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 the humble start of a franchise. Dom : I live my life a quarter mile at a time. Nothing else matters: not the mortgage, not the store, not my team and all their bullshit. For those ten seconds or less, I'm free. The Fast and the Furious Starring : Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, and Ted Levine Director : Rob Cohen About : I remember when I first saw The Fast and the Furious . It was a summer release, and it was a fun, action-packed adventure. It was pitched as Point Break with cars, and that felt apt for this first film. It was fun and engaging with a good cast and some good performances. I never imagined what it would lead to 25 years later, but I still appreciate this first film. It's not the best of the franchise, but it has a lot of charm and really sets the tem...

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. Michael Dorsey : You don't have to. She's right here. And she misses you. Look, you don't know me from Adam. But I was a better man with you, as a woman... than I ever was with a woman, as a man. You know what I mean? I just gotta learn to do it without the dress. At this point, there might be an advantage to my wearing pants. The hard part's over, you know? We were already... good friends. Tootsie (1982) Original List Position: 62 Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, and Charles Durning Director : Sydney Pollack About: It's arguable that Mrs. Doubtfire does this formula better, but Tootsie got there first. An...

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. Patton : Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man. If mountain ranges and oceans can be overcome, then anything built by man can be overcome. Patton (1970) Original List Position : 89 Starring : George C. Scott Director: Franklin J. Schaffner About: I am a fan of war films. I remember seeing Patton when I was in high school, which might not be the intended audience. There was something about it that popped off the screen and made it memorable. Likely it's the great lead performance from Scott. It's also probably some of the script, which was co-written by Francis Ford Coppola. This probably isn't an incredible film, and I know some ...

 We've made it to June, the second month of the Summer season. It's fair to say, looking at the slate, blockbuster season is in full bloom. There is something for everyone this June at the theater. Let's dive in: Friday, June 5: * Master of the Universe (Theaters): This is the new take on the HE-Man universe. I'm mixed on the trailers, but this is a big-budget spectacal. * Power Ballad (Theaters): A smaller film that looks engaging. I really enjoy Paul Rudd, and I think he could be good in this part. This looks like a lot of fun from filmmaker John Carney. * Scary Movie 6 (Theaters): We need good comedies during the summer. It's been a while since we heard from this franchise, but there are plenty of interesting things for them to skewer. I'm low-key excited for this. Friday, June 12: * Disclosure Day (Theaters): You had me at Steven Spielberg. This is a strong cast, including Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor, and a premise that returns to some of Spielberg...

 This week Star Wars returned to theaters, but it was one of just a host of new films. My take on this week’s new releases is below. To keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. I Love Boosters (Theaters) Starring : Keke Palmer, Taylour Paige, Naomi Ackie, Will Poulter, LaKeith Stanfield, Eiza Gonzalez, and Demi Moore Synopsis : There is no one quite like Boots Riley, the writer/director of this new film. It’s set kind of in the fashion industry, focusing on a trio of friends (Palmer, Paige, and Ackie) who shoplift from high-end boutiques to sell the goods and support themselves. There is one franchise and one designer (Moore) in particular who they target, both for her clothes and because she’s called them out publicly. But this journey of theft turned vengeance leads to some unexpected places. This is a wild film with a wild premise at times. It’s also a completely original look and style from Riley. This is the most colorful film of the year....

As we approach the Emmy consideration deadline, with the Network season over, the tide of new series is slowing a bit. Still, we got a couple interesting new additions to the TV landscape, and you might be wondering what 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 Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV (Premiered May 20) About: This new series focuses on a mother, Paula (Tatiana Maslany), who is trying to balance the demands of work and being a co-parent. She’s gone through a messy divorce, and her ex-husband Karl (Jake Johnson), is always trying to push to take more away. So, when she connects with a cam boy, gets scammed, and gets pulled into a murder, it’s not a great look. She pleads with the local detective (Dolly De Leon) to help find the real killer. But she also employs her co-workers in the fact...

