Matt's Musings

Week 17: Los Angeles Chargers 23, Broncos 9 Season Record: 6-10 (3-5 Home) Key Play: In the fourth quarter, with the Broncos trailing 16-9, Austin Ekeler scored a one-yard touchdown to boost the lead to 23-9, putting the game away. Recap: The Broncos ended the season with a whimper, turning the ball over four times and falling at home to close out a 6-10 season. They will have the 10th pick in the draft, and coach Vance Joseph was fired on Monday, so they Broncos will have a new coach soon. There's not a lot of point in dwelling on what didn't work. The Broncos had their moments, winning three straight to pull back to .500, but the final four games were indicative of a team that has a long way to climb. The Broncos have some talent and a strong core, but they are missing some big pieces. A new coach will help, as will addressing the offensive line, some depth and figuring out the long-term answer at quarterback. But will a number of the expensive veterans will probably ...

We've reached the end of 2018, and that means it's time for me to share my favorite films and the five I liked the least. I always save this for the last day of the year so I have the most amount of time to see movies. I've seen about 120 new movies in 2018, so I've done some homework. And this list narrows it down to my favorites, in ascending order, and the five most disappointing, in ascending order. We all have our takes on films, so leave a comment and offer yours! Cheers to movies in 2018. Top 10: 10. The Favourite —This weird movie topped a lot of critics' lists, and I liked the film. It features three great performances from Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone, and a wild story. The direction from Yorgos Lanthimos is solid, and the way this film is put together makes it wildly unexpected. The dialogue is what really sticks with you. 9. Mary Poppins Returns —There was a lot riding on this film, which is a long-awaited follow up to a classic....

We're coming to the end of 2018 and I'm recounting my favorites of 2018. Today I move from TV to movies and begin with my favorite performances. Tomorrow I'll close with my Top 10 and Bottom 5 of the year. Best Actor * Bradley Cooper, "A Star is Born" * John Krasinski, "A Quiet Place" * Ryan Gosling, "First Man" * Rami Malek, "Bohemian Rhapsody" * Viggo Mortensen, "Green Book" About: This is a great group of actors that created a lot of varied performances. Cooper is probably an Oscar favorite for "A Star is Born," but one of my favorites was Krasinski in "A Quiet Place," one of my favorite movies of the year. Best Actress * Lady Gaga, "A Star is Born" * Emily Blunt, "A Quiet Place," "Mary Poppins Returns" * Olivia Coleman, "The Favourite" * Amandala Steinberg, "The Hate U Give" * Constance Wu, "Crazy Rich Asians" About: A great group...

We've reached the final week of the NFL's regular season. Can Lindsay keep closing the gap? We'll find out. Her picks are in brackets. NFL Picks, Week 17 Falcons Over Buccaneers (Falcons) Bills Over Dolphins (Dolphins) Cowboys Over Giants (Cowboys) Packers Over Lions (Packers) Patriots Over Jets (Patriots) Saints Over Panthers (Saints) Texans Over Jaguars (Jaguars) Bears Over Vikings (Bears) Steelers Over Bengals (Steelers) Browns Over Ravens (Ravens) Chargers Over Broncos (Chargers) Chiefs Over Raiders (Chiefs) Rams Over 49ers (49ers) Eagles Over Redskins (Eagles) Seahawks Over Cardinals (Seahawks) Colts Over Titans (Titans) Last Week: 11–5 Lindsay: 11-5 Season: 145–95 Lindsay: 130-110 NFL Picks Spread, Week 17 Falcons +1.5 Over Buccaneers Bills -3.5 Over Dolphins Cowboys +6.5 Over Giants Packers -7.5 Over Lions Patriots -13.5 Over Jets Panthers +10.5 Over Saints Texans -7.5 Over Jaguars Bears +5.5 Over Vikings Steelers -14.5 Over Bengals Browns +6.5 Over Rave...

