Matt's Musings

The year comes to a close tonight, but before it does I'm sharing my Best of 2019. In this final post, I offer my 10 favorite movies, and five least favorite from the year. Here's to 2019 and a banner 2020. Top Movies: 10. Lego Movie 2: The Second Part About: It was a banner year for animated films, as in fact it was animated films that dominated a lot of my favorites list from the first half. We got sequels to "How to Train Your Dragon," "Frozen," and "Toy Story," among other new offerings. But it was the sequel to "The Lego Movie" that really stuck in my heart. I loved the original, so it's no surprise I flocked to the first screening I could find for the sequel. I built my little toy and watched in wonder at a story that was funny and moving in equal parts. We've seen a lot in 2019, but this remains my favorite animated experience. 9. Star Wars, Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker About: It was a big year for endings for...

The end of the year is coming soon, as tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Until then, I'll be sharing my favorites of 2019. Earlier today I gave my Top 10 TV Episodes of 2019, and now I'll offer my Top 10 TV Series. Tomorrow will be all about the best and worst of movies! 10. Veronica Mars, Season 4 (Hulu) About: The third season of "Veronica Mars" on The CW ended in 2007. Since then we've gotten a crowd-funded movie, but the long-awaited fourth season finally arrived this summer. And the show picked up with an older Veronica (Kristen Bell) and Logan (Jason Dohring) finally together as adults. The ending of the show, including a tough finale reveal, didn't always go the way some fans had hoped. But it was great to have Bell and more Mars back in our lives. I enjoyed the heck out of the season, even more so because I binged the previous seasons with my wife in the lead up to the new episodes. I hope we get another season, but if we don't I'm glad for...

It's hard to believe, but 2019 is almost over. Tomorrow is the last day. As we move closer, I'm ending the year with my Best of list. This is my 10 favorite episodes of the year. Later today I'll have my 10 favorite shows and tomorrow will be the Best and Worst of movies. Happy New Year! 10. "Years, Continents, Bloodshed," episode 4.08, Veronica Mars (July 19, 2019) About: "Veronica Mars" returned with an original season for the first time in more than a decade. It was eight episodes that helped us catch up with an adult Veronica (Kristen Bell) and Logan (Jason Dohring) in the lives they set up in the movie that followed the third season. And for the most part, it was an engaging season. The finale was controversial, and I know why some didn't like it. It hits like a gut punch and is probably the least fan service route the show could go, especially with a fifth season not guaranteed. This might be how we leave this world, and that's a toug...

  Week 17: Broncos 16, Oakland Raiders 15 Season Record: 7-9 (5-3 Home) Key Play: In fourth quarter with seven seconds left, Derek Carr connected with Hunter Renfrow on a three-yard TD pass to cut the lead to 16-15. Carr's two-point conversion attempt was batted down by Shelby Harris to secure the Broncos' victory. Recap : It's been an interesting season. The Broncos began in September with a tough loss to Oakland. They ended with a win over Oakland to improve to 7-9 on the season, and 4-1 with Drew Lock starting in December. That's a good statement to make to end the season, and encouraging as the team prepares to head into the off-season. The Broncos were second in the AFC West, and considering some of the close calls to begin the season, this could have been the 9-7 team I thought we might get. That's also encouraging. The team goes into this off-season with some things that need to be done, but they head into the off-season with a solid coaching staff, ...

It's 2020, can you believe it? This is a time when we get a mix of new wide releases. Some, like "1917" pictured above, are contending for awards. Then there's the others, usually comedies, action films and horror movies that have no aspiration beyond making a little money. Let's dive in and look at our options. Friday, January 3: The Grudge —This is a re-make of a horror franchise from a few years back. The original was released in 2004 and starred Sarah Michelle Gellar. This latest one will likely hope to reach a new generation with this horror story. I think you might have better options. Friday, January 10: 1917 —This film from Sam Mendes figures to be a big contender for the Academy Awards. It got a limited release on Christmas Day, but releases to the masses here as an early hit for the new year. Just Mercy —This is another film that got a limited Christmas release and is going wide. This one tells the true story of Bryan Stevenson, and features som...

