Matt's Musings

We've turned the corner to April and by month's end, summer will officially have begun. But there's gonna be some fun times leading up to that, too. Friday, April 5: Shazam! —This comes from D.C., but is the rare modern D.C. film that looks like it has heart and humor. I've long appreciated Zachary Levi as a performer, and I'm excited to see this movie, which looks like a kick. Pet Sematary —This re-make based on the Stephen King novel looks sufficiently creepy. King has had a resurgence of late, and I think this could be one of the better entries this spring. Best of Enemies —Based on the true story, Sam Rockwell and Taraji P. Henson star as staunch advocates on opposite sides of the debate on race pulled together to come up with a solution after a school burns down. This looks like a fierce and interesting tale. Friday, April 12: Hellboy —Another re-make, this time featuring David Harbour in the lead role. Looks like a fun action film. Little —This co...

"Well, it's not my story to tell." - Cara, "God Friended Me" We're close to the end of the season. Just two episode remain in this freshman go, and "God Friended Me" seems to remain committed to tying up loose ends, including the role Simon Hays (Adam Goldberg) plays in the God Account. And while that's never been my favorite storyline, I get it. There's also the push to determine whether Arthur (Joe Morton) will become Bishop, or whether it's a post he even wants. He's done a lot of good for the community in his church, and while that could be done on a larger scale as Bishop, should he really move for a job if he can't be true to who he is and what he believes? And Miles (Brandon Michael Hall) and Cara (Violett Beane), their relationship has progressed beautifully and is one of the highlights of the show, along with their work of helping others. And yet there's been this thing hanging over them the past few weeks...

Last week, Jordan Peele delivered his highly anticipated follow up Us , and it didn’t disappoint. It was already projected to win the week at the Box Office, and it did, but it also bested projections to provide Best Value. I correctly figured that Us was the anchor needed to try and win the week, but I missed on Five Feet Apart continuing to hold up well. The teen romance has a built-in genre audience and was a bit of good counter-programming, so those that went all in on horror and romance, two teen staples, were the big winners of the week. I went in another direction and, well, came up short. But no time to dwell on what’s past. This week Us is still kicking around, and Captain Marvel is still humming along. In addition we have plenty of smaller films, like Five Feet Apart , that have genre appeal. Meanwhile Disney launches the first of three re-makes of animated classics in 2019 with Dumbo , from director Tim Burton. It figures to be atop the Box Office, but what wil...

Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week. Us Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, and Madison Curry Synopsis: Early in the film "Us," the fantastic horror follow up from director Jordan Peele, the main character sees a man holding a sign reading Jeremiah 11:11. That passage reads, “Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I will bring on them a disaster they cannot escape. Although they cry out to me, I will not listen to them.’” Those familiar with Jeremiah know it isn't the lightest book, but it does contain some hopeful passages. 11:11 isn't really one of them, but it does set the stage for what we're going to see in this film. And, as a bonus, probably drove many people to crack open a Bible (or at least a Bible Website) this last weekend. It's also an example of the depth and style of Peele the director. He uses a lot of interesting cultural references in his works, and even Scriptur...

We've reached the final week of March, and Spring has officially sprung. In fact, it's supposed to be 70 degrees here tomorrow. But having lived outside of California for seven years now, I know that you can't count your chickens before Mother's Day. I'm sure there's another snow storm or two lingering out there somewhere. In the meantime, we've hit that time of year when the Networks launch some short run series to see if they gain traction. Sometimes it hits, sometimes it doesn't. After all, "Grey's Anatomy" launched on March 27, 2005, and now is in its 15th season and is the longest running medical show in history. Will any of these March/April debuts hit? Let's find out. In these weekly posts I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted shows this winter. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Monday Nights: The Fix, Mondays at 10 p.m. on ABC (Premiered March 18) About: This series, co-created by...

"The crossing over the river may be gone but we rebuilt a bridge none the less." - Ezekiel, "The Walking Dead" "The Walking Dead" returned for the second half of its ninth season on Feb. 10. Each week I'll be looking at the episode, the deeper themes, and the world. "The Walking Dead" is nearly at the end of its ninth season. By now we've seen everything. Still, Sunday's episode was a reminder that the show is still capable of producing some surprises. That ending. That's one that would make David Fincher proud, and one that will stick with viewers for some time. Naturally it's not as jarring as the season seven premier and what Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) did, but it's shocking just the same. And even moreso because it's an episode that, for the most part, felt beautiful and hopeful. By now, I should know that any time the show turns hopeful or peaceful it's just a ruse. But this was one I fell for early...

It's a big year for Disney films, as three re-makes of classic animated films will be released this year, beginning with "Dumbo" next Friday. And this first one comes from director Tim Burton. When you're thinking of Disney classics, Burton might not be the first name that comes to mind. And some have expressed some reservations, but I'm excited to see the film, and really enjoyed the trailer as well. I have always enjoyed Burton's style and he's made some wonderful, and wonderfully strange films. In anticipation of "Dumbo," I thought it might be fun to look back at five of Burton's films that I've always enjoyed that are part of why I'm excited for this latest release. Batman (1989) About : Before Christopher Nolan, Burton was the architect of the world of the Caped Crusader. He and Michael Douglas (who stars in "Dumbo") created a fun and iconic film, one that was full of colorful sites and colorful characters. It...

