Matt's Musings

We're all stuck at home. There's no sports, and we can't go see movies. But there is still TV, and that makes the new offerings that much more important. But are they any good? Let these weekly posts be your guide as I check out the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter/Spring. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesday Nights: Motherland: Fort Salem, Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Freeform (Premiered March 18) About: This series for Freeform is about a trio of young witches training to be the country's first line of defense. It's set in an alternate United States where instead of the Salem Witch Trials, witches became revered and part of the national defense. Now, years later, they are a special part of society that get called into service, training first at Fort Salem before becoming the front line. That seems like a cool idea, but this didn't really work for me. Granted, the demographic for Freeform doesn't...

The Broncos have continued to make signings in free agency, and over the weekend they made a big one as they brought back defensive lineman Shelby Harris. Better yet, it came on a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million, a steal for a player who dominated at times last season. Last year Harris started all 16 games for the Broncos, and in that span accounted for 49 tackles (28 solo), six sacks and a forced fumble. Better yet, he deflected nine passes at the line of scrimmage. With that kind of performance, it was expected he'd command a huge deal somewhere. But when that didn't occur, he decided to bet on himself in a system he already knows well with the Broncos. While the draft is still a few weeks away, signing Harris seems to really clarify the needs for Denver, or rather remove one. Between re-signing Harris and Mike Purcell, and trading for Jurrell Casey, the Broncos have solidified the defensive front. That gives three solid starting options, and then the team has ...

This year I've been going through a new book, "The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers." Written by Amy Hollingsworth, a minister and friend of Fred Rogers, it chronicles nine simple lessons she learned about faith from him. I've read it through a couple times, and have been looking at it with my Sunday School Group. Over the next few weeks, I'll be offering short reflections on what I've learned from each segment. The seventh Toast Stick is about The Least of These. And this is a powerful chapter. The first three Toast Sticks were about the life of the mind, the second three were about how we see the world, ourselves and others. These final three Toast Sticks are about what we can do to make a difference. Fred Rogers saw those that others didn’t, and he spent his life trying to get them to see their own worth and, better yet, feel loved. This chapter begins with a touching story of a disabled choir giving their all to glorify the Lord, and quickly turns to rememb...

Over the next 25 weeks I'll be rolling out my favorite films of the last decade. This is, as all lists of this kind, personal selections. Agree, disagree, make a comment and share your thoughts! No. 20 X-Men: First Class (2011) Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, January Jones, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, and Rose Byrne Director: Matthew Vaughn Academy Award Nominations: 0 Academy Award Wins: 0 About : Today I continue my countdown with the second of three superhero films on the list, and maybe one folks don't expect. I think the new cast of "X-Men" probably have a different thought from fans after a couple of the more recent films, but this was the one that started it all. And it's incredible. Bacon plays a good bad guy, but this is really all about Charles Xavier (McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Fassbender), and their performances here are great. This serves well as a moody origin story, set in the 1960s around the Cuban Missile C...

From the beginning, we knew that "Star Trek: Picard" wasn't meant to be a re-boot of "The Next Generation." And true to that idea, it wasn't. The first season, 10-episodes in all, ended with the finale that was released on Thursday. If you haven't seen the finale, or the show, you might want to avoid this post. "Star Trek: Picard" was a show that I recommended based on a strong pilot and decent second episode. But as I noted when I caught up with the series a few weeks ago, there were some lags in the action. Despite that, around the middle of the season the plot became a bit more clear. And, in fact, the seventh episode of the season, which brought back some old friends, was my favorite of the season and one of my favorite episodes of any show this year. In fact, I thought the back half of the season was strong, and the finale was satisfying. While I wasn't always taken with the plot of season one, the characters and performances we...

The NFL is shutting down for a bit, supposedly, but the Broncos got in a few more signings this week. That alone was curious as word had come the team was taking a break, but I guess not. Of the two signings one was to keep some strong depth, and the other was something of a shift. First, the Broncos brought back outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu on a one year, $1.5 million deal. Attaochu first came to the Broncos last season after Bradley Chubb was lost for the year. With Chubb and Von Miller, back, Attaochu joins the depth at the position, including Justin Hollins, the second-year player, and Malik Reed, the UDFA find. It's possible the Broncos add more here, but this was a solid group in 2019, and getting hopefully a full season from Chubb ought to make that better. The other signing was punter Sam Martin, formerly of Detroit. It was a three-year, $7 million deal. That indicates that Martin wasn't signed for competition, but to solidify the position. And that bodes...

