Matt's Musings

This week we're looking at the fantastic film "Doubt," released in 2008 and based on the stage play by John Patrick Shanley. Discussion Questions: 1. Did this movie work for you? Why or why not? 2. What should be the Christian response to the concept of doubt? 3. What makes gossip so destructive to all those who are touched by it? 4. When sharing the Gospel and presenting Christianity, how should we try to reach people? Thoughts: “Doubt” was one of the finest and most over looked films of 2008. In a crowded class of contenders, the film was recognized for its performances. “Doubt” earned five Academy Award nominations, winning none. However, Hoffman was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, Street for Best Actress, Adams and Davis for Best Supporting Actress, and writer/director John Patrick Shanley was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. For Shanley, making “Doubt” was very personal. It is based on his stage play, which had a long and successful run on Broadway. The pl...

The Fall TV season is under way. In these weekly posts I look at the pilot and second episode of new shows this fall. If you don't see a new show listed below, check previous weeks. Monday Nights: Life in Pieces, Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS (Premiered September 21) About: There aren't a wealth of new comedies on the air this fall. "Life in Pieces" is one of the few on the air, and one of only two sitcoms airing on CBS until November. That's a lot of pressure, but it's also a great opportunity to find an audience being set behind the popular "Big Bang Theory." I wasn't wild about the first episode, which I thought was a little uneven. However, the second episode settled a bit and offered more amusing sequences in all four stories it presented. The show boasts a good cast and looks like it has a chance to provide some laughs. It's being billed as the best new comedy this fall, which is might be, but that's not a stretch. What it needs to b...

Here's my look at last night's win in Detroit. Week Three : Broncos 24, Detroit Lions 12 Season Record : 3-0 (1-0 Home) Key Play : In the fourth quarter, with the Broncos us 17-12 and the Lions driving, quarterback Matthew Stafford looked for star receiver Calvin Johnson over the middle. Instead, Broncos' safety David Bruton, Jr., cut off the pass, tipped it in the air and made the interception. The Broncos followed with a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning to Owen Daniels to ice the game. Recap : It's not how you play, it's whether or not you win the game. You play to win the game. Pre-season, even the local reporters figured the Broncos would be 1-2 after their first three games. Instead, the Broncos are 3-0. It hasn't been pretty, but that's the way it goes sometimes. We might be the worst of the undefeated teams, but we're part of a handful of squads that have yet to experience defeat. That's important. The Broncos' back half of the schedule ...

"I tend not to believe people; they lie. The evidence never lies." — Gil Grissom, "CSI" All shows must eventually end. Some go out with pomp and ceremony, others with a whimper. But when you've been around for 15 years and had as much of an impact on the culture as "CSI," you tend to get at least a little fanfare. The 15th season of the show wrapped last February. Ratings were poor, the show is old and expensive, and it was clear CBS wanted an exit. But how can you just let a show — one that was your flagship show for many years — fall off into the abyss. You can't. So CBS, rightly, let it end with a two-hour send off last night. William Peterson and Marg Helgenberger returned, as did show favorite Lady Heather (Melinda Clarke) for one last ride. It was an episode that wrapped up a lot of things, put people in a good place, and provided some closure. "CSI" began as a Friday night offering its first season — a sure sign the network didn...

We are almost to October, which means the award-worthy movies are just around the corner. Here's a look at what's coming next month. Friday, October 2: The Martian — This looks like a great story. Based on a novel, it's about an astronaut (Matt Damon) left behind on Mars, and the team that has to rescue him. This is the first big release that feels like it has serious Oscar buzz. Legend — This is an interesting gangster film based on a true story. The fascinating hook here is Tom Hardy in a double role as a pair of twins here. Friday, October 9: Pan — This is the latest take on the story of "Peter Pan." I like what director Joe Wright has done in the past, so I'm looking forward to this film. Steve Jobs — Jobs is an imposing historical figure. I am really looking forward to this film, which boasts an impressive cast that includes Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, and Jeff Daniels. Big Stone Gap — This is a romance film starring Ashley Judd. It's been u...

