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. Marge Gunderson : [to Gaear] So, that was Mrs. Lundegaard on the floor in there. And I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper. And those three people in Brainerd. And for what? For a little bit of money? There's more to life than a little money, you know. Don'tcha know that? And here ya are, and it's a beautiful day. Well. I just don't understand it. Fargo Starring : Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, and William H. Macy Director : Joel and Ethan Coen About: This is a classic Coen Brothers tale, one that was nominated for Best Picture. This is a classic story and a classic set of performances. It inspired an anthology series on the small screen, too. I love McDormand and Macy in these roles, and the crime-gone-wrong motif that became so...

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. Sherif Ali : Truly, for some men nothing is written unless THEY write it. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Original List Position : 5 Starring : Peter O'Toole and Omar Sharif Director: David Lean About: This is an epic that has become a timeless classic for many. It landed at No. 5 on the original list and down to just No. 7 10 years later. It continues to endure and get theatrical screenings, finding new fans and audiences each year. I like the film and I appreciate the craft and the effort. I don't love it as much as some, which is why it's a bit lower for me. But Lean was a master craftsman, and this film is reflective of his great skill and care as a di...

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. Jefferson Smith : You see, boys forget what their country means by just reading The Land of the Free in history books. Then they get to be men they forget even more. Liberty's too precious a thing to be buried in books, Miss Saunders. Men should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say: I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't, I can, and my children will. Boys ought to grow up remembering that. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Original List Position : 29 Starring : Jimmy Stewart Director : Frank Capra About : It's largely regarded that 1939 was one of the great movie years. This film is part of what made ...

  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 NFC South. Let’s dive in! Carolina Panthers (8-9) About : The Panthers backed into the division title and the playoffs. Three teams finished tied, all one game under .500, and the Panthers were the tie-break winner. They lost in the Wild Card Round, but they made it. A lot of this season will depend on the continued evolution of Bryce Young and the offense. He has a true No. 1 receiver in Tet McMillan, but the rest of the offense has some questions. Last year seemed like the best-case scenario for the team. I don't know that they luck out again. Prediction : The Panthers will finish around the same place, with eight or nine wins, and likely be short of the playoffs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) About : The Buccaneers started hot and faded quickly. Inj...

  There were a lot of interesting films released the first weekend in August. Below is my take on the new movies I saw. You can keep up with everything I'm watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Cookie Queens (Limited) Synopsis : There is an activity that is practically a right-of-passage each Winter. It’s when Girl Scout Cookies go on sale. Many people wait all year for those few short weeks when those cookies will be available for purchase and mass consumption. But how much time do you spend thinking about those who are selling the cookies? The new documentary Cookie Queens follows a few Girl Scouts around the country as they embark on the annual tradition. Some are veterans who are trying to set new personal bests, some have a vested interest in using the fundraiser money for camp, and some are just getting started. But all of them are trying their best to peddle their wares at a fever pitch over a short span of time. The film follows a quartet of sellers, track...

The first part of August has been a robust time for new series as networks, streamers, and cable channels try to get in that last gasp of summer. But what of the 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: The annual Hard Knocks look at a team’s pre-season preparation begins, this time with the reigning Super Bowl champions. The first episode is about setting the stage for what’s to come, with the Seahawks being a successful team that’s relatively stable. The first episode celebrated the success of last year while getting ready for what’s to come. I enjoyed the peak behind the curtain, and I think this could be a fun installment. For fans of the NFL, this is what you’re looking to see! The series continues w...