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week, all of which are on Streaming as you'd expect. American Son (Netflix) Starring : Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, and Jeremy Jordan Synopsis : This film was released in late 2019, but I'm getting to it now that all movies are streaming movies for us. This one is available on Netflix, and is based on the Broadway play of the same name. It debuted on November 1, and it's really a simple set up. At a Florida Police Station waiting room in the middle of the night, a couple tries to get information on their son, who is seemingly in custody. Kendra (Washington) and Scott (Pasquale) are estranged spouses from different worlds. Kendra is African-American, a college professor and knows the pitfalls of race in America. Scott is white, an FBI Agent, and thinks that his race and position will help this situation. Caught in the middle is a deputy (Jordan), who squabbles with Kendra and reveals his true feelings about her, and h...

During these difficult times, it's been nice that we still have some streaming sites giving us new shows to sample and try. In fact, this week alone Netflix released four new scripted series and a few unscripted series and movies. So at least there's stuff to check out. But the question is, what's worth my time. Let these weekly posts be your guide. I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter/Spring. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Monday Nights: The Plot Against America, Mondays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered March 16) About: This show was originally timed to coincide with the election season, and for good reason. While a fictional story set in an alternate United States where Charles Lindberg beat FDR to become President in 1940 and kept the United States out of World War II, and aligned with Nazi Germany. So, you know, it's a happy story. Especially seeing as how it follows Jews living in the United States ...

The end of the first week of Free Agency brought a couple more signings for the Broncos' offense. This was also accompanied by news the team will take a beat after this before looking at more free agents following the 2020 draft. The Draft will begin on April 23, and will be held virtually by studio. It's going to be a strange situation, but at least the draft will progress on the original timeline. It feels weird to think that's a month from now, and what our world might be like. But until we get there, it's nice to have the distraction of football. It's been a big off-season for running backs. David Johnson was dealt from Arizona to Houston, and Todd Gurley was released by the Rams. He landed with a one-year prove it deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile Melvin Gordon, previously with the Los Angeles Chargers, bet on himself last season. He held out for a month of the regular season, but didn't get a new contract offer. And the Chargers moved quickly...

This year I've been going through a new book, "The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers." Written by Amy Hollingsworth, a minister and friend of Fred Rogers, it chronicles nine simple lessons she learned about faith from him. I've read it through a couple times, and have been looking at it with my Sunday School Group. Over the next few weeks, I'll be offering short reflections on what I've learned from each segment. When I saw this chapter, I remember thinking how tough this was going to be. Forgiveness is a beautiful, wonderful, powerful, and necessary thing. But it's also tough at times. It's tough to let go of anger and hurt. It's tough to move on. Even for deeply spiritual people it can be tough. And I knew this chapter would be tough, too. Fred offers a quote, though, that I found moving. He said, “It’s one of the toughest things in the world when someone has hurt you, and you can find within yourself the strength to begin the whole process of f...

Over the next 25 weeks I'll be rolling out my favorite films of the last decade. This is, as all lists of this kind, personal selections. Agree, disagree, make a comment and share your thoughts! No. 21 Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (2018) Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Zoe Kravitz, Nicholas Cage, and Chris Pine Director:  Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman Academy Award Nominations: 1 Academy Award Wins : Best Animated Feature About: This week begins my three-week look at the Super Hero films that stood out to me, and helped drive the genre forward. This was a huge decade for Super Hero films, with many dominated at the Box Office each year. They've become some of the most bankable films, and ones that pull in huge swaths of talent. And while not all films are created equal in this way, there are some that really stood out. The first of those is the animated wonder "Into the...

