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Sunday, 19 July 2026

The No. 1 Comedy Movie of All Time Was Based on TV Show That Flopped

There have been plenty of films adapted from beloved television shows, but you wouldn't think a series that ran for six episodes--with only four being aired--would inspire a hit movie.

That's what happened with 1988's The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!," which was based on Police Squad!, a failed police spoof that ran on ABC from March 4 to July 8, 1982.

Police Squad! was a mega-flop, but The Naked Gun, with Leslie Nielsen reprising his TV role as police lieutenant Frank Drebin became a box-office smash and a critical success.

'A badge of honor'

Despite the abject failure of Police Squad!, the series' three creators--David and Jerry Zucker and their longtime buddy Jim Abrahams--were undeterred. After all, this is the same trio that came up with the 1980 comedy smash Airplane!, so there was some proof of concept.

“I refer to it as a failed TV show, but in a way, it’s a backhanded compliment,” said Robert Weiss, who produced both the series and the movie, to the Los Angeles Times in 1988.

“This is the best revenge a failed TV show could have: a loyal following that persists over six years. This is just desserts for us, to be able to do a movie of it,” Weiss added.

The Naked Gun, which was equipped with a $14.5 million budget, made that back greater than tenfold at the box office, pulling in a reported $152.4 million. It also drew positive critical reviews, and spawned three sequels.

The best comedy movie of all time?

That's what Variety argued in 2025 when it ranked The Naked Gun ahead atop its list of The 100 Best Comedy Movies of All Time.

"The glory of “The Naked Gun” is that it’s a shamelessly uninhibited, anarchically observational drive-by comedy that will make fun of anything: global autocrats, stodgy film noir dialogue, safe sex, a professional baseball game, food left in the refrigerator for too long," Variety wrote. "The entire movie is staged with a bombs-away joy, a sense of exaggeration so clever it’s nearly diabolical."

The outlet also offered high praise for Nielsen, who portrayed Drebin "as if he were channeling Jack Webb, Ronald Reagan and Moe Howard at the same time."

"He’s not trying to be outrageous; the inanity, and insanity, and calamity just drip right off him," Variety said. "In Frank, the destruction of all social norms, not to mention a fair amount of property, mingles with a fearlessly inept bravura."

If you want to watch The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, it is currently available for free on Pluto TV. You can also watch it as a subscriber on YouTube and Paramount+ and as a subscribers with an add-on on fuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV.

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REI's Cavernous 18-Liter Hiking Pack Is 50% Off in 3 Colors Right Now

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REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 Pack, From $40 (was $80)

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Why We Love This Deal

REI Co-op is running a sale that’s offering up to 50% off a ton of gear from big dogs like Patagonia and The North Face. Some of REI’s own gear is also part of the sale, making the already budget-friendly lineup of outdoor gear and apparel even more enticing. Thanks to this event, you can grab the retailer's own Ruckpack 18 for 50% off right now.

Normally priced at $80, the REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 Pack is down to $40 in the Iron Oxide, Jasper Green, and Raisin colorways. There are also two size options: XS-XL and XXL-4XL.

REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 Pack, From $40 (was $80) at REI

The REI Co-op Ruckpack 18 Pack.

Courtesy of REI

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What Shoppers Should Know

Material: 100% recycled nylon shell, recycled polyester lining, PFAS-free DWR finish
Capacity: 18 liters, 15-inch laptop sleeve (or hydration reservoir)
Features: Padded shoulder straps, air-mesh back panel, removable waist belt, adjustable sternum strap
Best For: Campus, day hikes, air travel, everyday commuting

This pack earns the “go-anywhere” label because it has most of the same features that serious hiking backpacks have. You get a padded, air-mesh back panel, adjustable shoulder straps (also padded), and a laptop sleeve that doubles as a hydration reservoir. It weighs about a pound and fits most airlines’ carry-on limits, making it a great travel and commuter backpack on top of its outdoor-ready capabilities.

