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 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 ...

  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. Jedediah Leland : I can remember everything. That's my curse, young man. It's the greatest curse that's ever been inflicted on the human race: memory. Citizen Kane (1941) Original List Position : 1 Starring : Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten Director : Orson Welles About: This film is an American classic. It's one of the great cinematic achievements, and it was No.1 on the original and revised list. It's a big part of the reason Welles remains revered. It was a daring film that was a risk that changed a lot of his career. I respect the film and I appreciate the film. I understand why it is a classic and I think it's something everyone shou...

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. Roy Neary: Just close your eyes and hold your breath and everything will turn real pretty. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Original List Position : 64 Starring : Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, and Melinda Dillon Director : Steven Spielberg About: Up until this summer, you would have said this was the definitive alien film from Spielberg. It's one of his early films, and a classic. He followed up with E.T. a few years after and then Disclosure Day this summer. But this one is a classic, and a great watch. I love Dreyfuss in this film. This film was originally No. 64 on the list, lower than where I have it by a fair bit, and didn't make it on the...

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 East. Let’s dive in! New England Patriots (13-4) About : The Patriots were a worst to first glamour story in 2025, making it all the way to the Super Bowl. Arguably the roster is better in 2026, with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs bolstering the passing game. But the schedule is harder, the spotlight is brighter, and the off-season was more tumultuous due to scandal surrounding the team's Head Coach. That presents a challenge. The Patriots are a good team, but a return to the Super Bowl is a tall order. Prediction : The team wins between nine and 11 games and makes a playoff push again. Buffalo Bills (12-5) About : The Bills were a good team that got jumped by the Patriots in the East and just missed out in the Divisional Round. Now, they've added...

There were a lot of viewing options this weekend. Below are my take on some new movie options to watch in theaters or at home. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Buddy (Theaters) Starring: Keegan Michael Key, Cristin Milioti, and Michael Shannon Synopsis: Have you ever watched Barney? Have you watched him as a gentle purple giant playing with and inspiring the kids. And while you were watching, did you ever wonder what would happen if Barney just lost it one day and turned on his co-stars? I wager if you’ve wondered that, you’re not alone. The makers of the new horror film Buddy likely had the same thought. Only they took that exploration a step further and brought the nightmare to life. In the film, Buddy (Key) is a cuddly, bright orange unicorn. He’s a friend to all the children and adults in his special place. When they call on his name, he’s there to help them and to help guide them through life. He does it all with a warm ...

  We made it to September, which is a curious time at the movies. There are films, some of which might be interesting, but it feels like the calm before the storm of Fall. Let's dive in. Wednesday, September 2: * Fall 2: Deadpoint (Theaters): Fall was a surprising hit for audiences and for me. Does it need a sort of non-connected sequel? It does not. * The Runner (Prime Video): The first of two films in September about running. This one is ON Prime Video and stars Gal Gadot. Stream away! Friday, September 4: * By Any Means (Theaters): A drama starring Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen seems intriguing. This trailer makes me think there's a reason it's being dumped on Labor Day Weekend. * Onslaught (Theaters): A sci-fi action film starring Adria Arjona. This has some potential to be fun but is probably being dropped Labor Day weekend for a reason. * Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Campus (Theaters): This new Tom & Jerry film is kind of sneaking up on us without much fan...