Matt's Musings

 As we round out June, the number of new shows has shrunk. But your free time, heading to a holiday weekend, might be increasing. So, 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. Fridays: Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: an Almost History of America, Fridays at 10 p.m. on HBO (Premiered June 26) About: Larry David is back with a new comedy for HBO. The co-creator of Seinfeld, who gave us Curb Your Enthusiasm, knows his way around comedy. And this new series certainly demonstrates that. Larry is back with a sketch comedy series, exploring key points in American history. The pilot had moments ranging from the Declaration of Independence and creation of the telephone to Rosa Parks. All of them featuring Larry in a new character bringing his trademark humor and view of the world. And it was outstanding. T...

 We've made it to July, the middle of summer, and predictably things are heating up at the Box Office. Let's dive in. Wednesday, July 1: * Minions & Monsters (Theaters) : This is the latest in the Minions franchise, which is itself a spin-off of the Despicable Me franchise. The trailer and marketing looks fun enough. This ought to be great for younger viewers for the holiday weekend. * Enola Holmes 3 (Netflix): This franchise, led by Millie Bobby Brown, has been a sturdy and reliable player for Netflix. I enjoyed the first two, focusing on Sherlock's sister, and I expect this to be fun, too. Friday, July 3: * Young Washington (Theaters): This one gets the traditional Friday slot for the holiday weekend. This is a biopic focusing on George Washington as a young man. Feels apt for the 250th anniversary of the United States. Friday, July 10: * Evil Dead Burn (Theaters) : This is the latest from the Evil Dead franchise, which spins a new story for a new director. The trai...

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...

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! Captain Jean-Luc Picard : I will not sacrifice the Enterprise. We've made too many compromises already; too many retreats. They invade our space and we fall back. They assimilate entire worlds and we fall back. Not again. The line must be drawn here! This far, no further! And *I* will make them pay for what they've done! Star Trek: First Contact (1996) Franchise Ranking : 4 Starring : Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Alfre Woodard, James Cromwell, and Alice Krige Director : Jonathan Frakes About : I loved Star Trek: The Next Generation . It was a fun and engaging series over its seven-year run. But when it came to making feature f...

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 stylish re-make. Rusty : You look down, they know you're lying and up, they know you don't know the truth. Don't use seven words when four will do. Don't shift your weight, look always at your mark but don't stare, be specific but not memorable, be funny but don't make him laugh. He's got to like you then forget you the moment you've left his side. And for God's sake, whatever you do, don't, under any circumstances... Ocean's Eleven Starring : George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts Director : Steven Soderberg About : There's few films I can remember seeing that felt as stylish and cool as this re-make. And if you're going to re-make a film from The Rat Pack, you probably need that feeling of stylish and cool. I love the C...

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. Rufus T. Firefly : Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth. Duck Soup (1933) Original List Position : 85 Starring : Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, and Zeppo Marx Director : Leo McCarey About : It feels like no list of films that impacted American history would be complete without an entry from the Marx Brothers. Duck Soup is a fun and quirky film that fits the bill well. ...

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. Tracy Lord : The time to make up your mind about people is never. The Philadelphia Story (1940) Original List Position : 51 Starring: Katherine Hepburn, James Stewart, and Cary Grant Director: George Cukor About: This film lands at nearly the same spot on my list as on the original list. It actually moved up a bit, to 44, 10 years later. It's a classic screwball comedy and a good one. It earned an Academy Award for the script and for Stewart's performance. It's amazing to see three iconic actors of the time--Hepburn, Stewart, and Grant--all in the same film. It's a fun and engaging story, and the performances are solid, too. It makes for a good ...

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 tight ends. On the Roster : Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, Justin Joly, Nate Adkins, Dallen Bentley, and Caleb Lohner About : The tight end position is a big toss up at this point. Engram was a prize free agent signed last off-season to boost the offense. But it never really materialized. The Broncos brought back Trautman, a great blocker, and Krull, then added Joly and Bentley in the draft. They also have a development prospect in Lohner and a blocking specialist in Adkins. I don't think this team can keep more than four, and even that might be a stretch. Some could end up on the Practice Squad, but the big question is how Joly ...

