Matt's Musings

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. About Schmidt (2002) Starring : Jack Nicholson, June Squibb, Hope Davis, and Kathy Bates Director: Alexander Payne About: Nicholson has given a lot of great performances. He's one of the most decorated American actors. You could easily think of a lot of films and great roles when his name is mentioned. But, since I saw this film, it is Schmidt that I think of. It's not the Nicholson we typically think of, but it's a beautiful and raw performance. It's another film that has such a great blend of humor and drama. I really laugh at a lot of sequences, but it's also deeply moving. And man, the way Payne delivers that ending, it hits hard. This is o...

 I had a good week again in Week 8, feeling like I'm on a roll. Let's see if it continues in Week 9. NFL Picks, Week 9 Ravens Over Dolphins Bears Over Bengals Lions Over Vikings Packers Over Panthers Chargers Over Titans Patriots Over Falcons\ 49ers Over Giants Colts Over Steelers Broncos Over Texans Jaguars Over Raiders Rams Over Saints Bills Over Chiefs Seahawks Over Commanders Cowboys Over Cardinals Last Week : 9-4 Season : 75-45 NFL Picks Spread, Week 9 Dolphins +7.5 Over Ravens Bears -2.5 Over Bengals Lions +8.5 Over Vikings Panthers +12.4 Over Packers Chargers -9.5 Over Titans Patriots -5.5 Over Falcons 49ers -2.5 Over Giants Colts -3.5 Over Steelers Broncos +1.5 Over Texans Jaguars -3.5 Over Raiders Rams -13.5 Over Saints Bills +1.5 Over Chiefs Seahawks -3.5 Over Commanders Cowboys -2.5 Over Cardinals Last Week : 1-12 Season : 54-67

It’s a packed time at the movies with a slew of big releases in theaters and on streaming. 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. Among Neighbors (Theaters) Synopsis: We have seen plenty of stories of suffering and heartbreak from World War II over the years. These stories—whether fictionalized or documentaries—show the courage and determination of those who survived unimaginable situations. They serve as a stark reminder of what humanity is capable of doing. That’s certainly the case with Among Neighbors, a new documentary that looks at a small town in Poland that has struggled with its past. It was a place where Polish people and Jews lived side-by-side until the Nazis invaded during WWII. The actions in the aftermath of that invasion revealed heroes and those not so heroic. But the country’s efforts to erase the past—and the role they played in the oppression and violence against...

We’re nearing the end of October, which means the Network season is in full bloom. We’re also getting some high-profile streaming and cable offerings. 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 shows this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: DMV, Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS (Premiered October 13) About: Most people don’t get excited about visiting the DMV. It’s a place where people have had plenty of difficult experiences, which is what makes it rife for comedy. This new half hour for CBS is set at a Hollywood DMV branch that faces potential closure. It centers, mostly, on a trio of driving test instructors (Harriet Dyer, Tony Cavalero, and Tim Meadows) and their daily foibles. I really enjoyed the pilot, which was funny and well-paced. The second episode was a great follow-up. There is plenty of comedy to be mined from the set up and the cast is solid...

Week 8: Denver Broncos 44, Dallas Cowboys 24 Season Record: 6-2 (4-0 Home) Key Play: In the Fourth Quarter, with the Broncos up 37-17 and the Cowboys driving, Dondrea Tillman intercepted Dak Prescott, ending the Cowboys' comeback attempt. Recap: I've wanted to see the Broncos play a complete game all season. Sunday, we got it. The defense came to play. The Special Teams was solid. And the offense was on the attack and looking good all four quarters. That's something that has to leave us feeling good about this team. The Broncos have won five straight games, are undefeated at home, and are in first place in the AFC West. And this game, holding the Cowboys' offense in check, came with Patrick Surtain II missing the second half. Time to get healthy and get ready to take on a tough Texans team! Game Balls: * Bo Nix . After a great fourth quarter in Week 7, Nix responded with four big touchdowns and some good throws in Week 8. * R.J. Harvey. The rookie had a huge day wi...

It's hard to believe, but 1990 was 35 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1990 that are turning 35 in 2025. Today, it's an unconventional horror comedy. Earl Bassett : Is this a job for an intelligent man? Valentine McKee : Well, show me one and I'll ask him. Tremors Starring: Fred Ward, Kevin Bacon, Reba McEntire, and Michael Gross Director : Ron Underwood About : This is a perfect film for the Sunday before Halloween. It's a seasonal classic that is fun when you're looking for a horror film. But this is also one of the funniest films. It's an odd couple buddy comedy with Ward and Bacon, who are delightful together. This small town and the characters that populate it are a lot of fun, too. This is no doubt a "B" horror movie. But it's the blueprint for how to make a delightful and entertaining "B" horror film. I love it. If you've never seen it, give it a try.

