Matt's Musings

It's hard to believe, but 1996 was 30 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1996 that are turning 30 in 2026. Today, it's a classic disaster film. Dusty: [seductively to Melissa] "The Suck Zone". It's the point basically when the twister... sucks you up. That's not the technical term for it, obviously. Twister Starring : Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman Director: Jan de Bont About : We have landed on another personal all-time favorite as this look at 1996 continues. I've always been a fan of disaster films and Michael Crichton, and this combines them both. This is a fun story and an incredible cast. It's sad to think Paxton and Hoffman are gone now, but these are some iconic performances. I love Hunt in the lead role, too. The story has a great blend of humor, action, and some iconic set pieces. De Bont didn't have a big feature film career, but he delivered some exciting r...

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. Will Munny : That's right. I've killed women and children. I've killed just about everything that walks or crawled at one time or another. And I'm here to kill you, Little Bill, for what you did to Ned. Unforgiven (1992) Original List Position : 98 Starring: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, and Morgan Freeman Director : Clint Eastwood About : This film is a classic Western. Eastwood made his name in the genre, but as a director he largely took on other types of films. This might be the best of the Westerns he directed, a Best Picture winner that features some iconic performances. And yet, it barely made the original list. It clocked in at just 98. A ...

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. Maria : All of you! You all killed him! And my brother, and Riff. Not with bullets, or guns, with hate. Well now I can kill, too, because now I have hate! Westside Story (1961) Original List Position: 41 Starring: Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, and Richard Beymer Director: Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise About: We come now to a classic musical. On the original list it was slightly higher than where I have it. A decade later it dropped to No. 51, slightly lower. So, I guess this positioning feels about right. I enjoy the story and the iconic music and performances here. This is a great musical that's been often imitated in the decades since its release. It even ...

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 safeties. On the Roster: Talanoa Hufanga, Brandon Jones, Devon Key, J.L. Skinner, Miles Scott, Parker Robinson, and Tycen Anderson About: This unit took a little hit this off-season when P.J. Locke left in free agency. Hufanga and Jones are locked in as starters, but what about depth. While Cornerback and Outside Linebacker feel solid, the middle of the defense at linebacker and safety has questions. The starting groups are great, but it feels like an injury could be harmful here. This off-season and pre-season will be a great audition for these guys. I think the Broncos would like to keep five safeties, depending on Special Teams, but it mi...

 This second full weekend in July featured three new wide releases, all of them with a different kind of story and audience. Below is my take on the week’s big new releases. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Evil Dead Burn (Theaters) Starring: Souheila Yacoub, Hunter Doohan, and Luciane Buchanan Synopsis: It’s been 45 years since we were first introduced to the Necronomicon and the world of the Evil Dead. That low-budget horror film, which made stars of Bruce Campbell and director Sam Raimi, kickstarted a franchise. To this point we’ve seen five feature films and even a live-action series. And yet, interest in the world continues. Now, we get a new installment. Evil Dead Burn, the first film in the franchise since Evil Dead Rise in 2023. It’s helmed by Sebastien Vanicek, the fourth director to helm an Evil Dead film. And he brings his own take on the world. After a cold open taking place at a lake, as the evil arises, we’re ...

 We’re making our way through July. It’s a slower time, and yet there are still some interesting new series available. But what of these new shows 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: The Man Will Burn, Thursdays at 10 p.m. on HBO (Premiered July 9) About: This is a new documentary series about Burning Man, the popular desert festival. The makers had unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes operations for a few years, starting in 2021 as the organizers were weighing whether the festival could move forward. The premier episode dives into that debate and discussion, while looking at the history of the festival, how it began, and what it means to the various people who make it a part of their regular yearly rhythm. If you’re a fan of Burning Man, this will be interesting. But, if like me you know little about the f...