Matt's Musings

The Broncos won again, and now you have to wonder if they can make a run at being among the best in the AFC. Week 12: Broncos 30, New England Patriots 24 Season Record: 9-2 (4-1 Home) Key Play: In overtime, tied 24-24 and facing third and 1 at the Patriots 48, CJ Anderson took the pitch around the end and raced to the end zone, sealing the victory. Recap: The Broncos haven't hosted the Patriots (aside from the 2013 AFC Title Game) for a while. This was an eagerly anticipated match up as the 10-0 Pats came to town. We didn't get another Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning battle, but given how Manning has played that might be for the best. The team is now 2-0 with Brock Osweiler at QB, but I think that's misleading. Brock didn't win the game last night. Our running backs — CJ Anderson in particular — won that game. That and the defense. But as the season pushes on, it will be interesting to see where all the AFC Teams shake out. For now, the Broncos maintained a three game ...

We've reached December and, therefore, the end of the year. There are plenty of great holiday movies yet to come! Friday, December 4: Krampus — This is the latest Christmas themed film — this one a horror movie. For those who are in the mood for something different, this could be fascinating. Lady in the Van — This is a comedy starring the great Maggie Smith as, literally, an older lady living in a van. Expect some laughs and plenty of pathos from this movie, based on a true story. Christmas Eve — Another holiday film event, this a more traditional comedy/romance. In the grand tradition of New Year's Eve and "Valentine's Day," this is a movie about a bunch of people enduring life changing events on Christmas Eve. Friday, December 11: In the Heart of the Sea — This film from director Ron Howard stars Chris Hemsworth in the true life story that inspired Moby Dick. It looks like a great film and potential Oscar bait. Friday, December 18: Star Wars: Episode VII, The...

"You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream; And I’ll always love you for it. But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer. This season is all I have left to give. My heart can take the pounding; My mind can handle the grind; But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye." — Kobe Bryant It's hard to watch our beloved athletes get old, especially when they've been a part of your sports experience their whole careers. I'm sure it's what our parents and grandparents have felt in years past. Now I know how it feels. Kobe Bryant announced his retirement after this season. Peyton Manning isn't playing against the Patriots, and may not play again. Both are great. Both are champions. Both will be in the Hall of Fame. And both are shells of their former selves. A few weeks ago, Kobe Bryant said he sucked. It wasn't false modesty or taking too much blame — it was the truth. He can't play at an elite level — he can't even play at a decent level — and he...

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutchinson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Donald Sutherland Synopsis:  Wrapping up a film franchise is never easy, especially when you’ve built to an incredible crescendo. But that’s the challenge that faces the influx of Young Adult fiction adaptations that have become film franchises. It starting with “Harry Potter,” which grew its characters and story over the course of eight films — based on seven books — and ended with a satisfying resolution. Next came “Twilight,” which was a hit among audiences despite a ridiculous story and an even more ridiculous ending to its fifth and final film. Now comes the end for “The Hunger Games.” It’s ridden the line between critical and commercial success. It’s a better set of films than “Twilight,” but it might not have the rabid fan popularity. And it’s not quite as epic as “Harry Potter,” but it faces ...

The byes are over, and the stretch drive has begun. As always, Lindsay's picks are in brackets. NFL Picks Week 12: Lions over Eagles (Lions) Panthers over Cowboys (Cowboys) Packers over Bears (Bears) Falcons over Vikings (Vikings) Chiefs over Bills (Bills) Bengals over Rams (Bengals) Raiders over Titans (Raiders) Buccaneers over Colts (Colts) Jets over Dolphins (Jets) Texans over Saints (Texans) Redskins over Giants (Giants) Jaguars over Chargers (Chargers) Cardinals over 49ers (49ers) Seahawks over Steelers (Seahawks) Broncos over Patriots (Broncos) Ravens over Browns (Browns) Last Week : 7-7 Lindsay : 6-8 Season : 98-62 Lindsay : 85-75 Week 12 Spread Picks: Lions +.5 over Eagles Panthers -.5 over Cowboys Bears +9.5 over Packers Vikings +1.5 over Falcons Bills +5.5 over Chiefs Bengals -8.5 over Rams Raiders -1.5 over Titans Buccaneers +3.5 over Colts Jets -3.5 over Dolphins Texans -2.5 over Saints Redskins +2.5 over Giants Jaguars -4.5 over Chargers Cardinals -10.5 over 49ers Stee...

Today I continue my countdown of my Top 25 favorite movies of all time. Today's movie is an action classic that's about to get a sequel. No. 24 — Independence Day (1996) Starring: Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Randy Quaid, and Judd Hirsch Director:  Roland Emmerich Quote: "Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. "Mankind." That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the worl...