One of the clearest comparisons here is Arc’teryx’s Mantis 16, which is admittedly a super cool pack, but it’s also triple the price of REI’s at $40, and has essentially the same baseline features. This is a hard gap to justify unless the branding and more technical fabric are what you’re after.

What Shoppers Are Saying

One helpful shopper wrote a lengthy review and opened it by saying, “If you're in the market for a sturdy, adaptable daypack, this is a good pick.” They ended the review by saying they’d “be happy using this for everything from air travel and around town commuting to day hikes and cragging.”

As for the comfort and carrying capacity, another reviewer said, “You can comfortably carry it for a long time. It has plenty of room for a snack, drink, extra layer, and binoculars or something.” A second shopper wrote, “Two years of use and this is the best pack I have ever owned.”

REI’s Ruckpack 18 Pack was already an incredibly solid basic hiking pack, but this sale makes it one of the best in the price range. So if you’re interested, you should grab one soon before the sale ends.

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Saturday, 18 July 2026

Merrell's 'Sturdy' Waterproof Tactical Hiking Shoes Are Nearly 50% Off Right Now

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Merrell Moab 3 Tactical Hiking Shoe, $70 (was $135)

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Why We Love This Deal

Merrell makes comfortable, durable footwear, everything from hiking boots and hiking shoes to rugged sandals. If you've ever wanted to try a pair, now is the time to do it: During Merrell’s Summer Sale, running through July 21, some of the brand’s absolute best shoes are available with huge discounts (if you know the secret code). The Moab 3 hiking shoe, the brand’s undisputed champion, is one of the most popular hiking shoes on the planet—and right now you can score a sturdy tactical version of that iconic model for nearly half off.

The Merrell Moab 3 Tactical is on sale for $70—that’s an amazing 48% discount from its normal price of $135. It has an initial markdown to $116; use code EXTRA40 at checkout to unlock the full deal. It’s available in a sleek blacked-out colorway, and there’s a huge size range in stock. This shoe also comes in a taller boot version, which is also on sale and eligible for the same discount code.

Merrell Moab 3 Tactical Hiking Shoe, $70 (was $135) at Merrell

Courtesy of Merrell

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What Shoppers Should Know

Colorways: 1
Upper: Synthetic mesh, leather
Midsole: Super Rebound Compound, Air Cushion
Outsole: Vibram TC5+ rubber

The Moab 3 Tactical is very similar to the beloved Moab 3. Both shoes feature the same basic upper design, with leather overlays across a synthetic mesh base, and the same midsole setup, with Super Rebound Compound cushioning, an Air Cushion heel, and a molded nylon shank. The midsole delivers good shock absorption and support; it’s not overly plush or soft, but it’ll protect your feet from rough ground. Both shoes also feature a lugged Vibram rubber outsole, which is the gold standard for off-road traction.

So what’s the difference? Well, first off, there’s the colorway: The Tactical’s all-black look makes it suitable for wearing with law enforcement uniforms and other work outfits. The Tactical’s upper also has a waterproof treatment (likely a DWR coating) that the regular Moab lacks. Finally, the Tactical also has an anti-odor treatment on the footbed—a welcome addition for those who’ll spend long days wearing these shoes for work.

What Shoppers Are Saying

Shoppers have left some high praise for this shoe. Many reviewers work in law enforcement or other jobs that require a lot of standing and walking, and they trust the Moab 3 Tactical to keep their feet comfortable and protected. Shoppers praised the shoe’s “very comfortable and sturdy” design, and one called it “the perfect tactical shoe for demanding work environments.” In fact, one longtime Merrell wearer said it’s “better built than the regular Moab.”

Anything with “Moab” in the product name is a hot seller at Merrell, and with this steep 48% discount in effect, this tactical version is going to sell even faster. Score yours now while there are still lots of sizes in stock.

