here. The story, from Taylor Sheridan, works well too. The opening sequence really sets the tone. But, for me, it's the bridge sequence. I remember the first time I saw it. The tension is amazing, and when the action comes it's incredible. It felt like nothing I'd seen before. It's an example of how he's elevating this material, and one of the reasons I love Villeneuve as a ...

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. Dog Day Afternoon (1975) Starring: Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning, and Carol Kane Director : Sidney Lumet About : Lumet was a classic director that had a strong run throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He also had a classic run with Pacino in the lead. That's the case with Dog Day Afternoon , which popped in the mid-1970s and features Pacino. It's a well-told story, based on true events, that features some iconic moments and an incredible lead performance. When you're thinking of films that capture the 1970s, this is high on the list. I really love what Lumet does with this story and this is well worth your time to seek out.

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and free agency is mostly done. We're moving toward the season. I'm going to take a look at each of the position groups, including my early prediction for who makes the final roster. Today, it's the Safety group. On the Roster : Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, Devon Key, JL Skinner, Keidron Smith, Delarrin Turner-Yell, Tanner McCalister, and Sam Franklin, Jr. About: This is yet another group that got some aide this off-season. Hufanaga was one of the big free agents signed. He's another player with some injury risk that could provide a big upgrade in the back end of the defense. That's a key for the Broncos. But how many will remain in this group. I think they keep at least four, but likely will aim for five. That still leaves some tough cuts. Hufanga, Jones, and Locke seem safe, but the competition for the rest will be fierce. Roster Prediction: Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, P.J. Locke, JL Skinner, and Keidron Smi...

This second full weekend in June provides plenty of viewing options, including three wide releases in theaters and a new streaming option from Apple. Below are my thoughts on the new films released this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Echo Valley (Apple TV+) Starring: Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney, and Domhnall Gleeson Synopsis: We’re at the point in the year where we have blockbusters each week in theaters, leaving streaming services to offer some counterprogramming. It makes sense to try to appeal to a different kind of viewer, but it also requires a story that hits. In the case of Echo Valley, a new film streaming on Apple TV+ the ingredients are all there. The film boasts a strong cast—including Moore, Sweeney, Gleeson, and Kyle McLachlan. It also has an interesting enough story hook. But all those things fail to coalesce into something compelling and satisfying. The film centers on Kate (Moore), a horse trainer wh...

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and free agency is mostly done. We're moving toward the season. I'm going to take a look at each of the position groups, including my early prediction for who makes the final roster. Today, it's the Tight End group. On the Roster : Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, Nate Adkins, Kaleb Lohner, and Caden Prieskorn About: This is another group that got a big upgrade this off-season. The Broncos put free agent money here, getting Engram after he was released by the Jaguars. He could be a big upgrade as a pass catcher for the Broncos. But he has a checkered injury history. The team also brought back Trautman, and still has Krull and Adkins. They team added an interesting rookie Lohner late in the draft and an undrafted free agent in Prieskorn. Not everyone will make the roster, but it gives the Broncos options. Roster Prediction : Engram, Trautman, Adkins, and Lohner. I think it comes down to Lohner and Krull for the final spot, with Ad...

It's hard to believe, but 2000 was 25 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2000 that are turning 25 in 2025. Today, it's a romantic comedy. Novalee Nation : You tell them that our lives can change with every breath we take... and tell 'em to hold on like hell to what they've got: each other, and a mother who would die for them and almost did... You tell them we've all got meanness in us, but we've got goodness too. And the only thing worth living for is the good. And that's why we've got to make sure we pass it on. Where the Heart Is (2000) Starring : Natalie Portman, Ashley Judd, Joan Cusack, Stockard Channing, and James Frain Director: Matt Williams About: This probably seems like an odd choice. It's not the biggest film from the year, and it's probably not on a lot of people's personal lists. But I was really captured by the film when I first saw it. I liked the humor, the story, and...

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. Licorice Pizza (2021) Starring: Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Bradley Cooper, and Sean Penn Director : Paul Thomas Anderson About : Here we arrive at the third of Anderson's films on this list. I probably have an unconventional list of films I like from Anderson, but this is one of his more recent. It came out a few years ago, and while it was problematic for some in the story, and I acknowledge that, it was still a film that worked for me. I like Haim and Hoffman here. I like the period setting and the arc of the story. And I really enjoy some of the famous cameos. It's a strange film, but like Inherent Vice , I find it a delight.

