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. 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...

  Pre-Season, Week 1 : Denver Broncos 27, Atlanta Falcons 7 Pre-Season Record: 1-0 (0-0 Home) Key Play : In the second quarter, with the Broncos already up 17-0, Jahdae Barron intercepted a pass from Cooper Rush and took it back 97 yards for a touchdown, putting the Broncos up 24-0 in the first half. Recap: The Broncos came into Friday's pre-season opener on a win streak in the pre-season. They hadn't lost a game in a few years, and nothing changed Friday night. The Broncos scored with the First Team/Starters, led by Jarrett Stidham, and ended up with a 24-0 lead after one half. The second half was slower, but the defense only allowed a single score, aided by a Broncos' turnover. The team cruised to victory and the streak is in tact. We got a look at some new players and it was a good start for the team's 2026 season. Game Balls: * Courtland Sutton . The veteran wasted no time showing he has the goods, catching three passes for 60 years. * Riley Moss and Jahdae Barron...

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...