 This week we had the new film from Steven Spielberg, as well as a few smaller releases. Below is my take on the new films I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Disclosure Day (Theaters) Starring : Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, and Colin Firth Synopsis : Back in the 1990s, on the X-Files, the tagline was, “I Want to Believe.” I’d assume that concept resonates with Steven Spielberg. Dating back to his early work in the 1970s, extra-terrestrials have been a part of his cinematic landscape. One of his earliest hits, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, featured a man coming face-to-face with beings from another planet. He followed in the 1980s with ET, and later with a new version of War of the Worlds. This summer, he’s again returning to visitors from outer space with Disclosure Day. And it’s a vision of the subject and the world that is among his best films. We begin with Daniel (O’Connor...

 We’re into June, and with the Emmy window closed, we’re seeing a steady but smaller group of new series. It’s a bit of a June swoon, which might coincide with you having a little extra time to watch shows. So, 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. 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: Do you like documentaries? If you do, this new summer series might be for you. It takes the action back to the age of the dinosaurs and looks at life on Earth before things were wiped out. The series is eight episodes, each an hour, airing weekly this summer on NBC Thursdays. It takes the bent that it was an environmental crisis and the Earth learned to survive once, the lesson being that they could survive again. The recreations looked solid, and it was entertaining enough for summer, especi...

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! Kirk : [to Harriman] Risk is part of the game if you want to sit in that chair. Star Trek: Generations (1994) Franchise Ranking : 8 Starring : Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, LeVar Burton, Marina Sirtis, Walter Koenig, James Doohan, Malcolm McDowell, and Alan Ruck Director : David Carson About : And here begins the run of films from the Next Generation cast. Sort of, anyway. As part of a somewhat clumsy handoff, we get a few of the original cast members--Kirk, Scotty, and Checkov--in an opening sequence that leads into the rest of the film. It's a means of getting Captain Kirk and Captain Picard on the screen together. And while that's an i...

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 unique independent drama. Donnie : I hope that when the world comes to an end, I can breathe a sigh of relief, because there will be so much to look forward to. Donnie Darko Starring : Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Holmes Osborne, Mary Malone, and Maggie Gyllenhaal Director : Richard Kelly About : This is a strange and unique cinematic journey. Gyllenhaal--both of them--is great here. I enjoy this wild and creatively dark science fiction tale from Kelly. I remember seeing this during my time in college and being taken with the use of music and the storytelling. Now 25 years later, that's still the case. This is an off-beat choice that isn't the most popular film on the list, but it's one of the most memorable from that year to me. If you like strange tales and haven't seen it, this is wo...

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. Chris Taylor : [voiceover] I think now, looking back, we did not fight the enemy; we fought ourselves. And the enemy was in us. The war is over for me now, but it will always be there, the rest of my days as I'm sure Elias will be, fighting with Barnes for what Rhah called possession of my soul. There are times since, I've felt like the child born of those two fathers. But, be that as it may, those of us who did make it have an obligation to build again, to teach to others what we know, and to try with what's left of our lives to find a goodness and a meaning to this life. Platoon (1986) Original List Position : 83 Starring : Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafo...

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. Kilgore: Napalm, son. Nothing else in the world smells like that. I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for 12 hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn't find one of 'em, not one stinkin' dink body. The smell, you know that gasoline smell? The whole hill. Smelled like... victory. Someday this war's gonna end. Apocalypse Now (1979) Original List Position : 28 Starring : Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, and Robert Duvall Director : Francis Ford Coppola About : When we think of War films, there are a couple types. The World War II films, for the most part, were uplifting, patriotic affairs. But Vietn...

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 middle linebackers. On the Roster : Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, Drew Sanders, Red Murdock, Levelle Bailey, Karene Reid, Jordan Turner, and Taurean York About : The Broncos' linebackers break down into two groups. There's the inside presence to play the run and pass, filling a traditional linebacker role. Then there's the outside guys, who will do that on occassion, but are the heart of the pass rush. Today, it's the inside guys. This is where Dre Greenlaw was added a year ago to help. When healthy, he did that. Then he was released and went back to the 49ers. Singleton remains, which is good. And I liked what we had in Strna...

 The first week of June brought some big releases to theaters and an anticipated streaming film. Below is my take on this week’s new movies. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Masters of the Universe (Theaters) Starring : Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, and Jared Leto Synopsis : I was born in 1981. As a child of the 1980s, I fondly remember watching the He-Man cartoons. I had a He-Man action figure, along with his arch-nemesis Skeletor, among others. I enjoyed the world and the character. While I don’t remember seeing the live-action film from 1987—which is now nearly 40 years old—I’ve seen it since. Dolph Lundgren portrayed the titular hero, while Frank Langella portrayed his nemesis. It was an ambitious swing that is memorable to some, but not exactly high art. But in a world where everything old is new again, it tracks that He-Man is back on the big screen. This time with the special effects and the scope th...

