Matt's Musings

 We’re making our way through April and closing in on the Emmy consideration window. That means some high-profile new series are dropping just in time, but which of them are worth checking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Margot’s Got Money Troubles, Wednesdays on Apple TV (Premiered April 15) About: This new series comes from David E. Kelley based on the novel of the same name from Rufi Thorpe. It features Elle Fanning as Margot Millet. At the outset, she’s a talented writer at a small college in Fullerton. She receives special guidance from her professor, Mark (Michael Angarano). Soon, an affair blooms despite the fact Mark is married and has a family. When Margot ends up pregnant, it throws her life into turmoil. Mark cuts her off, so she leans on her mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) and her father (Nick Offerman), a former wrestler and recov...

We're rapidly approaching Summer at the Box Office. The Summer Movie Season typically kicks off with the first Friday in May and runs through August. The next two weeks, I'll be previewing the Summer of 2026. Last week, I look at five films I'm anticipating from May and June. Today, it will be five from July and August. July Releases: * Moana (July 10): We've seen two different animated takes on Moana, but now we get a live-action version. Can they capture the same wonder? I loved the trailer, so it's possible. * The Odyssey (July 17): This is the movie event of the summer, perhaps of the year. Christopher Nolan doesn't miss, and I'm incredibly hyped to see this story play out on the big screen. * Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31): All three Tom Holland films have been great. We got left in a dim place for Peter Parker after the last one, and I'm excited to see how this picks up. July is full of bangers. Other July Releases: Minions & Monsters (...

It's hard to believe, but 2006 was 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2006 that are turning 20 in 2026. Today, it's a classic Superhero film. Superman : I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one. Superman Returns Starring : Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, and Kevin Spacey Director : Bryan Singer About: I get it, this probably isn't a memorable film for many. It hasn't aged well in part to the work of Spacey and Singer, who are problematic creators. And yet, it remains my favorite Superman film. I love Routh in the role. I love the story. I love how it weaves in actual audio from the original and takes the story into a new place. I think Spacey is great as Lex Luthor, even if I don't want to spend any personal time with him. This is a superhero film that, for me, is vastly under-rated. I would have liked to see where it would have gone fr...

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. Margo : Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night! All About Eve (1950) Original List Position : 16 Starring : Bette Davis, Anne Cunningham, and George Sanders Director : Joseph L. Mankiewicz About : This is a classic film that won six Oscars, including Best Picture. Ironically, Davis was nominated by didn't win an Oscar. And yet, if you were to ask people what they most remember about this film decades later, the first thing to come to mind would likely be Davis and her performance. She plays an aging star and it's a bit of an over-the-top performance. I thought this was an interesting and engaging film when I saw it, but I don't love ...

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. Tom Joad : Then it don't matter. I'll be all around in the dark - I'll be everywhere. Wherever you can look - wherever there's a fight, so hungry people can eat, I'll be there. Wherever there's a cop beatin' up a guy, I'll be there. I'll be in the way guys yell when they're mad. I'll be in the way kids laugh when they're hungry and they know supper's ready, and when the people are eatin' the stuff they raise and livin' in the houses they build - I'll be there, too. The Grapes of Wrath (1940) Original List Position : 21 Starring : Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, and John Carradine Director: John Ford About...

 We’re into the new league year and have seen major movement among veterans. We’re still a bit away from the draft, where rookies will start to shake up the standings. But this is start up season. So, if you’re looking to jump into dynasty, it’s time to take stock of the players available. Below is my Top 25 Dynasty TEs, divided into five tiers. Tier 1: No. 1: Brock Bowers No. 2: Trey McBride About: These top two tight ends have separated themselves. They are both not only the top at the position but the top pass-catcher for their team. They are great dynasty assets, but they could soon have some company. Tier 2: No. 3: Colston Loveland No. 4: Tyler Warren No. 5: Tucker Kraft No. 6: Harold Fannin, Jr. No. 7: Sam LaPorta No. 8: Kyle Pitts No. 9: Oronde Gadsen II About: This is a great group of young tight ends that have tremendous upside. In the case of some, we’ve seen it and recently. In the case of some, they are still ascending. For Loveland and Warren, it’s possible they coul...

 As we hit the second weekend of April we have one bigger wide release, and plenty of limited releases and streaming options. Below is a look at my take on the new movies I saw this week! You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Hamlet (Limited) Starring: Riz Ahmed Synopsis: It’s been centuries since William Shakespeare authored his classic Hamlet, and yet the story continues to thrill and entertain audiences. We’ve seen many actors and directors try their hand at bringing the story to life, each finding a unique way to impart the story to a new generation of viewers. That’s true of this latest adaptation of Hamlet, which opened in theaters on Friday, April 10. The new adaptation brings a modern twist to the story. The action is set in contemporary London as a family grieves a death and celebrates a wedding. But while the setting and trappings of the world are modern, the dialogue is pulled straight off the page of Shakespeare’s ...

