discovering and sharing the music that moves us

Author: Matt Shiverdecker

Pop culture obsessed queer in ATX. Freelance film & music writer. Member of GALECA and the Austin Film Critics Association. Former Music Director/On-Air Host at WOXY.com.
The 10 Best Films of 2022
30Dec By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film, Reviews

The 10 Best Films of 2022

Despite going to the theater less than ever, I saw over 120 new release films in 2022. When it comes to the modern theatrical experience, I'm reminded of 'A Tale of Two Cities' when Dickens wrote “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." There are more opportunities than ever for premium moviegoing experiences with multiplexes adding IMAX and Dolby Cinemas across the country, but for the most part, the chain theaters are abysmal at technical presentation. Hell, many theaters aren't even screening movies on the proper sized screens. 'Nope' is one of the Best Films of 2022 (Universal Pictures) But with more and more 4K HDR offerings at home and many new releases being offered for viewing on my couch within 17 days of release, it makes it easy to watch exactly what...
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Rian Johnson Delivers With ‘Glass Onion’ (Review)
23Dec By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film, Reviews

Rian Johnson Delivers With ‘Glass Onion’ (Review)

'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery' hits Netflix with rarified air. It is a sequel to a hit movie that just may be better than the original. When the first film was released in 2019, it was a surprise box office juggernaut, earning over $300 million in theaters around the world. But Johnson had only signed a deal for one film with Lionsgate and then more suitors came to call. Edward Norton and the cast of 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery' (Netflix) In the end, Netflix offered over $450 million to make two additional 'Knives Out' movies with Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc. The rest was up to Johnson's infinite imagination. This time around, an eccentric billionaire named Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites his best friends to his private island in Greece for a "murde...
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Friendship Goes Awry in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (Review)
9Dec By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film, Reviews

Friendship Goes Awry in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (Review)

Martin McDonagh's 'The Banshees of Inisherin' takes place on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland in 1923, with the Irish Civil War exploding off in the distance. The residents of Inisherin lead simple lives. There isn't much to do aside from tend to the land and go to church or the pub. Things turn sour when Colm (Brendan Gleeson) decides that he no longer wishes to associate with longtime friend, Pádraic (Colin Farrell). Simply put, Colm wants to focus his time on composing music and enjoying a little peace and quiet. Being dismissed so quickly and resolutely does not sit well with Pádraic, who can not seem to leave well enough alone. He continues to pester Colm and fight the decision to terminate their friendship Pádraic until Colm gives him a disturbing ultimatum. ...
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What to Watch: December 2022 Streaming Preview
2Dec By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film

What to Watch: December 2022 Streaming Preview

If you’re looking for something new on streaming in December, we’ve got you covered. If you want to catch up on some of the best movies of the year, many are streaming this month. Check out some of our picks for what you should add to your December streaming watchlist! What are you most excited to see? Newly Available on VOD this December The Eternal Daughter (PVOD*, available now) Four Samosas (available now) Hunt (available now) Call Jane (December 6) She Said (PVOD, December 6) Bones and All (PVOD, December 13) The Fabelmans (PVOD, December 13) Aftersun (December 20) Joyride (December 23) *PVOD titles are fresh from theatrical release and generally rent or sell digitally for $19.99 (or higher). https://youtu.be/0Nu7Z9AxGNg Criterion Ch...
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Catch the 13th Annual DOC NYC Festival Virtually
23Nov By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Events, Features, Film

Catch the 13th Annual DOC NYC Festival Virtually

DOC NYC has wrapped up its 13th year of in-person screenings, but the virtual edition is running now through Sunday, November 27. For just $125, you can buy an online film pass that will give you access to over 90 feature films and 100 shorts, easily streaming to anybody in the United States. Don't think you can make it through that many movies? No worries! Individual screenings are $12 or you can buy a 5-ticket pack for $45 and a 10-ticket pack for $80. Last year, I opted for a 5-ticket pack, but this year I knew I had more time on my hands and went for the 10-ticket package myself. What to Watch Here are some of the highlights of my viewing over the last week that I recommend you check out: Queen of the Deuce - Chelly Wilson's life from being a young Jew escaping ...
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‘Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues’ is Remarkable Portrait of Jazz Legend (Review)
18Nov By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film, Reviews

