Matt's Musings

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. Dicky Fox : Hey, I don't have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success. Jerry Maguire Starring: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Renee Zellweger Director : Cameron Crowe About: Another of the Best Picture nominees and another film that would probably have been a better winner. Either way, it's a film that endures in the culture more 30 years later than the winner. This is a classic and iconic performance from Cruise. It's a good drama with some memorable moments. Gooding is great as Rod Tidwell, too. But it's also a romantic film that works with different kinds of audiences. There is something about a Crowe film that speaks to the nature of man, introspec...

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. McMurphy : Get out of my way son, you're usin' my oxygen. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) Original List Position : 20 Starring : Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher Director : Milos Forman About: There are only three films in history that won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. This is one of them. That's rare air and this film certainly earns that. It's an iconic film in a lot of ways, even if it's not a fun watch because of the subject matter. It slid back to No. 33 in the re-done list a decade later. That's closer to my feeling on the film. I appreciate the performances and the way the s...

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. Laurie Henderson : [quoting from Curt] "It doesn't make sense to leave home to look for home, to give up a life to find a new life, to say goodbye to friends you love just to find new friends." American Graffiti (1973) Original List Position : 77 Starring : Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Charles Martin Smith, and Cindy Williams Director: George Lucas About: There are certain films that fall into the arena of rite-of-passage. That's certainly the case with American Graffiti. Four years before George Lucas changed science fiction, he offered this sweet, amusing, and timeless film about youth and a certain period of life. It landed a...

  We’ve made it to August, which means the NFL Season is just around the corner! Over the course of the month, I’ll be previewing each of the division races, looking at the teams in order of finish from 2025. Below, we continue with the AFC South. Let’s dive in! Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) About : The Jaguars had just about everything break right for them in 2025. The team got a career year from Trevor Lawrence, while the Texans struggled early and the Colts struggled late. The Jaguars won 13 games and surged into the playoffs, where they fell in the Wild Card Round to the Buffalo Bills. This off-season, the team lost Travis Etienne, who signed with the Saints. That leaves a hole in the backfield. I am not sold on Bhayshul Tuten as a workhorse, though there aren't a lot of options. In the passing game, there are questions around Brian Thomas, Jr., while Travis Hunter will be the team's starting corner, meaning a diminished role likely on offense. That could mean bigger things f...

 Some interesting films dropped for the middle of August. Below is my take on the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The End of Oak Street (Theaters) Starring: Ewan McGregor, Anne Hathaway, Maisy Stella, and Christian Convery Synopsis : Back in 2014, David Robert Mitchell created something fascinating in the horror genre. His film, It Follows, was unlike anything I had seen. That was the case for many, as it became something of a phenomenon. It put him on the map in a new way and became a cult classic in the horror genre. Now, 12 years later, he’s back with a new film that could do the same for the science fiction and adventure genre. It’s a film that bends expectations with a rich story, a cool concept, and some great performances. And it’s a gem to end the summer movie season. The End of Oak Street presents us with a typical American family. It’s near the end of summer in 1982, and on the surfac...

 We’re near the end of summer, and yet we’re still getting new series. As you’re spending the dog days of summer by the air conditioning, you might be wondering what 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: Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered August 4) About: This annual rite-of-passage is a way to get ready for the upcoming season. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation of the players and coaches. And usually, it’s about a team with a lot to prove. This year’s addition is following the Super Bowl champions, which gives it a different kind of feel. I really enjoyed the look at the Seahawks’ training camp and learning more about the behind-the-scenes process this off-season. Each installment is different and will likely appeal to fans of a...