Matt's Musings

  The first draft of the Sean Payton era is in the books. The Broncos entered the draft with five picks, none in the First or Second Round. They ended up making five picks, but that came as the result of a number of trades. Let's take a look at what they got. Second Round: Marvin Mims, WR Oklahoma About: On paper receiver doesn't seem like a need. It probably isn't, but the long-term future of Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and K.J. Hamler seem to be in some doubt. So, the Broncos traded up to grab Mims. I like the player and the potential. It might not have a major year one impact, but Mims could be a part of what Payton wants to do on offense. Third Round: Drew Sanders, ILB Arkansas About: Linebacker has seemingly been a need for a while. I like the tandem of Alex Singleton, who was re-signed, and Josey Jewell in 2022. But you always need depth. Sanders, who has range enough to play all over the field, provides that. This feels like a great pick that fills a need for the

Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Hank McCoy : What if, whatever we do can't be changed? What if Raven will kill Trask anyway? What if that is who she is? Charles Xavier: Just because someone stumbles and loses their path, doesn't mean they're lost forever. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Peter Dinklage Director: Bryan Singer About: This follow up to the re-boot series moved the story to the 1970s, but also to the future. It brought together the original cast and original series director along with the reboot cast for something bigger to reset the X-Men story. We've seen this kind of thing before, but often in a hand off of sorts. In Star Trek, we got

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Hammond Commission Spokesman: Ladies and gentlemen, you've been invited here today for the official announcement of the inquiry into the death of George Hammond. A complete transcript of the investigation is in preparation. This committee has spent nearly six months of investigation, followed by eleven weeks of hearings. After careful deliberation, it is concluded that George Hammond was assassinated by Joseph Frady. An overwhelming body of evidence has revealed that Frady was obsessed with the Carroll assassination, and in his confused and distorted state of mind seems to have imagined that Hammond was responsible for the senator's death. He was equally convinced that Hammond was somehow plotting to kill him. And it is for th

  “We all know football is life, but a beautiful life is total football.” — Coach Beard After last week’s trip to Amsterdam, it’s clear that the players for Richmond are changed. The coaches are changed. And everyone close to the team is changed. But will it be enough to stem the tide of their losing streak against Arsenal? That’s the question facing Ted (Jason Sudeikis) as he implements his vision for Total Football. It starts with a history lesson from Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt). Still, that does little to inspire the troops, who are worried about learning a brand-new play style in a week before facing a team like Arsenal. Nevertheless, Ted persists. Over a series of hilarious practices, he shakes the players out of their comfort zone. It often has some interesting results. Like when Isaac (Kola Bokinni) fires a corner kick into Higgins (Jeremy Swift) office window. Or, when Roy (Brett Goldstein) decides the players need to learn teamwork by tying strings around their penis and tying

  This fourth full weekend of April has featured a number of streaming releases. Below is my take on these new streaming release options.  Ghosted (Apple TV+) Starring: Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, and Adrien Brody Synopsis: The latest from Apple TV+ is an action romance built around an unlikely meet-cute and an international adventure. We start with Cole (Evans) coming off a breakup and looking to move forward in his life. He’s staffing his family’s farmer’s market stand when he meets Sadie (de Armas), who is having a personal crisis of her own. The death of a co-worker has her considering whether her personal life is too cold and empty. They strike up a conversation, which turns into a coffee date, which morphs into a magical day together. Cole is optimistic that Sadie might be The One. Unfortunately, days pass and he doesn’t hear from her. Discovering she’s in London, Cole, with some convincing from his family, decides to fly there as a grand romantic gesture. He gets more than he b

  We’re making our way through April and we’re approaching the summer season, both at the movies and on the small screen. Still, there’s plenty of new series still rolling out. But which should you take the time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter/Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Thursdays: Mrs. Davis, Streaming Thursdays on Peacock (Premiered April 20) About: This new series from Peacock comes from writers Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez. It’s broad in scope and unique in style. It involves an artificial intelligence and a quest for the Holy Grail. In fact, the whole thing opens on the original Friday the 13th. Quickly we move to the modern era where we meet a nun named Simone (Betty Gilpin). She’s one of the only people on Earth that refuses to engage with Mrs. Davis, the artificial intelligence that’s helping change the world. That, naturally, makes Simone the

