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. Cosmo Brown: Lina. She can't act, she can't sing, she can't dance. A triple threat. Singin' in the Rain (1952) Original List Position : 10 Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds Director: Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen About: When you think about musicals, Singin' in the Rain is the first one that comes to mind. The songs are iconic, as are the visuals and the moments. It's an incredibly popular film that has endured for generations. The film landed at No. 10 on the original list then moved up to No. 5 on the revised list. I don't have it quite as high, but I love the film and what it achieves as an iconic mus...

 I'm still going strong and remaining above .500 in both sets of picks. Let's keep it up! NFL Picks, Week 7: Bears Over Patriots Saints Over Steelers 49ers Over Falcons Browns Over Titans Vikings Over Colts Jets Over Dolphins Panthers Over Buccaneers Bengals Over Ravens Texans Over Giants Broncos Over Cardinals Lions Over Packers Rams Over Raiders Seahawks Over Chiefs Cowboys Over Eagles Last Week : 8-6 Season: 53-39 NFL Picks Spread, Week 7: Bears -2.5 Over Patriots Saints +3.5 Over Steelers 49ers -3.5 Over Falcons Browns -1.5 Over Titans Vikings -6.5 Over Colts Jets -4.5 Over Dolphins Panthers -3.5 Over Buccaneers Giants +9.5 Over Texans Bengals +2.5 Over Ravens Cardinals +4.5 Over Broncos Lions -2.5 Over Packers Raiders +4.5 Over Rams Seahawks -2.5 Over Cheifs Cowboys -4.5 Over Eagles Last Week : 7-7 Season : 49-44

 We got a fun, new documentary this week, as well as some streaming options. Below are my takes on the new films I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Sacrifice (Netflix) Starring : Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Evans, and John Malkovich Synopsis: This new farse first debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival—in 2025. So, it was more than a year later it got wide distribution on Netflix. That seems odd for a film with a high-profile cast. But it’s a strange story. It centers on an environmental gathering for the wealthy some eco-terrorists break in and take hostages. It’s all part of a plan to make a sacrifice so that a volcano doesn’t erupt and kill the world. It’s a wild premise and it doesn’t turn out quite as well as I’d have hoped. There was potential here, and this is a watchable one, but it’s not as strong as it could be. Rating: Rated R for some bloody violence, and language including some sexual ref...

 We’re making our way through October, which has left us with plenty of new series to check out. But what of these new shows are worth fitting into your busy Fall schedule? Let this weekly post be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new shows this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: NCIS: New York, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on CBS (Premiered October 6) About : This new spin on NCIS brings back Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) and pairs him with feisty New Yorker Nick Schaffer (Scott Caan) to solve crimes. It’s a simple enough set up with an expanded cast that includes Jennifer Beals, among others. If you’ve been a fan of other NCIS series, or just a good CBS crime drama, this is in your wheelhouse. It’s not anything new, but it’s pretty fun at times. The cases so far seem fairly entertaining, and it creates a solid block on Tuesdays. Pilot Grade : C+ Second Episode : C+ VisionQuest, Streaming Tuesdays on Disney+ (Premiered October 13) About: ...

  Week 6 : Denver Broncos 17,  Seattle Seahawks 14 Season Record : 4-2 (3-0 Home) Key Play : In overtime, with the score tied 14-14, Sam Darnold's pass was intercepted by Ja'Quan McMillian, ending the Seahawks' drive. That led to the game-winning field goal. Recap : It wasn't pretty but it was a win. It feels like that is what we say every week. And that's becoming a problem. Bo Nix is the best quarterback the Broncos have had since Peyton Manning. He's also become unwatchable. There are theories about the playcalling or him being injured. Whatever it is, there is a struggle. The offense looked OK in the first half, at least scoring 14 points to build an 11-point lead. But in the second half and overtime, it was painful to move the ball a single yard. The Broncos were shut out in the second half and were frankly lucky to win, again. If it was only against a good Seahawks team, you'd dismiss it. But that has been the case in all six games this season, and in ...