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Huckberry's Rugged and Handsome Quilted Shirt Jacket Is 50% Off

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Why We Love This Deal

Right now is a great time to score a deal at Huckberry. Why? The retailer just launched its annual summer sale, giving its diehard customers up to 35% off everything from adventure shorts to Western shirts and even some gear from Barbour. Amazingly, some pieces from Fall 2025 are still on the site, and the discounts on those items are up to 50% off. One of them, a rugged shirt jacket, seems to have been restocked, and it would make a stellar pickup ahead of next season.

The Flint and Tinder Italian Moleskin Shirt Jacket is now on sale for $149, a steep 50% discount off its normal price of $298. It packs lightweight PrimaLoft insulation into a well-distributed quilted pattern that'll layer nicely over a fleece hoodie or work well as a standalone jacket you'll be able to wear into fall, though that may be hard to imagine at the moment.

Flint and Tinder Italian Moleskin Shirt Jacket, $149 (was $298) at Huckberry

The Flint and Tinder Italian Moleskin Shirt Jacket.

Courtesy of Huckberry

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What Shoppers Should Know

Style: Shirt jacket
Sizes: XS to 2XL
Materials: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane
Weight: 255 grams
Insulation: PrimaLoft

Even though this coat still remains relatively lighter in weight, it's tough enough for work. This is due in part to its premium Italian stretch moleskin, which is a dense, brushed cotton. It also combines traditional British quilting with lightweight PrimaLoft insulation to deliver warmth minus the bulk. It has two snap-flap chest pockets, snap cuffs, a curved hem, and brushed-cotton pockets that act like handwarmers.

This is perfect for daily commutes, errands, travel days, and casual dinners, and it's tough enough for manual work around the home on weekends (without making you overheat). It shines in the 40s to 50s on its own and can be layered in colder weather fairly easily. You can even wear it indoors without feeling bundled up.

Originally, we had mistaken this jacket for the Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket, which is long overdue for an update. That's not the case here. That jacket is waxed and has a lot of insulation packed into it for brutal days outside. This jacket, while quilted, is not waxed. Instead, we'd consider this a better option for cool days when you want something hardy without having to worry about scuffs or scrapes, which will only make it look cooler.

What Shoppers Are Saying

Moleskin is a soft cotton fabric that's known for being rugged and soft to the touch. But what is it like to wear? Well, one shopper said, "The moleskin material feels very luxe but is a little stiff at first. I expect it to wear in well." If you're facing a city commute or yard work, though, that may not be a bad thing.

When Flint and Tinder pieces hit discounts at half off, they sell lightning fast, and this moleskin shacket is probably headed for that same fate. Whichever color you pick, you can’t go wrong— just make sure you pick one before it’s too late.

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Arc'teryx's Grippy and Supportive Gore-Tex Hiking Boots Are a Rare 30% Off at REI

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Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX Hiking Boots, $140 (was $200)

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Why We Love This Deal

REI is gearing up for a big fall drop, and to do that, it's clearing out past-season styles to make space on its shelves. It's a natural part of retail, and every store has to do it, but what we didn't expect to see in the shuffle was the immense discounts on Arc'teryx gear. Arc'teryx jackets, along with the rest of the catalog, are notorious for not receiving major sales, but we've already clocked a dozen pieces or so between 30% and 40% off. One of them is this mid-top hiking boot. It's protective in more than one way, comes in four colors, and now it's $60 off.

The Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX Hiking Boots are on sale for $140, a 30% discount from their normal price of $200, and a better price than both Zappos and Arc’teryx are offering. These boots are available in white, tan, gray, and black, and many sizes are still available. Arc'teryx styles tend to sell out quickly once people find out about sales. Our rule of thumb: if you want one, get one now and return it later if it doesn't work.

Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX Hiking Boots, $140 (was $200) at REI

The Arc'teryx Kopec Mid GTX Hiking Boots in Canvas/Forage.