Today I continue my look at the Best of 2018, ending my three days on TV with my picks for the best TV Series of the year. There were 495 scripted series that aired in 2018, yet it was a year that was probably marked more by what didn't air. There was no "Game of Thrones." There was no "Stranger Things." And a few other took the year off, as well. Which isn't to say that there weren't good shows that aired in 2018. Below are the 10 that were my favorites among the many, many I watched. They appear in ascending order. 10. 9-1-1, season 1 and 2 About: This was one of the first new shows of 2018 to air, kicking off its short first season in early January. Its second season kicked off in the Fall. Both have been good. Ryan Murphy is a good storyteller who is good at bringing to life interesting and compelling characters. This show, which focuses on firefighters, paramedics, cops and a 9-1-1 operator was one of the most interesting new shows of the yea...

Today I continue my look at the Best of 2018 on the small screen with my favorite episodes. There were a lot of episodes of TV in 2018, and many of them touched me in some small way. This list is a mix of comedy and drama, a tribute to the fine year of work in both the hour long and half hour format. Here's the list in ascending order. 10. "The Good Twin," GLOW episode 2.08 About: The second season of "GLOW" was strong, advancing a number of crucial storylines and offering some fun moments. It had some poignant moments, too. In fact, many people have focused on other episodes, but I enjoyed the creativity, here. This one played out like a show within a show, and it allowed the ladies to be wild and crazy, and it was a good break from the traditional format. I really enjoyed this one. 9. "The Box," Brooklynn Nine-Nine episode 5.14 About: For those who know that Andre Braugher played one of the most iconic TV detectives in Frank Pembelton on ...

It's finally here, the end of the year and my Best of 2018 Series. Today I begin the first of three days of posts regarding TV, starting with performances. Below are my favorites from the year based on what I watch. There were 495 scripted series that aired in 2018, so it's fair to say I didn't see them all. But I saw a lot. Best Actor, Drama: * Titus Welliver, "Bosch" * Matthew Rhys, "The Americans" * Charlie Cox, "Daredevil" * John Krasinski, "Jack Ryan" * Andrew Lincoln, "The Walking Dead" About : This is a collection of guys that turned in powerful performances. I love Welliver as Harry Bosch, and Krasinski was great as Jack Ryan. Both show the depth of Amazon's slate in 2018. Cox, meanwhile, is great as the conflicted Matt Murdock, and Rhys turned in another beautiful season as Phillip Jennings. Finally, I thought the back half of season eight was a beautiful showcase for Lincoln, the heart of that series. ...

Last year, there was a lot of value to be had from riding some of the movies released in the rush at Christmas. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle stayed on or near the top of the Box Office for weeks, and proved a great value and anchor. So what will be the 2018 version of Jumanji ? We’ve had seven wide releases since December 21, and all of them are vying for seats at the Box Office table. This week we welcome two new entries to the game, while Green Book comes back as it’s being re-released thanks to an awards season run. So what will end up on top? I was well off last week, banking on Aquaman going big, but he didn’t quite get there. I did correctly gauge some value in The Mule , which was the Best Value, but Welcome to Marwen fell flat. The right option was Spider-Man and The Mule splitting the eight screens.  But what will provide that kick of value this week? As always, if you think you’re better at the game than me, I encourage you to join me in a Fantasy L...

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. Aquaman Starring: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, and Nicole Kidman Synopsis: I wasn't a huge fan of the character Aquaman (Momoa) when he first appeared in "Justice League," so I was skeptical of his stand alone film. That hesitation combined with the fact that D.C. movies haven't been that great—aside from "Wonder Woman"—was reason to wonder what this film would hold. And yet, I was pleasantly surprised. Momoa and his take on Arthur Curry grew on me, and this story was a lot more fun and engaging than most of the D.C. films. It wasn't on the level of "Wonder Woman," but I'd argue it's a step up from the other entries. The colors popped and the world did, too. And it was a movie that wasn't afraid to include a little humor, something often in short supply in "Justice League" and the two movies built around Superman. This is a fun action fil...

Week 16: Oakland Raiders 27, Broncos 14 Season Record: 6-9 (3-4 Home) Key Play: In the first quarter, the Broncos whiffed on punt coverage and allowed Dwayne Harris to return one 99 yards for the score. It made it 7-0 at the time but set the tone for the day. Recap: To recap the famous poem, "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but with a whimper." It's not the end of the world, but it's the end of a long, brutal season for the Broncos. And Monday night's disgrace in Oakland shows that the team will, indeed, let the season end with a whimper. Its lone bright spot, Phillip Lindsay, was injured in the game and will miss the rest of the season and likely the Pro Bowl. While the Pro Bowl doesn't count for anything in the standings, it's a fun opportunity that will be missed by my favorite Bronco, who has a broken wrist and damaged ligaments. And the team so obviously under performed in every key area, they've clearly quit on Vance Josep...

