Matt's Musings

It's hard to believe, but 1995 was 30 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1995 that are turning 30 in 2025. Today, it's an Adam Sandler classic. Principal : Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul. Billy Madison Starring : Adam Sandler, Darrin McGavin, Bradley Whitford, Bridget Wilson-Sampras, and Norm MacDonald Director : Tamra Davis About : Happy Labor Day Weekend! While many schools go back in August, Labor Day weekend is usually when I think about the start of the school year. So, Billy Madison feels like a perfect movie to talk about at this point. Sandler became well known for a few early comedies in the 1990s. ...

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. Dune: Part Two (2024) Starring : Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin Director : Denis Villeneuve About : Villeneuve is an incredible visual director. With the first part of Dune, I was moved by the visuals but I didn't think it was a complete film. That changed with this second part. It was the characters, the story, and the depth of emotion that took it to new heights. Yes, the visuals and the filmmaking was still impressive. But more impressive was the way this world worked and the way these characters moved. It was truly a magnificent feat that was among the year's best films. It exemplifies the talent of the stori...

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. Network (1976) Starring : William Holden, Robert Duvall, Faye Dunaway, and Peter Finch Director : Sidney Lumet About : This is a striking film. It focuses on a fictional network and an anchor undergoing a crisis. It looks at the nature of news and cultural relevance. It looks at the nature of ethics and entertainment. It may have been created nearly 50 years ago, but it still feels striking in the modern era. It features some great performances, too. I love Holden, Dunaway, and Duvall in these roles. But it's the work of Finch, who won the Academy Award, that feels iconic. Lumet was a visionary director who crafted some great films, especially in the 1970s. If y...

 We're quickly approaching the 2025 NFL Season. As such, I'll be previewing each of the divisions over the next few weeks. We'll look at teams in order of finish, then I'll make a prediction for the new season. Buffalo Bills 2024 Record: 13-4 About : The Bills had a good record, winning the AFC East. They made it to the AFC Championship Game and fell short again. It's not about the regular season for Buffalo, it's about winning it all. Have they made enough moves to surround Josh Allen with talent? That's a question that will be born out during the season and post-season. Miami Dolphins 2024 Record: 8-9 About : The Dolphins were a distant second in the AFC East, and seem to be sliding further away from the Bills. They have strife, with Tyreek Hill making comments and being at odds with the team. They also dealt away Jonnu Smith, and are counting on Darren Waller to make it work at tight end. The Dolphins are in a crucial spot, and another short fall could be...

It was a loaded week packed with new releases in theaters and on streaming. Below is my take on this week’s new movies. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Eden (Theaters) Starring: Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, Sydney Sweeney, Daniel Bruhl, and Ana de Armas Synopsis : The world doesn’t always go the way people expect. When things go against expectation, people are forced to adapt, fight for change, or flee. The new film Eden, which opens Friday, is based on a true story of people that opted for the latter option only to discover it wasn’t all they’d hoped. In the aftermath of World War I, as Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party began to rise in Germany, some who lived there were dissatisfied. Instead of fighting for change or adapting to new conditions, Dr. Friedrich Ritter (Law) chose to flee. He and his wife, Dore (Kirby), headed for the small island of Floreana in the Galapagos off Ecuador. There, they lived off the land and sought to ...

We’re coming to the end of August, and that leaves us getting closer to the kickoff to Fall. But before summer ends, we’re still getting some new series. Which 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 series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: Lego Masters Jr., Mondays at 8 p.m. on FOX (Premiered August 18) About : This new spin-off of the FOX reality show focuses on teams of kids. Each is paired with a celebrity partner for builds that are judged by Brickmaster Amy and previous winner Boone. The series is hosted by Kelly Osbourne. It lacks some of the tension and drama of the main series, but if you’re a fan of Lego, this will be fun for you. The five teams of kids have good personality and some of the builds are really creative. Pilot Grade: C+ Wednesdays: The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, Streaming Wednesdays on Hulu (Premiered August 20) About : Unless you’...

Pre-Season, Week 3 : Denver Broncos 28, New Orleans Saints 19 Pre-Season Record : 3-0 (1-0 Home) Key Play : With the Broncos leading 22-19 and less than five minutes left, Sam Ehlinger connected with Kyrese Rowan on a five-yard touchdown pass to give the team a nine-point lead. The Broncos help on to win. Recap : The Broncos finished with a perfect 3-0 record in the pre-season. That's nice but the team has loftier goals. Still, this final pre-season game was a chance to shake off the rust and set the final roster, with the deadline to cut down to 53 coming tomorrow afternoon. The Broncos got the first team out there, with Bo Nix and company off to a slow start. But they ended with a flourish, leading two scoring drives. Nix and Courtland Sutton got hot, with them combining for the touchdown. The Broncos starters gave way to those looking to secure a spot. There will be some tough cuts, and some shifting after the Broncos traded DeVaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints. Still, the Br...