We've moved deep into the fall and this week it was like, "Holy Streaming TV Options, Batman!" In these weekly posts I review the pilot and second episode of new series. Don't see a new series listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesday Nights: Chicago Med, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC (Premiered November 17) About: This is the third in the Chicago franchise on NBC, joining "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago PD." This one is set in a hospital and follows the doctors and nurses trying to save lives. Expect plenty of cross-over action and cameos in this series — one of the "Chicago Fire" stars was in the pilot — but also expect a show that can stand on its own. I liked the pilot for its flow, characters, and story. This show reminds me a lot of "ER," and it seems to have a better foothold on the air than "Code Black," which I liked a lot but looks destined for cancellation. I think this series has some potential to turn into a mo...

The Broncos won, snapping a two-game losing streak, and did it all without Peyton Manning. The team is up three games with six to play. Week 11: Broncos 17, Chicago Bears 15 Season Record: 8-2 (3-1 home) Key Play: Near the end of the fourth quarter, after Jeremy Langford scored on a two-yard touchdown run to make it 17-15, the Broncos defense stiffened and blocked the two-point conversion that would have tied the game. Recap: I am on the fence about Brock Osweiler as a starter. During his limited pre-season work in four seasons we've seen some flashes, but not enough consistency. That didn't really change on Sunday, either. But it was his first regular season start, it was on the road, and he was facing a team coached by the coach that drafted him. He had a couple nice plays and did enough to win. More importantly, he didn't turn the ball over — something Peyton Manning had done in each of his previous nine starts. So the question now becomes, is there a QB controversy? I...

"Rorschach's Journal: October 12th, 1985. Tonight, a comedian died in New York." — Rorschach, "Watchmen" Alternate timelines or futures are hardly new in entertainment, but they can often be chilling. I once watched a faux documentary that imagined our country if the Confederates won the Civil War. As you might imagine, it was quite different from the country we live in today. One of my favorite shows of all time, "Fringe," featured a mirrored, alternate Earth. In that world, the World Trade Center never came down. I remember the first time they showed the towers again, the raw surge of emotion I felt. It was unexpected and really drew me into the story. The most famous graphic novel of all time — "Watchmen" — also features an alternate setting. In that case, the action is 1985, but not as we've known it. Alan Moore, who created the graphic novel, didn't want to be accused to taking shots at contemporary politicians. So he shifted tim...

"TV now lives on our phones and our computers; we watch it on tablets and stream it through boxes. Never before has it commanded so much respect; at no time in its history has it been so breathlessly considered, so unabashedly embraced. There may be fewer and fewer things to love, but there have never been more shows worthy of our like. The sheer quantity of options can, on a busy Sunday night, mask the dwindling amount of quality." - Andy Greenwald, Television critic I love Andy Greenwald as a writer, and I've loved his comments in recent years that there is simply more TV than there's ever been — perhaps too much. His comment above was in 2013, and things have only gotten more crowded. I have been reviewing new shows on my blog for a few years, and even just staying up with all the scripted series that debut is daunting at times. It used to be that the fall kick-started things, and the networks flooded the air with new shows. They still do, but they also flood the s...

Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week. Love the Coopers Starring: Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Olivia Wilde, Ed Helms, and Amanda Seyfried Synopsis : There are a few constants this time of year. The shopping centers are crowded. Egg Nog is plentiful. Family gatherings are on the horizon. And Hollywood will offer holiday movies. Sometimes they come in the form of cozy gems to watch on the Hallmark channel at home. Sometimes they’re funny and heart-warming. Other times, the holiday films focus on what it means to spend time with family — a warts and all approach. “Love the Coopers,” the first Christmas-themed film to hit theaters this season — takes the latter approach. There’s comedy and all the trappings of Christmas. But this isn’t always an easy film to watch. But if we’re honest, it isn’t always easy when families get together for the holidays. Like traditional holiday movies, “Love the Coopers” has some moments of comedy and it has the happy ending you’re e...