 As we make our way into June, we’re getting a crop of new series, including one of the most highly anticipated re-makes from Apple TV. You might also have some extra time for viewing on your hands. But which of these new series 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. Tuesdays: Not Suitable For Work, Streaming Tuesdays on Hulu (Premiered June 2) About : This new comedy comes from creator Mindy Kaling, who focuses on the work and personal lives of a group of young people living across the hall from each other in the city. The series focuses on five young people, three guys (Will Angus, Jack Martin, and Nicholas Duvernay) and two girls (Ella Hunt and Avantika) who live in the same apartment building, right across the hall. All five are trying to get established in careers and find that elusive work/life balance. The series has other ...

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! Captain James T. Kirk : Captain's Log, stardate 9529.1. This is the final cruise of the Starship Enterprise under my command. This ship and her history will shortly become the care of another crew. To them and their posterity will we commit our future. They will continue the voyages we have begun, and journey to all the undiscovered countries, boldly going where no man... where no *one* has gone before. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) Franchise Ranking : 6 Starring : William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, Kim Cattrall, and Christopher Plummer Director : Nicholas Meyer About: Meyer helmed The Wrath of Khan , the best of the...

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 classic comedy. Derek Zoolander : If there is anything that this horrible tragedy can teach us, it's that a male model's life is a precious, precious commodity. Just because we have chiseled abs and stunning features, it doesn't mean that we too can't not die in a freak gasoline fight accident. Zoolander Starring: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, and Christine Taylor Director: Ben Stiller About: I remember when 9/11 happened. The world was changed. It was a dark time that left a lot of people feeling scared and hopeless as life sort of stopped. Then we got our first sporting events. Then movies came back. Zoolander was the first film I saw after 9/11. It was silly and a complete diversion from life. I will always fondly remember it for that experience, which came at a time when...

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. Holly Martins : Have you ever seen any of your victims? Harry Lime: You know, I never feel comfortable on these sort of things. Victims? Don't be melodramatic. Look down there. Tell me. Would you really feel any pity if one of those dots stopped moving forever? If I offered you twenty thousand pounds for every dot that stopped, would you really, old man, tell me to keep my money, or would you calculate how many dots you could afford to spare? Free of income tax, old man. Free of income tax - the only way you can save money nowadays. The Third Man (1949) Original List Position : 57 Starring : Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, Alida Valli, and Trevor Howard Director...

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. Rocky : Ah come on, Adrian, it's true. I was nobody. But that don't matter either, you know? 'Cause I was thinkin', it really don't matter if I lose this fight. It really don't matter if this guy opens my head, either. 'Cause all I wanna do is go the distance. Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood. Rocky (1976) Original List Position : 78 Starring : Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, and Talia Shire Director...

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 Special Teams. On the Roster : Will Lutz, Jeremy Crawshaw, Luke Basso, and Mitchell Fraboni About : The Special Teams is usually the easiest to judge, especially later in the off-season. The Broncos only have one kicker and punter on the roster, and I don't expect competition. Interestingly, the team brought in Basso to compete at long snapper. Will he unseat Fraboni? It's possible, but currently I don't see it happening. The bigger question is returner, and whether Marvin Mims, Jr.'s, skill in that arena will secure his roster spot in a crowded receiver room. Roster Predictions : Lutz, Crawshaw, and Fraboni make the team.

 The final weekend in May was packed with new options. Below is a look at the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Backrooms (Theaters) Starring : Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor Synopsis: This is the new film that comes from director Kane Parsons, based on his popular YouTube series. That gives the film a built-in audience, and it pulled crowds this weekend. It focuses on a furniture store manager, Clark (Ejiofor), who is having a rough time. Business is beyond slow, and his personal life is in shambles. His most consistent human contact is with his therapist, Mary (Reinsve), who has some issues of her own. When he discovers a secret portal to another realm in the depths of his store, it opens up a whole new mystery for Clark. The mystery threatens to envelope him and his whole life. It’s an interesting concept with nearly endless options for how the story can develop. Since it’s culled from a l...