Matt's Musings

  The year is drawing to a close...literally tonight. As we make our way toward 2022, I'm recounting my favorites of 2021. Today, that includes a look at my favorite TV Episodes of the season. The list below appears in ascending order, while my favorite Series list drops tomorrow. 10. Suddenly, Schmigadoon! episode 1.04, first aired July 30, 2021 Schmigadoon! was a series I loved, but I know not everyone was on the same page. This fourth episode took the characters in some new directions as they grew apart before coming back together. It also featured perhaps the most hilarious moment of the year as Melissa (Cecily Strong) taught reproductive anatomy to a clueless couple using a song made famous by Julie Andrews. 9. Carol of the Bells, Ted Lasso episode 2.04, first aired August 13, 2021 Who doesn't love a good Christmas episode? The second season of Ted Lasso featured some dark and emotional moments, but this was all about the warmth and joy of the season. I loved the episode a

This was a great and diverse year for films, and we saw that in the animated features and shorts presented, too. I saw a number of them and below are the five animated features that I liked best from 2021. The list appears in ascending order and, where possible, I listed where you can stream them. 5. Luca (Disney+): I didn’t love the story for this film but it was OK. What stood out to me was the beautifully crafted world created here. The stunning visuals mixed with a decent story was enough to make this a fun viewing experience. 4. Ron’s Gone Wrong (Disney+, HBO Max): This little animated tale didn’t draw as much fanfare as others, but it’s a solid adventure. It’s a story that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like a bit of an outsider. I enjoyed it quite a bit. 3. Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney+): This was one of the earliest features released in 2021 and still one of the best. I loved the creativity of the tale, and I enjoyed the lead character voiced by Kelly Marie Tran. If yo

  The year is almost over, so I’m doing all my due diligence. As a result, I’ve seen some great movies and some that weren’t as great. Here’s a look at the new films I saw this week. If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here . Bergman Island (VOD) Starring: Vicky Krieps, Tim Roth and Mia Wasikowska Synopsis: This drama is really about the creative process. It’s about a couple (Roth and Krieps) who are both filmmakers. They arrive on the island that inspired Ingmar Bergman for a retreat to work on their craft. They have vastly different approaches, and while he enjoys some creative success, she is stuck. She spends time trying to work through her story—which we see depicted with Wasikowska in the lead role. Finally, she figures it out as their time comes to an end and her husband arrives with their daughter. This was an interesting and quiet drama. At times I found it fascinating thanks to the work of Krieps. But, over

  It’s hard to believe, but 2021 is almost over. How has the year treated you? Well, I hope. The Fall has faded and Winter is around the corner. This will be the final roundup of new series for the Fall, but fear not! The Winter TV season begins Wednesday! But, as you’re possibly spending this week hanging around the house, you might be wondering about the new series that have debuted. Well, let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks! Streaming Series: Vigil, Now streaming on Peacock (Premiered December 23) About: There were only two new premiers this week, which figures given that it’s the holiday. As has so often been the case with Peacock since it launched, the streamer has gone back to the well and pulled out another foreign import series. Vigil is a cool sounding name that conjures plenty of possibility, but in this case it’s about a submarine called the

  Week 16 : Las Vegas Raiders 17, Denver Broncos 13 Season Record : 7-8 (4-4 Home) Key Play : In the third quarter with 10 minutes to go, Peyton Barber scored a touchdown to give the Raiders a 14-13 lead. They never looked back. Recap : This is how it ends, not with a bang but with a whimper. The whimper is the Broncos' offense. Vic Fangio couldn't find much nice to say, and that makes some sense. I was excited for Drew Lock to get his shot again in 2021 but it wasn't to be. Lock didn't turn the ball over but he simply didn't do much, period. The Broncos forced two fumbles and an interception but couldn't do anything with it, scoring just 13 points and finishing with just 140 passing yards and 18 rush yards. Something has to change. Denver has some good players but not enough to win these games that they need to win. The playoff dream has faded and an off-season of questions is just around the corner. I wouldn't be surprised if Denver fails to win another ga

  If you’re like me, you love a good documentary. In 2021, I saw more than 70 documentary features and shorts for the first time, including a fair number that contended in the last Academy Awards. As 2021 draws to a close, we’re looking back at the year’s best. As such, I’m presenting my Top 5 documentaries from the year. This focuses only on films eligible for the 2022 Academy Awards. My Top 5 appear below in ascending order and, where possible, I’ve included a place to watch them. 5. Woodstock 99: Peace, Love and Rage (HBO Max): This documentary was the first of the Music Box series released by HBO Max and produced by Bill Simmons. Previously, Simmons helped create the 30 For 30 series for ESPN, bringing that same passion and storytelling to stories about music. There have been some great ones in the series, but this first film, telling the story of the Woodstock Festival in 1999, really captured my attention. I was drawn into the stories of those who experienced it and thought th