Last week was a rough one, with a lot of big, shocking upsets. I didn't have a great week for picks, but most people scuffled. This week we'll try to get better. Lindsay's picks are in brackets. NFL Week 11: Jaguars over Titans (Jaguars) Falcons over Colts (Falcons) Broncos over Bears (Broncos) Dolphins over Cowboys (Cowboys) Raiders over Lions (Raiders) Rams over Ravens (Rams) Jets over Texans (Texans) Eagles over Buccaneers (Eagles) Panthers over Redskins (Panthers) Chiefs over Chargers (Chargers) Vikings over Packers (Vikings) Seahawks over 49ers (49ers) Cardinals over Bengals (Bengals) Patriots over Bills (Patriots) Last Week : 5-9 Lindsay : 6-8 Season: 91-55 Lindsay : 79-67 Week 11 Spread: Jaguars -2.5 over Titans Colts +6.5 over Falcons Broncos +1.5 over Bears Dolphins +.5 over Cowboys Raiders -1.5 over Lions Rams +1.5 over Ravens Jets -2.5 over Texans Buccaneers +5.5 over Eagles Panthers -7.5 over Redskins Chiefs -2.5 over Chargers Vikings -.5 over Packers 49ers +12...

Today I start my countdown of my top 25 favorite movies of all time. During these weekly posts I'll countdown from 25 to 1. To make the list, a movie has to resonate with me, has to be one I've seen many times, and has to be at least five years old. Why the five year requirement? Sometimes movies strike a chord with you right away but fade after a matter of months. If a movie stayed with you at least five years, then you know it's one that will stick. I try to re-evaluate this list every few years, so I'm sure it will change over time. This list is a big change from the last time I did this in 2010. No. 25 — The Shawshank Redemption (1994) Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and Bob Gunston Director: Frank Darabont Quote: "Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." — Andy About: 1994 was an exceptional year for movies. Now 21 years since its release, "The Shawshank Redemption" was part of an incr...

We're nearing Thanksgiving, which means new fall series are preparing for their winter break. Still, some new series continue to debut. In these weekly posts I look at the pilot and second episode of new series. Don't see a new series listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesday Nights: Donny!, Tuesdays at 10:30 p.m. on USA (Premiered November 10) About: This is allegedly a comedy. It centers on Donny Deutsch, and is a lightly-satirized send up of his life. That seems bad to me, because the pilot was one of the most painfully unfunny half hours I've seen in quite some time. USA is moving away from sitcoms after bombing in the genre. I've liked some of their stuff, but this show is an example of why comedy isn't their thing. Pilot Grade : F Saturday Nights: Spotless, Saturdays at 9 p.m. on Esquire (Premiered November 14) About: This is the latest scripted series -- a British import -- that is appearing on Esquire Network. Never heard of it? Don't worry, I hadn...

It's going to be a long second half. Week 10: Kansas City Chiefs 29, Broncos 13 Season Record: 7-2 (3-1 home) Key Play: Trailing 10-0 in the first quarter, Manning and the Broncos were starting to get a drive together. On second at 10 at the 50 yard line, he was intercepted by Sean Smith, capping the only semi-successful drive of the game for the Broncos with Manning at the helm. Recap: It would be hard to have a worse performance than Sunday's game. Through the first seven games of the season, the Broncos hadn't allowed any opponent points in the first quarter. Against the Colts they allowed seven. Yesterday, they allowed 10. But it's not all the fault of the defense. Manning threw two first quarter interceptions, three in the first half, and four through two and a half quarters before he was pulled. Sure, on paper it looks like the Broncos put up a couple scores in the second half to be competitive. But that's a fraud. Brock Osweiler didn't look great either,...

It's pilot season for Amazon again. I've seen all six, here are my thoughts below. We'll have to see what series, if any, get picked up. Half Hour Shows: Highston Starring: Lewis Pullman, Chris Parnell, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Curtis Armstrong Synopsis: Amazon, and others, probably classify their half-hour pilots as comedies. But there were three of them, and none of them were funny. "Highston" is probably the closest to a comedy. But it's not great. It's about a kid who sees famous people. He's mentally ill, but those not real people — like Flea and Shaq — offer amusing advice. Let's all laugh... or not. I didn't care for this pilot and I can't imagine watching this as a full length show. Pilot Grade: D One Mississippi Starring: Tig Notaro, Casey Wilson and John Rothman Synopsis: This is another Amazon half-hour, and it's also decidedly not real funny. Tig Notary has a rough personal story, and this show seems a bit based on that. T...

Most teams have played eight games, some have played nine. So it's time to make our mid-point projections. Below I'll recap my quarter pole projections then make some new ones. Quarterpole Predictions: NFC Playoff Predictions: West Champ — Arizona Cardinals North Champ — Green Bay Packers South Champ — Atlanta Falcons East Champ — New York Giants Wild Card — Carolina Panthers Wild Card — Seattle Seahawks Round One : Cardinals Over Seahawks; Panthers over Giants Round Two : Packers over Panthers; Falcons over Cardinals NFC Championship : Packers over Falcons AFC Playoff Predictions: West Champ — Denver Broncos North Champ — Cincinnati Bengals South Champ — Indianapolis Colts East Champ — New England Patriots Wild Card — Pittsburgh Steelers Wild Card — New York Jets Round One: Steelers over Colts; Broncos over Jets Round Two: Patriots over Steelers; Broncos over Bengals AFC Championship: Patriots over Broncos Super Bowl: Packers over Patriots Where it Went Wrong: * Who...