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! Spock: Admiral, if we were to assume these whales were ours to do with as we pleased, we would be as guilty as those who caused their extinction. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) Franchise Ranking : 3 Starring : William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, Mark Lenard, Robin Curtis, and Catherine Hicks Director: Leonard Nimoy About: After getting Spock back, the franchise got back on track. Nimoy helmed his second straight installment and delivers one of the best. This one finds the Enterprise crew headed back to Earth to face the consequences of stealing and destroying the Enterprise. Along the way, a probe is attacking Earth, looking for ...

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 a film that earned Denzel and Oscar. Alonzo Harris : [to Jake] To protect the sheep you gotta catch the wolf, and it takes a wolf to catch a wolf. Training Day Starring : Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke Director : Antione Fuqua About : This film asks the question of whether you're willing to sell your soul? Or, more accurately, how corruptible are you? It features Washington in an electric lead role that earned him an Academy Award and Hawke as his young protege. Hawke's character is a bit innocent, but trying to fit in with a prestigious new unit. Washington's Alonzo is a veteran who is as corrupt as those he seeks to bring to justice. He shows Jake the ropes over the course of a difficult day that forces Jake to face up to who he is, or rather who he wants to be. I don't love the story...

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. David Huxley : Now it isn't that I don't like you, Susan, because, after all, in moments of quiet, I'm strangely drawn toward you, but - well, there haven't been any quiet moments. Bringing Up Baby (1938) Original List Position : 97 Starring : Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant Director: Howard Hawks About: This is a classic screwball comedy. Grant was well known for operating in this genre, but I think we think of Hepburn in a more dramatic light. And yet, she has a few more light-hearted films, like this. Hawks does a nice job of bringing the story, these characters, and the absurdity of the story to life. There is a leopard named Baby in this, 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. Professor Henry Higgins : There even are places where English completely disappears; in America they haven't used it for years. My Fair Lady (1964) Original List Position: 91 Starring : Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison Director: George Cukor About : This is a classic film that's been done a few different times in different ways. This is the big musical version, and one that is done in a unique style. This is a classic for Hepburn and a classic for many audiences, especially those who love musicals. It barely made this original list and was omitted from the follow up list 10 years later. It did make the musical list, and remains a personal favorite for man...

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 offensive line. On the Roster : Garrett Bolles, Quinn Meinerz, Luke Wattenberg, Ben Powers, Mike McGlinchey, Matt Peart, Alex Palczewski, Alex Forsyth, Nick Gargulio, Nash Jones, Calvin Throckmorton, Kage Casey, Marques Cox, Frank Crum, and Tyler Miller About : The Broncos have a rare luxury in having all five of their opening day starters from 2025 still on the roster and projected to remain there in 2026. The team has all its depth options, too. And it was a strong offensive line that helped the Broncos get to three regular season wins. This feels like an area of stability and potentially strength. The Broncos added a few pieces in undrafted...

 The third weekend in May brought a number of different releases, including horror, action, drama, and more. Below is my take on the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. In the Grey (Theaters) Starring : Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza Gonzales Synopsis : Since the late 1990s, Guy Ritchie films have been a fixture in theaters. He started with these indie crime dramas noted for fast dialogue, fun characters, and great action. Nearly 30 years later, he’s still delivering those kind of fun rides in theaters. That’s the case with In The Grey, which opened May 15. It arrived without a lot of hype and fanfare, and just provides a bit of fun, escapist fantasy for 98 minutes. In short, it’s what summer is all about. The film focuses on Rachel (Gonzalez), who is a lawyer and something of a fixer. She is a gun for hire for asset management companies, helping to recover funds that are due from unwilling...

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 ...

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...

 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!

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...

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...

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, ...

 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. ...