  Summer blockbuster season is nearly upon us at the movies. Yesterday I looked at three films I'm hyped to see from May and June. Today, I'm looking at three films I'm excited to see from July and August. Films appear in release date order! July: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One (July 14) About: The seventh Mission Impossible film is a two-parter, with the first half bowing this July. We've had to wait a while for this one but the Tom Cruise Mission Impossible series has been incredible. I'm excited to see the next chapter unfold. Barbie (July 21) About: Gretta Gerwig brings the famous doll to life, this time as Margot Robbie, with Ryan Gosling as Ken. At least that is one Barbie and one Ken featured in the film, which takes us to Barbieland. The trailer is a blast with an incredible look and style. This will be one of THE films of the summer. Oppenheimer (July 21) About: Ironically on the same day, Christopher Nolan is releasing his latest film, whic

  April is drawing to a close and the summer is coming, which means three months of blockbusters and more at the movies. Over the next two posts, I'll be looking at three films each month, May through August, that I'm excited to see. In this first post I'm covering May and June. Films appear in release date order! May: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 (May 5) About: I love the Guardians of the Galaxy. The original film remains my favorite MCU film. This third installment figures to be a deeply emotional journey and a great way to kick off the summer. I love this group of heroes and I'm both incredibly excited and nervous to see this chapter end. Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (May 12) About: This documentary debuted at Sundance but streams the second week in May on Apple TV+. It bowed to rave reviews and I love Fox as a performer. This could be one of the best documentaries of the year. Fast X (May 19) About: The tenth film in this franchise, which began back in 2001. Th

  Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Steve Rogers: I don't want to kill anyone. I don't like bullies; I don't care where they're from. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) Starring: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, and Hugo Weaving Director: Joe Johnston About: Captain America (Evans) isn't my favorite of the Avengers, but this film was the lynchpin of the first phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was the important origin story we needed before we got The Avengers. It sets the stage for what's to come, taking the action back to World War II. We meet Steve Rogers before he gets his powers. He's a scrawny kid that just wants to serve. He finds that opportunity to serve and becomes the hero America ne

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Christian Szell : Is it safe?... Is it safe? Babe : You're talking to me? Christian Szell : Is it safe? Babe: Is what safe? Christian Szell: Is it safe? Babe : I don't know what you mean. I can't tell you something's safe or not, unless I know specifically what you're talking about. Christian Szell : Is it safe? Babe: Tell me what the "it" refers to. Christian Szell : Is it safe? Babe : Yes, it's safe, it's very safe, it's so safe you wouldn't believe it. Christian Szell: Is it safe? Babe: No. It's not safe, it's... very dangerous, be careful. Marathon Man (1976) Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Roy Scheider, William Devane, and Laurence Olivier Director: John Schlesinger About: The

  “My whole life is two lives really…I have an ache for both my lives to be my only life.” — Colin I have seen some criticism of this season of Ted Lasso. Some haven’t enjoyed the story construction. I guess I can see that to some degree, but I have appreciated the ride. Even the quieter episodes that seem to stray from the larger idea of Richmond against West Ham have worked for me. I enjoy these characters and this world. And there is beauty in all these journeys. This week’s episode will likely frustrate some because we don’t get incredible forward momentum for Richmond as a Football Club. In fact, the pitch is mostly secondary. Sure, we open with a friendly in Amsterdam where Richmond is still mired in a funk. A 5-0 loss has many hanging their heads and frustrated. In response, Ted (Jason Sudiekis) gives the team a free night to enjoy the city, no limits and no curfew. Roy (Brett Goldstein), frustrated as he sees Keeley (Juno Temple) moving on, decides it’s a good time for special

  We had a flood of new releases this week, among them Nicolas Cage as Dracula. Below are my thoughts on this week’s big new releases. If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here. Mafia Mamma (Theaters) Starring: Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci, and Sophia Nomvete Synopsis: The latest comedy to hit theaters finds Collette as a bit of a fish-out-of-water. She begins the film as a wife and mother, with her son heading off to college, her job working for a drug company unfulfilling and her husband having an affair. She gets a call that her grandfather, in Italy, has died. Seeing it as a prime time to get away, she travels for the funeral. It’s there she learns she’s heir to the family business, which includes a vineyard and control of the organized crime interests in the region. Not only that, she’s been dropped in the middle of a war. Can she lead the family? That’s the challenge in this film, which finds her paired with a righ

