The Polar Express Released in 2004, The Polar Express tells the story of a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard a train called the Polar Express, learning about […]

The Last Samurai “The Last Samurai,” released in 2003, is an epic historical drama directed by Edward Zwick and starring Tom Cruise. Zwick has actually directed many of my favorite films; Glory, Legends of the Fall, and Blood Diamond to name a few. The Last […]

“One Battle After Another” is an action-comedy-thriller film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, loosely adapted from the 1990 Thomas Pynchon novel Vineland. Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood composed the film score, marking his sixth collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson. I love all things Radiohead, and Jonny […]

Kids “Kids”, by synth composers Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, is a central theme from the Stranger Things soundtrack. It perfectly captures the show’s sense of wonder and 1980’s retro vibe. Of all of the musical motifs from the Netflix show, I think Kids (called […]

F1: The Movie, immerses viewers in the high-stakes world of Formula One racing. The film stars Brad Pitt and is directed by Joseph Kosinski. If you mashed up the films — Top Gun: Maverick, and Days of Thunder (with Pitt’s own Tarantino character) Cliff Booth […]

The Path (A New Beginning) Within the critically acclaimed video game and HBO series The Last of Us, Gustavo Santaolalla’s “The Path (A New Beginning)” symbolizes hope, amidst a brutal world. Whether the song accompanies a hopeful glance across a ravaged landscape, or a moment […]

Smokestack Twins Directed by Ryan Coogler, the horror film Sinners unfolds in the Jim Crow-era Mississippi Delta in 1932. The film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles (as twin brothers) who return to their hometown to start again, only to be confronted by a […]

Sweater Weather My wife and I were in fertility treatments in late 2013 and most of 2014. There was a point (in the treatment) where we were driving out the facility every other day. At that time, Sweater Weather was the number one song on […]

Life on Mars? “Life on Mars?” is a highly acclaimed song by the iconic David Bowie. It was originally released on his 1971 album Hunky Dory and later as a single in 1973. The lyrics are surreal and cinematic, depicting a young girl’s escapist disillusionment […]

Renaissance “The White Lotus” is an acclaimed HBO anthology series, known for its social satire and dark comedy. Each season follows the wealthy guests and the staff at a luxurious “White Lotus” resort, with each location providing a new backdrop for the unfolding dramedy. “Renaissance” […]

The Last of Us Part II Gustavo Santaolalla’s score for “The Last of Us Part II” deepens the game’s harrowing, emotional landscape. The title theme is played on some type of guitar-banjo (played as an actual 6 string guitar). We can also see elements of […]

Summertime Sadness “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey, is a bittersweet anthem with a dreamy and cinematic production. I love Lana’s signature breathy, crooning vocals. Together it creates an atmosphere of beautiful longing. It’s a summer song that acknowledges the shadows within the sunshine — […]