We’re making our way through April and closer to the Emmy consideration window. That means some high-profile new releases making their way on screen before the window slams shut. 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 Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: The Testaments, streaming Wednesdays on Hulu (Premiered April 8) About : This new series is based on the novel from Colleen Atwood, and is a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. It’s again set in Gilead, this time following young women who are preparing to serve as wives or leaders in the community. We meet Agnes (Chase Infiniti), the daughter of a commanders, and Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a new recruit. But not all is as it seems. This series, which again comes from Bruce Miller, features Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia and Elisabeth Moss as June. While June appears to be more of a cameo or support...

We're rapidly approaching Summer at the Box Office. The Summer Movie Season typically kicks off with the first Friday in May and runs through August. The next two weeks, I'll be previewing the Summer of 2026. This week, I'm looking at five films I'm anticipating from May and June. Next week, it will be five from July and August. May Releases: * The Devil Wears Prada 2 (May 1): This is the highly anticipated sequel. It's not the typical blockbuster to kick off summer, but it has a great cast and should be a lot of fun. * Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (May 22): This is the first big blockbuster of the Summer season, dropping right before Memorial Day Weekend. It is a continuation of the television series and the first big screen Star Wars film in a while. I'm excited to see what they do! Other May Releases: Animal Farm (May 1) Hokum (May 1) Deep Water (May 1) Mortal Kombat II (May 8) The Sheep Detectives (May 8) Obsession (May 15) Is God Is (May 15) I Love...

It's hard to believe, but 2006 was 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2006 that are turning 20 in 2026. Today, it's a dark Todd Field drama. May McGorvey : You're a miracle, Ronnie. We're all miracles. Know why? Because as humans, every day we go about our business, and all that time we know... we all know... that the things we love... the people we love, at any time now can all be taken away. We live knowing that and we keep going anyway. Animals don't do that. Little Children Starring : Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, and Jackie Earle Haley Director : Todd Field About : This film was based on the novel from Tom Perrotta, adapted by Field. He's directed three feature films and this is the middle of those features, and the only one not nominated for Best Picture. It did earn three Academy Award nominations, but it didn't win any awards. Still, Winslet and Haley earned acting nominations for their work...

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. George Eastman : I love you. I've loved you since the first moment I saw you. I guess maybe I've even loved you before I saw you. A Place in the Sun (1951) Original List Position : 92 Starring : Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, and Shelley Winters Director : George Stevens About : This isn't an easy watch. This is the second film in a row from Stevens, and another one that earned a number of Oscar nominations. It is based on a novel which itself was based on a true story. It's about a man who falls in love with two women and makes a terrible decision, leading to terrible consequences. This was Taylor at the height of her power in films and certa...

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. Jordan 'Bick' Benedict : You want to know something, Leslie? If I live to be ninety, I will never figure you out. Giant (1956) Original List Position : 82 Starring : James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson Director : George Stevens About: Even decades after his death, Dean remains a larger-than-life figure in films. He only had the lead in three films. One, Rebel Without a Cause, we already saw on this list. This film earned him a second Academy Award nomination, though he died before it was released. This film is based on a novel and it's an epic, sweeping film. It earned nine nominations, including for Best Picture, earning a win for Stevens a...

 We’re into the new league year and have seen major movement among veterans. We’re still a bit away from the draft, where rookies will start to shake up the standings. But this is start up season. So, if you’re looking to jump into dynasty, it’s time to take stock of the players available. Below is my Top 50 Dynasty WRs, divided into seven tiers. Tier 1: No. 1: Ja’Marr Chase No. 2: Jaxon Smith-Njigba No. 3: Justin Jefferson About: Chase is a rare talent and JSN has taken a huge step up. Jefferson had a bit of a down year in 2025, but you have to figure his quarterback play has nowhere to go but up. I think these three are the top with a bit of separation from the next group. Tier 2: No. 4: CeeDee Lamb No. 5: Malik Nabers No. 6: Amon-Ra St. Brown No. 7: Puka Nacua About: The question you probably have is about Nacua. You could make a case he belongs in the top tier, and I would agree if this was just about talent and play on the field. But Nacua has had some increasingly concernin...

 It’s been a big week for releases, including one of the most anticipated animated films of the year. But was it worth your time to check the films out? I give my take on the week’s new movies below. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Drama (Theaters) Starring: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya Synopsis: For most, their wedding day is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. It’s the happiest day of your life. You’ve found love and are ready to make a commitment and build a life with someone you know deeply. But what happens when all those feelings and plans get derailed? In the new film The Drama, we have a couple that are faced with that exact question. The film from writer/director Kristoffer Borgli is about a couple embarking on their wedding week when a simple question and game among friends throws everything out of balance. We meet Charlie (Pattinson) as he’s writing his wedding speech and toast. He’s about to mar...

