Matt's Musings

  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. Jedediah Leland : I can remember everything. That's my curse, young man. It's the greatest curse that's ever been inflicted on the human race: memory. Citizen Kane (1941) Original List Position : 1 Starring : Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten Director : Orson Welles About: This film is an American classic. It's one of the great cinematic achievements, and it was No.1 on the original and revised list. It's a big part of the reason Welles remains revered. It was a daring film that was a risk that changed a lot of his career. I respect the film and I appreciate the film. I understand why it is a classic and I think it's something everyone shou...

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. Roy Neary: Just close your eyes and hold your breath and everything will turn real pretty. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Original List Position : 64 Starring : Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, and Melinda Dillon Director : Steven Spielberg About: Up until this summer, you would have said this was the definitive alien film from Spielberg. It's one of his early films, and a classic. He followed up with E.T. a few years after and then Disclosure Day this summer. But this one is a classic, and a great watch. I love Dreyfuss in this film. This film was originally No. 64 on the list, lower than where I have it by a fair bit, and didn't make it on the...

We’ve made it to August, which means the NFL Season is just around the corner! Over the course of the month, I’ll be previewing each of the division races, looking at the teams in order of finish from 2025. Below, we continue with the AFC East. Let’s dive in! New England Patriots (13-4) About : The Patriots were a worst to first glamour story in 2025, making it all the way to the Super Bowl. Arguably the roster is better in 2026, with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs bolstering the passing game. But the schedule is harder, the spotlight is brighter, and the off-season was more tumultuous due to scandal surrounding the team's Head Coach. That presents a challenge. The Patriots are a good team, but a return to the Super Bowl is a tall order. Prediction : The team wins between nine and 11 games and makes a playoff push again. Buffalo Bills (12-5) About : The Bills were a good team that got jumped by the Patriots in the East and just missed out in the Divisional Round. Now, they've added...

There were a lot of viewing options this weekend. Below are my take on some new movie options to watch in theaters or at home. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Buddy (Theaters) Starring: Keegan Michael Key, Cristin Milioti, and Michael Shannon Synopsis: Have you ever watched Barney? Have you watched him as a gentle purple giant playing with and inspiring the kids. And while you were watching, did you ever wonder what would happen if Barney just lost it one day and turned on his co-stars? I wager if you’ve wondered that, you’re not alone. The makers of the new horror film Buddy likely had the same thought. Only they took that exploration a step further and brought the nightmare to life. In the film, Buddy (Key) is a cuddly, bright orange unicorn. He’s a friend to all the children and adults in his special place. When they call on his name, he’s there to help them and to help guide them through life. He does it all with a warm ...

  We made it to September, which is a curious time at the movies. There are films, some of which might be interesting, but it feels like the calm before the storm of Fall. Let's dive in. Wednesday, September 2: * Fall 2: Deadpoint (Theaters): Fall was a surprising hit for audiences and for me. Does it need a sort of non-connected sequel? It does not. * The Runner (Prime Video): The first of two films in September about running. This one is ON Prime Video and stars Gal Gadot. Stream away! Friday, September 4: * By Any Means (Theaters): A drama starring Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen seems intriguing. This trailer makes me think there's a reason it's being dumped on Labor Day Weekend. * Onslaught (Theaters): A sci-fi action film starring Adria Arjona. This has some potential to be fun but is probably being dropped Labor Day weekend for a reason. * Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Campus (Theaters): This new Tom & Jerry film is kind of sneaking up on us without much fan...

Pre-Season Week 3 : Denver Broncos 34, Minnesota Vikings 6 Pre-Season Record: 2-1 (1-1 Home) Key Play : In the Fourth Quarter, with the Broncos up 20-6, Sam Ehlinger connected with Cody Schrader on a 14-yard touchdown pass on Fourth and 2 to give the Broncos a 21-point lead. They never looked back. Recap: After a rough showing in the second pre-season game with the Packers, the Broncos looked better all around on Friday. The team was in command throughout, with Jarrett Stidham getting them out to a lead before Sam Ehlinger brought it home. The Broncos dominated both halves and made some big plays. It's tough because some good playmakers from Friday didn't make the 53-man roster, which was announced Sunday. But hopefully some will be part of the Practice Squad and will be part of the future. Still, it was a good way to wrap up the pre-season and get the squad ready for the regular season against the Chiefs on September 14. Game Balls: * Sam Ehlinger. The No. 3 quarterback ear...