Courtesy of REI

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What Shoppers Should Know

Sizes Available: 8-13
Upper: 100% nylon Cordura
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex membrane
Midsole: EVA

Tough, protective, and grippy, the Kopec Mid GTX will be a reliable companion for off-pavement treks and serious backcountry hikes. These boots feature a notably sleek upper design, but it’s not just an aesthetic ploy: They’re made from ultra-durable 100% nylon Cordura fabric, which gives them superior abrasion resistance, and the mesh structure breathes well, too. In addition, a TPU overlay across the toe provides extra protection from rocks and brush. That upper is paired with a Gore-Tex membrane to block moisture, and padding around the ankle collar creates a snug fit.

It's not all tech and materials here, though—comfort is also everywhere to be found. There's a notably wide toe box on this boot that'll give your toes plenty of room to spread out and swell into. The midsole is made from dual-density EVA foams with a TPU shank to cushion your landings and support your foot, and on the bottom, the Kopec rides on a lugged Vibram outsole. Vibram rubber sets the standard for grip in the hiking world, and according to shoppers, these boots deliver a lockdown feel, even on loose, sketchy terrain.

What Shoppers Are Saying

In REI’s reviews section, shoppers pointed out several highlights on the Kopec Mid. Multiple reviewers praised the boot’s “great traction,” including one who wore them while summiting Mt. Whitney. Several others appreciated the Kopec Mid’s wide toe box, which gives your foot room to splay for a comfortable feel and extra stability.

And many shoppers loved the boot’s protection and low weight: One called the Kopec Mid “waterproof, comfortable, and light.” From dayhikes to more technical backcountry adventures, this is a shoe you can trust. It’s “guaranteed to carry you through any adventure,” as one shopper put it.

If you know Arc’teryx, you know the brand’s gear sells out lightning fast, especially when it’s on sale. The Kopec Mid is already nearly sold out in one 30% off colorway, and the other is sure to follow—grab yours ASAP if you want a pair.

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Friday, 17 July 2026

Matt Damon's Epic Net Worth Reveals the Odyssey of His Career

With the debut of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey,Matt Damon has officially taken on the biggest role of his life. But not just his life. The character Odysseus is, in some ways, the original hero, the star of Homer's epic poem that was first printed in a book in 1488, but taken from an oral story that goes back roughly to 750 BCE. And now, in the starring role of The Odyssey, Damon is larger than life, in more ways than one. Never a slouch in the fitness department, Damon's jacked physique for The Odyssey is impressive, even by Hollywood standards.

"It was the hardest movie I've ever done," Damon told Empire. "By far. Not even close." And that hard work came with a big payday. Reportedly, Damon earned $15 million to star in the film, which, oddly enough, may not even be his biggest salary for a single movie. Back in 2007, he earned $26 million for the action sequel The Bourne Ultimatum, which Vanity Fair reported in 2016 amounted to $1 million per line of dialogue spoken. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Damon's fortune, and at 55 years old, he shows zero signs of slowing down.

Here's how Matt Damon made his millions, starting with one very important big break, and what his net worth is now, as he rides high on the success of The Odyssey.

Matt Damon's Big Break

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in 1997.

Mitchell Gerber / Getty Images

Damon's story isn't exactly rags-to-riches. He went to college at Harvard, starting in 1988, though he didn't technically graduate. By 1992, he left school early to star in Geronimo: An American Legend, a movie that decidedly did not launch his career in a meaningful way. Still, Damon took other roles in films like 1996's Courage Under Fire, which cemented him as solid Hollywood talent.

However, it was the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, with a script co-written by Damon and longtime friend Ben Affleck, that changed everything. As the titular star of the film, Damon's charming turn as a math genius who happens to work as a janitor was an incredible moment. Co-starring with Affleck, Minnie Driver, and Robin Williams, Good Will Hunting earned rave reviews and earned Affleck and Damon an Oscar for Best Screenplay in 1998.

Would Damon be the incredible Hollywood stalwart had Good Will Hunting not happened? Maybe. Maybe not. But the notion that two young actors also wrote an Oscar-winning film is certainly a foundation for Damon's rise, and remains a huge part of his appeal.