 We’re into April and Spring is upon us. It’s a time where Networks and Streamers are trying to get that final wave of series in for Emmy consideration. But there’s also shows aimed at attracting viewers of all interests, too. 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 Spring! Mondays: Star Wars: Maul—Shadow Lord, Mondays on Disney+ (Premiered April 6) About : The one staple of Star Wars content in the Disney era has been the animated series. Whether ongoing shows or the annual limited releases, we’ve seen a plethora of these stories each year, usually targeted toward the spring and the upcoming Star Wars Day. That’s the case for this latest series, Maul, which focuses on the iconic character first introduced in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The series debuted with two episodes on Monday and will offer two more episodes each week through May 4. The series is set after t...

 We're closing in on the NFL Draft, which kicks off on Thursday, April 23. The Broncos have signed back key free agents and traded for Jaylen Waddle. But as the draft approaches, there are crucial positions that still need to be addressed. Could that happen in the draft? Perhaps. Let's dive in. Running Back: The Broncos brought back J.K. Dobbins and Jaleel McLaughlin. Along with Tyler Badie and R.J. Harvey, that leaves the Broncos with the same backs they had in 2025. But the team has talked about getting more out of the running game. Deuce Vaughn is also on the roster, but is that the boost Sean Payton was talking about? Could the Broncos add another player in the draft? That might make sense, but isn't the highest need. Tight End : The Broncos similarly seem to have run it back from 2025. Evan Engram was a big, off-season addition last year, but we didn't see much on the field. The Broncos brought back Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull, but is that all the plan is at tigh...

It's hard to believe, but 2006 was 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2006 that are turning 20 in 2026. Today, it's a classic comedy. Viola : Speaking as a completely third party objective with absolutely no personal interest in the matter, I'm not really sure that you and Olivia really mesh well together. She's the Man Starring : Amanda Bynes, Channing Tatum, and Laura Ramsey Director : Andy Fickman About : This is a classic comedy that was part of a wave of films in the late 1990s and early 2000s that were adaptations of Shakespeare plays. This one is based on Twelfth Night . It's also a fascinating watch now given the arc of things for Bynes. She had a great knack for these kind of parts and this kind of physical comedy. It's a gift watching this film now, as it was a gift watching it 20 years ago. This has consistently made me laugh. I enjoy Bynes in the lead, the wild story, and a young Tatum. This...

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. Henry, the Ringo Kid: Well, there are some things a man just can't run away from. Stagecoach (1939) Original List Ranking : 63 Starring : John Wayne, Claire Trevor, John Carradine, and Louise Platt Director : John Ford About: Some people think 1939 was the greatest year for movies. This is part of that epic run of 1939 films, and a classic from John Ford featuring John Wayne. It's an interesting story that remains popular with viewers even decades later. It's not a surprise that it ended up on this list, though it was omitted from the update a decade later. It's a classic Western, though it's not a film I love as much as some other westerns fr...

Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films. Antonio Salieri: [reflecting upon a Mozart score] On the page it looked nothing. The beginning simple, almost comic. Just a pulse. Bassoons and basset horns, like a rusty squeezebox. And then suddenly, high above it, an oboe. A single note, hanging there, unwavering. Until a clarinet took over and sweetened it into a phrase of such delight! This was no composition by a performing monkey! This was a music I'd never heard. Filled with such longing, such unfulfillable longing, it had me trembling. It seemed to me that I was hearing the voice of God. Amadeus (1984) Original List Ranking: 53 Starring: Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham Director : Milos Foreman Abou...

 We’re into the new league year and have seen major movement among veterans. We’re still a bit away from the draft, where rookies will start to shake up the standings. But this is start up season. So, if you’re looking to jump into dynasty, it’s time to take stock of the players available. Below is my Top 50 Dynasty RBs, divided into seven tiers. Tier 1: No. 1: Bijan Robinson No. 2: Jahmyr Gibbs About: The top tier, for me, is these two, who both went in the same draft. Both have dominated in the past few years despite having backfield competition. Both saw their primary backfield mate leave this off-season, meaning it could lead to an even bigger role as a runner and receiver. Isiah Pacheco and Brian Robinson, Jr., feel like handcuffs. Bijan and Gibbs are the top two guys in a tier of their own. Tier 2: No. 3: James Cook No. 4: De’Von Achane No. 5: Jonathan Taylor No. 6: Ashton Jeanty No. 7: Breece Hall No. 8: Ken Walker III No. 9: Bucky Irving No. 10: Quinshon Judkins About: As ...

 The final week of March ended with a few interesting wide and limited releases. Below is my take on the new movies I saw this week. Keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Fantasy Life (Limited) Starring: Matthew Shear, Amanda Peet, and Alessandro Nivola Synopsis: This new comedy comes from Shear, who serves as the writer, director, and the star. In it, he plays Sam, a man going through a crisis. That crisis led him to drop out of law school, and while he’s with his therapist (Judd Hirsch), he finds a new job opportunity—watching the children of his therapist’s son (Nivola), whose marriage to an actress (Peet) is on the rocks. Can Sam get himself together and make this opportunity work? What happens when he has a connection to the actress? Those are the focus of this film, which is just 90 minutes but still feels a bit too long because of its lack of structure and direction. Shear is a decent actor but it’s hard to tell where this wants...