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. The Peanuts Movie Starring : Bill Melendez and Noah Schnapp Synopsis: I love "A Charlie Brown Christmas." It's one of my favorite Christmas movies, and I have been devoted to the Peanuts since I was a child. All this to say I can't be objective when talking about Charlie Brown and Snoopy. But I was worried about this full length feature film, which adopts the latest in visual animation style. I was worried that it wouldn't maintain the character and faith that made the TV special so memorable. But those fears were assuaged as I watched the film, which is quite good and completely in keeping with the spirit of those great animated features. The animation style is updated to be modern, but it retains the spirit of those classic TV specials and cartoons. In addition, the movie has a lot of call backs to classic elements of the Peanuts specials. And it has a great message for kids, teens, and adults. It's a gre...

It was another strong week as I open up a decent gap on Lindsay. Her picks are in brackets. NFL Week 10: Jets over Bills (Bills) Rams over Bears (Rams) Steelers over Browns (Browns) Buccaneers over Cowboys (Cowboys) Packers over Lions (Panthers) Panthers over Titans (Packers) Eagles over Dolphins (Dolphins) Saints over Redskins (Redskins) Ravens over Jaguars (Jaguars) Vikings over Raiders (Raiders) Broncos over Chiefs (Broncos) Patriots over Giants (Patriots) Seahawks over Cardinals (Cardinals) Bengals over Texans (Bengals) Last Week : 9-4 Lindsay : 8-5 Season: 85-46 Lindsay : 73-59 NFL Week 10 Spread: Jets -2.5 over Bills Bears +7.5 over Rams Steelers -4.5 over Browns Buccaneers -1.5 over Cowboys Lions +11.5 over Packers Panthers -4.5 over Titans Dolphins +6.5 over Eagles Saints -.5 over Redskins Jaguars +5.5 over Ravens Vikings +2.5 over Raiders Broncos -6.5 over Chiefs Patriots -7.5 over Giants Cardinals +3.5 over Seahawks Bengals -10.5 over Texans Last Week : 8-5 Season : 71-62

Our journey comes to an end with "Amazing Grace," a Christian film based on the true story of William Wilberforce which tells us a lot about living our purpose and perseverance. Discussion Questions: 1. Did this movie work for you, why or why not? 2. How do you answer the call of God in your life? 3. What kind of call do you think God has placed in your life? 4. How do you remain faithful to God’s call during the tough times? Thoughts: This film chronicles the life and work of William Wilberforce, who was a member Parliament from the late 1700s through the early 1800s. He was a devout Christian and, during his time, became singularly committed to the cause of abolishing slavery and the slave trade within the British empire. The film chronicles that fight, all the principle players, and even the mentorship he receives from John Newton (Albert Finney), a former slave trader turned evangelist who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.” This film was one of the films released by Fox Fait...

We're into November, and the flood of new shows has settled to a trickle. Don't worry, it will be back to a flood in January. But there are some new shows debuting, with some anticipated ones coming later this month. In these weekly posts I review the pilot and second episode of new shows. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesday Nights: Wicked City, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC (Premiered October 27) About : This isn't a good show, and it is likely a dead show airing. The ratings have been awful because, as it turns out, we're not all that interested in a show set in the 1980s about a serial killing couple. Though, to be fair, it's just a serial killer and his girlfriend at the end of the second episode. But in case you were worried about false advertising, it looks like a match made somewhere other than heaven that will become a tag team effort soon. The problem is, who are we supposed to care about? I don't care for any of the charac...

The Broncos weren't going to win them all... Week Nine : Indianapolis Colts 27, Broncos 24 Season Record : 7-1 (3-0 Home) Key Play : With the Broncos trailing 27-24 and time winding down, the Colts ran for two yards to set up a critical third and seven. However, Broncos' corner Aqib Talib was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, giving the Colts new life and a chance to run out the clock. Recap : The defense was the salvation of the Broncos for the first six games. Last night, it cost the team its first loss. Of course it's not all on the defense. But the nearly untouchable Broncos defense struggled to get sacks, failed to get a turnover, and allowed the first first-quarter points of the season to an opponent. The Colts jumped out 17-0, then the Broncos defense killed its comeback chances with stupid penalties down the stretch. Talib could, and should, be suspended. It was a dumb performance. Additionally, the Broncos' offense struggled again. Peyton Manning ...

