Matt's Musings

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 buddy comedy. Gene Ryack : Here at Air America, what's considered psychotic behavior anywhere else is company policy. Air America Starring : Mel Gibson and Robert Downey, Jr. Director : Roger Spottiswoode About : This is a film set during Vietnam, but it's a different kind of movie. It's about a pair of pilots working on a covert mission in Laos for the CIA during the conflict. It's also something of a buddy comedy film. That works because Gibson and Downey have great chemistry in this film. It's probably not one that is as widely remembered and celebrated as others on the list. And that makes sense, as it was a smaller film. But I really enjoyed it when I saw it and I appreciate the humor in the story. When I saw it on the list, I couldn't help but add it because it is one of 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. North by Northwest (1959) Starring: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason Director : Alfred Hitchcock About : When you think of Hitchcock, you think of some mystery/horror/thrillers. So, when we get to my favorite film from him, it's interesting that it's more of a spy thriller. This film would likely top or be near the top of everyone's list. The performances are strong, especially Grant in the lead role, and the story keeps you engaged. There are also some incredible and iconic shots, one of which is captured above. All of it comes together to create a classic that continues to resonate with audiences even decades later. It was a no-brainer pic...

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. Million Dollar Baby (2004) Starring: Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman Director: Clint Eastwood About: Eastwood has had a long and varied career as an actor and director. Honestly, this film might be the pinnacle of both. On the surface, it's an underdog sports story. And it works beautifully as that for the first hour. But then it shifts to something more powerful and more personal. It's a beautiful exploration of faith, of found family, and of a specific issue of the right to die. That undoubtedly turned some off. But I think this film handles it beautifully and is a powerful, and emotional experience. It's one of the best films I...

Week 12 was a solid one for both sets of picks. Let's keep it going into Thanksgiving week. NFL Picks, Week 13 : Lions Over Packers Cowboys Over Chiefs Ravens Over Bengals Eagles Over Bears 49ers Over Browns Jaguars Over Titans Colts Over Texans Dolphins Over Saints Falcons Over Jets Buccaneers Over Cardinals Rams Over Panthers Seahawks Over Vikings Bills Over Steelers Chargers Over Raiders Broncos Over Commanders Patriots Over Giants Last Week : 11-3 Season : 118-59 NFL Picks Spread, Week 13 : Lions -2.5 Over Packers Cowboys +3.5 Over Chiefs Bengals +7.5 Over Ravens Bears +7.5 Over Eagles 49ers -5.5 Over Browns Titans +6.5 Over Jaguars Texans +3.5 Over Colts Dolphins -5.5 Over Saints Falcons -2.5 Over Jets Buccaneers -3.5 Over Cardinals Rams -10.5 Over Panthers Seahawks -10.5 Over Vikings Bills -3.5 Over Steelers Raiders +9.5 Over Chargers Broncos -6.5 Over Commanders Giants +7.5 Over Patriots Last Week : 8-6 Season : 84-94

It was a packed week at the movies, with some of the best and most engaging films of the year. Below is my take on a busy week at theaters. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @Knighthawk7734. The Family Plan 2 (Apple TV) Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, and Kit Harrington Synopsis: This is a follow up to the 2023 film about a former assassin (Wahlberg) who’s secret life is unveiled to his wife (Monaghan) and kids when it comes back to haunt him. They worked their way to freedom, and as we pick up the Morgan family is heading to London for a cozy Christmas celebration. Things unravel when his secret half-brother (Harrington) comes back to make waves and try to take over the family business. That leads them on a wild adventure all the way to Paris. This is a fun enough streaming ride. It’s only about an hour and 45 minutes, making for a quick enough binge. If you enjoyed the blend of action and comedy for the whole family in the first ...

We’re flying toward Thanksgiving and the end of November. That means the flow of new content for 2025 is coming to an end. Still, with the holidays and a little extra time on your hands, you might be looking at 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. Wednesdays: The Mighty Nein, Streaming Wednesdays on Prime Video (Premiered November 19) About : This animated series made its debut on Wednesday. Three episodes of a planned eight-episode series dropped on Wednesday. Each is about 45 minutes. The rest will drop weekly moving forward. The series comes from Critical Role, which created The Legend of Vox Machina, an animated series that previously aired on Prime Video. This is a new story with new character set in a similar world. It’s got a similar style and a similar look and feel. If you were a fan of the original, then...

 We've made it to the final month of the year. There are some blockbuster releases, holiday releases, and plenty of award contenders. Let's dive in. Monday, December 1: Merchants of Joy (Prime Video) : This new documentary looks at New York's Christmas Tree industry. Sounds like some holiday fun. Wednesday, December 3: Oh. What. Fun. (Prime Video): This is another original Christmas film, this one led by Michelle Pfieffer. It's a big cast that looks like big fun. Friday, December 5: Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (Theaters): We're back with another dive into the Freddy's world, which is based on the game. The first one was fine, this figures to be more of the same. Fackham Hall (Theaters): This is a riff on the Downton Abbey world. It's got a good cast and it looks like it will be kind of fun. Merrily We Roll Along (Theaters) : This is a filmed version of the Broadway play led by Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff. It's a good filming, which should ap...