We are finally at week three. Here's a look at the picks. I have a four-pick edge through two weeks, let's see if it continues. Lindsay's picks are in brackets. Week 3: Giants over Redskins (Giants) Falcons over Cowboys (Falcons) Bengals over Ravens (Bengals) Browns over Raiders (Browns) Colts over Titans (Titans) Steelers over Rams (Steelers) Vikings over Chargers (Chargers) Patriots over Jaguars (Patriots) Panthers over Saints (Panthers) Jets over Eagles (Jets) Texans over Buccaneers (Texans) Cardinals over 49ers (49ers) Bills over Dolphins (Bills) Seahawks over Bears (Bears) Broncos over Lions (Broncos) Packers over Chiefs (Packers) Last week : 9-7 Lindsay : 6-10 Season : 18-14 Lindsay : 14-18 Week 3 Spread: Redskins +3.5 Over Giants Falcons -.5 Over Cowboys Bengals +2.5 Over Ravens Browns -3.5 Over Raiders Colts -3.5 Over Titans Steelers -1.5 Over Rams Vikings -2.5 Over Chargers Patriots -13.5 Over Jaguars Panthers -6.5 Over Saints Jets -2.5 Over Eagles Buccaneers +6.5 ...

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. Black Mass Starring: Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Kevin Bacon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson, and Corey Stoll Synopsis: For a long time gangster films have been a staple of American cinema. More than 40 years after its release, “The Godfather” continues to be among the most popular movies of all time. “Goodfellas,” the Martin Scorsese classic, is in its 25th year and still going strong. So it makes sense that these type of films continue to roll out each year. The latest in a long line of gangster stories is “Black Mass,” which opened on Friday. The film follows the real story and events of the life of James “Whitey” Bulger and his Winter Hill Gang. With the help of a deal made with the FBI, Whitey Bulger was able to build an empire and remain on the run for years. The film closely follows the events of his story, including his deal with the FBI and the years spent building his empire. Depp has played a lot of iconic parts. H...

Tonight we'll look at "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," a hybrid courtroom drama-exorcism film, made by Christians for a purpose. Discussion Questions: 1. Did this movie work for you, why or why not? 2. What is your experience and belief regarding the idea of demons? 3. What do you think really afflicted Emily Rose? 4. Do you agree with Father Moore’s explanation for why God allowed Emily, a devout believe, to be afflicted and suffer? Thoughts: This 2005 film is based on a true story. It tells the story of a young girl, a devote believer, that becomes afflicted by demon possession. After considering medical opinions and a variety of other methods to help cure her, Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter) and her family turn to a local priest, Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson), to perform an exorcism. Things don’t go according to plan, and Emily can’t be saved. Most of Emily’s story is told through flashbacks throughout the film, which is as much a courtroom drama as an exorcism story. Moor...

Fall TV is here (slow clap). We finally have new shows! In fact, this is premier week! As always, I review the pilot and second episode of new shows in this weekly post. Don't see a new show below (it hasn't premiered yet or) check previous weeks. Monday Nights: Life in Pieces, Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS (Premiered September 21) About : I don't love sitcoms in general, but CBS sitcoms in particular. I have a hard time with their formulaic nature and the kind of stories they tell. So I wasn't looking forward to this show — which is a series of vignettes from a family each week. However, the pilot was better than I expected. The opening story and closing story were weak and not all that funny. But the middle two stories — one about child birth and the aftermath and the other about taking a child to college — were pretty amusing. It has a good cast, and could have potential. But the format also means that it could be a liability if one or more vignette doesn't work, l...

"Good people are the first ones to die." — Daniel, "Fear The Walking Dead" When you're a spin-off of a wildly popular show — in fact the most popular show on TV — a lot is expected of you. When you only have six episodes in your first season, that puts on even more pressure. From the outset, you could say, "Fear The Walking Dead" faced an uphill battle. We've now seen four of those six episodes, and it's reasonable to wonder about this show. I was intrigued by the idea of seeing the crumbling of the world — something that was missed due to the storytelling process in "The Walking Dead." I liked the L.A. setting and the set up for the cast. The pilot was a bit slow — partially as a function of the audience knowing more about what was happening than the characters and partially because of all the set up required. But the second and third episodes seemed to up the stakes and pick up the pace. Then came last night's fourth episode, wh...

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14 The Global Leadership Summit, put on annually by Willow Creek Community Church, is a powerful two days. A lot of ideas are shared. A lot is given to ponder. And it often takes weeks or months to sort it out. My favorite part of this year's GLS was a short video about Warden Burl Cain, the warden at Angola Prison in Louisiana. I didn't know anything about Angola but what I'd heard on TV and the news, that it was a violent, dark place. It's a maximum security state prison where the worst of the worst of criminal offenders are sent. In the video, Cain describes being asked to take on the role as Warden. He says he didn't want the job, didn't ask for the job, and didn't apply for the job. He took it on as a favor to a friend, ...