We've played 16 weeks and 240 games, and Lindsay and I are tied. There are 16 games left in Week 17 and just a handful of playoff games. Who'll get the edge? Let's find out. Lindsay's picks are in brackets. NFL Picks, Week 17: Falcons Over Buccaneers (Buccaneers) Jets Over Bills (Bills) Vikings Over Bears (Vikings) Browns Over Bengals (Browns) Packers Over Lions (Packers) Chiefs Over Chargers (Chiefs) Patriots Over Dolphins (Patriots) Saints Over Panthers (Saints) Cowboys Over Redskins (Cowboys) Broncos Over Raiders (Broncos) Texans Over Titans (Texans) Rams Over Cardinals (Rams) Colts Over Jaguars (Colts) Eagles Over Giants (Eagles) Steelers Over Ravens (Ravens) 49ers Over Seahawks (Seahawks) Last Week: 10–6 Lindsay: 14-2 Season: 142–98 Lindsay: 142-98 NFL Picks Spread, Week 17: Falcons +1.5 Over Buccaneers Jets +1.5 Over Bills Bears +6.5 Over Vikings Browns -2.5 Over Bengals Packers -10.5 Over Lions Chiefs -7.5 Over Chargers Dolphins +15.5 Over Patriots...

This is the last weekend of the year, can you believe it? Time has flown in 2019, and if you’re looking for some movies to watch, you have options. And most everything is out already, since Christmas Day is traditionally the last big release day of the year. But before we look ahead, let’s look back. Last week I thought that the Friday screening of Star Wars was the best anchor, and I bet on Frozen 2 to provide value. Friday was the right anchor for Star Wars , but Rian Johnson’s Knives Out was the Best Value, and paced the Perfect Cineplex on seven screens. This week there are two new entries, and Star Wars is still in daily scoring. But with all the movies having opened at least by Wednesday, the question is what will keep audiences coming back for more. 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 . On to this week’s competition. New at the Box Office: The b...

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. The Aeronauts Starring: Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne Synopsis : It's not always easy to chase your dreams. Sometimes it forces you to face your fears as you step into the unknown. That's certainly a big part of the story in "Aeronauts," the new film from Amazon that sees Jones and Redmayne reunited in the lead roles. The pair previously dominated award season opposite one another in "The Theory of Everything," and here they bring their great screen chemistry to a new role. In this one, they're partners who take to the skies in a hot air balloon over London. They're trying to set a record for height, and to learn more about the atmosphere. But they end up learning more about each other, and leaning on each other to get past frustrations and struggles that have plagued them. These actors are good, and the story is decent. But they definitely make it better. Even with that, this film is une...

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 them: and t...

Week 16 : Broncos 27, Detroit Lions 17 Season Record : 6-9 (4-3 Home) Key Play : In the fourth quarter, trailing 17-13, Drew Lock connected with DaeSean Hamilton on a three yard shovel pass for a touchdown, giving the Broncos a 20-17 lead. They added another score from Phillip Lindsay to win their sixth game of the season. Recap: After a struggle in Kansas City in the snow in Week 15, rookie Drew Lock and the Broncos' offense looked better, as expected, against the Lions at home this week. Lock is now 3-1 as a starter, and though the team was missing a lot of pieces on the offensive and defensive lines, they pulled out a solid home victory. Lock has been everything Broncos fans could hope. He's not been perfect, but he's growing and the offense is growing with him. This is a lost season, another lost season for Denver in a string of them. And yet, the future feels brighter somehow this year. If the Broncos can upend the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, they could finish 7-9...

We're officially in Winter, at least as of December 21. There are still a few shows sliding in before the end of the year. But many, many more that will be coming as we head into 2020. These posts are typically Tuesdays, but I jumped up a bit this week thanks to a little thing called Christmas Eve! In these posts I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this winter. Don't see a new show below, it hasn't aired yet! Streaming Series: Soundtrack, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered December 18) About : The idea here is that there is a soundtrack for everyone, and in this series it is more like music videos. Characters endue love and loss, and frequently break into song. Not their own songs, with their own voices, but surreal choreographed music videos of real popular songs that are meant to illustrate something. The series comes from Josh Safran, who worked on "Smash," "Gossip Girl," and "Quantico." And it's led by Pa...

As a fan and longtime viewer of the CW's "Arrowverse," I have come to look forward to the annual crossover event. It's happened a number of times, and it's always fun to see these teams and heroes together. And this year's event, "Crisis on Infinite Earths," carries even more weight as the original Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) is wrapping up his run. It is also the biggest and most ambitious. Batwoman joined the team, as did the Legends and, for the first time, Black Lightning. And they've spent the entire season building up to this crossover. And so I was pretty excited as it began. The first three episodes aired on consecutive nights beginning Sunday, December 8. And it started with a bang as the Green Arrow was killed. But will that be permanent, somehow it feels unlikely. A lot more people and worlds bit the dust as we ended in a somewhat defeated place by the end of "The Flash" episode on December 10. And that's where t...

