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. Jake La Motta : I remember those cheers / They still ring in my ears / After years, they remain in my thoughts. / Go to one night / I took off my robe, and what'd I do? I forgot to wear shorts. / I recall every fall / Every hook, every jab / The worst way a guy can get rid of his flab. / As you know, my life wasn't drab. / Though I'd much... Though I'd rather hear you cheer / When you delve... Though I'd rather hear you cheer / When I delve into Shakespeare / "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse", I haven't had a winner in six months. Raging Bull (1980) Original List Position : 24 Starring : Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci Direc...

 The 2026 NFL Season is here, so it's time for my weekly picks. I'll make picks each week for winners and against the spread. Let's dive into Week 1. NFL Picks, Week 1: Seahawks Over Patriots Rams Over 49ers Bengals Over Buccaneers Lions Over Saints Jets Over Titans Colts Over Ravens Steelers Over Falcons Bears Over Panthers Jaguars Over Browns Bills Over Texans Raiders Over Dolphins Vikings Over Packers Eagles Over Commanders Chargers Over Cardinals Cowboys Over Giants Broncos Over Chiefs NFL Picks Spread, Week 1: Seahawks -3.5 Over Patriots Rams -2.5 Over 49ers Buccaneers +3.5 Over Bengals Saints +7.5 Over Lions Jets +3.5 Over Titans Colts +3.5 Over Ravens Steelers -3.5 Over Falcons Bears -2.5 Over Panthers Browns +7.5 Over Jaguars Bills -1.5 Over Texans Raiders -3.5 Over Dolphins Vikings +1.5 Over Packers Commanders +5.5 Over Eagles Cardinals +11.5 Over Chargers Cowboys -2.5 Over Giants Broncos +2.5 Over Chiefs

 Labor Day presented another packed weekend at the movies. If you’re looking for an option, there’s something for everyone at the theaters. Below is my take on the new release options this weekend. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. By Any Means (Theaters) Starring : Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg Synopsis : This new drama is based on a true story, taking the action back to the 1960s in Mississippi when change and progress came slowly. We focus on an FBI Agent, Wayne Strider (Abdul-Mateen), who is trying to make change. But that’s not easy in a place where he is viewed by many as lesser because of the color of his skin. When a friend is murdered, he takes it personally. When he’s offered a chance to work on a special task force, he jumps at the chance. But it turns out this special opportunity is to pair with an enforcer for the Mob (Wahlberg) who is brought to Mississippi to use extra-legal methods. Can they manage ...

 We’re into September, which means we’re rounding into the Fall TV Season. While it will be a few weeks until the full onslaught hits, there are still some new options to kickstart the month. But what of the new shows are worth checking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Fall. Tuesdays: The Varnell Hill Show, Streaming Tuesdays on Paramount+ (Premiered September 1) About : This new comedy feels like something out of a different era. And yet, it’s also a product of the streaming era in terms of the content of the series. It launched with a two-episode release on Tuesday, each running about a half an hour. It focuses on Tommy Davidson as Varnell Hill, a successful but aging host of a late-night talk show. He’s hesitant to move into the modern era, despite flagging ratings. But when he’s challenged by a new Executive Producer, and a new Network President, he has little choice but to look at adapting. The series is eight ...

  Now that we’ve talked about all the teams and previewed the action, it’s time to talk about the post-season. To wrap up the preview series, with the regular season set to begin tomorrow, I’m offering my fearless post-season predictions. Be sure to bookmark this and check back in January to see how things turn out. NFC Playoffs No. 1: Los Angeles Rams No. 2: Detroit Lions No. 3: Dallas Cowboys No. 4: New Orleans Saints No. 5: Seattle Seahawks No. 6: San Francisco 49ers No. 7: Chicago Bears About: Each year we get a team that goes from worst to first. This year, I’ve picked a couple teams I think will fit that bill. Both of them are here in the NFC. I also picked three teams that weren’t in the playoffs a year ago to win divisions, with four new division winners overall in the NFC. That might feel radical, but there are a lot of spots that were really close and could see a different outcome. I still think the NFC West is the best, with three teams again making the playoffs. This ti...

  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 powerful drama. Mayor John Pappas : We'll rebuild on the soul of this little warrior. We will pick up his standard and RAISE it high! Carry it forward until THIS CITY - YOUR CITY - OUR CITY - HIS CITY - IS A PALACE OF GOD! IS A PALACE OF GOD! I am with you, little James. I am you. City Hall Starring: Al Pacino, Bridget Fonda, John Cusack, and Danny Aiello Director : Harold Becker About : I am betting a few of you haven't seen this film. I know you're looking at the cast and wondering how you missed it. Despite being a loaded cast and a fairly entertaining film, this is something of a cult classic. It definitely feels of its time, with a very 1990s style and story. But it is a great cast with some great twists and turns built around an under-rated performance from Pacino. He delivers some ...