For me, in a lot of ways, the Emmy Awards are the least interesting to watch and the hardest to predict. That will probably be true this year, too, but here does some predictions anyway. Outstanding Comedy Series Nominees: Louie Modern Family Parks and Recreation Silicon Valley Transparent Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Veep My Pick : I think VEEP is the best comedy on TV and takes this award. Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominees: Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie Amy Schumer, Inside Amy Schumer Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep My Pick : Amy Schumer is hot right now and Edie Falco is an Academy Favorite, but I think the award goes to Amy Poehler in the final season of Parks and Recreation. Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Nominees : Anthony Anderson, Black-ish Matt LeBlanc, Episodes Don Cheadle, House of Lies Louis C.K., Louie William H. Macy, Shameless Will Forte, The Last Man on Earth Jeffr...

Another week, another defensive touchdown bailing the Broncos out! Week Two : Broncos 31, Kansas City Chiefs 24 Season Record : 2-0 (1-0 home) Key Play : With the game tied at 24 and just 36 seconds left, the Chiefs handed the ball to Jamal Charles. On the carry, Broncos' linebacker Brandon Marshall punched the ball out, and it was scooped up by nickel corner Bradley Roby, who returned it 21 yards for the touchdown, sealing a win. Recap : In the first half, for much of it, it was fair to wonder if the Peyton Manning era was over. The Broncos couldn't move the ball or get anything done. They were trailing 7-0, when Manning threw his second pick-six of the season, giving the Chiefs a 14-0 lead, at home, deep in the second quarter. Then the Broncos rallied. And thanks to getting five turnovers on defense, and finding a little rhythm on offense, the team moved to 2-0. Are all the problems solved, certainly not. But you play to win the game, and Gary Kubiak's squad is 2-0. There...

We made it through one week. It was a little rocky, but that's the way it goes sometimes. On to week two! Lindsay's picks are in brackets. Week 2: Broncos over Chiefs (Broncos) Falcons over Giants (Giants) Patriots over Bills (Patriots) Cardinals over Bears (Bears) Bengals over Chargers (Bengals) Titans over Browns (Browns) Lions over Vikings (Lions) Rams over Redskins (Rams) Saints over Buccaneers (Saints) Steelers over 49ers (49ers) Texans over Panthers (Texans) Ravens over Raiders (Ravens) Dolphins over Jaguars (Dolphins) Cowboys over Eagles (Eagles) Packers over Seahawks (Packers) Jets over Colts (Jets) Last Week : 9-7 Lindsay : 8-8 Season : 9-7 Lindsay Season : 8-8 Week 2 Spread: Broncos +2.5 Over Chiefs Falcons +2.5 Over Giants Patriots -.5 Over Bills Cardinals -2.5 Over Bears Bengals -3.5 Over Chargers Titans -1.5 Over Browns Lions +2.5 Over Vikings Saints -9.5 Over Buccaneers Rams -3.5 Over Redskins 49ers +6.5 Over Steelers Texans +3.5 Over Panthers Ravens -6.5 Over Rai...

Tonight we'll take a look at the 2006 film, "The Da Vinci Code." Discussion Questions: 1. Did this film work for you? Why or Why Not? 2. What is the theology of “The Da Vinci Code?” What does the film say about who Jesus is? 3. How does the Christian worldview differ from the viewpoint of this film? 4. Why do you think people have such a hard time believing Jesus is the Son of God? Thoughts: This film, directed by Ron Howard and based on the novel by Dan Brown, was a worldwide phenomenon. It was also a source of contention between the Christian community and filmmakers, leading to a number of boycotts. The contention in the film centers around the quest in this film by its central character, Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks). Along with French police officer Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou) and Professor Leigh Teabing (Ian McKellen), Langdon is searching for the Holy Grail. But it’s not just the search that creates the tension between the religious community and filmmakers...

The Fall TV Season officially gets under way today, with Neil Patrick Harris' "Best Time Ever" among those shows premiering tonight. So now it's a good time to look ahead to the best of what's coming this fall! In this post I'll preview five I'm excited about and three that could be early cancellation victims. The Best: 1. Blindspot, Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC (Premiers September 21) This looks like a fascinating new series. I like star Jamie Alexander ("Thor") and I like the potential of this to be an interesting, serialized mystery. It's getting a plumb spot behind "The Voice," and faces little competition in "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "Castle." 2. Man in the High Castle, streaming on Amazon Prime (Premiers November 20) This show was part of Amazon's last pilot season, and I loved it. It's based on a Philip K. Dick story that imagines the United States after World War II if the Germans and Japanese had one....

