Matt's Musings

We’re into June and getting some fun and interesting movies. Below is a look at the new movies I saw this week. To keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Great Lillian Hall (Max) Starring: Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Lily Rabe, and Jesse Williams Synopsis : The latest from Max is a drama from writer Elisabeth Seldes Annacone. It centers on a great actress of the theater, Lillian Hall (Lange), as she prepares for a new play. The thing is, she’s struggling. The cast sees it. The producers see it. And the director (Williams) sees it. Hall doesn’t know why she can’t nail her lines and doesn’t know how to explain everything else she’s seeing. After visiting a doctor, she learns she’s suffering from dementia and it’s getting worse. With the help of her assistant, Edith (Bates), she tries to complete one last performance, while hiding the truth from her daughter (Rabe) and trying to make things right. This production went through a winding process ...

  The month of May is in the rearview mirror as we begin to transition from Spring to Summer. But we’re still getting new series to watch, so which of these shows is worth checking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted—and select unscripted—series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: The Acolyte, Streaming Tuesdays on Disney+ (Premiered June 4) About : The latest series in the Star Wars extended universe is set well before the events of the Skywalker Saga. It was created by Leslye Headland, focusing on a time when there was peace in the land and the Jedi were a respected part of the Republic. As we begin, a young acolyte, Mae (Amandla Steinberg), begins a mission to confront a group of Jedi. It pulls in her twin sister, Osha (Steinberg), who once trained as a Jedi under Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae). This series has a great look and is something fresh, unattached to previous Star Wars ...

  Films released in 1999 will turn 25 this year. Over the next few months, I'll be looking at some of the memorable films from that year, including some of my favorites. Today, I'm kicking things off with the return of Star Wars! Star Wars, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace Starring : Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and Ian McDiarmid Director : George Lucas About : I remember when I was in high school and Star Wars made a return to theaters. As a child born in 1981, I had never seen the original films in theaters. But I loved them. When we got the re-releases in 1997, I saw them all on opening day. I even remember taking a day off school to go. It was incredible. So, when it was announced that a new installment would be coming, and it would release just as I was finishing my senior year in high school, I knew this was my moment. Then I saw the film. It wasn't what I expected. It probably wasn't what anyone expected. I've come to appreciate the film in a di...

  Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, it's time to analyze the Broncos' roster. I'll be looking at each position group over the next few weeks as we lead into Training Camp in July. Today, I continue with a look at the Tight Ends. On the Roster : Adam Trautman, Greg Dulcich, Lucas Krull, Nate Adkins, Dylan Leonard, and Thomas Yassmin About : This is a tough position to evaluate. There's potential but plenty of unknowns. And that starts with how many players will make the final roster. If I had to guess now, I suspect the Broncos keep four. It could be only three, but that will largely depend on other needs and the health of Dulcich. In fact, Dulcich is the biggest question here. He could have the most talent and potential to be a viable contributor to the offense. We've seen it in flashes, including his rookie year. But he was almost a non-entity last season due to injury and being in the dog house. Can that change this year? So far it's been a quiet of...

Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Souta Munakata : The most important work should not be seen. Suzume (2022) Starring : Nanoka Hari and Hokuto Matsumura Director: Makoto Shinkai About : Another film from last year's group, I enjoyed the production and story here. This style of animation and storytelling hasn't always appealed to me. But there was something about the look of this film and the story that spoke to me. In fact, I enjoyed it more than The Boy and The Heron, which won the Oscar. There were a lot of great animated films released last year and this one didn't make a big splash. But I was really taken with what they did here. It's worth checking out, especially if you l...

Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1.   Gillom Rogers : [ Books has just given Gillom a shooting lesson] But how could you get into so many fights and always come out on top? I nearly tied you shooting. John Bernard Books : Friend, there's nobody up there shooting back at you. It isn't always being fast or even accurate that counts. It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't. The Shootist (1976) Starring : John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, and James Stewart Director : Don Siegel About : This is another film featuring John Wayne, the legend. We're getting close to the end of his films on the countdown. This film also marked the end of a distinguished career....

  We're now squarely into summer, with blockbusters and other special releases making their way to theaters and streaming. Let's take a look at what awaits us during the first full month of summer. Thursday, June 6: Am I OK? (Max): This film made a splash at Sundance in 2023 and waited a while to get a wide release. It's a comedy starring Dakota Johnson that's sure to be engaging for fans. It streams on Max! Friday, June 7: Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Theaters) : This is the fourth installment in the franchise that started in 1995. It's sort of a return to theaters for Will Smith, too, who has been largely absent since his Oscars incident. I love him and Martin Lawrence in these movies, so I'm excited to see what we get here. The Watchers (Theaters): This one is produced by M. Night Shymalan, based on a script from his daughter, Ishana, who also directs this film. It is an intriguing concept with a solid cast, led by Dakota Fanning, and a good trailer. It's a b...