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 Holdovers (2023) Starring : Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph Director : Alexander Payner About : Some directors really find an actor, or actors, that work well with them. That's the case with Giamatti and Payne. This isn't their first pairing, but it might be their best pairing. Here he plays a lonely professor at a boarding school that makes a connection with a student over the holidays. I like the story and the performances. I really enjoy the way Payne brings this to life. It was a delightful and emotional film, and I think it's bound to be a holiday classic.

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and free agency is mostly done. We're moving toward the season. I'm going to take a look at each of the position groups, including my early prediction for who makes the final roster. Today, it's the Linebacker group. On the Roster : Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, Dre Greenlaw, Drew Sanders, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, Levelle Bailey, Jonah Elliss, Andrew Farmer, Dondrea Tillman, Jordan Turner, Johnny Walker, Jr., Karene Reid, JB Brown, and Que Robinson About : This was an area where the Broncos needed some work. They put in that work, acquiring Greenlaw in free agency. If he can stay healthy, this will be a big boost to the Broncos' defense. Otherwise, the team has some players that feel set, and some spots that can be had. It's going to be a question of who steps up and in what ways they can contribute. That leaves the team in a good spot heading into Training Camp, where I figure between eight and 10 players will be kept at li...

It was another week of stacked reviews, but which of them were worth checking out? Below are my thoughts on the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Ballerina (Theaters) Starring : Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, and Anjelica Huston Synopsis : What started as a simple Reeves action film about a man who lost a dog and exacted revenge morphed into a huge franchise. We’ve gotten four features built around the hitman John Wick and now we’re getting an expansion to the world. But it is worth checking out? This latest film isn’t free from Wick, or Reeves, who appears in two key sequences. But this comes from a new writer—Shay Hatten—and a new director—Len Wiseman—built around a new star, Eve played by de Armas. But that’s about all that’s new in this summer action spectacle. The film introduces us to Eve as a child. A nefarious group led by The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne) comes for Eve and her father. While her fat...

We’re into June and we’ve hit a lull in new programming. That doesn’t mean there are no new shows, but the question is what of these new series is worth your time? Let this weekly piece be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Stick, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV+ (Premiered June 4) About : This new series is set in the world of golf. Owen Wilson plays Pryce Cahill. He was a star on the tour until a meltdown ended it all. Now, he’s barely squeaking out a living, he’s divorced, and he’s got no real prospects. He has one friend, his former caddie Mitts (Marc Maron), with whom he runs small scams to get by. His ex-wife (Judy Greer) is pressuring him to sell their family home, and to find a way forward. When he stumbles on a talented but troubled teen, Santi (Peter Dager), he finds new inspiration and possibly a path forward. This series comes from Jason Keller, who wro...

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and free agency is mostly done. We're moving toward the season. I'm going to take a look at each of the position groups, including my early prediction for who makes the final roster. Today, it's the Offensive Line group. On the Roster: Garrett Bolles, Mike McGlinchey, Quinn Meinerz, Ben Powers, Alex Forsyth, Luke Wattenberg, Calvin Throckmorton, Matt Peart, Will Sherman, Frank Crum, Alex Palczewski, Nick Gargulio, Joe Michalski, Clay Webb, Xavier Truss, and Marquess Cox About : The Broncos have a strong group at offensive line and actually return all five starters from a solid 2024. That's a luxury that most team's can't afford. Offensive line is a crucial position and also a place where a lot of teams struggle. The Broncos will likely have some tough calls to make as they keep eight or nine guys on the roster then seed some others on the Practice Squad. Below is my best guess at this point about who makes the active roster. ...

It's hard to believe, but 2000 was 25 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2000 that are turning 25 in 2025. Today, it's a classic superhero film. Professor Charles Xavier : Eric, what are you doing here? Magneto : Why do you ask questions to which you already know the answer? Professor Charles Xavier : Don't give up on them, Erik. Magneto : What would you have me do, Charles? I've heard these arguments before. Professor Charles Xavier : That was a long time ago. Mankind has evolved since then. Magneto : Yes, into us. X-Men (2000) Starring : Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry, and James Marsden Director: Bryan Singer About: Back when this film was released, we didn't have a lot of superhero films. It had been a few years since the Batman franchise had flamed out. When this debuted, it was fair to wonder if it would work. I remember going to see it and being enthralled. I...

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. High and Low (1963) Starring: Toshiro Mifune and Yutaka Sada Director: Akira Kurosawa About: Kurosawa is a masterful filmmaker. A number of his films have translated to English-language audiences. This film is getting its own re-make from Spike Lee. That makes sense, because this is an engrossing and engaging film. I enjoy Mifune here, but it's the story and the storytelling that helps this film to stand out. I love the way its told, the stakes of the world, and the ultimate takeaway. It's a movie that captured my attention on a first viewing and really stuck with me. While I can't wait to see what Lee and Denzel Washington do with the material, it...