It's hard to believe, but 1995 was 30 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1995 that are turning 30 in 2025. Today, it's an engaging and memorable thriller. Verbal : After that, my guess is that you'll never hear from him again. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. And like that... he's gone. The Usual Suspects Starring : Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin, Benicio del Toro, Kevin Pollack, and Chazz Palminteri Director : Bryan Singer About : It's not fun to talk about Singer or Spacey these days, especially with what's transpired off screen. But there was a time when both were red-hot, especially in the mid to late-1990s. That really begins here, with this film. It starts cooking thanks to the script from Christopher McQuarrie, who has gone on to script and direct some top-shelf action films. But here, it's the mystery and the layers that work b...

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. Phantom Thread (2017) Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, and Lesley Manville Director: Paul Thomas Anderson About: Anderson has made many films with powerful stars and engrossing stories. But, for me, his two best are his partnership with the great Daniel Day-Lewis. The first of those on this list is Phantom Thread, a fascinating drama about a meticulous fashion designer, his strong-willed sister, and the woman who throws both their lives and business off balance. Krieps is incredible here. She goes toe-to-toe with Day-Lewis, who is an incredible and talented actor. Anderson delivers a beautifully crafted and engaging film. I love the look, I love the feel,...

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 Descendants (2011) Starring : George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara King, Nic Krause, Judy Greer, and Beau Bridges Director : Alexander Payne About : Payne makes deeply personal films that explore families and difficult emotional times. This is one of those films. Adapted from a novel, it's a deep exploration of love, grief, family, and Hawaii. It features a brilliant performance from Clooney, and a great performance from Woodley. I love their dynamic. And some of the dialogue here is quite moving. So, too, is the look and feel of the film. This is a really engaging and emotional tale.

 We're quickly approaching the 2025 NFL Season. As such, I'll be previewing each of the divisions over the next few weeks. We'll look at teams in order of finish, then I'll make a prediction for the new season. Philadelphia Eagles 2024 Record: 14-3 About : The Eagles were great in 2024. They finished with a great record, won the division, and then won the Super Bowl. They have all the big pieces back, including Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith. The defense is stout, too. The Eagles figure to be atop the NFC East again and a strong contender in the NFC. Washington Commanders 2024 Record: 12-5 About : The Commanders were a big, and welcome surprise in 2024. Jayden Daniels was the Rookie of the Year, and led his team to the NFC Championship Game. The Commanders played a fierce style of football that seemed to announce they'll be contenders in the NFC. I expect that to continue in 2025, though it's a bit worrying that Terry McLaurin is at o...

It was a slower week for new releases as we hit the ides of August, but what of the films out there is worth your time to check out? Check out my take on the week’s new films below. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. East of Wall (Theaters) Starring: Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, Jennifer Ehle, and Scoot McNairy Synopsis: Grief is a difficult and often strange process. The journey is different for every individual, and certainly for every family. But it comes at you in strange ways, even when time has passed. That’s at the heart of East of Wall, the story of a mother and daughter trying to find a way forward while protecting their way of life. The film played the festival circuit earlier this year and now opens in limited release today. It starts Tabatha as a version of herself, telling her story of work and struggle on a ranch in the Dakotas. The film picks up with Tabatha trying to keep the ranch afloat. She’s also trying t...

We’re making our way through August and toward Labor Day. In short, summer is quickly coming to an end. But that doesn’t mean we’re out of new series, including some high-profile offerings this week. 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 series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: Alien Earth, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on FX (Premiered August 12) About: This new series expands the world of Alien. It comes from Noah Hawley and takes place before the events of the first film. It follows a new corporation, Prodigy, that is developing a new technology. They’ve figured out how to implant a human consciousness in a synthetic being, creating hybrids. These beings join Synths and Cyborgs—humans with artificial parts—as part of the new world order. One of the first of these new Hybrids is Wendy (Sydney Chandler), who is still connected to the older brother Joe (Al...