Today is Christmas Eve, and the holiday is officially upon us. Whether you're worshipping, opening presents, or just enjoying time with family, I hope your Christmas is blessed. Below is an exchange from my favorite Christmas movie, "A Charle Brown Christmas." Thanks for reading this site, and indulging my thoughts on sports and entertainment. Look for my Best of 2018 posts beginning on Friday, December 28 and running until New Year's Eve. And again, Merry Christmas! Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about? Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. [moves toward the center of the stage] Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please. [a spotlight shines on Linus] Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about...

"Timeless" may not go down as one of the better series in TV, but it is special. It's been cancelled, twice, and resurrected, twice. And that's largely thanks to fan out cry and the deal with Sony. On Thursday, we got the two-hour finale to wrap things up. For those not familiar, "Timeless" debuted three years ago, in Fall 2016. It was a time travel adventure series with a hook. A soldier, a historian and an engineer had to go to different time periods to fight a madman bent on changing history. Over time the story evolved, but it was always the core characters and the travels through time that made the show go. After one season, it was cancelled. But an 11th hour deal made way for a 10-episode season two. And that second season seemed to pick up some of the threads and correct some of the issues from the long-form storytelling of Season 1. And though the creators didn't have any guarantee they'd return, they went out on the mother of all cli...

We only have two weeks left in the regular season, so things are winding down in the NFL. But the pick competition is still strong. Lindsay's picks are in brackets. NFL Picks, Week 16: Titans Over Redskins (Titans) Chargers Over Ravens (Chargers) Falcons Over Panthers (Falcons) Patriots Over Bills (Patriots) Browns Over Bengals (Bengals) Cowboys Over Buccaneers (Cowboys) Vikings Over Lions (Lions) Packers Over Jets (Packers) Colts Over Giants (Colts) Dolphins Over Jaguars (Dolphins) Texans Over Eagles (Eagles) Bears Over 49ers (Bears) Rams Over Cardinals (Cardinals) Steelers Over Saints (Saints) Seahawks Over Chiefs (Seahawks) Broncos Over Raiders (Raiders) Last Week: 9–7 Lindsay : 10-6 Season: 134–89 Lindsay: 119-104 NFL Picks Spread, Week 16 Redskins +10.5 Over Titans Chargers -4.5 Over Ravens Falcons +3.5 Over Panthers Patriots -12.5 Over Bills Browns -6.5 Over Bengals Cowboys -7.5 Over Buccaneers Vikings -5.5 Over Lions Packers +.5 Over Jets Colts -9.5 Over Giant...

Christmas movies, and specifically which are the best, is a deeply personal thing. There are as many different lists as there are people. But, 'tis the season for Christmas films as we head into the final weekend before holiday revelry begins. So below are my five favorite Christmas movies in order. There are plenty I enjoy, including classics like "It's A Wonderful Life," "Home Alone," and "Holiday Inn." But these are the ones that I think of when I think of watching a Christmas movie. 5. A Christmas Story (1983) About: My wife doesn't care for this movie, so I don't watch it as much as I used to. But I love the classic story of Ralphie, his family and the Christmas present he schemed to get only to have it literally bite him in the face. This is a close entry, as I considered "Love Actually," another film my wife doesn't like, in this slot. But "A Christmas Story" really captures the heart of the season and...

We’ve fast approaching Christmas, which means a flood of folks off work, with family and looking for a creative diversion. This is usually a rich time for new releases at the Box Office, and 2018 looks like no exception. Of course, that means a flood of new entries into the game, too. But more on that in a minute. First we look back to last week. I thought the cards were lining up for The Mule to be a value. The cards betrayed me. Instead, Creed II was the Best Value. But The Mule was the right anchor, just two screens instead of my three, paired with The Grinch and five of Creed II. So I was close, but missed out on the strong fan interest in Creed II. Lessons learned, perhaps. This week six new movies enter the game, which means plenty of time to dwell on what will be the biggest offering. As always, if you think you’re better at the game than me, I encourage you to join me in a Fantasy Life App Blog league! You can join the league here . Let’s see how this week stacks up....