 We’re into May and the Network season is rapidly coming to a close. But before it goes, we’re still getting some new series and specials. What of these new shows is worth your time investment? Let this weekly post be your guide as I look at 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: Once upon a time Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri were contemporaries at the top of the composing scene. Their life, work, and feud was the subject of an Academy-Award-Winning film in the 1980s. Now, it’s the subject of a new, five-part limited series on Starz. In it, Salieri (Paul Bettany) is the master composer whose position is threatened by the young Amadeus (Will Sharpe). Amadeus is everything Salieri isn’t, and they approach music and life in a radically different way. That quickly leads to a dispute and, as the pilot makes clear, Salieri eventual...

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! Spock : If I may be so bold, it was a mistake for you to accept promotion. Commanding a starship is your first, best destiny; anything else is a waste of material. Kirk : I would not presume to debate you. Spock : That is wise. Were I to invoke logic, however, logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Kirk : Or the one. Spock : You are my superior officer. You are also my friend. I have been and always shall be yours. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) Franchise Ranking : 1 Starring : William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, Bibi Besch, Merritt Butrick, Kirstie Alley, and Ricardo Monalban Director : N...

It's hard to believe, but 2006 was 20 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 2006 that are turning 20 in 2026. Today, it's my favorite film of 2006. Theodore Faron : I can't really remember when I last had any hope, and I certainly can't remember when anyone else did either. Because really, since women stopped being able to have babies, what's left to hope for? Children of Men Starring : Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, and Clare-Hope Ashitey Director: Alfonso Cuaron About: In 2006, The Departed was named Best Picture. It's a great movie and a classic. I didn't list it in this countdown because I talked about it last year when I was looking at Martin Scorsese films. It was a great movie year with a lot of memorable films. And yet, this was the film that stood out as my favorite. It was released near the end of the year with little fanfare at the time. But it's become a classic, not only thanks to the sto...

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. Alvy Singer : I feel that life is divided into the horrible and the miserable. That's the two categories. The horrible are like, I don't know, terminal cases, you know, and blind people, crippled. I don't know how they get through life. It's amazing to me. And the miserable is everyone else. So you should be thankful that you're miserable, because that's very lucky, to be miserable. Annie Hall (1977) Original List Position : 31 Starring : Woody Allen and Diane Keaton Director: Woody Allen About : There are certain films that define a director. For Allen, Annie Hall has to be his definitive work. It's probably the first that comes to mi...

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. Martin Howe : You risk your skin catching killers and the juries turn them loose so they can come back and shoot at you again. If you're honest you're poor your whole life and in the end you wind up dying all alone on some dirty street. For what? For nothing. For a tin star. High Noon (1952) Original List Position : 33 Starring : Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Lloyd Bridges, Lon Chaney, Jr., and Harry Morgan Director : Fred Zinnemann About : This is a classic western. Cooper is great in the lead role and I love the way the tension builds through the story here. This is a film that's well regarded as a classic and has been for years. It was No. 33 on the ori...

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 begins with quarterbacks. On the Roster : Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Sam Ehlinger About : The Broncos have the same three quarterbacks they did in 2025 and I don't see that changing. It's obviously a solid group. While Stidham didn't prevail in the AFC Championship Game, he put up a solid fight. He's a strong backup quarterback with experience in Sean Payton's system. Ehlinger is a decent development option and a solid No. 3. Nix is Payton's pick to be franchise quarterback, and he's made the playoffs in each of his two seasons. The only question about him right now is his health, as he's had a second surgery following a broken ...

 As we turn the page to May, we get summer movie season. That means a busy time in theaters and on streaming. Below is a look at the new films I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Blue Heron (Limited) Starring: Eylul Guven, Edik Beddoes and Amy Zimmer Synopsis: Sometimes things go wrong. Despite our best intentions. Despite the best efforts. Despite trying to put things right, it just doesn’t turn out as we’d hoped. And, often, those memories and incidents can define us long after they’ve passed. That’s the case with Blue Heron, the new film from writer/director Sophy Romvari. It’s a personal tale that stretches from the present to the past, interrogating memories and what could have been done differently. As we begin, a family is moving into a new home on Vancouver Island. For Mother (Iringo Reti), Father (Adam Tompa) and the four children, it’s a fresh start. And it’s one the family needs, especially the ol...