  We’re past Easter and heading toward May. The Winter/Spring season of new TV shows is nearly up. But we’re still getting new series making its debut throughout the month. How many, though, are worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter/Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Fridays: The Last Thing He Told Me, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV+ (Premiered April 14) About: Jennifer Garner takes the lead in this limited series, adapted from the novel by Laura Dave. The season is seven episodes, the first three of which dropped Friday with additional episodes dropping weekly. In the series, Hannah (Garner) is a wife and artist who is trying to forge more of a connection with her stepdaughter, Bailey (Angourie Rice). When her husband (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) disappears at the same time his business is raided, Hannah is left alone, hounded by the police and trying to corral Bailey. Sh

  The NFL Draft takes place on April 27. Soon after will begin rookie draft season for Dynasty leagues. While the rankings for some could change depending on landing spot, below is my Top 25 for Super Flex leagues as we head into the draft. Unlike 2022, when quarterback wasn't a great target for needy teams, the 2023 class has four, perhaps five decent targets. 1. Bijan Robinson, RB Texas 2. Jamyr Gibbs, RB Alabama 3. C.J. Stroud, QB Ohio State 4. Bryce Young, QB Alabama 5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Ohio State 6. Jordan Addison, WR USC 7. Quentin Johnson, WR TCU 8. Anthony Richardson, QB Florida 9. Zach Charbonnet, RB UCLA 10. Zay Flowers, WR Boston College 11. Will Levis, QB Kentucky 12. Tank Bigsby, RB Auburn 13. Jalin Hyatt, WR Tennessee 14. Josh Downs, WR North Carolina 15. Tyjae Spears, RB Tulane 16. Cedric Tillman, WR Tennessee 17. Devon Achane, RB Texas A&M 18. Hendon Hooker, QB Tennessee 19. Dalton Kincaid, TE Utah 20. Michael Mayer, TE Notre Dame 21. Roschon Johnson, RB T

  The 2023 NFL Draft is only a couple weeks away and it will be a chance for the Broncos to work on the roster. Below is the list of a few crucial areas the Broncos may look to strengthen in the draft. The team doesn't have a First or Second Round pick, which limits involvement early in the draft. But the Broncos do have five picks in the draft, including two early in the Third Round. That gives the team some options to pick up quality players to help add depth in key positions. Offensive Line: The Broncos splashed out money to get a new guard in Ben Powers and tackle in Mike McGlinchey, while also adding a new center in Kyle Fuller. That's great and the team should have a solid starting group but you can never have enough options on the line. Picking up some prospects would make a lot of sense. Running Back: Javonte Williams is great and the addition of Samaje Perine helps add depth. But Williams is coming off injury and might not be totally ready to start the season. It would

  Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Wade Wilson : I had another Liam Neeson nightmare. I kidnapped his daughter and he just wasn't having it. [Lies down in bed beside Vanessa] Wade Wilson : They made three of those movies. At some point you have to wonder if he's just a bad parent. Deadpool (2016) Starring : Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Karan Soni, and Ed Skrein Director: Tim Miller About : This film was a revelation when it came out. It's the part Reynolds was born to play and he plays it beautifully. This is a hilarious film, albeit one that is difficult to find a good quote from since so many of them contain R-rated language. This film was not only something different and R-rated, it turned the genre on its head in many ways. I love the sense of humo

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Gale Sayers : [accepting the George S. Halas award] I'd like to say a few words about a guy I know, a friend of mine. His name is Brian Piccolo. And he has the heart of a giant, and that rare form of courage which allows him to kid himself and his opponent: cancer. He has a mental attitude which makes me proud to have a friend who spells out 'courage' - 24 hours a day, every day of his life. Now, you flatter me - by giving me this award. But I say to you here now - Brian Piccolo is the man of courage who should receive the George S. Halas award. It is mine tonight - and Brian Piccolo's tomorrow. Brian's Song (1971) Starring : Billy Dee Williams and James Caan Director : Buzz Kulik About: We've seen a number of c