  It's hard to believe, but 1991 was 35 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1991 that are turning 35 in 2026. Today, it's a classic comedy. Bob Wiley : [speaking to workers in a mental hospital] It reminds me of my favorite poem, which is, "Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm a schizophrenic... and so am I!" What About Bob? Starring: Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss Director: Frank Oz About: On the rewind I always try to capture classic films that are remembered from the year of release. But I don't always love the movies that are selected. That's the case with this comedy, which has never been one of my movies. But it is a classic, and it is a film that has really landed with many long-time Bill Murray fans. And I get it. The story is wild and the performances match. I think this is a quality film comedy and it's certainly one that has endured, whether it's a personal favorite or not!

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. Narrator : This was the story of Howard Beale: The first known instance of a man who was killed because he had lousy ratings. Network (1976) Original List Position: 66 Starring: Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall, William Holden, and Peter Finch Director: Sidney Lumet About: This is a classic film that challenges our conceptions in a lot of ways. As someone who is a fan of journalism films, this has long stood out. It's a fairly wild story with a great cast and some great performances. But it certainly makes you think, too. This was among the handful of films I had at the top of the heap for the decade of the 1970s, and it makes sense that it landed on this list. T...

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. Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi : In my experience, there's no such thing as luck. Star Wars (1977) Original List Position: 15 Starring : Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Alec Guinness Director: George Lucas About: There are films that make a long-term impact on the culture. Star Wars is that movie. It changed so much about cinema and remains a classic. I love the film and I love the franchise. It's amazing what Lucas was able to do and how he opened up film. It landed as No. 15 on the original list, moving up to No. 13 a decade later. It's not quite as high on my list, but it's still a movie I love and have seen many, many times.  

  Week 5 of the NFL Season was wild, for picks and results. Let's see if Week 6 is more predictable! NFL Picks, Week 6: Seahawks Over Broncos Jaguars Over Texans Bears Over Falcons Ravens Over Browns Colts Over Titans Patriots Over Jets Giants Over Saints Panthers Over Eagles Steelers Over Buccaneers Rams Over Cardinals Chiefs Over Chargers Bills Over Raiders Packers Over Cowboys 49ers Over Commanders Last Week : 8-6 Season : 45-33 NFL Picks Spread, Week 6 : Seahawks -2.5 Over Broncos Jaguars -2.5 Over Texans Bears -2.5 Over Browns Browns +4.5 Over Ravens Titans +6.5 Over Colts Patriots -7.5 Over Jets Giants +1.5 Over Saints Panthers +1.5 Over Eagles Steelers -2.5 Over Buccaneers Rams -12.5 Over Cardinals Chiefs -8.5 Over Chargers Bills -5.5 Over Raiders Packers -1.5 Over Cowboys 49ers -7.5 Over Commanders Last Week: 7-8 Season: 42-37

 We had some high-profile projects drop this week at the movies. 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. Animals (Netflix) Starring: Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, and Gillian Anderson Synopsis: This is a new drama for Netflix co-written, directed by, and starring Affleck. He’s an LA Mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped. Except it wasn’t his son, it was another boy who was mistaken for his son. Now that boy is being held for ransom, forcing him to make some potentially costly decisions. If that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s essentially the plot of High and Low, a classic Akira Kurosawa film. That film was already re-made by Spike Lee and Denzel Washington last year. That re-make was OK but lacked the pop of the original. This one makes some changes to the basic plot and especially to the ending, and it’s another in a line of diminishing returns. Affleck is fine here as ...

 We’re into October and we’re getting the full-on flood of new shows, including the heart of the Network TV season. 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 shows this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: Private Eyes: West Coast, Mondays at 8 p.m. on The CW (Premiered October 5) About : This new series is a spin-off of a previous series. The show retains the same leads—Jason Priestly and Cindy Sampson—but moves from Toronto to Vancouver and changes the set up a bit. It some light, enjoyable entertainment. The cases are breezy and the rapport between the leads works well enough. If you were a fan of the original, or are a fan of Canadian dramedies, this will be for you. Pilot Grade : C+ Second Episode : C+ Tuesdays: NCIS: New York, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on CBS (Premiered October 6) About: This is the latest in the NCIS universe, but it’s relying a ...