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. The Favourite Starring: Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, Nicholas Hoult, and Mark Gatiss Synopsis: There are few filmmakers who have as daring a vision of storytelling as Yorgos Lanthimos. He might not make films for the masses, but if you're a fan of the craft and of something off-beat, you have to be drawn to what he's doing. A few years ago, he delivered "The Lobster" which was an absurdist film that had a legion of fans and a certain charm, especially in the performance of Colin Farrell. Weisz and Coleman were a part of that ensemble, and continue with Lanthimos on "The Favourite," a fantastically made and fantastically strange film that is earning a number of award nominations and figures to be a player at the Academy Awards. It earned a Best Picture nomination and acting nominations for all three female leads from the Golden Globes. Weisz and Stone are in the supporting category, wit...

This is it, we've reached the end of our new slate this Fall. I'll be reviewing a couple streaming shows that kicked off, but that marks the end of the new roll out among the busiest season. It's because we're close to the holidays, and things are winding down before the big kick-off for the Winter. But we're not there yet. In 2018 there were 495 scripted shows that aired, many of them new. And I've chronicled a lot here. I hope you found some favorites, or at least some you liked. Stay tuned next week, during the final week of the year, as I start to roll out my Best of 2018, including my favorite shows, episodes and performances. For now, it's time to look at these last two new shows. In these weekly recaps I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Streaming Series: Champaign Ill, Now Streaming on YouTube Red (Premiered December 12) About: This new comedy series comes fro...

"You need to let go of the past -- the life you lost -- and start living the life you have. It's time both of us do." - Miles, "God Friended Me" The best new show of 2018 is "God Friended Me," a beautiful look at faith and the world. Each week it airs a new episode, I'll be recapping my thoughts. Last night "God Friended Me" aired its Winter Finale, and it was a doozy. One that brought up a lot of emotional issues and left us in a place of preparing for all that the back half of season one will have to offer in the Winter and Spring. And there's plenty to think about here. Miles (Brandon Michael Hall) was sent a friend request, this time for the man who killed his mother 17 years earlier. For Miles, that wound is still raw. His anger has defined his journey, at least in part, to this point. His loss shaped his view on the world, especially as it pertains to God, and it makes sense that he would be asked to confront that ange...

Week 15 : Cleveland Browns 17, Denver Broncos 16 Season Record : 6-8 (3-4 Home) Key Play : In the fourth quarter, trailing 17-13 with time winding down, Vance Joseph elected to kick a field goal on fourth and 1. The Broncos cut the lead to 17-16 but couldn't get in scoring range again. Recap : Game management. You can't win and be a successful team if you don't have a coach capable of managing the game. And Vance Joseph has shown himself to be a poor game manager the past two seasons. That continued Saturday night, as he elected to go for a field goal on fourth and one deep in the Browns' territory, trailing by four with time winding down in the fourth quarter. It made the loss closer, but it did little to avoid a loss. A week after going for it with reckless abandon, he was ultra conservative. Both strategies resulted in losses, to teams below .500, which has ended the Broncos slim playoff hopes. Last week I wrote that Joseph had done enough to warrant considerati...

It’s been a long stretch. Since November 21, a Wednesday, we haven’t seen many new films. But, finally, we have a full slate of new releases set to come out this week. That means four new wide releases in the game. But more on that in a minute. Last week I thought The Grinch was the best option for an anchor, and some sneaky value could be had in Green Book and A Star is Born , which earned a gaggle of nominations last Thursday. Turns out those instincts were right. Programming three of The Grinch was the path to victory. But while I hedged my bets with a couple screens each of Green Book and A Star is Born , it turns out the path to perfection was just to bet on Lady Gaga. You live. You learn. You improve. That’s the goal anyway. So this week we finally have some new releases, including one that figures to top the Box Office and knock Ralph from his pedestal. As always, if you think you’re better at the game than me, I encourage you to join me in a Fantasy Life App Blo...