  Merry Christmas. If you're like me, you're enjoying some space to breathe and, naturally, a few Christmas films. Below are my Top 10 seasonal films. There might be a few surprises! 10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) : A Rankin-Bass classic. The story of Rudolph is fun and iconic with a number of seasonal songs. I love that little animated reindeer. 9. Home Alone (1990): Another classic, this one from John Hughes. Macaulay Culkin is great as Kevin in a story that's a lot of fun. 8. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) : Maybe not a conventional choice, but this one from Shane Black is a fun detective story. I love Robert Downey, Jr., and Val Kilmer in these roles and the overall story and humor. 7. It's A Wonderful Life (1946) : An American classic, Jimmy Stewart does a nice job in the lead role here in a story that perfectly captures the hope of the season. 6. A Christmas Story (1983) : A classic tale. Little Ralphie and his Christmas journey is full of iconic moments t

Merry Christmas. Here in Colorado, it's been a windy one, both last night and this morning. And yet, what blows me away is the passage of another year and the richness of time with friends and family this year, making memories and celebrating being together. After a year where we were mostly apart, 2021 has been a nice time to come together. We continue to live through a strange time, but I continue to be grateful for all the Lord has blessed me with this year. I hope, on Christmas Eve, you feel the same.  I pray that each of you finds the joy and wonder of this season at some point the next few days. It's Christmas, and no matter who is around the table or under the tree, this celebration is about something bigger. Something Linus helped share with us in my favorite Christmas film, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Now, as has been my tradition, I'll share that passage below. Charlie Brown : Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about? Linus Van Pelt

  Week 15 produced some interesting results. I did OK, going 10-6 to maintain a lead over Lindsay. However, in our MCDI staff pool, I’m now in second place. Time to right that wrong! Matt’s Picks: 49ers Over Titans Packers Over Browns Colts Over Cardinals Falcons Over Lions Ravens Over Bengals Rams Over Vikings Bills Over Patriots Jets Over Jaguars Eagles Over Giants Buccaneers Over Panthers Chargers Over Texans Seahawks Over Bears Chiefs Over Steelers Broncos Over Raiders Cowboys Over Washington Saints Over Dolphins Last Week : 10-6 Season: 139-84 Lindsay’s Picks: Titans Over 49ers Packers Over Browns Cardinals Over Colts Falcons Over Lions Ravens Over Bengals Rams Over Vikings Bills Over Patriots Jets Over Jaguars Eagles Over Giants Buccaneers Over Panthers Chargers Over Texans Seahawks Over Bears Chiefs Over Steelers Raiders Over Broncos Washington Over Cowboys Saints Over Dolphins Last Week : 8-8 Season : 139-91

  Here’s a look at the new films I saw this week. If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here . American Underdog (Opens December 25) Starring: Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin and Dennis Quaid Synopsis: This film opens wide on Christmas Day but I caught and advance screening last weekend. It’s a biopic on Kurt Warner, the quarterback who led the Rams to back-to-back Super Bowls and was later inducted into the Hall of Fame. But his story isn’t easy. It’s an inspirational story of struggle, triumph and faith. Levi plays Warner, and Paquin stars as his wife, Brenda. The film picks up with Warner as a quarterback and Northern Iowa University. He struggles to get on the field, but when he does, he shines. Yet, Warner gets no interest in the NFL draft. Soon, he’s working at a local grocery store to support his family when he gets a shot in the Arena League. He parlays great play with the Iowa Barnstormers to a shot with the St. Lou

  It’s Christmas week, and you might find yourself looking for some distractions in the form of new shows to check out. But which are worth checking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new shows this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: American Auto, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC (Premiered December 13) About: A lot was made of the fact NBC, former home of Must-See TV, launched a schedule this Fall with no sitcoms. NBC isn’t planning to do the same in the winter, and they got a jump start to close the year, offering two-episode previews of a pair of new sitcoms that will begin their normal runs in January. The first, American Auto , comes from Superstore creator Justin Spitzer and centers on a new CEO (Ana Gasteyer) at a car company. She doesn’t come from the world of cars but is trying to effect positive changes. I thought the first two episodes were funny and definitely filled the Superstore vibe. I