Pre-Season Week 2 : Denver Broncos 27, Arizona Cardinals 7 Pre-Season Record : 2-0 (1-0 Home) Key Play : In the first half, with 45 seconds left, Jarrett Stidham connected with Troy Franklin on a 17-yard touchdown strike, putting the team up 24-7. The Broncos never looked back. Recap: For the second week in a row, the Broncos' defense allowed a touchdown drive early then nothing else. And for the second straight week, Stidham dominated, tossing two touchdowns as the Broncos cruised to an easy win. There are position battles to consider and other things to take away from the game, but this Broncos' team looks strong and deep. This game was mostly devoid of starters, but the Broncos still looked strong. One more practice game in New Orleans, then it's on to a regular season with a lot of high expectations. Go Broncos. Game Balls: * Jarrett Stidham . He's making his case that he could be better than the starter for some teams, having thrown four touchdown passes in two ga...

It's hard to believe, but 1995 was 30 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1995 that are turning 30 in 2025. Today, it's a spaghetti western from Robert Rodriguez. El Mariachi : [praying] Give me the strength to be what I was, and forgive me for what I am. Desperado Starring : Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Joaquin de Almeida, and Steve Buscemi Director : Robert Rodriguez About : This is the middle led of what's known as the El Mariachi trilogy. It's arguably the best of the three. I love Once Upon A Time in Mexico, which came third, but this film holds a special place in my heart. It has plenty of humor, plenty of heart, and a lot of action. This is the first of the films with Banderas, and his chemistry with Hayek is a lot of fun. In fact, that's most of what's missing from the third film. I like the story and I really enjoy Buscemi, especially in that opening sequence. This is a crisp and easy watch with...

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. Rashomon (1950) Starring : Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, and Machiko Kyo Director : Akira Kurosawa About : This is sometimes billed as the film that introduced America to Japanese cinema. It certainly is one that has gone wider than most, and is one of Kurosawa's most recognized films. And for good reason. It's a simple premise but it's executed beautifully, telling the same story from different perspectives. It's a fascinating tale with some great performances that really sticks with you. I spent some time going through Kurosawa's films, and while I enjoyed them all, this is one that really stuck out to me. It's a masterfully told tale an...

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. Armageddon (1999) Starring : Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Billy Bob Thornton, and Liv Tyler Director: Michael Bay About: Bay has moments when he creates something truly amazing. I remember when Armageddon came out. It was a huge, blockbuster event. It still feels like that. It has an amazing cast, an engaging story, and some incredible sequences. This is Bay at his best, employing his skill to an interesting story on a massive scale. It was a deeply emotional film at times. I loved the watch and I love the way it all comes together. Willis is one of my favorite stars, and he's deployed brilliantly here by Bay. This has all the classic hallmarks of Bay's fil...

 We're quickly approaching the 2025 NFL Season. As such, I'll be previewing each of the divisions over the next few weeks. We'll look at teams in order of finish, then I'll make a prediction for the new season. Baltimore Ravens 2024 Record: 12-5 About : The Ravens were good in 2024, but not good enough. The team made the Divisional Round, where they lost to the Buffalo Bills. Can the Ravens make the Super Bowl with Lamar Jackson? The quest continues. Derrick Henry was a good edition in 2024, and figures to be a big part of the offensive equation again. The Ravens have weapons, it's about putting it all together. Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Record: 10-7 About: Like clockwork, the Steelers finished with a winning record in 2024 and did enough to make the playoffs. But they weren't a serious contender, and bowed out quickly in the Wild Card Round. This off-season, they started over. Aaron Rodgers is in at quarterback, while Kaleb Johnson is in at running back, D.K. M...

It was another jam-packed week at the movies with four releases in theaters and an option on streaming. Below is my take on this week’s new movies. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Freakier Friday (Theaters) Starring : Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters, Manny Jacinto, Sophia Hammons, and Mark Harmon Synopsis: The original Freaky Friday on Disney, starring a young Jodie Foster, arrived in 1976. But it was nearly 30 years later, in 2003 when the film was led by Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis that it really took off. For scores of fans, that is what they think of when it comes to Freaky Friday. While there have been spin-offs, re-makes, and different takes on the formula over the years, it’s that version that endures. So, it makes sense that people would be excited about the prospect of a sequel. Both Curtis and Lohan are back—as are the stars of the first film—for a new spin on the formula and a continuation of ...

We’re making our way through August and approaching Labor Day weekend. After that, it’s quickly into the Fall TV season. So, summer is wrapping up quickly. 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 series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks! Tuesdays: Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered August 5) About : The sports anthology series that always signals the start of the NFL season is back. This time, we’re focusing on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. This series always rises and falls based on the personalities we meet. The pilot episode was a mixed bag. I’m interested in the team, and Allen is charming, but some of it was just OK. Still, Dion Dawkins and Tre’Davious White were a lot of fun. I think there’s some potential here and, mostly, I’m excited football is back. If you’re an NFL fan, or just a fa...