Week 5: Denver Broncos 23, Los Angeles Chargers 17 Season Record: 3-2 (2-0 Home) Key Play: In the fourth quarter, with time winding down and the Broncos leading 20-17, Justin Herbert threw and interception to Brandon Jones on fourth down. The play allowed the Broncos to milk the clock and kick a field goal to push the lead to six points. Recap: Sean Payton took over the playcalling because there was "meat left on the bone" with the offense. It didn't look like an improvement on Sunday. The team looked lost for most of the game, then used some Special Teams and defensive intensity to manage a comeback and a win. I'm not sure winning is the best thing for this team. Don't get me wrong, I like to win. But this team played badly. They look bad. And getting a win feels like a reward for bad behavior. That's not the kind of football that helps you get to and win in the playoffs. This team feels lost and the offense feels like a mess. A Thursday matchup with the Sea...

It's hard to believe, but 1991 was 35 years ago. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be looking at some stand out films from 1991 that are turning 35 in 2026. Today, it's a classic comedy. Mitch Robbins : Value this time in your life kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have your choices, and it goes by so quickly. When you're a teenager you think you can do anything, and you do. Your twenties are a blur. Your thirties, you raise your family, you make a little money and you think to yourself, "What happened to my twenties?" Your forties, you grow a little pot belly you grow another chin. The music starts to get too loud and one of your old girlfriends from high school becomes a grandmother. Your fifties you have a minor surgery. You'll call it a procedure, but it's a surgery. Your sixties you have a major surgery, the music is still loud but it doesn't matter because you can't hear it anyway. Seventies, you and the wife 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. Forrest Gump : My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." Forrest Gump (1994) Original List Position : 71 Starring: Tom Hanks, Sally Field, and Robin Wright Director : Robert Zemeckis About: This was a big movie for me when I was in high school. I remember seeing it on the big screen. It was a sensation. It even altered the kind of projects we did in school. It will always hold a special place for me because I remember that experience. But as an adult, I appreciate the craft and storytelling. It's epic and crowd-pleasing. It was No. 71 on the original list, slipping to No. 76 a decade later....

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. Henry Hill : [Narrating] As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster. Goodfellas (1990) Original List Position : 94 Starring : Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci Director : Martin Scorsese About : Scorsese has been a fixture on this list. We've seen him deliver masterpieces in different decades and genres. That's the case with Goodfellas, which is another of his signature films. It was No. 94 on the original list, moving to No. 92 just 10 years later. I have it significantly higher, and I have it as my highest of his films on this list. It's a very different kind of mafia movie than The Godfather , and yet it feels like the c...

 We've made it to Week 5 of the NFL Season. It was another mediocre week for me. Let's see if I can do better this week. NFL Picks, Week 5: Cowboys Over Buccaneers Jaguars Over Eagles Texans Over Titans Bengals Over Dolphins Patriots Over Raiders Vikings Over Saints Browns Over Jets Steelers Over Colts Giants Over Commanders Bears Over Packers Broncos Over Chargers Lions Over Cardinals Seahawks Over 49ers Falcons Over Ravens Rams Over Bills Last Week : 8-8 Season : 37-27 NFL Picks Spread, Week 5: Cowboys -9.5 Over Buccaneers Jaguars -6.5 Over Eagles Texans -6.5 Over Titans Bengals -6.5 Over Dolphins Raiders +3.5 Over Patriots Vikings -1.5 Over Saints Browns +2.5 Over Jets Steelers -2.5 Over Colts Giants +2.5 Over Commanders Bears -2.5 Over Packers Broncos -3.5 Over Chargers Lions -4.5 Over Cardinals Seahawks -2.5 Over 49ers Falcons +2.5 Over Ravens Rams -2.5 Over Bills Last Week : 10-6 Season : 35-29

 It’s another loaded week at the movies including two hotly anticipated releases. 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. Digger (Theaters) Starring: Tom Cruise, John Goodman, and Riz Ahmed Synopsis: There have been plenty of films where the performance of the star overshadowed the film itself. That almost seems to be the plan with Digger, which built all of its first marketing campaigns around star Cruise, and his history on the silver screen. And it turns out that is for good reason. The film comes from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who has delivered some challenging and unique films in the past. This film fits that mold well and may well be the starring vehicle needed to propel its star into the Oscar conversation. The film defies description in some ways. It focuses on Digger Rockwell (Cruise), an oil tycoon whose empire is built on mining in the far reaches of the globe. But that...

