Matt's Musings

Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Sox : [as Izzy is about to jump to the other side of Zurg's ship] Don't look down. Don't look up either. Nothing but space. Sorry, I'm not being helpful, am I? Lightyear (2022) Starring : Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, Taika Waititi, and James Brolin Director : Angus MacLane About : This film is a spin-off of the Toy Story franchise, but it's very different. It's about Buzz Lightyear, the one that inspired the toy. It's a different kind of story that some didn't enjoy. I felt differently. It's not as good as the best of the Toy Story films, but I enjoyed the story and the performances here. There are some fun moments

Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1.   Blondie : You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966) Starring : Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach Director : Sergio Leone About : When you think about Westerns, John Wayne is probably first, but not far back on that list is Clint Eastwood. He did a number of films in the genre, including several with Spaghetti Western director Leone. This is probably the most well-remembered, and for good reason. It's a classic story, well told. It also serves as part of a trilogy of films, following A Fist Full of Dollars and For A Few Dollars More . Eastwood is the star in all of them. This is a fun film and an iconic entry in the genre. It's a bit longer, but it's

  This week saw the return of Upfronts week, where networks present their Fall schedule to the advertisers. With COVID and last year's strikes, we haven't seen one of these in a bit. It wasn't a complete return to form as CBS launched its schedule well in advance, on May 2. But it was nice to get a roll out and to be targeting a Fall Network Schedule for 2024. With that said, we see some interesting trends. Networks are scaling back on scripted content with a rise in reality, and live sports, on the Fall Schedule. Perhaps that's an effect of the strike both in the expected contraction but also in the fact that networks saw success with a return to reality shows (which are cheaper) and live sports (which are a big ratings grab). Either way, it's clear we're seeing a decline of new scripted shows. Particularly hard hit have been comedies. In fact, ABC only has a single sitcom on its Fall schedule while FOX doesn't have any sitcoms (outside of the Animation Dom

  We’re into May, the second week in May to be exact. That means we have blockbusters at the theater and some more female-centric fare on streaming in honor of Mother’s Day. Below is a look at my take on the new films I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Idea of You (Prime Video) Starring: Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine, Ella Rubin, Annie Mumolo, and Reid Scott Synopsis : It wasn’t the weekend she had planned. Solene (Hathaway), a single mother, had planned a solo camping trip while her ex-husband (Scott) took their daughter (Rubin) and her friends to Coachella. Instead, he gets called to work and she has to shepherd the group to the concert. That includes a VIP meet-and-greet with one of the headlining bands, August Moon. While looking for the VIP bathroom, Solene stumbles into a trailer belonging to Hayes (Galitzine), one of the band’s featured singers. After the awkward meeting, and a flirtatious meet-an

  As we reach the middle of May the Upfront presentations are upon us, and the network season is coming to an end. We’re also coming to the end of the Emmy consideration window. All that means that the number of new shows launching is slowing a bit. Still, what of those shows are worth checking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Dark Matter, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV+ (Premiered May 8) About : Based on the novel of the same name from Blake Crouch, who helped adapt the series for Apple TV+, this is a twisty science fiction drama. It features Joel Edgerton as Jason Dessen. He once had a bright future on the cutting edge of science, but he gave it up for love nearly two decades ago. Now, he’s a professor, a loving husband to Daniela (Jennifer Connelly), and a father. One evening, he’s attending a party at a bar with an old friend, Ry

  The 2024 NFL Draft is over, so it's time to analyze the position groups. Today, I continue with running backs. Below is my Top 100. Dynasty Top 100 RBs: 1 Christian McCaffrey 2 Bijan Robinson 3 Breece Hall 4 Jonathan Taylor 5 Jahmyr Gibbs 6 Saquon Barkley 7 Josh Jacobs 8 James Cook 9 Nick Chubb 10 Travis Etienne 11 Joe Mixon 12 Isiah Pacheco 13 Rachaad White 14 Kenneth Walker III 15 Kyren Williams 16 Najee Harris 17 Rhamondre Stevenson 18 Trey Benson 19 Derrick Henry 20 Tony Pollard 21 Jonathon Brooks 22 Devon Achane 23 Javonte Williams 24 Zack Moss 25 Alvin Kamara 26 David Montgomery 27 D’Andre Swift 28 Devin Singletary 29 Zamir White 30 Brian Robinson Jr 31 Tyjae Spears 32 Blake Corum 33 Re'Mahn Davis 34 Jaylen Wright 35 Audric Estime 36 Aaron Jones 37 Gus Edwards 38 Zach Charbonnet 39 Chuba Hubbard 40 Jerome Ford 41 Chase Brown 42 MarShawn Lloyd 43 Roschon Johnson 44 Braelon Allen 45

  Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, it's time to analyze the Broncos' roster. I'll be looking at each position group over the next few weeks as we lead into Training Camp in July. Today, I continue with a look at the defensive line. On the Roster : Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Malcolm Roach, Rashard Lawrence, Matt Henningsen, Elijah Garcia, Jordan Jackson, Eiyoma Uwazurike, and Angelo Blackson About: This is shaping up to be a good, strong, and deeper group for the Broncos. The team added Roach as a free agent and brought in Franklin-Myers via trade. That goes along with recent additions of Jones and Allen as free agents in the past few seasons. That's the beginnings of some improvement in a group that's been something of a weak link on a good defense for a couple seasons.  The question is how many and who makes the final roster. Uwazurike was an interesting prospect, but he was suspended for the whole 2023 season. That doesn't bode w

Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Poppy : You have to be able to listen to other voices, even when they don't agree with you. They make us stronger, more creative, more inspired. So whether your song is sad and heartfelt, loud and defiant, or warm and funky, or even if you're a little bit of each, it's all these sounds and all our differences that make our world a richer place. Because you can't harmonize alone. Trolls World Tour (2020) Starring : Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Rachel Bloom, Kelly Clarkson, and Sam Rockwell Director : Walt Dohrn and David P. Smith About : This sequel to Trolls dropped at the worst possible time during the midst of the pandemic. And yet, havin

  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1.  Marian Starrett : Guns aren't going to be my boy's life! Joey : Why do you always have to spoil everything? Shane : A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that. Marian Starrett : We'd all be much better off if there wasn't a single gun left in this valley - including yours. Shane (1953) Starring : Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Brandon De Wilde, and Jack Palance Director : George Stevens About : Not all Westerns get a happy ending. That's certainly the case for Shane, which tells the story of an old gunslinger trying to find a life of peace. He settles with a family on a farm and tries to leave violence behind. But when an antagonis

  Film released in 2004 are celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year. As part of a look back at films celebrating an anniversary in 2024, I'm looking at five films I liked from 2004. Today, it's Friday Night Lights. Coach Gary Gaines : Being perfect is not about that scoreboard out there. It's not about winning. It's about you and your relationship with yourself, your family and your friends. Being perfect is about being able to look your friends in the eye and know that you didnt let them down because you told them the truth. And that truth is you did everything you could. There wasnt one more thing you could've done. Can you live in that moment as best you can, with clear eyes, and love in your heart, with joy in your heart? If you can do that gentleman - you're perfect! Friday Night Lights Starring : Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund, and Connie Britton Director : Peter Berg About : Mostly when we think about Frid

  We’ve reached the first week in May, which kick starts the summer blockbuster season at theaters and also saw a number of streaming films. Below is my take on this week’s new releases. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me @knighthawk7734 on Letterboxd. The Fall Guy (Theaters) Starring : Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Winston Duke, and Hannah Waddingham Synopsis : Every year we look forward to the summer movie season, which typically kicks off the first weekend in May. We get big blockbusters full of action, laughs, and a good time. This year is no exception as the new Ryan Gosling-Emily Blunt-led film The Fall Guy flies into theaters. In the film, Colt Seavers (Gosling) is a stunt man who works as the double for the world’s biggest star, Tom Ryder (Taylor-Johnson). He’s also got something going with the camera operator, Jody Moreno (Blunt). But it all goes sideways when a stunt goes wrong, and Colt gets hurt. Flash-forward 18 months and Colt

  We’re into May and the tide of new shows will slow for a time, especially as network’s wrap up their abbreviated season. And still we’re getting new shows to check out. But what of these are worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: The Veil, Streaming Tuesdays on Hulu (Premiered April 30) About : The latest for Hulu is a limited drama starring Elisabeth Moss and coming from creator Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders). It follows a covert agent, Imogen (Moss), who is working for the French government. She has a certain set of skills, and her handler (Philipp Christopher) sends her to Istanbul to recover a woman (Yumna Marwan) who might hold the key to an impending terrorist attack. Can Imogene reach her? Can the French stave off an aggressive American agent (Josh Charles) who has a plan of his own? The first two episodes of this six-epis

