Matt's Musings

  We’ve passed the mid-point of the year and we got a big blockbuster in a new Indiana Jones film and a heartfelt indie in Past Lives. This week I look at them both. For more on all the films I’ve seen, check me out on Letterboxd. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (Theaters) Starring : Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bride, and Mads Mikkelsen Synopsis : It’s been 42 years since Harrison Ford first crossed movie screens as Dr. Henry Jones, Jr., better known by his nickname, Indiana Jones. The collaboration of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, that film in 1981 gave us an iconic character and created legions of fans. Now, as part of a summer full of new chapters in established franchises, we get the fifth and perhaps final installment of the adventures of Indiana Jones. Ford is back, but this time James Mangold takes the director’s reins and brings the action all the way up to 1969. We begin at the tail end of World War II, as Indiana Jones and his colleague, Dr. Basil Shaw (Toby J...

  We’re in the heart of summer, and aside from some reality series, the flood of new shows has slowed to barely a trickle. This might be the first blush of what to expect in the wake of the writers’s strike, which is now in its third month. Still, if you’re looking for new shows, you might be wondering how to spend your time. Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Secret Invasion, Streaming Wednesdays on Disney+ (Premiered June 21) About: I reviewed the first two episodes of this new Marvel Cinematic Universe series prior to their premier, but as it’s slow I thought I’d revisit it now that both episodes have aired. The series is set to run six episodes, focusing on Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury. It will lead to bigger things, including an Avengers collaboration down the line. For now, the first two episodes focus on the fight for control amo...

  We're into July and we're coasting toward the start of training camp and then the NFL Season. That means it's time to start making predictions. So, to kick off the month, I'm looking at my way too early playoff predictions. I'll have my final predictions close to the season, so we'll see how things change moving forward. For now, this is what I'm feeling. As a note, I used the playoff predictor site to play out every regular season game, getting the following results. NFC Slate: 1. San Francisco 49ers, NFC West Winners 2. Philadelphia Eagles, NFC East Winners 3. Detroit Lions, NFC North Winners 4. Atlanta Falcons, NFC South Winners 5. Dallas Cowboys, NFC Wild Card 6. New Orleans Saints, NFC Wild Card 7. New York Giants, NFC Wild Card About : I think the 49ers and the Eagles are the class of the NFC, while the Cowboys should be contenders. The rest is more wide open. The Lions, Bears and Vikings should battle in the North, but I think the Lions take the lea...

  We're in the heart of summer, and three huge blockbuster releases are due out, including two on the same day. Below is my look ahead to the July movie schedule. Friday, July 7: Insidious: The Red Door (Theaters): This sequel jumps ahead and continues the Insidious story. Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne are back, and if you liked the rest, this will be for you. Joy Ride (Theaters): This R-rated comedy follows a group of girls who head to Asia in search of their roots. The trailer looks hilarious, and this should be a fun, raunchy summer comedy. The Out-Laws (Netflix): Lil Rel Howrey leads in this comedy about a bank teller who is held up during the week of his wedding. He suspects his new in-laws might be the culprits, and hilarity ensues. I like the set up here. Wednesday, July 12: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part 1 (Theaters) : Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt in the seventh film in the franchise. This is the first of a two-part set and the trailers look excellent. This...

  Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Freddy Freeman : [meets Billy; about his and Billy's foster parents] They seem nice, but don't buy it. It gets real Game of Thrones around here. Billy Batson: [ becomes nervous] Freddy Freeman: Dude, just messing around! You look at me and you're like, "Why so dark? You're a disabled foster kid, you got it all!" Shazam! (2019) Starring: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Mark Strong Director: David F. Sandberg About : The DC Expanded Universe has gotten knocked for being overly somber and dark. That's fair. It doesn't bother me, but I understand those that don't love the tone of the Snyderverse. That's part of what made this film such a kick. Shazam! doesn't follow that mode. It...

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Navin R. Johnson: Huh? I am *not* a bum. I'm a jerk. I once had wealth, power, and the love of a beautiful woman. Now I only have two things: my friends, and... uh... my thermos. Huh? My story? Okay. It was never easy for me. I was born a poor black child. I remember the days, sittin' on the porch with my family, singin' and dancin' down in Mississippi... The Jerk (1979) Starring : Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, M. Emmet Walsh, Mabel King, and Richard Ward Director : Carl Reiner About: The 1970s featured some iconic and edgy comedies. The Jerk certainly qualifies. The quote above is the opening line of the film. It's become iconic and it certainly sets the tone for all that comes after. There are a lot of great ...

  We're nearing the start of Training Camp and the 2023 NFL Season. As we do, I'm revisiting my Dynasty Rankings. Today I continue with my Top 50 WRs. TEs: 1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs : He's still the benchmark at the position. 2. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens: He's still the Ravens' best receiver. 3. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons : Could he be poised for a big year three jump? 4. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings : He is thriving for the Vikings 5. Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers: I love Freiermuth and his talent. 6. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers: Still a great talent, but with more risk. 7. Darren Waller, New York Giants: Poised for a starring role in New York. 8. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles: One of the most under-rated players at the position. 9. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars: He's found a great spot with the Jaguars. 10. Greg Dulcich, Denver Broncos: I love Dulcich and his potential. 11. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns: A ta...