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. Ikuru (1952) Starring: Takashi Shimura Director: Akira Kurosawa About : When trying to pick the best Kurosawa film, it can be a challenge. So many of his films are great and made such a lasting impact? So, why Ikuru ? It wasn't the first film I saw, in fact it wasn't even the first version of the story I saw. I saw the British film Living in 2022, and it moved me deeply. Then I saw Kurosawa's original version. It's so beautiful. I love the performance from Shimura and the arc of the story. It's beautifully crafted and such a powerful narrative that it stuck with me long after I finished the film. When I think of Kurosawa, I think of so many be...

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. Bad Boys (1995) Starring : Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Tea Leoni Director: Michael Bay About: We're nearing the end of this exploration, which means hitting my favorite film from the directors on this list. This was not my entry to Bay, but it instantly became a personal favorite when I saw it the first time in college. Smith and Lawrence are great in these roles, and have been for four films. But this is where it started. It's the quintessential Bay film. It has some good humor. It has some good action. It has some over-the-top moments. And it has some incredible slow-motion shots. I could probably watch this movie once a week for the rest of my life...

 Week 7 was great for me in both straight and picks against the spread. Let's see if I can stay on fire in Week 8. NFL Picks, Week 8: Chargers Over Vikings Falcons Over Dolphins Bengals Over Jets Patriots Over Browns Eagles Over Giants Bills Over Panthers Ravens Over Bears 49ers Over Texans Buccaneers Over Saints Broncos Over Cowboys Colts Over Titans Steelers Over Packers Chiefs Over Commanders Last Week : 14-1 Season : 66-41 NFL Picks Spread, Week 8: Vikings +3.5 Over Chargers Falcons -7.5 Over Dolphins Bengals -6.5 Over Jets Browns +7.5 Over Patriots Giants +7.5 Over Eagles Panthers +7.5 Over Bills Bears +6.5 Over Ravens 49ers -1.5 Over Texans Saints +5.5 Over Buccaneers Cowboys +3.5 Over Broncos Colts -14.5 Over Titans Steelers +3.5 Over Packers Commanders +10.5 Over Chiefs Last Week : 11-4 Season : 56-52

We’re making our way through October, which means a couple big theatrical releases and some streaming options. Below is my take on the week’s new films. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734 After The Hunt (Theaters) Starring: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Chloe Sevigny Synopsis: This new film from Luca Guadagnino, with a script from Nora Garrett, is based on real events. It is centered on a popular Yale Philosophy professor, Alma (Roberts), who is hosting a party at her home. Among the attendees is a fellow professor, Hank (Garfield), with whom Alma has a complicated relationship as both are up for Tenure. Also, there is Maggie (Edebiri), one of Alma’s top students. The party goes well. Maggie and Hank leave together. The next day, an accusation comes. What’s the truth? What does it all mean? How should Alma respond? This film is about some timely topics, but it’s not covered in a particularly ...

We’re making our way through October, and now we’ve made it to the height of the Network launch. That means we have a flood of new shows, but 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 series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: DMV, Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS (Premiered October 13) About : This is the newest sitcom for CBS, set at a local DMV in Southern California. We meet a trio of driving instructors (Harriet Dyer, Tim Meadows, and Tony Cavalero) who are going about their daily routine. We also meet others in the office and the team of inspectors sent there to observe and make a decision about the branch’s future. This is a set up that is rife with possibilities. I enjoyed the pilot. I enjoyed the pacing and the humor. It’s a nice addition to the CBS Monday lineup, and a nice addition to the comedy landscape. Pilot Grade : B+ Wednesdays: Murdaugh: Death in the Fam...

Week 7 : Denver Broncos 33, New York Giants 32 Season Record: 5-2 (3-0 Home) Key Play : In the Fourth Quarter, with the Broncos trailing 32-30 and time running out, Bo Nix connected with Marvin Mims on 29-yard pass to put them in scoring range. The Broncos won 33-32. Recap : Usually when you're down 19 points in the fourth quarter, the game is over. But the Broncos finally came to life in a big way. It took hard work and a bit of luck, but the Broncos scored 33 points in the final quarter, with a bunch of lead changes, to get the one-point win. They remain perfect at home and now take the first place spot in the AFC West. There is still work to be done. There are too many penalties and too much inefficiency. But the Broncos got a huge win over an emerging Giants team. They finally got the offense going, too. And they'll need it to battle the Cowboys next week. Let's go Broncos. Game Balls: * Bo Nix. He saved his best for last, running for two touchdowns and throwing for t...