We're a few days into Free Agency, and it's a chance to look and see what the Broncos have done so far in a fast and furious torrent as the new league year begins. Free Agent Signings: * Graham Glasgow G/C four years, $44 million —Glasgow, formerly of Detroit, is a solid signing that fills a need. The Broncos let right guard Ron Leary go, and Glasgow should fill that hole nicely. He could also slide over to center if the Broncos find another guard after Conner McGovern left to sign with the Jets. Glasgow has also been durable in his career, a trait the Broncos could sorely use with their offensive line. * Jeff Driskel QB two years, $5 million —The Broncos need a backup quarterback. It seems like Brandon Allen will move on, and the team moved on from Joe Flacco, releasing him on Thursday. Driskel has been a solid performer for Cincinnati and Detroit, and now he'll be here to provide some depth behind Drew Lock. The Broncos also brought back Brett Rypien, so they head ...

I began this column last week talking about the uncertainty facing the country and what it might mean for the Box Office. How quickly things have changed. Now major movie theaters, like sports, have been closed for the time being as the United States works to fight the spread of the Coronavirus. Since the Fantasy Movie League is based on Box Office takes, and there is no Box Office, the game has been suspended. This comes in the wake of Regal, Cinemark and AMC, the country’s largest theater chains, all announcing closures. The latter of them, AMC, said it plans closures for six to 12 weeks. In addition, most of the major films set to be released in the second half of March, April and May have been postponed. This also comes in the wake of a historically low Box Office last weekend, seeing numbers that haven’t appeared since September of 2000. That, of course, had an impact on our competition for Week 1 of the Spring Season. While we don’t have a new slate to consider, and w...

Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week. This is a strange time in the history of our country. Obviously there are no movies coming right now, and there's not even theaters open in most of the country. But there are still new movies to see, and that can be a way to get some break, even for a little, from all that's happening. So I'll continue to review new movies I've seen, and hopefully we can share the good, the bad, and the rest together. I Still Believe Starring: K.J. Apa, Britt Robertson, Gary Sinise, Shania Twain, Nathan Parsons, and Melissa Roxburgh Synopsis : This was part of the final wave of new movies that were released, and figured to be one of the biggest. This Christian film is a biopic based on singer Jeremy Camp, and his first wife. It takes place when they met and fell in love in college, and then Melissa (Robertson) gets sick. It becomes a test of love and faith for both of them, and a story that has served to inspire people the world ...

We've reached mid-March, and now we're seeing some hiccups in the entertainment industry as a result of the pandemic that is challenging the world right now. Some shows will be cut short, and some have begun to be delayed. But for now, there is still a group of shows coming out the next few months hoping to make the Emmy eligibility window. Let these weekly posts be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this winter. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Monday Nights: The Plot Against America, Mondays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered March 16) About: This one, based on the novel from Phillip Roth, comes from David Simon and Ed Burns, the creative force behind "The Wire." This is a story of an alternate history where a racist Charles Lindberg ran for and was elected President in 1940, changing the course of the United States, World War II and the world. This is a somewhat scary prospect, not made any better by...

The 2020 off-season is under way. The legal tampering period began today, and the information is going to be fast moving. Despite all that's going on in the world, it's been nice to have some frivolous sports to focus on. And for the Broncos, this could be a big off-season. The team got a jump last week when they agreed to a trade for A.J. Bouye. That trade will become official on Wednesday, and then the Broncos will be sitting on 11 draft picks and some free agent spending cash. With Justin Simmons locked up on a franchise tag, the thought turns to other needs. In a wild first day, the Broncos made their first splash by signing interior offensive lineman Graham Glasgow to a four-year, $44 million deal. He played with the Lions previously, and has logged games at center, left guard and right guard. Currently he figures to line up at right guard, a position vacated when the Broncos opted not to bring back Ron Leary. That locks him in opposite Dalton Risner, with Garrett B...

This year I've been going through a new book, "The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers." Written by Amy Hollingsworth, a minister and friend of Fred Rogers, it chronicles nine simple lessons she learned about faith from him. I've read it through a couple times, and have been looking at it with my Sunday School Group. Over the next few weeks, I'll be offering short reflections on what I've learned from each segment. The fifth toast stick looks at who is my neighbor. My like Jesus did with His parable, he turns that question on its head a bit. To begin with, it becomes about finding the good in everyone, no matter how difficult the situation.  “Know this: You should judge every person by his merits. Even someone who seems completely wicked, you must search and find that little speck of good, for in that place, he is not wicked. By this you will raise him up, and help him return to God. And you must also do this for yourself, finding your own good points, one after t...