On Wednesday, the merger between Disney and FOX became official. While there's a lot this will mean going forward in the world of both TV and movies, the biggest initial point of discussion is the reunification of Marvel. When Marvel properties initially joined the world of films, Marvel wasn't making them by themselves. In fact, it was FOX that bought the rights to the X-Men and Fantastic Four, releasing the first modern Marvel film in 2000. Sony followed with Spider-Man in 2002, and the race was on. In 2008, Marvel started making the films themselves, building what we know as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A few years ago, they were able to strike a deal with Sony to re-integrate Spider-Man, who first appeared in "Captain America: Civil War" and was a part of the last Avengers tale as well. But with X-Men and Fantastic Four still standing apart, two of the biggest pieces of the Marvel archive remained separate. Until Wednesday. While "Dark Phoenix...

Quarterback is the most important position on the football field, and for the Broncos it's been a rough go since Peyton Manning retired following the 2015 season. In 2016 and 2017, the Broncos used Trevor Siemian, with a heavy dose of Paxton Lynch. In 2018, they turned to free agent Case Keenum. But none of it was good enough to get them into the Post Season. For 2019, the Broncos have three quarterbacks under contract so far. Joe Flacco came in trade from the Ravens, Garrett Grayson has been signed as a development player and the Broncos yesterday re-signed Kevin Hogan, who served as the backup in 2018. And while that might be the answer for 2019, it's time to consider what else the Broncos might do with this unit. Quarterbacks on the Roster: Joe Flacco: Flacco comes the Broncos at 34 years old with 11 years experience. In his career, he's gone 96-67 as a starter and won a Super Bowl. He's also put up 38,245 yards and 212 touchdowns with just 136 INTs . He...

Last week we had Captain Marvel in daily scoring for the second week in a row, yet it was a couple of new films that I thought presented the best chance for a little value. While I played a pair of Friday offerings of Captain Marvel , I looked at the animated film Wonder Park and the alien invasion film Captive State as possible spoilers. Turns out I was right about Wonder Park , which was the Best Value. But I was way off on Captive State , which fell below even the most modest projections. And because Wonder Park was so strong, playing it six times was the way to go, but only if you wanted a perfect Cineplex. Clearly I must be allergic to those… This week we get Jordan Peele’s Us in theaters, and it figures to bounce to the top spot with ease. But is it the right anchor? 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. New at the B...

Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week. Triple Frontier Starring: Oscar Isaac, Ben Affleck, Pedro Pascal, Charlie Hunnam, and Garrett Hedlund Synopsis: Netflix has been making a big foray into original films in the past few years. The streaming site had ones that generated quite a bit of buzz in 2018 and even a few Academy Awards. (It also launched a backlash among some filmmakers trying to prevent that from happening in the future.) There is clearly an audience and a demand for these streaming films folks can view from the comfort of home, and big stars have even signed on. That's the case with "Triple Frontier," which was released on March 13. It comes from filmmaker J.C. Chandor, who did "All is Lost," "Margin Call" and "A Most Violent Year." And it boasts a strong cast that is led by Isaac and Affleck. It's an ambitious project, and one that's drawn plenty of attention. It's a heist film, and one with plenty...

Spring officially begins on Wednesday, or so the Calendar tells us. We'll see. In the meantime, while many shows are preparing to wrap up their season, the networks and cable outlets are still rolling out new shows for us to sample. And that doesn't even include the ever-present flood from streaming services, including three new shows just this Friday. There's a lot to watch, and these weekly posts are meant to help sift through the crowded waters. In these weekly posts I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Monday Nights: The Fix, Mondays at 10 p.m. on ABC (Premiered March 18) About: Marcia Clark will always be remembered for the O.J. Simpson trial. It didn't go her way, and in the aftermath she was hounded by the media. In recent years, thanks to an award-winning documentary and award-winning scripted series, we've started to think about her differently. But she's never l...

"Well, it's not my story to tell." - Cara, "God Friended Me" We're at that point in the year where network series are moving toward their conclusions. Some shuffle off in March, others in April, the rest by early May. "God Friended Me" has had a strong first season, and it's nearing a conclusion. In fact, there are just three more episodes left until it wraps up. And as such, we've reached the part of the season where things start falling into shape for the finale. We saw Miles (Brandon Michael Hall) and Cara (Violett Beane) gave in to their feelings last week, and this week they started moving forward. There is promise in the relationship, and I think while it's a bit of fan service it also makes sense. But as we move toward the finale, the obstacles are coming into view. In this case, it's Miles getting a chance to step forward with this Podcast, with the condition of exclusivity. Cara has never written about the God Acc...