The penultimate week of the regular season is here, and I've opened up a four pick lead. But will it hold? I somehow doubt it. Lindsay's picks are in brackets. NFL Picks, Week 16 Texans Over Buccaneers (Texans) Bills Over Patriots (Patriots) 49ers Over Rams (49ers) Falcons Over Jaguars (Falcons) Dolphins Over Bengals (Dolphins) Ravens Over Browns (Ravens) Saints Over Titans (Saints) Colts Over Panthers (Colts) Redskins Over Giants (Redskins) Steelers Over Jets (Steelers) Broncos Over Lions (Broncos) Chargers Over Raiders (Raiders) Cowboys Over Eagles (Eagles) Seahawks Over Cardinals (Seahawks) Chiefs Over Bears (Chiefs) Packers Over Vikings (Packers) Last Week: 11–5 Lindsay: 8-8 Season: 132–90 Lindsay : 128-94 NFL Picks Spread, Week 16 Texans -2.5 Over Buccaneers Bills +6.5 Over Patriots 49ers -6.5 Over Rams Jaguars +7.5 Over Falcons Dolphins -1.5 Over Bengals Ravens -10.5 Over Browns Saints -2.5 Over Titans Panthers +6.5 Over Colts Redskins -2.5 Over Giants Stee...

We’re in December, and the Box Office explosion is just beginning. Last week the follow up to Jumanji was predicted to dominate the Box Office, and it did better than expected. This week we get Star Wars , and it figures to dominate, too, including being in daily scoring. But more on that in a minute. Last week I did take Jumanji as the anchor, and it was not only the best anchor, it was the Best Value. That’s the good. I also bet heavily on the value in Ford v Ferrari , and there I was close but not quite there. That film provided the third best value, and so my cineplex missed the Perfect Mark by just a bit as those that leaned on Tom Hanks and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood , the second best value, scooted a bit ahead. Hopefully this week will be better. As I mentioned, Star Wars is here, and in daily scoring. But it’s one of four new releases to join the game. Plus we have some strong holdovers. So what will be the best combination? Let’s explore that! As always,...

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. 6 Underground Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Corey Hawkins, Dave Franco, Mélanie Laurent, Ben Hardy, Adria Arjona, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Synopsis : It's been a big year for Netflix films. Not only do they have a number of prestige pictures in the award contention, they've continued to recruit big stars and directors for popular culture projects, too. Michael Bay is a premier name in action films, and having him come to Netflix to make a big spectacle film is a big get. Even bigger when Reynolds takes the starring role. That's the case in "6 Underground," which you could easily see spawning something of a franchise. The film is about a tech billionaire who fakes his own death and recruits a team to try and make the world a better place. And that leads to plenty of action sequences, shoot outs, car chases and explosions. This isn't a deep or meaningful film. If you want to be moved, watch "Marriage Stor...

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens on December 20. It is meant to be an end to the saga we've known for more than 40 years, and that includes 10 previous movies (eight in series and two stand alone tales in the world). In the run up to that release, I'll be revisiting all 10 of the released Star Wars films and sharing thoughts as we prepare for the final chapter. Over the past few weeks I've looked at all 10 existing films. With "Rise of Skywalker" opening on Friday, it's time to consider the ranking in the cannon as it currently exists. There are 10 films, and after careful re-watch and consideration I have ranked the films from 10-1, with 1 being my favorite of the current films. It will be interesting to see where this latest film, which promises to be a conclusion, falls on the spectrum once it is released. Without further ado, here's the films ranked from 10 to 1. Let's all get excited for the final installment due out Friday! 10. Sta...

Week 15: Kansas City Chiefs 23, Broncos 3 Season Record: 5-9 (3-3 Home) Key Play: In the first quarter, with the game scoreless, Patrick Mahomes connected with speedster Tyreek Hill on a 41-yard touchdown bomb that gave the Chiefs a 6-0 lead. The Broncos never recovered. Recap: In what was a cold, snowy and sloppy game Sunday, it was never close. Drew Lock won his first two starts, and he wasn't terrible Sunday, but the Broncos were simply dominated by a better team. The Chiefs moved to 10-4 and are cruising toward the playoffs. The Broncos are 5-9, and it was a learning experience. They close with two home games against sub-.500 teams, so it will be good to see how the Broncos can finish and if Lock can keep growing. For now, it wasn't a good performance, but a thin Broncos team is running out of steam in another lost season. It's time to look toward the off-season and a hope for 2020, which begins with a good showing against the Lions on Sunday and the Raiders on 1...