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 film featuring Jack Ryan. Captain Ramius: "... and the sea will grant each man new hope, as sleep brings dreams of home." Christopher Columbus. Jack Ryan: Welcome to the New World, Captain. The Hunt for Red October Starring : Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin Director : John McTiernan About: This is a classic film based on the Tom Clancy novels featuring Jack Ryan. But this probably isn't the first one people think about when they think of Ryan on film. This one features Baldwin in the role, and it's his only time playing the part. It was the first of the Ryan adaptations, and it's an interesting film. But it's probably more interesting as a submarine film and as a Connery film. It's a classic and it's quite good, but it's interesting how it's remembered in histo...

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. She Said (2022) Starring : Zoe Kazan, Carey Mulligan, Andre Braugher, Patricia Clarkson, and Ashley Judd Director : Maria Schrader About: This is the final entry from a female director. Schrader probably isn't the most decorated female director on this list, but this film lands in the top spot for me because of the film itself. It's created by women, it features women, and it tells a story that is important in protecting and advocating for women. It's also a film that deeply moved me. It is the last film I gave five stars. It's deeply emotional and beautifully told. I love Kazan and Mulligan here. I love the raw performances and the courage, especia...

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 Departed (2006) Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, and Mark Wahlberg Director: Martin Scorsese About: Scorsese spent years crafting deeply impactful films without getting recognition from the Academy. Then came The Departed , which is a re-make of a foreign film with a uniquely Boston and uniquely Scorsese spin on it. The cast is phenomenal. The story is gripping. But it is the whole package because Scorsese is such a unique talent as a director. This won Best Picture. It earned Scorsese the award for Best Director. And it's more than earned. I loved the way this film was put together. I love the craft, the performances, and the over...

 Week 12 is here. I'm killing it picking winners, but picks against the Spread have been a challenge. Let's see if I can improve. NFL Picks, Week 12: Bills Over Texans Bears Over Steelers Packers Over Vikings Lions Over Giants Patriots Over Bengals Seahawks Over Titans Chiefs Over Colts Ravens Over Jets Raiders Over Browns Jaguars Over Cardinals Eagles Over Cowboys Falcons Over Saints Rams Over Buccaneers 49ers Over Panthers Last Week : 12-3 Season: 107-56 NFL Picks Spread, Week 12: Texans +5.5 Over Bills Steelers +3.5 Over Bears Patriots -8.5 Over Bengals Lions -10.5 Over Giants Vikings +6.5 Over Packers Seahawks -12.5 Over Titans Colts +3.5 Over Chiefs Jets +13.5 Over Ravens Browns +3.5 Over Raiders Jaguars -2.5 Over Cardinals Cowboys +3.5 Over Eagles Falcons +2.5 Over Saints Buccaneers +6.5 Over Rams Panthers +7.5 Over 49ers Last Week : 6-9 Season : 76-88

It’s another packed week at the movies, with a number of theatrical and streaming releases. Below is a look at the films I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. In Your Dreams (Netflix) Starring: Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Cristin Milioti, and Simu Liu Synopsis: When things aren’t going your way, it’s tempting to try and change the course of your life. That’s especially true when we’re young and want to wish our ideal future into existence. What if you were offered a chance to make those dreams come true? In the new animated film In Your Dreams, streaming on Netflix Friday, a young girl has a vivid dream life. But when her real life starts to spiral out of control, she retreats into that dream life to find the answer. The film comes from Erik Benson and Alexander Woo, who have long-time experience in the art department on Pixar films. Here, they teamed on the screenplay and the direction for this original story that take...

We’re rapidly approaching Thanksgiving and the big slow down for the holidays. But before we get there, we’re still getting some new series to check out. But what of these new series 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. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Fridays: Stumble, Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC (Premiered November 7) About: This new sitcom is a documentary-style romp in the world of competitive cheerleading. Jenn Lyon is the lead, starring as a cheer coach fired from a National Championship squad and hoping for another shot at glory rebuilding a nearby program. Comedy is hard, and sitcoms are still in shorter supply on networks than in an era past. NBC is trying to find a style that works, this one paired with a Reba McIntire series on Fridays. The pilot was fine if unspectacular. The second episode provided more of the same. I’m all for getting more comedy, and ...