 We’re into October and the thrust of the Network Fall premiers are upon us. That combined with everything else leaves a flood of new viewing options. So, which new series are worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: Private Eyes: West Coast, Mondays at 8 p.m. on The CW (Premiered October 5) About : In recent years, The CW has shifted the bulk of its original programming to international series, most often from Canada. That’s the case with this new detective series, part of a Canadian-themed Monday night. And this one is itself a spin-off. The Original series was set in Toronto and kicked off in 2016, running five seasons. Now, a few years later, the stars Jason Priestly and Cindy Sampson are back, dealing with being new parents and trying to get back in the game now on the West Coast of Canada in Vancouver. All of it is a little harmless fu...

Week 4: San Francisco 49ers 24, Denver Broncos 14 Season Record: 2-2 (2-0 Home) Key Play: In the fourth quarter, with the 49ers leading 17-14, Brock Purdy connected with George Kittle on a 56-yard touchdown strike to put the game away. Recap: This one was tough. The Broncos' offense is just not consistent and, often, not good. We have endured unbelievably slow starts. The running game is non-existent. And Bo Nix is all over the place. Still, if not for a Special Teams turnover in the second half and some of the injuries (including Pat Surtain and Riley Moss), the Broncos could have pulled it off. The team is 2-2, having played a brutal early schedule. The two teams that have beaten the Broncos are both unbeaten. Their wins are over the 3-1 Jaguars and 2-2 Rams. So, it's not a terrible start. But the team is in third place in the AFC West, and things won't get any easier. Missing Pat Bryant, Surtain, and others will be a challenge. But this offense needs to find some legs...

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 1991. Films from 1991 are turning 35 years old in 2026, and when you look at the list it feels hard to believe some of these titles are 35 years old. In this set I'll be looking at 12 films, an interesting mix of smaller films and blockbusters, that stand out now 35 years after their release. Check back each Sunday through the end of the year 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. Norman Bates : She might have fooled me, but she didn't fool my mother. Psycho (1960) Original List Position : 18 Starring : Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh Director: Alfred Hitchcock About: This list is no stranger to Hitchcock. We've seen some of his films already, and we're not done. But this might be his most iconic. Arguably it serves as a template for slashers, which would really take off nearly two decades later. But it's also a deeply terrifying tale about someone who has lost his grip on the world and reality. It was No. 18 on the original list and moved to No. 14 10 years later. It's a film that has a great impact on the culture, st...

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. Jules: If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions. Pulp Fiction (1994) Original List Position : 95 Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, and Uma Thurman Director: Quentin Tarantino About: This is a fascinating film. It's probably the first real one that put Tarantino on the map. While Reservoir Dogs gets some credit, this elevated things to an Oscar level. The film was 95 on the original list and 94 10 years later. I like it significantly more than that. I'm probably more of a Tarantino fan than the typical AFI member, but I remember this film and the impact it had on the culture and my generation. That gives it a so...

 Week 3 saw me fall off my steady pace. Let's try to get back on track in Week 4. NFL Picks, Week 4: Steelers Over Broncos Colts Over Commanders Bills Over Patriots Bears Over Jets Bengals Over Jaguars Cardinals Over Giants Rams Over Eagles Packers Over Bengals Ravens Over Titans Cowboys Over Texans Vikings Over Dolphins Raiders Over Steelers Broncos Over 49ers Seahawks Over Chargers Lions Over Panthers Saints Over Falcons Last Week : 7-9 Season: 29-19 NFL Picks Spread, Week 4: Steelers -2.5 Over Browns Commanders +3.5 Over Colts Bills -7.5 Over Patriots Bears -3.5 Over Jets Bengals -2.5 Over Jaguars Cardinals -1.5 Over Giants Rams -2.5 Over Eagles Buccaneers +3.5 Over Packers Titans +11.5 Over Ravens Cowboys +2.5 Over Texans Dolphins +11.5 Over Vikings Raiders +4.5 Over Chiefs Broncos +2.5 Over 49ers Seahawks -6.5 Over Chargers Panthers +3.5 Over Lions Falcons +2.5 Over Saints Last Week : 7-9 Season : 25-23