  Week 15 : Cincinnati Bengals 15, Denver Broncos 10 Season Record : 7-7 (4-4 Home) Key Play : In the third quarter, with the Broncos leading 10-9, Joe Burrow connected with Tyler Boyd on a 56-yard touchdown strike to regain the lead. The Bengals held on to win. Recap: The Broncos played well at times in a tough, hard-fought game. But as is so often the case, there wasn't enough offense to win. That leaves the Broncos at 7-7, now in 13th place in the AFC. Only seven teams make the playoffs. The Broncos face the Raiders, Chargers and Chiefs to close the season. Three wins would get them in. Is it possible? I'm not sure. Teddy Bridgewater, off his second concussion, is likely to miss Sunday. That means that Drew Lock will get a chance to show what he can do. I hope it's more like what we saw on the touchdown drive and he can avoid the kind of turnover that cost Denver on Sunday. Game Balls: * Tim Patrick. The receiver caught three passes for 42 yards and the Broncos' lo

  After a year without, we got plenty of Marvel Cinematic Universe action in 2021. We got four feature films and five series on Disney+. Now that all of the 2021 offerings are out, it's time to look back and offer a ranking. I'll split them as Films and TV, then offer a complete look at the nine in order at the bottom. MCU TV Series: 5. What If...? This was an interesting animated series that looks at the potential of what would have changed in these stories we know if a small element had changed. One decision. One action. Big consequences. It looks like this might end up tying into the live-action world in 2022, which is interesting. But, overall, it didn't totally work for me. 4. Loki. I love Tom Hiddleston's take on the character, and this was a fun and well-crafted series. It lands where it does on the list for me because I didn't have as strong an emotional connection to the characters and the world here. I am excited to see how it ties into what comes next. 3

  The latest Spider-Man is out (I'm seeing it today). Before we consider where it ranks, here's my take on the first eight Spider-Man movies released the since 2002. The list appears in ascending order. 8. Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) About: This was the second of the franchise fronted by Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. I initially liked the idea but let’s just say the franchise didn’t work for me… at all. Anyway, this one featured Jamie Foxx as the villain and, honestly, it’s dreadful. Everyone was capable of better. 7. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) About: This was the kick-off of the Garfield franchise. I liked the casting of Sally Field and Martin Sheen, and I wanted to like Garfield and Stone, but it just didn’t work. This one isn’t as bad as the sequel but it’s not great. In fact, I like to forget the Garfield era entirely. 6. Spider-Man 3 (2007) About: This was the final film in the trilogy from Tobey Maguire and director Sam Raimi. This film is overly long and sp

  I had one of my best weeks of late in Week 14, going 11-4 to build upon my lead. There’s four weeks left, can I hold it? Let’s find out. Matt’s Picks: Chiefs Over Chargers Browns Over Raiders Colts Over Patriots Bills Over Panthers Dolphins Over Jets Washington Over Eagles Cardinals Over Lions Cowboys Over Giants Steelers Over Titans Jaguars Over Texans Broncos Over Bengals 49ers Over Falcons Packers Over Ravens Rams Over Seahawks Buccaneers Over Saints Vikings Over Bears Last Week : 11-3 Season : 129-78 Lindsay’s Picks: Chargers Over Chiefs Patriots Over Colts Panthers Over Bills Dolphins Over Jets Cardinals Over Lions Cowboys Over Giants Steelers Over Titans Jaguars Over Texans Bengals Over Broncos Falcons Over 49ers Packers Over Ravens Buccaneers Over Saints Raiders Over Browns Bears Over Vikings Eagles Over Washington Rams Over Seahawks Last Week : 9-5 Season : 124-83

  There are only four weeks left in the NFL's regular season and still plenty to be decided, especially in a wild AFC. Without any dominant AFC teams, I think the race for NFL MVP will likely come down to a couple key players in the NFC Race. Below are the three I think have the best shot at earning the award. 1. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Every year we think someone else is going to displace Tom, or he's going to fall of, and yet he just keeps putting up wins and numbers. I suspect the Buccaneers will be the No. 1 seed when it's all said and done. 2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers . Rodgers was the talk of the off-season, and even some of the regular season, but he just keeps plugging along. The Packers have been great, and Rodgers has looked like an MVP. 3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams . Stafford was my pre-season pick and he's the one I'm pulling for. He's looked like a star in Los Angeles and I think he could be the surprise winner here, espec

  Here’s a look at the new films I saw this week, including the Hallmark Christmas Movie Corner. If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here . Adrienne (HBO Max) Synopsis: The story of actress Adrienne Shelley is a tragedy. She was murdered by a thief in her apartment office just before achieving one of her biggest career successes with the film Waitress . At first, her death appeared to be a suicide but her husband, Andy Ostroy knew it couldn’t be true. He pushed authorities to investigate and found justice for his wife and his then-two-year-old daughter. In the new documentary, Adrienne , Ostroy shares the story of himself, his daughter and Shelley’s family as they come to terms with her loss and explore her legacy years later. It’s a loving tribute to her as a performer, but more importantly it focuses on what she brought to her family as a loving wife, mother and daughter. It’s at times quite poignant, including when