“Jamie is so right, it’s as if he was Zava.”—Zava The big matchup against West Ham didn’t go as planned and in the aftermath it’s still a struggle for Richmond. As we pick up this week, the team is mired in losing streak and the fans are getting restless. The team is still playing hard, and Zava (Maximilian Osinski) is still scoring, but they aren’t winning. That has pushed everyone to the edge. Even Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) has lost it a bit, coming into Ted’s (Jason Sudeikis) office and screaming a little. None of that seems to be looking easier as the team prepares to host Manchester City. That leads to speculation that a change might be needed in the manager’s office. Even Higgins (Jeremy Swift) wonders if they need to consider moving on from Ted, but Rebecca can’t stand to hear it. Ted tries to rally the team. Jamie (Phil Dunster) tries to rally the team. Zava steals Jamie’s thunder and rallies the team. But, come game day, Zava is a no show. Richmond falls 4-0 and the boos rai

  It was a big week for new releases, especially with many areas on Spring Break. We got notable theatrical releases and streaming films. Below are my thoughts on 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. Air (Theaters) Starring : Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, and Chris Messina Synopsis: We’ve seen Damon and Affleck paired together many times before. It even won them an Academy Award. Now, the pair are teaming again to tell the story of how Nike courted a legend. Damon stars as Sonny Vaccaro, the talent scout that bet it all on signing Michael Jordan and made that signing a reality. The film takes place in 1984, where Nike is third in the shoe company power rankings. In fact, their close to shuttering the basketball division. But Vaccaro has a plan. All he has to do is convince Nike CEO Phil Knight (Affleck) to be it all on Jordan, then convince Delores J

  We’re cruising our way through April and nearly at the end of the Network Season, but there’s still plenty of new shows dropping. Which are worth checking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter and Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Thursdays: Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Streaming Thursdays on Parmount+ (Premiered April 6) About : What is it with Paramount+ and high school shows? Already this year we’ve seen Wolf Pack and School Spirits, and now we get this prequel to the classic musical Grease. The series is set in 1954 and follows a quartet of girls who are trying to change their social fortunes. It’s also a musical, and an origin story that showcases how we got to the Rydell High School we saw in the films. It’s got solid production values and a decent cast, but the story is full of cliches, and it just feels too dull. It’s an interesting nod to fans of the original mus

  Back in the summer of 2021, Apple TV+ delivered a musical comedy that captured my heart. Cecily Strong and Keegan Michael-Key were a couple in need of a jump start who wandered into the magical world of Schmigadoon, a place where musicals come alive. At first trapped, the experience was an object lesson that prepared them to move forward back in the real world. The six-episode musical had delightful production values and original songs, buoyed by some great performances, particularly from the leads. Schmigadoon!, from creators Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio was one of the most under-appreciated series of that year. It landed in my Top 10 and I’ve waited to see what we’d get next. That answer comes April 5, as the second season debuts on Apple TV+. It’s another six-episode adventure, with the first two episodes dropping April 5 and subsequent episodes dropping weekly throughout April. For those who’ve waited eagerly to see how and when the series would return, rest easy, it’s still great.

  Happy Easter! It's a big day, especially for Christians. It's also a day that caps a season where people think of a lot of different things. We have a bunny, baskets and even egg hunts on the lawn. While all of that creates fun for families, it's important to remember what this day is really about. It's about a sacrifice that means everything. A sacrifice that changed the history of the world. So, amid the family celebrations, I hope people take some time to consider that, and the call to action it provides for all those who put their faith in Him.  I leave you now with some lyrics from Matt Maher's song that have spoken to me over the years, particularly when it comes to this Easter season. Christ is risen from the dead Trampling over death by death Come awake, come awake! Come and rise up from the grave Christ is risen from the dead We are one with Him again Come awake, come awake! Come and rise up from the grave Oh death! Where is your sting? Oh hell! Where is

  Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Mr. Incredible : No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again. Sometimes I just want it to stay saved! You know, for a little bit? I feel like the maid; I just cleaned up this mess! Can we keep it clean for... for ten minutes! The Incredibles (2004) Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jason Lee Director: Brad Bird About: The next film in my countdown is another animated feature, this time one from the Pixar library of films. I like the concept and set up here. This is not only one of my favorite superhero films, it's one of my favorite Pixar films. It's a creative film about family. We start with Mr. Incredible (Nelson) and Elastagirl (Hunter) during a a boom ti