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens on December 20. It is meant to be an end to the saga we've known for more than 40 years, and that includes 10 previous movies (eight in series and two stand alone tales in the world). In the run up to that release, I'll be revisiting all 10 of the released Star Wars films and sharing thoughts as we prepare for the final chapter. Star Wars, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Laura Dern, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Rose Marie Tran, and Adam Driver About : And now we come to the last film in this series, and perhaps the most controversial. Rian Johnson was handed the reigns for this installment, a critical piece of the puzzle. And there was SO much excitement and curiosity about this film. And the reaction could not have been more polarizing. There seemed to be two reactions—those who loved it and felt the film was an incredible leap forward, and those who felt it betrayed the history of ...

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens on December 20. It is meant to be an end to the saga we've known for more than 40 years, and that includes 10 previous movies (eight in series and two stand alone tales in the world). In the run up to that release, I'll be revisiting all 10 of the released Star Wars films and sharing thoughts as we prepare for the final chapter. Star Wars, Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) Starring: Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Oscar Isaac About : I remember when I heard Disney had purchased Lucasfilm and would be starting up "Star Wars" films again. I was really excited and curious to see what would come. That first trailer for 'The Force Awakens" was an experience, and it's a film that I really anticipated. I remember seeing it for the first time on the day it opened, and it was about what I'd hoped. Thinking about it later, there is a lot of nostalgia in that f...

We've reached Week 15, with just three weeks of the regular season to go. It's still a tight race, so anyone can win. Can Lindsay pull ahead again? Let's find out. Lindsay's picks are in brackets. NFL Picks, Week 15: Ravens Over Jets (Jets) Packers Over Bears (Packers) Patriots Over Bengals (Patriots) Broncos Over Chiefs (Chiefs) Buccaneers Over Lions (Buccaneers) Texans Over Titans (Titans) Dolphins Over Giants (Dolphins) Eagles Over Redskins (Eagles) Seahawks Over Panthers (Seahawks) Browns Over Cardinals (Browns) Raiders Over Jaguars (Raiders) Vikings Over Chargers (Vikings) 49ers Over Falcons (49ers) Cowboys Over Rams (Rams) Bills Over Steelers (Steelers) Saints Over Colts (Saints) Last Week : 8–8 Lindsay : 8-8 Season : 121–87 Season: 120-88 NFL Picks Spread, Week 15 : Bears +4.5 Over Packers Bengals +9.5 Over Patriots Broncos +10.5 Over Chiefs Buccaneers -3.5 Over Lions Texans +2.5 Over Titans Dolphins +3.5 Over Giants Eagles -5.5. Over Redskins Seahawks...

After not seeing much of a challenge the past three weekend, Frozen 2 appears to be headed toward its first second place finish as another popular sequel swings in. But more on that in a minute. First, it’s time to consider how I fared in the first week of the new Winter Season. And it’s fair to say there’s room for improvement. Though it was the most expensive, Frozen 2 appeared to be the best anchor last week, and it was. But I thought A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood would be a potential Best Value, and I loaded up. Instead, it was new entry Dark Waters that exceeded its $50 price tag. So I finished quite a bit off the pace. Time to rally. This week there are three new wide releases, led by the follow up to Jumanji that figures to dominate. But will it be essential to dominating in Fantasy Movie League? Let’s find out. 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 her...

Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week. Marriage Story Starring: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Laura Dern Synopsis: Last year Netflix made history with "Roma," which worked its way into the Best Picture competition. This year, they've redoubled their efforts. So far, that's led to three Best Picture nominations at the Golden Globes and a host of other awards. And several of their films figure to be strong contenders with the Academy Awards, too. That includes "Marriage Story," the drama from writer/director Noah Baumbach that looks at the implosion of a marriage. It centers on a couple played by Driver and Johansson who are at the end of their romance. It begins with letters they've each written about what drew them to the other. But when it comes to counseling, those letters are never read. Instead, they begin the process of separating, a journey that becomes more difficult and painful through the two-plus hour run. It's emo...

We're in December and, so, finally the Fall TV Roundup is ending with this edition. But don't worry. After a week off, new shows begin again and the Winter TV Roundup will kick off. As always, I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted shows this Fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesday Nights: The Moodys, a six-part special on FOX (Premiered December 4) About: One of the special offerings this holiday season is "The Moodys," a six-episode comedy series set as a family gathers for Christmas. Each episode takes place on a single day, starting December 20 and moving through Christmas Day. FOX is airing the limited series in three one-hour blocks, and there's a possibility if it does well that it could return for future holidays. The first two episodes aired on December 4, with the second set on Monday night and the final two episodes tonight. The series stars Dennis Leary and Elizabeth Perkins as the parents, with...