"I've done things to protect this place. Some things I'm not proud of. Some I try to forget. To save my people, I had to risk others. It hasn't been easy, but it's what I had to do. I've made my peace with that." - Michonne, "The Walking Dead" "The Walking Dead" returned for the second half of its ninth season on Feb. 10. Each week I'll be looking at the episode, the deeper themes, and the world. What wouldn't a parent do to protect their child? What wouldn't they do to keep them safe from a dangerous world gone mad? That's been a theme of this second half of "The Walking Dead's" ninth season. It began earlier in the season as we learned more about Alpha (Samantha Morton), and the way she reacted to the world crumbling. It led her to create a violent and dark world view, but one which has attracted like-minded people and is meant to keep her daughter safe. Similarly, since the time jump, we've ...

The first week of Free Agency is here, and the Broncos have begun doing work. Yesterday I looked at where the team's defensive roster sits. Today, it's time to see where we are on offense. Quarterback: On the Roster: Joe Flacco, Garrett Grayson About: The Broncos released Chad Kelly during the 2018 season and Kevin Hogan is a free agent now. Case Keenum, meanwhile, has been shipped off to the Washington Redskins. But the Broncos signed Grayson to the roster as a development project, I assume, and brought in former Super Bowl winner Flacco to lead the team. That answers (sort of) 2019, but what about the future? What's Next: The Broncos need to add to this group. That will likely come through the draft, though I'm thinking not in Round 1, and possibly an undrafted free agent. Either way, the Broncos need something more at least to add to this group. I also wouldn't rule out adding a veteran. Running Back: On the Roster: Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman, Devon...

Yesterday I looked at some of the good, bad, and ugly of Free Agency, today I'm going to look at where the Broncos sit on defense. I'll look at offense tomorrow. Of course, Free Agency took a turn last night as the Broncos signed Bryce Callahan. So on defense, let's look at the secondary first. Secondary: On the Roster: Chris Harris, Jr., Kareem Jackson, Bryce Callahan, Isaac Yiadom, Justin Simmons, Will Parks, Su'a Cravens, Jamal Carter, Shamarko Thomas About: With Harris and Jackson the Broncos have a pair of strong pass defenders out at corner, with Callahan and Yiadom providing depth. The Broncos also have a bunch of young safeties, led by Simmons and Parks. With the two signings in Jackson and Callahan, the Broncos did a lot to re-build this unit. It now looks like it could once again be a strength. What's Next : The Broncos will likely add to this group, either through the draft or smaller signings. But I'd say the top end core here is likely set....

The first week of Free Agency is in the books. There has been a lot of fast and furious action, and the Broncos have seen some good, some bad and some ugly. Let's take a look. The Good: * The Broncos addressed their gapping hole in the secondary by signing Kareem Jackson. Jackson was a key part of the Houston Texans' secondary, and has the versatility to play corner, slot or safety. The Broncos are building up a fierce back end that can adapt and move around, which should fit the Vic Fangio system. This is a good signing and, along with Chris Harris, Jr., gives the Broncos the No. 4 and No. 5 rated corners from 2018. * If you want to do anything on offense, you need a good line. The Broncos strengthened their line by signing RT Ju'Wan James. It is a monster contract, so that's not great, but if James is the answer at right tackle and Garrett Bolles can be the answer at left tackle, the Broncos can start to strengthen that unit. The Bad: * The line is also a cri...

Last week the latest superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain Marvel, made her debut. It was the biggest opening of 2019 so far, and it dominated the Box Office. In fact, those that picked the Saturday option found themselves with the best anchor. I went with Friday (close to Best Value) and Sunday, then bet on Green Book as a bit of counter programming. Instead, it was Greta that returned Best Value for the buck, and a double helping of Saturday’s option for Captain Marvel sealed the Perfect Cineplex. Mine was good, but not good enough. Fortunately, I get another bite at the apple. There are four new films in the game this week, but none is projected to come close to first place. So Captain Marvel remains in daily scoring, creating a fun challenge for those of us playing at home. 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 u...

Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week. Captain Marvel Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Jude Law, and Annette Benning Synopsis : Origin stories are always tricky, especially when you're joining a cinematic universe that has had many of them so far. And there's even more pressure when you're the first Female Fronted Marvel film, and when the future of the multi-film universe hinges on your debut. There were plenty of reasons why "Captain Marvel" might fail, and there were plenty of people in certain segments that were pushing for it to fail, or forecasting it would. And yet, she persisted. Larson, an Academy Award winner and a heck of an actress, poured herself into the role and result is a film that's fun, entertaining and delivers on an enormous amount of hype. It's not perfect, and it's not the best Marvel film, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. In fact, in a 2019 that's been undewhelming so far, this is one ...

Some are looking toward Spring, while here in CO (and a big swath of the rest of the mid-west) we're bracing for a blizzard Wednesday. It's that time of year. At least we have TV to keep us company. In these weekly posts I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesday Nights: Whiskey Cavalier, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC (Premiered February 24) About: This latest dramedy for ABC got a preview post Oscars before swinging into its regular Wednesday time slot. I'm not sure the preview helped it gain a bigger audience, but it's done OK on Wednesday nights, which has been a tough slot for ABC scripted fair. I like Scott Foley and Lauren Cohan in the lead roles as an FBI Agent and CIA Agent, respectively, who are tasked to work together on a secret government task force. The pilot was more of a meet cute for the characters and building the set up, and it was quite entertai...