Over the next 25 weeks I'll be rolling out my favorite films of the last decade. This is, as all lists of this kind, personal selections. Agree, disagree, make a comment and share your thoughts! No. 22 Jurassic World (2015) Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Irrfan Khan, Vincent D'Onofrio, Nick Robinson, Ty Simpkins, and Jake Johnson Director: Colin Trevorrow Academy Award Nominations: 0 Academy Award Wins: 0 About : The countdown continues with one of the biggest pop culture hits of the decade, and one of the biggest surprises for me. "Jurassic Park," directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the novel from Michael Crichton and released in 1993, is one of my favorite movies of all time. In so many ways, I think it's a masterpiece. That includes the idea that the film tackles the dangers in thinking we can play God. When I originally heard about "Jurassic World," I was weary. The sequels to "Jurassic Park" weren't great, and ...

As has been the case with all sports in the United States this week, the XFL has suspended play. The spring football league which just reached the half-way point in its first season announced that it won’t resume play this year, but hopes to get in a full season in 2021. The league’s statement, posted to its Website at www.xfl.com reads: “Currently, the XFL will not be playing its regular-season games. However, all players will be paid their base pay and benefits for the 2020 regular season. All XFL ticket holders will be issued refunds or credit toward future games. The XFL is committed to playing a full season in 2021 and future years.” In addition, after passing exit physicals and interviews, the league has given its players permission to sign with teams in other leagues immediately. With the new NFL Year set to begin on Wednesday, March 18, it’s possible that some of the league’s stars will get a chance on the NFL stage in the next few weeks. The marks the second ye...

The new Spring Season kicked off last weekend, and it didn’t start strong for me. Onward looked like a clear number one, and the film that would need to be the anchor position. It was a clear number one, but it wasn’t the anchor, and value, that was hoped. The film was atop the Box Office, but it fell short of projections. That’s something that will bare watching for all the big releases the next couple months. Instead, it was the steady performance of The Way Back that earned it the Best Performer nod, and a Cineplex playing it eight times was the perfect way to go. I, needless to say, finished off the pace. This week there’s three new films added to the mix, but it’s tough to say where the value would be. Another lingering question is the rapidly changing state of the world in the wake of the expansion of COVID-19. Some things are bigger than games, and this health scare is one of them. It has already led to cancelled events, a suspension of the NBA Season and the remova...

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. The Invisible Man Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen Synopsis: "The Invisible Man" isn't a new story. It's a story that's been told many times before, and like some of these old monster tales, the goal is always to find a way to make it relevant for a new audience. This is the same thing that Universal tried with the Tom Cruise version of "The Mummy" in 2017. And where that was something of an epic disaster at the Box Office and for those that had the misfortune of watching it, "The Invisible Man" goes another way. Writer/Director Leigh Whannell hasn't always been behind the camera, but he helped create the horror franchises "Saw" and "Insidious" as a writer. And now he's plying those talents to this classic tale, giving it a modern spin and drawing out another incredible performance from...

March and April are unique times in the TV Landscape. While the streaming content providers continue to hum, or even ramp up, you also get a fresh set of network shows. Often these are ones that won't have a long shelf life, but they are there none the less. And, as always, there is a torrent of original content on the airwaves, so much so that it can be hard to keep it all straight. Let these weekly posts be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted fare this Winter. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: Breeders, Mondays at 10 p.m. on FX (Premiered March 2) About: The first two episodes really aired in a block on March 2 with the third airing last night. While I only got to one for last week's post, I've now seen all three. And I have to say, last week was quite a week for FX, which debuted three original series across three channels and platforms. "Breeders" isn't the best of them (that will com...

The new league year for the NFL begins on March 18, just nine days away, but there's a lot that can happen between now and then. The players are currently voting on a new CBA, and that can impact some of the free agent frenzy we'll see. The legal tampering period begins on Monday, March 16, and that will be when we start seeing some mass movements. And between now and then, those who've been cut can be signed and other players can be traded. So, yeah, that it's gonna be a wild ride. As we head toward this season, it's time to look at how the Broncos have already decided to wade in. And that means last week's trade for Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye, and what it means for the Broncos' secondary. The trade, which can't be completed officially until March 18, involves the Broncos sending a fourth round pick to the Jaguars for Bouye, a top flight corner with two years left on his contract. In short, it feels like a small concession to lock up a key pie...