Pre-Season, Week 1: Denver Broncos 30, San Francisco 49ers 9 Pre-Season Record: 1-0 (0-0 Home) Key Play: In the second quarter, with time winding down, Jarrett Stidham connected with Trent Sherfield, Sr. on a 36-yard touchdown strike. The score pushed it to 20-9 at the half, and the Broncos never looked back. Recap: Getting a win in the pre-season is nice. It doesn't mean much for the regular season, but it's always nice to win. Better than winning in the pre-season is seeing players reach their potential and make an impact. From that standpoint, Week 1 was a good success. The starters went out and played into the second quarter. It wasn't an impressive showing, but you can see the potential on offense. The defense is also still quite good. A 50-yard pass on the opening drive despite good coverage led to a touchdown. The defense didn't let the 49ers score after that, with the only other 49er points coming on a safety. They also forced five turnovers, which was impre...

It's hard to believe, but 1995 was 30 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1995 that are turning 30 in 2025. Today, it's a classic teen comedy. Cher: Would you call me selfish? Dionne: No, not to your face. Clueless Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Brittany Murphy, Stacy Dash, and Dan Hedaya Director : Amy Heckerling About : It's hard to believe this film is turning 30 years old. It's a classic comedy, drawing inspiration from Jane Austen's Emma , but placed squarely in the 1995 present. It's a send up of teens and life in the 1990s, and as someone who grew up in that era (and was in high school when this film debuted) it feels relevant. Silverstone shines in the lead role, with memorable lines and deliveries. She and Rudd are a lot of fun here, but the whole story is engaging. It's a breezy 97 minutes and is a delightful watch from beginning to end. This is worth checking out and enjoying, es...

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. Promising Young Woman (2020) Starring: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Chris Lowell, Alison Brie, and Alfred Molina Director : Emerald Fennell About : There were a lot of bummer's when COVID hit. When it comes to films, it's that many great works that were released in 2020 didn't get the love and audience they deserved. This searing original film from Fennell, her first feature, is one such casualty. It was the best film of the year and one of my favorite films. It should have been showered with awards, including Best Picture, and Best Actress. But it did at least win Best Screenplay. Mulligan is fantastic. The script here is great, with a great blend of co...

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. Saving Private Ryan (1998) Starring : Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, and Matt Damon Director : Steven Spielberg About : Spielberg's contributions to capturing World War II in film and in mini-series form are some of his greatest gifts to our culture. This film, from 1998, follows a group of soldiers through D-Day and into a special mission. It's an exceptional film. It's unlike anything I've seen. And it's endured for more than a quarter of a century. It should have won Best Picture, but it certainly has a place in the heart of many of us who saw the film. Hanks is brilliant here, but it's the work of Spielberg to create this film that makes it wor...

 We're quickly approaching the 2025 NFL Season. As such, I'll be previewing each of the divisions over the next few weeks. We'll look at teams in order of finish, then I'll make a prediction for the new season. Detroit Lions 2024 Record: 15-2 About: The Lions tied for the best record in the NFL, serving as the NFC's No. 1 seed. But they suffered a lot of injuries that took a toll in the post-season. Following the season, Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson and Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn both left for Head Coaching jobs. But the Lions' big stars remain. This offense is loaded with Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick, and Sam LaPorta. I expect them to be a force again and, hopefully, to stay healthier. Minnesota Vikings 2024 Record: 14-3 About: The Vikings were a great story in 2024, as Sam Darnold served a career best performance. The team made the playoffs and posted one of the best records in the N...

It was a busy week at the Box Office with new releases in theaters and on streaming, offering a variety of different types of stories. Below are my thoughts on this week’s new films. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. My Oxford Year (Netflix) Starring : Sofia Carson, Corey Mylchreest, and Dougray Scott Synopsis : Anna (Carson) has it all together. She has a great job waiting, but first she’s following her heart and taking a year studying at Oxford. It’s supposed to be a reward and a pleasant diversion. There, she meet’s a brash graduate teacher, Jamie (Mylchreest). At first, they clash, but then they form a connection. Will it change the course of her future? If you’ve seen romance films of this sort, you know the answer to that question. Carson has found a nice groove and streaming film home at Netflix, taking the lead in different kinds of stories from Purple Hearts in 2022 to last year’s Carry-On, and this spring’s The Life Li...