Matt's Musings

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. Butch Cassidy : [ to Sundance] Boy, I got vision, and the rest of the world wears bifocals. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) Original List Position : 50 Starring: Paul Newman and Robert Redford Director: George Roy Hill About: Redford and Newman made for quite the on-screen tandem. This is one of their more iconic pairings as they star as the infamous outlaws near the end of their adventures. It landed at No. 50 on the original list, slipping to No. 73 a decade later. I have it a bit higher than either of those. I think it's a fun and funny film, that's also a quality Western. Newman and Redford have such incredible rapport together, which is w...

 We've made it to August, the end of summer. This is about some of the last hurrahs of the summer season, with blockbusters, smaller films, and a jam-packed slate. Let's dive in! Friday, August 7: * Ice Cream Man (Theaters ): This is a new horror film from Eli Roth. It bears no connection to the film previously holding this title, but it certainly looks to be a gorefest. * One Night Only (Theaters): What if The Purge was a comedy about pre-marital sex? That's the premise here with a cast led by Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro. It looks fun enough. *Super Troopers 3 (Theaters) : This is the third installment of the Super Troopers film franchise. These over-the-top comedies are always a bit of fun, and have a built-in audience. *Cookie Queens (Limited): This is the wideish release of the documentary about Girl Scouts that played festivals earlier in the year. It looks like an interesting addition to the lineup. *The Last House (Netflix) : This is a new sci-fi/horror film ...

 We’re making our way through July, which means we’re officially in the slow season. This is the beginning of a new Emmy year, and a few months from the Fall kickoff. But with temperatures sweltering, you might be looking for something to pass the time in the air conditioning. So, which 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. Mondays: Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC (Premiered July 13) About: This spin-off series, hosted by reigning champion Robert Irwin, is about finding the next Dancing With the Stars pro. It features Mark and Shirly Ballas as judges, with a rotating set of guests from the main show. The first week was Derek Hough, the second Brandon Armstrong. There were 12 dancers vying for a spot, with two eliminated in the premier and one last week. Each week we see the dancer...

 There weren’t any major wide releases this weekend in July, but there were a few interesting films. 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. The Dink (Apple TV) Starring: Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris Synopsis: We all have dreams and sometimes, they don’t work out. When that happens, it can haunt us for the rest of our lives. But what happens if you remain stuck in what might have been? Well, that’s the struggle for Dustin Boyd (Johnson) in The Dink. Dustin, once dubbed The Hammer, was a great tennis prospect. He rose quickly through the junior ranks with the tutelage of his father, Chuck (Harris). He finally turned pro and seemed poised to set the tennis world on fire. But his first matchup with a young Andy Roddick pushed him in another direction. Now, decades later, he’s a tennis pro at his father’s club. He has a best friend, PJ (Aaron Chen), is more of a devo...

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 : You misunderstand. It is true I chose not to feel anything upon realizing my own life was ending. As Admiral Pike was dying, I joined with his consciousness and experienced what he felt at the moment of his passing. Anger. Confusion. Loneliness. Fear. I had experiences those feelings before, multiplied exponentially on the day my planet was destroyed. Such a feeling is something I choose never to experience again. Nyota, you mistake my choice not to feel as a reflection of my not caring. Well, I assure you, the truth is precisely the opposite. Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013) Franchise Ranking : 7 Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Gr...

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 the start of a franchise. Ethan Hunt : Can I ask you something, Kittridge? If you're dealing with a man who has crushed, shot, stabbed, and detonated five members of his own IMF team, how devastated do you think you're gonna make him by hauling Mom and Uncle Donald down to the county courthouse? Mission Impossible Starring: Tom Cruise and Jon Voight Director: Brian De Palma About : It's almost hard to believe the Mission Impossible franchise began 30 years ago. It wrapped up (probably) with the eighth film just last summer. But this is the one that started it all. It began with Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a film with a style and story that ended up being radically different than what it became. De Palma took the reigns here and delivered a solid franchise film. There are some iconic sequences he...

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. Opening Title Card : "Modern Times." A story of industry, of individual enterprise - humanity crusading in the pursuit of happiness. Modern Times (1936) Original List Position : 81 Starring: Charlie Chaplin Director: Charlie Chaplin About: For the second time this month, we get a Chaplin film on the countdown. This one puts the focus on the industrial revolution and the changing scope of work in America, specifically factories and a changing economy. This one was a few places below City Lights on the original list, but while City Lights jumped way up a decade later, this rose just three spots to No. 78. And yet, I have it higher on my personal list. It...

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. Rhett Butler : Take a good look my dear. It's an historic moment you can tell your grandchildren about - how you watched the Old South fall one night. Gone With the Wind (1939) Original List Position : 4 Starring : Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh Director : Victor Fleming About : The year 1939 was an epic year for films. There are a number of iconic films from that year, and many of them ended up on this list. When you think of iconic American films, for many Gone With the Wind would be on the short list. It was No. 4 on the original list and fell only to No. 6 a decade later. It tells a sweeping story of people in the South before, during, and after the Civil W...

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 wide receivers. On the Roster : Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims, Jr., Lil Jordan Humphrey, Dane Key, Hakeem Butler, Michael Bandy, Cam Ross, Kolbe Katsis, and Joseph Manjack IV About: This is an area where the Broncos made a splash this off-season. The team made a big swing by acquiring Waddle, giving them a good weapon for the pass offense. That's in addition to a solid group of receivers. The Broncos now have one of the deepest, most talented units in the NFL. That's a luxury that could pay big dividends for the team during the season. It also means this will be a tough group to crack when it ...

This week's big release was Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. I share my thoughts below. You can keep up with everything I'm watching by following me @knighthawk7734 on Letterboxd. The Odyssey (Theaters) Starring: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway Synopsis : For centuries, people have been fascinated by The Odyssey. It’s an epic adventure story, following brave warrior Odysseus as he’s on a journey to get home. It’s a fraught and perilous journey, and it’s a fraught and perilous homecoming. But it’s an epic story that has inspired countless generations and inspired countless other epic stories. It makes sense that we’d return to that world and story, presenting the epic journey on the big screen. And there’s no filmmaker more daring in crafting epic big-screen adventures that Christopher Nolan. In his follow up to his Academy Award-winning biopic Oppenheimer, he’s adapting an even more ambitious project in The Odyssey, which has become one of the most anticipated f...

 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...