Week 11 : Denver Broncos 22, Kansas City Chiefs 19 Season Record : 9-2 (6-0 Home) Key Play : In the fourth quarter, tied at 19, Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin on 32-yard pass to get the Broncos into Field Goal range. They scored to end the game two plays later. Recap : The Broncos aren't perfect. They miss some opportunities and they still have too many penalties. But the team is 9-2 and just defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, and Patrick Mahomes, in a must-win game without Patrick Surtain and Alex Singleton. They also did it without J.K. Dobbins, who is done for the year. The Broncos have a bye week to heal up and get ready for the stretch drive. They hold a 2.5 game lead in the AFC West and are poised to break the Chiefs' stranglehold on the division. It's been a great season, and regardless of how it ends, this is going to be a great finish! Get excited! Game Balls: * Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant . The young receivers were on point, combining for nine receptions and 1...

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 classic comedy. Detective John Kimble : I have a headache. Lowell: It might be a tumor. Detective John Kimble : It's not a tumor! It's not a tumor. At all! Kindergarten Cop Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope Ann Miller, and Pamela Reed Director: Ivan Reitman About : Schwarzenegger first made a name for himself as an action star. He has the look for it and he held up well in countless action films in the 1980s. But he does actually have some range, and he's good in comedy. This film, which takes the typical action hero and deposits him in kindergarten, works well. I think Reitman does a nice job directing and I like the fish-out-of-water premise. This has some iconic moments, too. It's a fun film.

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 Paper (1994) Starring: Michael Keaton, Marisa Tomei, Robert Duvall, and Glenn Close Director: Ron Howard About: Howard is a great and diverse director. This list has showcased his talent and range as he's made many different kinds of films and done them all well. This is a personal favorite. I wanted to be a reporter for a long time, which is why I went to journalism school. I've always loved journalism films. Since I first saw this when I was in high school, it's been a favorite. It follows a day in the life of a metro editor for a paper in New York City. It has great tension, but also plenty of humor. And the way it all plays out is a lot of fun...

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. Inglorious Basterds (2009) Starring : Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Melanie Laurent, and Christoph Waltz Director: Quentin Tarantino About : There is a moment near the end of this film when Pitt's character looks at the camera and says, "I think this might be my masterpiece." I've always thought that was a meta commentary from Tarantino, and it's totally accurate. You can see a lot of things that worked and were iconic in his previous films as key elements of this film. It's ambitious in scope and delivers. Waltz is incredible, which is part of the reason he won an Academy Award. This is a bit of wish fulfillment when it comes to how the ...

 We're in the crunch time of the NFL Season. I'm doing well picking winners, but the spreads have been a challenge. Can I get better? Let's find out. NFL Picks, Week 11: Patriots Over Jets Dolphins Over Commanders Falcons Over Panthers Bills Over Buccaneers Texans Over Titans Bears Over Vikings Packers Over Giants Steelers Over Bengals Chargers Over Jaguars Rams Over Seahawks 49ers Over Cardinals Ravens Over Browns Broncos Over Chiefs Lions Over Eagles Cowboys Over Raiders Last Week : 10-4 Season : 95-53 NFL Picks Spread, Week 11 : Patriots -11.5 Over Jets Dolphins -2.5 Over Commanders Falcons -3.5 Over Panthers Buccaneers +5.5 Over Bills Texans -7.5 Over Titans Bears +3.5 Over Vikings Packers -7.5 Over Giants Bengals +4.5 Over Steelers Chargers -2.5 Over Jaguars Rams -2.5 Over Seahawks 49ers -2.5 Over Cardinals Ravens -7.5 Over Browns Broncos +3.5 Over Chiefs Lions +1.5 Over Eagles Cowboys -3.5 Over Raiders Last Week : 6-8 Season : 70-79

It was a jam-packed weekend at the movies. We had big theatrical releases as well as a big streaming film. Below is my take on all the new films this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Christy (Theaters) Starring: Sydney Sweeney and Ben Foster Synopsis: A lot of our greatest heroes in sports have had to overcome obstacles to thrive. Sometimes it’s an abusive or neglectful family. Sometimes it’s an abusive or controlling partner. In the new biopic Christy—which tells the story of boxer Christy Martin—it was both. The film picks up in the early 1990s as Christy (Sweeney) is struggling to find her place. She’s a gifted athlete, but she doesn’t fit the mold her mother (Merritt Wever) had in mind for a daughter. That puts her at odds with a family that’s anything but supportive. Still, she finds a place in the boxing ring where her skill draws the eye of training Jim Martin (Foster). Under the guise of making her a boxing star,...

We’re getting deeper in November. The tide of new network shows is slowing, but the pace of shows on cable and streaming remains strong. Still, which 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. Tuesdays: All’s Fair, Streaming Tuesdays on Hulu (Premiered November 4) About : Ryan Murphy is still a big name in TV. He’s also still capable of bringing in big names for his series. That’s about all that All’s Fair, a new legal drama on Hulu, has going for it. It has some big names attached, like Kim Kardasian, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts, and Nicey Nash. It’s about divorce attorney’s and their wealthy and sometimes strange clients. That brings in even more familiar names as guest stars. And yet, to describe this show as a train wreck would be kind. It’s not well constructed. It’s Over-the-top in a campy way that doesn...

