Matt's Musings

 We’re halfway through July and have officially entered the slow season. While things will pick up in the Fall, we’re seeking only a handful of new shows each week at this point. But you might be wondering which of those 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 shows this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC (Premiered July 13) About: It’s fair to say if you’ve followed this site for a while, my partner Ricky is more of the go-to guy for reality shows. The exception, for me, has long been Dancing With the Stars, which is my kind of reality. That’s true of this spin-off, too. Reigning champion Robert Irwin serves as host, with judges Mark Ballas, a pro for the main show, and his mother Shirley. Each week, a new guest arrives to help teach the 12 prospective dancers a new routine to perform and serves...

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: Acting Captain's Log, Stardate 2258.42. We have had no word from Captain Pike. I've therefore classified him a hostage of the war criminal known as Nero. Nero, who has destroyed my home planet and most of its six billion inhabitants. While the essence of our culture has been saved in the elders who now reside upon this ship, I estimate no more than 10,000 have survived. I am now a member of an endangered species. Star Trek (2009) Franchise Ranking : 2 Starring : Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, Leonard Nimoy, Bruce Greenwood, and Eric Bana Director: J.J. Abrams About : Here we get a re-boot of the whole franchise, taking things back to th...

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...

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'm trying to believe you, Shinzon. If there is one ideal that the Federation holds most dear, it is that all men, all races can be united. What better example? A Starfleet captain, standing in the Romulan Senate. Nothing would make me more proud than to take your hand in friendship - in time... when that trust has been earned. Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) Franchise Ranking : 12 Starring : Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, Michael Dorn, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, and Tom Hardy Director: Stuart Baird About: This is the fourth and final outing from the Next Generation cast. It's also their worst, and one of the worst of the franchise. Now, even a ba...

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 sci-fi film. President Thomas Whitmore : Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. "Mankind." That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the ni...

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. Terry Malloy : You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it. It was you, Charley. On the Waterfront (1954) Original List Position : 8 Starring : Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, and J. Lee Cobb Director : Elia Kazan About : This is an American classic. It's also one of the films that put Brando on the map, and it's certainly an iconic performance in service of an iconic American story. Does it hit the same all these years later? Probably not. But it's still a fascinating exploration of these characters and story. And it's undeniable that Brando is...

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. Walter Neff : Yes, I killed him. I killed him for money - and a woman - and I didn't get the money and I didn't get the woman. Pretty, isn't it? Double Indemnity (1944) Original List Position : 38 Starring : Fred MacMurry, Barbra Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson Director : Billy Wilder About: Everyone loves a good noir. On the original list, the film appears higher at No. 38. It jumped up to No. 29 a decade later. That's a bit higher than where I have it. I enjoy a good noir, and I enjoyed this story. Wilder was a talented director who helmed a number of classic films, including a few on this list. This is an interesting story that in different ha...

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 cornerbacks.  On the Roster : Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron, Kris Abrams-Draine, Ja'Quan McMillian, Reese Taylor, Jaden Robinson, Brent Austin, Blake Cotton, and Sean Fresch About: This is one of the Broncos' best position groups. There was some talk this off-season the team might move Moss for another position because of the embarrassment of riches in the unit, but they haven't. And I'm glad. You can never have enough good cover corners. The fact the Broncos can go five deep with quality options here is a luxury. I think they'll continue to move forward with that core group again in 2026. That means a lot of t...

 The Fourth of July has come and gone, bringing some interesting films 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. Enola Holmes 3 (Netflix) Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter, and Louis Partridge Synopsis: This is the third installment in the Netflix film franchise that centers on Sherlock Holmes (Cavill) and his younger sister, Enola (Brown). There are mysteries and a bit of fun, winking at the camera and often breaking the fourth wall. That’s true of this latest installment, which is the shortest of the three. It’s directed by Philip Barantini, who knows how to handle a camera, and takes place almost entirely on the island of Malta, where Enola is preparing to marry Tewkesbury (Partridge). But when Sherlock goes missing, as does Tewkesbury’s mother, Enola springs into action and the game is afoot once again. I have enjoyed ...