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” - Isaiah 6:8 Isaiah is a book full of hard truths and interesting prophesies. As we've explored this book, it's been interesting to look at how it all ties together with the New Testament and the journey we're on. It's tied in beautifully with the idea of finding our "Yes" to God, too. But what happens after yes? A lot of times we focus on the moment of saying yes and then move on. But so much happens after yes — good and bad — that it's worth considering. That's what happens in Isaiah 6 following Isaiah's yes. He says yes in Isaiah 6:8, but that's not the end of the story. There are 60 chapters that follow and plenty of challenges for Isaiah. But he remained committed to the call in his life. God even offers a warning of what's to come as chapter 6 concludes. While we tend to focus on verses 1-8, there is a lot th...

"I freaking suck." - Kobe Bryant It might have escaped your notice, with all that's going on right now, that the NBA season tipped off last week. If you're a Lakers fan, like me, it might be for the best to pretend the season hasn't started... or that it's been cancelled. After a loss to the Mavericks that dropped the Lakers' record to 0-3 on the season, Kobe Bryant went hard on himself. He said he sucked and he had to play better. He said he was, maybe, the 200th best player in the league right now. That sounds bad, but it might be a somewhat honest reflection of life in LA. The Lakers are no longer a dominant franchise in the NBA. In fact, they're not even the best team in Los Angeles or the best team that plays home games in the Staples Center. That's rough to admit about one of the best franchises in league history, a team that has won 16 NBA titles. A team that boasts a player, Bryant, that's one of the greatest in NBA history and a five-t...

We've hit week nine, and there are six teams on a bye, so only 13 games this week. The Broncos won a big one on Sunday night, and now hopefully they'll win again. Lindsay's picks are in brackets. NFL Week 9: Bengals over Browns (Bengals) Bills over Dolphins (Bills) Panthers over Packers (Panthers) Saints over Titans (Saints) Steelers over Raiders (Raiders) Vikings over Rams (Rams) Patriots over Redskins (Patriots) Jets over Jaguars (Jaguars) Falcons over 49ers (Falcons) Giants over Buccaneers (Giants) Broncos over Colts (Broncos) Cowboys over Eagles (Eagles) Bears over Chargers (Chargers) Last Week : 10-4 Lindsay : 8-6 Season : 77-42 Lindsay : 65-54 Week 9 Spread : Bengals -10.5 over Browns Bills -2.5 over Dolphins Panthers +2.5 over Packers Saints -7.5 over Titans Raiders +4.5 over Steelers Vikings -2.5 over Rams Patriots -13.5 over Redskins Jets -6.5 over Jaguars Falcons -6.5 over 49ers Giants -2.5 over Buccaneers Broncos -3.5 over Colts Cowboys +2.5 over Eagles Bears -3....

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. The Leisure Class Starring: Ed Weeks, Tom Bell, Bridget Regan, and Scottie Thompson Synopsis: For the past eight weeks HBO has been airing the fourth season of "Project Greenlight," a show from producers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck that gives a first-time filmmaker the money and resources to make a film. This year's winner was Jason Mann, who directed and co-wrote "The Leisure Class" for his "Project Greenlight" film. It debuted on HBO on Monday night and it was... awful. It's meant to be a farcical comedy, but it doesn't work. I can appreciate the technical work that went into the film, but the film itself is a bit of a mess. I was hoping for some comedy, or at least an interesting story, but it just doesn't happen. "Project Greenlight" was fascinating during its fourth season. The film it produced was not. Rating : TVMA Verdict : One star out of four Our Brand Is Crisis Starr...

Tonight we're beginning our final two weeks together looking at the idea of "Purpose." This week, we look at a secular film in "About Schmidt" Discussion Questions: 1. Did this movie work for you, why or why not? 2. Have you ever felt lost in your life? If so, why? 3. Have you ever felt like your life lacks purpose? 4. What do you do to add meaning to your life? Thoughts : This film from director Alexander Payne was largely over looked by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Jack Nicholson was nominated as Best Actor and should have won for his performance, which is one of the finest of his career. In the last decade it was another of Payne’s films, the 2004 comedy “Sideways,” that earned praise and landed on the Best of the Decade lists. For my money, this film is funnier, more engrossing, and has a lot more heart. That’s why I put it on the list of my favorite films of the first decade of the 21st Century. The film centers on an aging insurance exe...