Matt Damon's 2026 Net Worth

US actor Matt Damon (L), British-US director Christopher Nolan (C) and US actress Anne Hathaway (R) attend "The Odyssey" premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square in New York on July 14, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images)

According to sources like Celebrity Net Worth, Matt Damon's current net worth is $170 million. This mostly comes from his various, massive blockbuster hits, starting with Good Will Hunting in 1997, which earned $225 million at the box office worldwide. The following year, in 1998, Damon starred in Saving Private Ryan, which brought in $481 million.

More recently, Matt Damon starred in the 2015 film The Martian, based on the Andy Weir novel of the same name. Interestingly, before the release of The Odyssey in 2026, the biggest box-office hit of the year so far is another Weir novel, Project Hail Mary. While Damon is known for a variety of roles in various genres, The Odyssey, in some ways, represents his return to the status of a major leading man. Prior to this, he starred in two other Christopher Nolan films, 2023's Oppenheimer, in which he played General Leslie R. Groves, and 2014's Interstellar, where he played the surprise role of Dr. Mann, a treacherous astronaut.

With The Odyssey poised to break box office records, Damon's payday could be big. And it might mean an even bigger net worth in 2027.

Where to Watch Matt Damon's Best Movies

Paramount Pictures / Getty Images

Matt Damon has a ton of incredible films, running through nearly every genre imaginable. Here's where to catch just a few of his best films, from his start in the late 1990s, to his action hero heyday to today.

Mystic Pizza (Damon's first movie from 1988) streams on Tubi and YouTube.
Good Will Hunting (1997) streams on Pluto TV and Paramount+.
The Rainmaker (1997) is available for rental on YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, and elsewhere.
Chasing Amy (1997) streams on the Roku Channel.
Saving Private Ryan (1998) streams on Pluto TV.
Dogma (1999) is available for purchase on Apple TV and elsewhere.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1998) streams on Paramount+
Oceans Eleven (2001) streams on Peacock.
The Bourne Identity (2002) is available for rental on YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, and elsewhere.
The Departed (2006) streams on MGM+.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) is available for rental on YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, and elsewhere.
Interstellar (2014) streams on Hulu.
The Martian (2015) streams on AMC+.
Oppenheimer (2023) is available to rent on YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, and elsewhere.

The Odyssey is in theaters now.

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Thursday, 16 July 2026

Enjoy a Piece of American History With an Iconic, 35-Piece Lincoln Coin Collection for Only $35

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Men’s Journal and ShopHQ are both owned by the same parent company. Featured products are selected independently by the editorial team at Men’s Journal.

There's a reason U.S. coin sets are collectors' items. They are among the most historically significant of the many coin sets on the market. But perhaps the most iconic of the U.S. coin lineup is the Lincoln Penny. It's the first regularly circulated coin in America to feature a real person, introduced in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday.

Fortunately, this 35-Piece New Composition of the Lincoln Penny Collection includes 30 years of pennies, and it’s just $35 on ShopHQ. These coins could make a perfect addition to any coin enthusiast's collection, and they also make an easy, simple gift.

Use code "FREERETURN" at checkout to unlock your free return, just in case you change your mind.

35-Piece New Composition of the Lincoln Penny Collection, $35 at ShopHQ

The 35-Piece New Composition of the Lincoln Penny Collection.

Courtesy of ShopHQ

This set includes 35 coins that represent different stages of Abraham Lincoln’s life. Among the 35 coins, you'll also get the 2009 Bicentennial series coins, which represent the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent. The coins include nods to his birthplace in Kentucky, his professional life in Illinois, and his presidency in Washington, D.C, and more. Each coin in the set is also a genuine U.S. coin, meaning they were produced by the U.S. Mint and are not replicas.

The set also comes gift-ready in a streamlined display portfolio, with the pennies arranged by year. The portfolio is only about 8 inches long and 6 inches wide, so it will be easy to display on a bookshelf or table. It also comes complete with a certificate of authenticity and a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.

This 35-piece Lincoln penny collection is the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one who enjoys American history. Grab one for just $35.

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