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. Pearl Harbor (2001) Starring: Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, Kate Beckinsale, and Tom Sizemore Director: Michael Bay About : Bay doesn't always get enough credit. He is a commercial director, and there are certainly things about his style that aren't great. But this is a movie that really showcases his range and talent. This is a classic war film that has some big spectacle and some really great performances. Is there a love triangle? Sure, but it's not like that didn't happen during the war. I really enjoy the style here and the way this film is told. It's a great watch. This is one of Bay's best and one of his most impressive.

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and free agency is mostly done. We're moving toward the season. I'm going to take a look at each of the position groups, including my early prediction for who makes the final roster. Today, it's the Defensive Line group. On the Roster : Malcolm Roach, Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, Matt Henningsen, Sai'vion Jones, D.J. Jones, Jordan Miller, Jordan Jackson, Kristian Williams, Johnny Walker, Jr., Eyioma Uwazurike About : The Broncos have made a lot of progress in the defensive line group the past few years. They had a strong group in 2024, and it should remain that way in 2025. The bulk of the big pass rush comes from outside linebackers, so this is the meat of the front line and the run defense attack. The Broncos figure to keep six in this group again, with many of the spots already claimed. That makes it difficult to handicap, but could also leave the Broncos scrambling to add some good players to the Practice Squad if possible. Th...

Jesse Armstrong is a unique writer/director. He’s worked on a few feature films, like the dark comedy Downhill. But he’s best known as the creator of the successful HBO series Succession. That show ended in 2023, but it remains popular with fans. It centered on a family that was ruthless in business and personal life. That’s more or less what you see in Mountainhead, his new follow up film released on HBO on Saturday night. It features four dudes who are titans of industry and loosely connected friends that gather at a mountain retreat for the weekend while the world is melting down. As the world descends into crisis, these four (Steve Carrell, Ramy Youssef, Cory Michael Smith, and Jason Schwartzman) try to figure out how to spin it, control it, and use it to their advantage. All their discussions seem to be centered on how to use the current situation to expand their wealth. But it starts to go off the rails when one of their group (Youssef) starts to get cold feet. That leaves the ot...

We’re past Memorial Day and into the summer season. We’re starting to get some interesting new shows, but what of them 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 summer. Streaming Series: Adults, Now Streaming on Hulu (Premiered May 28) About: This new comedy is from FX and premiered over the air on May 28. Episodes are airing weekly on TV, but we got the whole season streaming on Hulu. The season is eight episodes, each about 20 to 25 minutes. It centers on a group of friends in their 20s trying to navigate life, work, and co-habitation. This is the kind of comedy that will appeal to a certain demographic of people and will provide a window of insight into a certain demographic. There were moments I enjoyed, and it’s certainly a quick binge, but this isn’t really aimed at me. You’d likely enjoy it more if it was aimed more at your demographic. Pilot Grade: C Second Episode: C The Better S...

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and free agency is mostly done. We're moving toward the season. I'm going to take a look at each of the position groups, including my early prediction for who makes the final roster. Today, it's the Special Teams group. On the Roster: Will Lutz, Kicker, Jeremy Crawshaw, Punter, Mitchell Fraboni, Long Snapper, Zach Triner, Long Snapper About: The Broncos are looking at a new punter for the first time in a few years. Lutz seems to have the kicker position locked down, which is good. The Broncos took Crawshaw in the draft out of Florida. He's the only punter on the roster at present, which could be a sign of how it's looking approaching the regular season. The team also has two long snappers, which means there will be something of a competition. Fraboni is the veteran who has been with the team for the past few seasons, with Triner joining the team this off-season. It's an odd spot for a competition, and I don't have a feel...

It's hard to believe, but 2000 was 25 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2000 that are turning 25 in 2025. Today, it's a hilarious comedy. Torrance Shipman : You know, mothers have killed to get their daughters on squads. Christine Shipman : That mother didn't kill anybody. She hired a hit man. Bring It On (2000) Starring : Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, and Gabrielle Union Director: Peyton Reed About: Sometimes films just hit for you. Bring It On is one of those films for me. I remember watching the old VHS when I was in college and laughing hard the whole time. I've since bought it (in a better format), but it still hits hard. The script from Jessica Bendinger crackles and is a lot of fun. So, too, is the cast. I didn't really think a movie about cheerleaders would become one of my favorites, but I've seen this film countless times over the past 25 years. This is a riot and worth checkin...