Matt's Musings

It's hard to believe, but 2001 was 25 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2001 that are turning 25 in 2026. Today, it's an ambitious literary adaptation.  Frodo : I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened. Gandalf : So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case, you were also meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Starring : Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, and Andy Serkis Director : Peter Jackson About: The Lord of the Rings books are dense, fanciful stories that have thrilled readers for generations. I remember when it was announced the books would be adapted for the scree...

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. Shane : Joey, there's no living with... with a killing. There's no going back from one. Right or wrong, it's a brand. A brand sticks. There's no going back. Now you run on home to your mother, and tell her... tell her everything's all right. And there aren't any more guns in the valley. Shane (1953) Original List Position : 69 Starring : Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, and Jack Palance Director : George Stevens About : This is another Western, and an iconic one at that. The film landed later on the original list than where I have it, but it leapt up to No. 45 on the updated list. So, I have it right about in the middle, which feels right. Ladd is g...

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. Norma Desmond : No one ever leaves a star. That's what makes one a star. Sunset Boulevard (1950) Original List Position : 12 Starring : Gloria Swanson and William Holden Director : Billy Wilder About : This film is much more popular than where I have it placed. It was No. 12 on the original list and fell only to No. 16 10 years later. I get it. This is an iconic film with an engaging story and some great performances. Wilder is a talented director and I think he's delivered some excellent films that continue to resonate even decades later. This is an ambitious film that has some good component and an it's a fascinating watch. I just don't love it a...

The off-season is in full swing. We've seen free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, it's time to take stock of the roster and begin figuring out who will be the final 53 players to suit up for the Broncos during the 2026 NFL Season. Over the next few weeks, we'll be looking at each unit for the Broncos. Today, that continues with the outside linebackers. On the Roster: Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Jonathan Cooper, Dondrea Tillman, Que Robinson, Johnny Walker, and Dasan McCullough About: This is the other half of the Broncos' linebacker group, the pass rushing specialists outside. The team has three locks in Bonitto, Cooper, and Elliss. This is the bulk of the pressure package. Then there are some younger options behind them. The biggest question is how many the team wants to keep on the roster, or how many it can afford to keep. This will mean some of the guys on the bubble need to show out on defense and on Special Teams. But this is a strong unit. Roster Projections:...

 It was a unique mix of films out last week. Below is a look at the new movies I saw during the week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. O Horizon (Limited) Starring: Maria Bakalova Synopsis: Have you ever experienced a loss? When someone you know and love passes, their loss can feel immense. It can consume you in your everyday life. But what if there was a way to re-create that connection? Would you take it? That’s the question posed in O Horizon, which opened in New York June 12 and opens in limited release on June 19. The film focuses on a woman who has suffered a loss. When she’s offered a chance to re-connect via a new technology, she seizes on it, going on a unique journey. The film follows Abby (Bakalova). At the outset, we see through a home movie, she used to have a strong relationship with another scientist, Evan (Maggie Grace), and her beloved father Warren (David Straithairn). But now, she has neither. She is alo...

 We’re making our way through June which means a trickle compared to the normal flow of new series. But what of these new shows we’re getting is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Thursdays: Surviving Earth, Thursdays at 8 p.m. on NBC (Premiered June 11) About: This new nature documentary looks at the history of Earth, its creatures, and the climate crisis of the past that impacted life on the planet. If you like documentaries and learning more about ancient creates, this will be in your wheel house. It’s entertaining enough with good re-creations. It feels like a piece of family-friendly, scientific and educational programming for the summer. Perhaps not the typical series you’d think of this time of year, but it works well enough for what it is. Pilot Grade : C+ Second Episode: C+ Fridays: The Listeners, Streaming Fridays on S...