It's hard to believe, but 1990 was 35 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1990 that are turning 35 in 2025. Today, it's an unconventional romance. Sam : I love you, Molly. I've always loved you. Molly : Ditto. Ghost Starring : Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg Director : Jerry Zucker About : How do you have an iconic romance film featuring a main leading man who gets murdered in the early going? That's a fair question, and the answer is this film. It's an unconventional story, but it is an iconic romance. It has three great leads, with Goldberg winning the Academy Award for her work. The film also won an Oscar for its script. The film does a great job of building this story, building these characters, and getting you to invest. It also has some iconic sequences. It's one that still stands out 35 years later.

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. CODA (2021) Starring : Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant, and Eugenio Derbez Director: Sian Heder About: The penultimate entry from a female director on this list is a special one to me. Technically it's special in general, as it was the first Best Picture winner for Apple TV, or any streamer. For some it was a surprise win, but I fell in love as soon as I saw it. It's really a beautiful film and it's beautifully told. I was so hyped it won Best Picture, though I wish it had earned more accolades. Jones is simply stunning in the lead performance and should have at least earned a nomination. She's continued to deliver wonderful...

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. Jaws (1975) Starring : Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss Director : Steven Spielberg About: If you've read my work or followed me for any amount of time, this isn't a surprise. You can probably guess which Spielberg film will top my list. But Spielberg is the director of my childhood. He's probably the director I think of first when thinking of my favorite. Jaws is a movie I've seen at least once nearly every year of my life. I watch it each Fourth of July. I've purchased copies in four different formats. I've read the novel. I'm in the middle of building a Lego set of the Orca. It's just an incredible movie and one of ...

 We've reached Week 7 of the NFL Season. My straight picks are doing OK, but picking against the Spread has taken a hit. Let's see if I can pick it up. NFL Picks, Week 7 : Steelers Over Bengals Rams Over Jaguars Bears Over Saints Browns Over Dolphins Patriots Over Titans Chiefs Over Raiders Eagles Over Vikings Panthers Over Jets Broncos Over Giants Colts Over Chargers Cowboys Over Commanders Packers Over Cardinals 49ers Over Falcons Lions Over Buccaneers Seahawks Over Texans Last Week : 8-7 Season : 52-40 NFL Picks Spread, Week 7 : Steelers -5.5 Over Bengals Rams -2.5 Over Jaguars Saints +5.5 Over Bears Browns -2.5 Over Dolphins Patriots -7.5 Over Titans Chiefs -12.5 Over Raiders Eagles -1.5 Over Vikings Panthers -1.5 Over Jets Giants +7.5 Over Broncos Colts +1.5 Over Chargers Cowboys +1.5 Over Commanders Packers -6.5 Over Cardinals 49ers -1.5 Over Falcons Buccaneers +5.5 Over Lions Seahawks -3.5 Over Texans Last Week : 6-9 Season : 45-48

We’re making our way through October, and that leaves plenty of films to watch both in theaters and on streaming. 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. John Candy: I Like Me (Prime Video) Synopsis: John Candy was a wonderful actor. He created some iconic and memorable characters in a career that was cut too short. This new documentary, directed by Colin Hanks, takes a look at the man, his life, and his career. Turns out, he was a great guy to his friends and family, too. I loved this documentary, which dropped on Prime Video on Friday. It was a hit at festivals and it should be a hit with audiences, too. This is my favorite documentary of the year so far and one of my favorite movies. It’s well worth checking out. Rating: Rated PG-13 for smoking, some strong language, drug material and suggestive material. Verdict: Four stars out of five Maintenance Required (Prime Video) Starrin...

We’re barreling into October, and that means a flood of new shows is upon us. That’s even more true as we’re swinging full into Network premier season. So, 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 Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Thursdays: 9-1-1: Nashville, Thursdays at 9 p.m. on ABC (Premiered October 9) About : This is the second spin-off of the original series, but the first to originally air on ABC, now the home of 9-1-1. While the first spin-off, Lone Star, ended last year, this one offers further potential to expand the formula and the world. This takes the action to Tennessee and focuses on another fire company (sort of ditching the police aspect, at least in the pilot). And much like the first spin-off, this one puts family at the center. Chris O’Donnell plays Capt. Don Hart, who runs a local company with his son, Lt. Ryan Hart (Michael P...