 The 2024 NFL Draft is over, so it's time to analyze the position groups. Today, I'm starting with my updated dynasty rankings at Quarterback. Below is my Top 50! Top 50 Dynasty QBs: 1 Josh Allen 2 Patrick Mahomes 3 Lamar Jackson 4 Joe Burrow 5 C.J. Stroud 6 Jalen Hurts 7 Justin Herbert 8 Dak Prescott 9 Jordan Love 10 Caleb Williams 11 Trevor Lawrence 12 Kyler Murray 13 Tua Tagovailoa 14 Brock Purdy 15 Anthony Richardson 16 Jared Goff 17 Kirk Cousins 18 Jayden Daniels 19 Deshaun Watson 20 Baker Mayfield 21 Bryce Young 22 J.J. McCarthy 23 Drake Maye 24 Will Levis 25 Matthew Stafford 26 Aaron Rodgers 27 Bo Nix 28 Derek Carr 29 Geno Smith 30 Russell Wilson 31 Justin Fields 32 Daniel Jones 33 Aidan O'Connell 34 Michael Penix Jr. 35 Gardner Minshew 36 Sam Howell 37 Kenny Pickett 38 Desmond Ridder 39 Spencer Rattler 40 Jake Browning 41 Zach Wilson 42 Sam Darnold 43 Jordan Travis 44 Michael Pra

  Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, it's time to analyze the Broncos' roster. I'll be looking at each position group over the next few weeks as we lead into Training Camp in July. Today, I start with the Special Teams Unit. On the Roster: * Will Lutz, Kicker * Riley Dixon, Punter * Mitchell Fraboni, Long Snapper About : This is a pretty easy group to evaluate. All three were in their positions during the 2023 season and all should hold their jobs in 2024. The Broncos invited an undrafted kicker and long snapper to try out at Training Camp, but I suspect that won't impact the final roster. Lutz did a nice job and returned to Denver after something of a bidding war. Dixon and Fraboni feel like safe bets, too. The bigger question is who makes it as Special Teams contributors and in the return game. I suspect Marvin Mims will again be the primary return man for both Punts and Kick-Offs. Tremon Smith, a veteran cornerback, could also be in the mix, which might hel

  Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Commissioner Gordon : You betrayed everything you believe in. Harvey Dent : Not everything. Batman and the Long Halloween, Part Two (2021) Starring : Jensen Ackles, Josh Duhamel, Troy Baker, and Naya Rivera Director: Chris Palmer About: Earlier in the countdown I had Part One. Now, we get the concluding installment. I liked this and the story a little better. I really enjoyed the storyline here and the way this animated adventure put it all together. There's a reason this story was inspiration for the Robert Pattinson version of Batman. I enjoy Batman in all his forms, and I liked the animated style here, too.

  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1.  Frank Griffin : Good Book says pain is its own teacher. Godless (2017) Starring : Jeff Daniels, Jack O'Connell, Michelle Dockery, Merrit Wever, and Scoot McNairy Director : Scott Frank About: As this list continues, you'll see I have a broad definition of the Westerns I'm considering for this list. That includes mini-series, like the one today. This seven-episode limited series on Netflix comes from writer/director Scott Frank. It's a beautifully drawn and often tense narrative that struck me at the time and continues to stick with me. We have outlaws, a Sheriff, and a town nearly completely populated by women. That gives this a fun edge. In fact, Wever and Dockery are two of the best reasons to watch this series. I also enjoyed Daniels as the villain and

  Film released in 2004 are celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year. As part of a look back at films celebrating an anniversary in 2024, I'm looking at five films I liked from 2004. Today, it's National Treasure. Ben Gates : [standing in front of the Declaration of Independence] 180 years of searching, and I'm three feet away. Of all the words written here about freedom, there's a line here that's at the heart of all the others. "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and provide new Guards for their future security." [pause] People don't talk that way anymore. Riley Poole : Beautiful, huh? I have no idea what you said. Ben Gates : It means if there's something something wrong, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action. [pause] I'm g

  It was an interesting week for new releases in theaters. Below is my take on the two big theatrical films from the weekend. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Boy Kills World (Theaters) Starring : Bill Skarsgard, Jessica Rothe, Famke Janssen, Brett Gellman, and Michelle Dockery Synopsis : We have seen a lot of action films this year. Many have featured violent sequences, but some have been more artful than others. The new film, Boy Kills World, provides plenty of violence. It’s right there in the title. But where it falls short is in building something compelling beyond the killing spree. We’re introduced to a Boy (Skarsgard) early in the film. He tells us that his world is ruled by the Van Der Koy family, whose head, Hilda (Janssen) keeps the people in line through an annual Culling, where she kills “enemies.” Our protagonist’s mother and sister were among her victims. The Boy barely survived; saved by the Shaman (Yayan Ruhian