Week 10 : Denver Broncos 10, Las Vegas Raiders 7 Season Record : 8-2 (5-0 Home) Key Play : In the fourth quarter, with time winding down and the Broncos leading by three, Daniel Carlson missed a 48-yard field goal to keep the Broncos out front. Recap : Let's start by acknowledging that the Broncos are 8-2. They are in first place in the AFC West. They have the best record in the NFL. Those are all good things, in fact great things. But this team should have comfortably won this game Thursday night. Instead, it was ugly and uninspiring. The Broncos make too many penalties. They make too many mistakes. The playcalling sometimes gives me pause. And Bo Nix misses too many open plays. All those things can be fixed, but it's getting late. It's time to fix these errors. The Broncos host the Chiefs on Sunday, and that should be a great litmus test. Game Balls: * Troy Franklin. Franklin continues to step up and shine. He caught the Broncos' lone touchdown. * Nik Bonitto. A sac...

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 classic from Julia Roberts. Edward Lewis : So what happened after he climbed up the tower and rescueed her? Vivian : She rescues him right back. Pretty Woman Starring : Julia Roberts and Richard Gere Director: Garry Marshall About: This is a very unconventional romance. It's also an iconic classic. It's a good performance from Gere, but it's probably the signature role and performance for Roberts that really helped her take off. Marshall puts it together in a memorable way and it's actually fairly tame given the subject matter. But it's definitely unconventional. Still, if you made a list of people's Top 10 romance films and polled 25 different people, this film would probably make the list for all of them. It's an enduring classic, which is part of why it's on the list.

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. Arrival (2016) Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Forest Whitaker Director: Denis Villeneuve About: If you polled 10 different people, I'd guess they'd all have a different Villeneuve film that's their favorite. He's an incredible artist and a great visual director. Many of his films are quite powerful and have stunning stories and visuals. Some have worked better for me than others. I've looked at many of his films I've enjoyed on this list. But Arrival is my favorite of his films, and one of my favorite films of all-time. It has a simple and yet powerful story. It has the standard strong visuals and production values of Villeneuve...

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. 12 Angry Men (1957) Starring : Martin Balsam, Lee J. Cobb, Henry Fonda, E.G. Marshall, and Jack Warden Director : Sidney Lumet About : Lumet made a lot of incredible films. He had a great run of films that he directed in the 1970s, many of which I have included on this list. But the one at the top for me is this 1957-courtroom drama. Well, more accurately, it's a jury-room drama. I love the way this comes together, the tension in the deliberations, and how it concludes. This has become an iconic classic in American film that has been made and re-made a number of times. Many are good, but none comes close to topping this original version. 

 I had a better week against the Spread in Week 9. But, honestly, it couldn't have been worse. Let's get it going again in Week 10. NFL Picks, Week 10: Broncos Over Raiders Colts Over Falcons Bears Over Giants Bills Over Dolphins Ravens Over Vikings Jets Over Browns Buccaneers Over Patriots Panthers Over Saints Texans Over Jaguars Seahawks Over Cardinals Rams Over 49ers Lions Over Commanders Steelers Over Chargers Eagles Over Packers Last Week : 10-4 Season : 85-49 NFL Picks Spread, Week 10 : Raiders +9.5 Over Broncos Falcons +5.5 Over Colts Giants +3.5 Over Bears Bills -8.5 Over Dolphins Vikings +4.5 Over Ravens Jets -2.5 Over Browns Buccaneers -2.5 Over Patriots Panthers -5.5 Over Saints Texans -1.5 Over Jaguars Cardinals +6.5 Over Seahawks Rams -3.5 Over 49ers Lions -8.5 Over Commanders Steelers +3.5 Over Chargers Eagles +2.5 Over Packers Last Week : 7-7 Season : 64-71

As we wrap up October, we have plenty of options in the theater. But there is still a bigger onslaught coming! Below is a look at the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following my on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734 Ballad of a Small Player (Netflix) Starring : Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton Synopsis: We’re deep into the Fall and deep into awards season. There are many releases dropping each week featuring big performances and with big dreams this award season. One of the biggest players has been Netflix, which has a host of big films dropping each week this Fall. The latest of those is Ballad of a Small Player, from director Edward Berger. The film dropped on the streaming site today, featuring an unexpected story of a man grappling with his demons. It stars Farrell and is sure to draw some buzz this awards season. In the film, we meet Lord Doyle (Farrell). He’s a degenerate gambler who is trying to change his luck in Macau. He’s escaped there be...