The regular season is here. Someone send the Broncos' offense a memo. Week One : Broncos 19, Baltimore Ravens 13 Season Record : 1-0 (1-0 Home) Key Play: In the fourth quarter, trailing 13-9, Aqib Talib picked off a Joe Flacco pass intended for Steve Smith, Sr. and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown, giving Denver a 16-13 lead. Recap: Herm Edwards once famously said, "You play to win the game." From that standpoint, Sunday was a success. By any other metric, it's reasonable to have some concerns about the way the Broncos are playing. There wasn't an offensive touchdown scored in the game. That is a great sign for the Broncos' defense and a poor sign for the Broncos' future. No one looked good on the offensive side of the ball, and that has to change. And the Broncos got beat up in the game, but now have to hit the road to battle Kansas City Chiefs team that looked sharp in a win on the road Sunday. That game is on Thursday night, meaning the Broncos ha...

I love Donald Miller. I love his style of speaking, his thoughts on faith and the way he approaches the world. Recently, as a Sunday community, we've been listening to a few of his talks. This last talk — entitled "Free Market Jesus" — was a look at the church, culture, and how the two have been intertwined. It's been a fascinating time of listening and thinking. I was moved by the way he went through history, and how it's impacted the church. And I also had a few other takeaways. * We're Fathered to Maturity. This was one of his points near the end of the talk, and it's a powerful idea. We have a Heavenly Father who, much like our Earthly fathers, tries to help us reach maturity — in this case maturity in Christ. That doesn't mean granting our every wish or demand, it means patience, correction, and guidance. That's a beautiful picture of faith and the life of faith. * We are a Garden that needs to be cultivated. One of my favorite things that Mil...

Yesterday I looked at five movies from October through mid-November, today I'll be previewing five I'm excited about from Thanksgiving through Christmas. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2, Friday, November 20 About: This series, based on the young adult fiction novels from Suzanne Collins, has been a Box Office phenomenon. Now in its fourth — and final — installment, that won’t change. Bowing the Friday before Thanksgiving week, it will dominate the last half of the month. And it should. The films feature a fascinating story, good characters and a compelling narrative that asks bigger questions about our society and our future. Jennifer Lawrence is one of the best — and most popular — young actresses working today, and this is one of two big films featuring her this fall. I can’t wait to see how it ends. Star Wars, Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Friday, December 18 About: Do I even need to pitch this movie to you? I had you at “Star Wars,” right? It’s been a decade since ...

We are currently in somewhat of a movie wasteland. You can still find a diamond out there, but, let's be honest, it's mostly rough. As Harvey Dent said in "The Dark Knight," "It's always darkest before the dawn, but the dawn is coming." That dawn begins in October and rolls right through December. Over the next two days, I'll be highlighting 10 reasons for hope this fall and holiday season. Today is October through mid-November. Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving through Christmas, the golden time when you need movies as an escape from "bonding time" with extended family! The Martian, Friday, October 2 About: "The Martian," based on the novel by Andy Weir, is about an astronaut, Mark Watney (Matt Damon), who is presumed dead after a storm impacts a mission on Mars. In reality, he's left behind. Soon, he discovers that he's going to have to find a way to survive until help can arrive, which means finding a way to sustain life o...

The NFL season is upon us. This year I'll again be picking against Lindsay. This time, we're doing standard picks. I'll also offer picks against the spread each week. Lindsay's picks are in brackets. Week 1: Patriots over Steelers (Steelers) Colts over Bills (Colts) Packers over Bears (Bears) Jets over Browns (Browns) Chiefs over Texans (Chiefs) Seahawks over Rams (Rams) Dolphins over Redskins (Redskins) Jaguars over Panthers (Panthers) Lions over Chargers (Lions) Cardinals over Saints (Cardinals) Bengals over Raiders (Bengals) Broncos over Ravens (Broncos) Buccaneers over Titans (Titans) Cowboys over Giants (Giants) Eagles over Falcons (Eagles) Vikings over 49ers (49ers) Spread Picks: Steelers +3.5 Over Patriots Colts -2.5 Over Bills Packers -5.5 Over Bears Browns +3.5 Over Jets Chiefs +1.5 Over Texans Seahawks -3.5 Over Rams Dolphins -2.5 Over Redskins Jaguars +4.5 Over Panthers Lions +2.5 Over Chargers Cardinals -2.5 Over Saints Bengals -3.5 Over Raiders Broncos -4.5...