‘Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues’ is Remarkable Portrait of Jazz Legend (Review)

Louis Armstrong was one of the founding fathers of jazz, rising to great prominence despite the obstacles of early fame during segregation. Wayne Shorter narrates this revealing new documentary from Sacha Jenkins ('Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James'). Nas also adds his voice to narrate sequences as Armstrong. Louis Armstrong in 'Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues,' now streaming on Apple TV+. Louis Armstrong's life and career is traced back to his early days in New Orleans and follows him to Chicago and, ultimately, New York. The film illustrates how fame did not protect Armstrong from prevalent racism. Armstrong discusses playing sold out shows for white audiences but not being allowed to come in through the main entrance. Fellow New Orleans musician Wynton Marsal...
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Hold Off On That ‘Ticket to Paradise’ (Review)
11Nov By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film, Reviews

Hold Off On That ‘Ticket to Paradise’ (Review)

'Ticket to Paradise' was exactly what I thought I was looking for this week: a mindless counterpoint to the terminal frustration of the midterm elections. British director Ol Parker ('Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again') brings together two of the world's most beautiful people (Julia Roberts & George Clooney) in one of the world's most beautiful places (Bali) to be beautiful together. What more could you want? A better script for starters. George Clooney and Julia Roberts star in 'Ticket to Paradise' (Universal Pictures) Georgia (Roberts) and David (Clooney) are bitterly divorced and don't even like to be in the same room together. Imagine the comedy that ensues when their daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever) neglects to tell them they'll be seated next to each other at her law school...
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What to Watch: November 2022 Streaming Preview
4Nov By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film

What to Watch: November 2022 Streaming Preview

If you’re looking for something new on streaming in November, we’ve got you covered. Maybe you want to sit down with a brand new release to rent on VOD? If you’d rather check out something that has just hit a service you already subscribe to, we’ve got you covered there too. Check out some of our picks for what you should add to your November streaming watchlist! What are you most excited to see? Newly Available on VOD this November I'm Totally Fine (available now)Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Plantasm (November 8)Meet Me In The Bathroom (November 8, review)Terrifier 2 (November 11)Moonage Daydream (November 15)Smile (November 15)Bad Axe (November 18, review)The Good House (November 22) https://youtu.be/t49CW-lZ25Y AMC+ (includes IFC Films Unlimited and Shudder) Bo...
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A24 is Serving a $6 Halloween Horror Marathon
28Oct By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film

A24 is Serving a $6 Halloween Horror Marathon

Indie stalwart A24 has become known for releasing some of the boldest and edgiest genre films around. Just in time for spooky season, they're offering a bargain virtual marathon that will allow you to stream six of their best releases from the last few years in one handy purchase from now through Halloween. For a mere $6, you'll have access all weekend to: The Witch (dir: Robert Eggers)Lamb (dir: Valdimar Johannsson)Hereditary (dir: Ari Aster)Saint Maud (dir: Rose Glass)Midsommar (dir: Ari Aster)Green Room (dir: Jeremy Saulnier) After you buy a ticket on the website, all six films will be available to view until Midnight PT on October 31 through the A24 Screening Room (which has Apple TV and Roku apps for television viewing). https://youtu.be/EXs2-TY9qok https:/...
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‘Wendell & Wild’ Delivers Black Girl Magic (Review)
21Oct By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film, Reviews

‘Wendell & Wild’ Delivers Black Girl Magic (Review)

'Wendell & Wild' is an inspired collaboration between Henry Selick ('The Nightmare Before Christmas') and Jordan Peele ('Nope') Based on an unpublished short story that Selick wrote about two demon brothers, Wendell (Keegan-Michael Key) and Wild (Peele) recruit a troubled teenage girl named Kat (Lyric Ross) to help them rise to the Land of the Living. When she was younger, Kat's parents died in car accident that she blames herself for causing. Unceremoniously dumped in the Rust Bank Catholic School for Girls after years in foster homes and juvenile detention, Kat resists making new friends. WENDELL & WILD - Cr. Netflix © 2022 Eventually she discovers that it is going to take literal Black girl magic to survive her stay at the school. Chosen as a "hellmaiden" by Wende...
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