Week 6 : Denver Broncos 13, New York Jets 11 Season Record : 4-2 (2-0 Home) Key Play : In the Fourth Quarter, facing fourth and eight with just over a minute left, Justin Fields dropped back to pass and got sacked for the ninth time. That ended the Jets' comeback chance. Recap : God bless the Broncos' defense. At one point in this game, the Jets had one yard of total offense. They had six points because the Broncos' turned it over deep in their end and allowed a long kick-off return. But the defense help both times. In fact, aside from one middling drive that ended in a field goal, the defense allowed nothing. They pulled in nine sacks and stymied the Jets all day. But the offense was its own worst enemy. An early fumble. Plenty of ridiculous penalties. And missed plays. All of it added up to a mediocre performance. The Broncos escaped with a win, but they didn't look good. Six weeks into the season and the team is 4-2 but they looked terrible getting there in London. T...

It's hard to believe, but 1990 was 35 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1990 that are turning 35 in 2025. Today, it's a Best Picture winner from Kevin Costner. John Dunbar : [voice-over] Nothing I have been told about these people is correct. They are not thieves or beggars. They are not the bogeymen they are made out to be. On the contrary, they are polite guests and I enjoy their humor. Dances With Wolves Starring : Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, and Grahm Greene Director : Kevin Costner About : This film won Best Picture. It's a great film from Costner, featuring one of his better performances. It's beautifully directed and tells an interesting an important story. I won't speak to how historically accurate it may or may not be, but I will say that it's an engaging narrative. Whether or not it was the best film from that year is debatable, but it's an engaging film. I enjoy its western landscape, 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. Inception (2010) Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine, and Tom Hardy Director: Christopher Nolan About: Nolan is practically my favorite director. For me, he's never made a bad film. Choosing the five for this list was tough. But getting to the top of the list has always been easy. Inception is my favorite non-genre film from Nolan. It's a visual masterpiece. It's story moves me deeply. The performances, story, and scope here are fantastic. I remember first seeing it in theaters and being blown away by everything. It's a movie that stayed with me and that I think about frequently. I love Nolan's t...

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. Miller's Crossing (1990) Starring: Gabriel Byrne, John Turturro, Marcia Gay Harden, and Albert Finney Director: Joel and Ethan Coen About: I love the Coen Brothers. In fact, we're in the range of my all time favorite filmmakers. My favorite era of the Coen Brothers is the early 1990s, starting with this gem. I remember seeing this in college and the way it blew my mind. The dialogue, the action, the story, and the beautiful shots are just so captivating. I've seen it more than a dozen times and it never fails to entertain and engage me. Byrne is great here, but this is about the beauty and power of the story. This is peak Coen Brothers for me.

 The NFL's Week 6 slate is here. After a middling Week 5, I'm looking to make a bounce back. Let's see if it happens. NFL Picks, Week 6: Eagles Over Giants Broncos Over Jets Colts Over Cardinals Dolphins Over Chargers Cowboys Over Panthers Steelers Over Browns Jaguars Over Seahawks Rams Over Ravens Patriots Over Saints Raiders Over Titans Buccaneers Over 49ers Packers Over Bengals Lions Over Chiefs Bills Over Falcons Commanders Over Bears Last Week : 5-9 Season : 44-33 NFL Picks Spread, Week 6: Eagles -6.5 Over Giants Broncos -7.5 Over Jets Colts -6.5 Over Cardinals Dolphins +4.5 Over Chargers Cowboys -3.5 Over Panthers Browns +4.5 Over Steelers Jaguars +1.5 Over Seahaws Rams -7.5 Over Ravens Patriots -3.5 Over Saints Titans +4.5 Over Raiders Buccaneers -2.5 Over 49ers Bengals +14.5 Over Packers Lions +1.5 Over Chiefs Bills -4.5 Over Falcons Bears +4.5 Over Commanders Last Week : 9-5 Season : 39-39

The first week of October is here, and it’s brought not only a high-profile theatrical release but a trio of streaming films. Below is a look at the new films I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Lost Bus (Apple TV+) Starring: Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera Synopsis: We have seen a number of natural disasters over the years. Often, these events while harrowing, produce tremendous stories of courage that continue to inspire. Such is the case with the deadly Camp Fire, which essentially wiped out the small town of Paradise, California in 2018. We’ve seen countless news reports and stories from that time. We even got a stirring documentary from Ron Howard. It’s also inspired books and a lot of exploration. One of those stories serves as the inspiration for The Lost Bus, which dropped in theaters in September and drops on Apple TV+ on Friday. The film centers on Kevin McKay (Matthew McConaughey), who is ...