Tonight we'll begin with introductions then look at "Superman Returns," (2006) Discussion Questions: 1. Did this movie work for you, why or why not? 2. What is your view of a savior? 3. If you’ve seen it, what struck you most in the depiction of Superman in “Superman Returns?” 4. As a society, why are we so attracted to the idea of super heroes? My Thoughts: I am so excited to begin this 10-week journey together. I hope that after our time you'll have a new appreciation for film, and begin to look at the messages, ideas, and values that filmmakers share through their art. The author Donald Miller, who talks extensively about story, said, “Narrative has an unbelievable ability to adjust your moral compass.” Films, like other art forms, are a reflection of the experiences, passions, and beliefs of their creators. They tell stories, yes, but they also, often, point to something larger. In this class we’ll look at a variety of Hollywood movies, made by a variety of filmm...

Summer is over… This is the final roundup of new summer shows. Next week I'll preview Fall Shows I'm excited about, as the first premiers begin next week. Then we'll begin reviewing all the new shows of fall! Streaming Options: Narcos, Now streaming on Netflix (Debuted August 27) About: This series takes a hard look at the rise of cocaine trafficking in the United States in the 1970s and early 1980s, and the building of the cartel in Columbia. It presents a larger historical perspective while telling the story of a DEA Agent who travels to Columbia to help stamp out the drug trade. Even as he does it, the agent that narrates the story knows it's a losing battle. This show is violent and not an easy watch at times, but it's fascinating in the way it documents history in telling this story. It has good performances and it's building to a nice crescendo through two episodes. All the episodes are now available and streaming. Pilot Grade : B Second Episode : B- Hand ...

My wife asked me the other day to rate the top Quentin Tarantino films. Then I realized this is a perfect way to wrap up the summer binge watches. Plus, his latest film — "The Hateful Eight" — debuts in the fall. 1. Inglorious Basterds (2009) About: Near the end of the film, Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) looks at the mark he's left on a Nazi officer and says, "I think this might be my masterpiece." I think that is Tarantino commenting on his film, and he's right. In the film you can see elements of all his prior work, and it fuses together into something incredible. I loved the movie when it came out, and I still appreciate it greatly six years later. It's a stunning cinematic achievement, and a film shot in four languages. Yet it flows well, and is a great mix of all the things we love about Tarantino. Rating : R for strong graphic violence, language and brief sexuality. Verdict : Four stars out of four. 2. Reservoir Dogs (1992) About : Perhaps a controve...

The Colts have improved each year with Luck. I think they take the next step this year. Here's the AFC Predictions, plus playoffs and Super Bowl below. AFC West: 1. Denver Broncos, 11-5 — The Broncos still have a lot of talent, and perhaps one last run with Manning. 2. Kansas City Chiefs, 9-7 — Call me crazy, but I like Reid and I think the Chiefs will be better. They'll contend for a playoff spot. 3. San Diego Chargers, 8-8 — I think the Chargers have talent, but I don't believe in Melvin Gordon. With Gates suspended for four games, I think the offense struggles. 4. Oakland Raiders, 5-11 — I like Jack Del Rio and think they have some talent, but this is still a re-building team. AFC North: 1. Pittsburgh Steelers, 10-6 — Predictions for this division are all over the map. At the end of the day, I like the Steelers' talent on offense. I think they win the division again. 2. Baltimore Ravens, 9-7 — This team lost some players, and their receivers are question marks....

The NFL Season is almost upon us. It's time for some fearless predictions. Below is my predicted order of finish for all the NFC Teams (the AFC post is next). I also make my fearless playoff predictions. NFC West: 1. Seattle Seahawks, 11-5 — The Seahawks remain the best team in the division and one of the best in the NFC. 2. Arizona Cardinals, 9-7 — The Cardinals were a surprise playoff team last year but injuries killed their chances. I think they regress a bit this season. 3. St. Louis Rams, 8-8 — The Rams continue to make small improvements. I don't think they make the playoffs this year, but they're improving. 4. San Francisco 49ers, 5-11 — The 49ers, after a great run, have crashed back to earth. Their offense will struggle and their defense continues to lose pieces. NFC North: 1. Green Bay Packers, 11-5 — The Packers, despite the loss of Jordy Nelson in the preseason, remain the class of the division and, likely, the NFC. 2. Detroit Lions, 9-7 — The Lions have ta...