 We’re heading into the midst of July. We’re in the middle of summer and very early in the new Emmy cycle, so the flood of new shows has slowed to a trickle. But you might need something to kill time while enjoying air conditioning, and you’re wondering 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. Fridays: Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, Fridays at 10 p.m. on HBO (Premiered June 26) About : This new comedy for HBO finds Larry David in his element. He’s bringing his unique style of comedy and unique view of the world to a sketch comedy series that skewers key moments in American history. It featured an introduction in the pilot from Barack Obama, who is a producer along with his wife, Michelle. This week’s second episode featured a sketch with Jerry Seinfeld and a closing sketch with the late Rob Reiner, who gets a dedication at the end. It was simply brill...

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! Data : I feel obliged to point out that the environmental anomalies may have stimulated certain rebellious instincts common to youth, which could affect everyone's judgment... Except mine of course. Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) Franchise Ranking : 9 Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Donna Murphy, F. Murray Abraham, and Anthony Zerbe Director: Jonathan Frakes About : I'd say this is a maligned installment of the franchise, but you can see from my ranking I don't have it particularly high. It's not that it's a bad film, it's just that it's forgettable. It's quite a step back from First Contact ,...

 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 1996. Films from 1996 are turning 30 years old in 2026, and when you look at the list it feels hard to believe some of these titles are 30 years old. In this set I'll be looking at 12 films, an interesting mix of smaller films and blockbusters, that stand out now 30 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. John Dunbar : [voice-over] Nothing I have been told about these people is correct. They are not thieves or beggars. They are not the bogeymen they are made out to be. On the contrary, they are polite guests and I enjoy their humor. Dances With Wolves (1990) Original List Position : 75 Starring : Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, and Graham Greene Director : Kevin Costner About : This film landed about 25 spots lower on the original list, and wasn't a part of the list 10 years later. It's definitely got a more mixed reception in the years since its release, when it won Best Picture. I get that some don't love it. If you followed my countdown of Westerns, y...

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. The Tramp : Tomorrow the birds will sing. City Lights (1931) Original List Position : 76 Starring : Charlie Chaplin Director: Charlie Chaplin About: We come to another of Chaplin's films, one of his classics. This is a classic love story. In it, the Tramp finds a blind girl and seeks to help her. He manages to pull it off, but at great cost. As always, there's great fun and comedy in the film. But it's the sweet ending that is one of the reasons it's been so enduring. It is a film that leapt quite a bit in the re-ordered countdown, too. It went from 76 all the way to 11. I am somewhere in the middle. I like it a bit, and it's one of my favorit...

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 running backs. On the Roster : J.K. Dobbins, R.J. Harvey, Jonah Coleman, Tyler Badie, Jaleel McLaughlin, Cody Schrader, and Adam Prentice About : The Broncos had a better rushing attack in 2025, but it didn't seem to be enough. The thought was the team would go big at the position this off-season. Instead, the Broncos brought back everyone. They re-signed Dobbins, who was solid before being injured, and McLaughlin. Then the team added Coleman in the draft. It feels like Coleman and Harvey are the future, with Coleman looking like an ideal hedge for Dobbins. The question is whether it's enough. It's also fair to wonder how many back...

We’ve hit the weekend and, perhaps, you’re looking for a new movie. Below is a roundup of some theatrical and streaming releases you can check out! You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Couture (Limited) Starring : Angelina Jolie, Ella Rumpf, and Anyier Anei Synopsis: This limited release is loosely tied to Paris fashion week and features loosely connected stories of three women struggling. One is an American director (Jolie) who is going through a divorce and dealing with a painful medical diagnosis. One is a makeup artist (Rumpf) who is trying to expand her career. And one is a new model (Anei) trying to get established in a bigger market. Most of the film finds these three living out their own stories, all in the same city. While they do loosely intersect in the final act, all coming together as part of the same show, it’s not as if there is a big, joint payoff. It’s an interesting character study, or at least an interesting idea...