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Spring TV Roundup, Week 7

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As we make our way through May, we’re closing in on the Emmy consideration deadline. That means a few new, high-profile series making their way to our screens. But what of these new shows is worth our time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Fridays: Amadeus, Streaming Fridays on Starz (Premiered May 8) About : This five-part limited series focuses on the relationship and rivalry between Mozart (Will Sharpe) and Antonio Salieri (Paul Bettany). Much of this relationship and rivalry was covered in the Academy-Award-winning film of the same name from the 1980s. But this seeks to dive a bit deeper, with each episode running between 50 minutes and an hour. And it begins with a confession from an aging Salieri about the role he played in Mozart’s death. The rest of the series, for the most part, goes back in time to show how they met, how they worked, and ...
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Trek at 60: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

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This year Star Trek turns 60. For decades, it has enthralled and entertained audiences. Part of that legacy is 13 feature films. Over the next few weeks, I'll be looking back on each of the feature films in the franchise, including where I place them in my personal rankings! McCoy : [to an unconscious Spock] I'm gonna tell you something that I... never thought I'd ever hear myself say. But it seems I've... missed you. And I don't know if I could stand to lose you again. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) Franchise Ranking : 10 Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, Merritt Butrick, Robin Curtis, Mark Lenard, and Christopher Lloyd Director : Leonard Nimoy About : Anything following Khan was going to be a let down. This sees Nimoy ascend to the director's chair, which makes sense since he doesn't appear much. After all, we begin with Spock dead. He is reborn thanks to Gen...
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2001 Rewind: An Introduction

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 It's a new year, but the rewind continues. In these weekly posts, we will be looking at films that are celebrating an anniversary in 2026. I will be going back throughout the year, looking at a few films from different milestone years that stand out to me now a decade, two decades, or three decades on. It's a fun journey, and I hope you'll join me in looking back! For our next set of films, we're jumping back to 2001. Films from 2001 are turning 25 years old in 2026, and when you look at the list it feels hard to believe some of these titles are 25 years old. In this set I'll be looking at six films, an interesting mix of smaller films and blockbusters, that stand out now 25 years after their release. Check back each Sunday as we explore another title in the rewind and celebrate the films that are marking a milestone anniversary in 2026!
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AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 64

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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. Sugar : [ on marrying well] I don't care how rich he is, as long as he has a yacht, his own private railroad car, and his own toothpaste. Some Like It Hot (1959) Original List Position: 14 Starring: Jack Lemon, Tony Curtis, and Marilyn Monroe Director: Billy Wilder About: There is no one like Jack Lemon. He's a personal favorite actor for a lot of his classic and diverse roles. This one is certainly unique, and all of it, especially the final sequence of the film, makes me smile. Curtis is great here, and this is one of Monroe's better roles and films. This is a fun film, too. It's got legions of devoted fans over the years. I thought about havi...
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AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 65

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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. Benjamin: It's like I've been playing some kind of game, but the rules don't make any sense to me. They're being made up by all the wrong people. No. I mean, no one makes them up. They seem to have made themselves up. The Graduate (1967) Original List Position : 7 Starring : Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, William Daniels, Murray Hamilton, and Katherine Ross Director: Mike Nichols About: This is an iconic film. For many it's a perfect film. I get the appeal and I get why it stood out at the time and continues to inspire people. There's something fascinating about the characters and the story. There is something fascinating about the perfo...
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2026 Broncos' Season, Defensive Line

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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 defensive line. On the Roster : Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Sai'vion Jones, Matt Henningsen, Tyler Onyedim, Eyioma Uwazurike, Jordan Jackson, Malcolm Roach, Garrett Nelson, Jordan Miller, and Kristian Williams About: The Broncos lost John Franklin-Myer, which is a blow to the team and its depth. The Broncos made a move to acquire Onyedim in the draft. I like the potential of this group. Allen is still a star, with Roach and D.J. Jones serving as good starters. The question is depth. What will Sai'vion Jones, Onyedim, and Uwazurike do in the pre-season. Can one of the others rise up? Will Henningsen hold a spot? Could it be the local guy, ...
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Now Playing

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 The second weekend in May brought a couple blockbusters to theaters and a great option to Netflix just in time for Mother’s Day. Below is my take on this week’s new films. You can keep up with everything I’m watching on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Mortal Kombat 2 (Theaters) Starring : Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, and Jessica McNamee Synopsis : This is the sequel to the 2021 re-boot that was, mostly, a streaming release. That film had solid action sequences and nods toward the game, but felt a bit thin on story and character. This second film, also from director Simon McQuoid, ups the ante in terms of action and also does a better job presenting an engaging story. That could be because the two primary additions to the cast—Kitana (Rudolph) and Johnny Cage (Urban)—feel more interesting that the leads of the first film. The budget looks to have been bigger, with more lavish CGI worlds and bigger fight sequences. But there is a sense of fun and humor that works much better here, too. ...
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