Matt's Musings

  "Scream" debuted in December of 1996. At that time, I was a sophomore in high school just hitting Christmas break. I knew of the film, and was curious to see it, but didn't get to catch it in theaters. Instead, months later, when it finally debuted on video (how many remember that), I got to rent it.  I remember watching it one night when I was by myself, in the dark in my bedroom. There was a certain thrill to see the film and discover the plot twists the first time. The film was scripted by Kevin Williamson, who would go on to create "Dawson's Creek," and directed by Wes Craven, who has helmed a number of horror films, including "A Nightmare on Elm Street," which is strongly referenced  in "Scream." From the moment I saw the movie, I knew it was going to become a favorite. In college, I actually did a communication thesis on the evolution of slasher films from their 1970s genesis through their 1990s rebirth. "Halloween" and ...

  I miss football, and sports in general. I'm guessing you do, too. And in the place of actual games, we've been seeing a lot of countdowns of classic games, players, etc. And that got me thinking about my own favorite team, the Denver Broncos. I have loved the Denver Broncos since I was a little kid, more than 30 years of fandom. I started watching them in the late 1980s, and have been faithful ever since. So I thought it might be fun to take a little walk down memory lane and consider my favorite players from those teams. So this is just a personal list, that will be presented in reverse order starting at number 30. Agree, disagree, have your own stories? Share them in the comments. No. 1 John Elway (1983-1998) About: And we come to the end of the countdown, and if you know me you know there was no other choice here. Actually, if you like the Broncos, there is no other choice. John Elway is the Broncos. He was as a player, where he led the team for 16 seasons on the field an...

  Last week Lindsay did a lot better than me, so now she’s taken the lead. That makes sense as I’ve done better in even weeks, so we’ll see if that continues in Week 8. Matt’s Week 8 Picks: Panthers Over Falcons Bills Over Patriots Titans Over Bengals Browns Over Raiders Lions Over Colts Packers Over Vikings Chiefs Over Jets Rams Over Dolphins Steelers Over Ravens Broncos Over Chargers Saints Over Bears Seahawks Over 49ers Eagles Over Cowboys Buccaneers Over Giants Last Week : 9-5 Season: 64-41 Lindsay’s Week 8 Picks: Panthers Over Falcons Bills Over Patriots Titans Over Bengals Raiders Over Browns Lions Over Colts Packers Over Vikings Chiefs Over Jets Rams Over Dolphins Steelers Over Ravens Chargers Over Broncos Saints Over Bears Seahawks Over 49ers Eagles Over Cowboys Buccaneers Over Giants Last Week : 12-2 Season : 65-40 Matt’s Week 8 Picks Against the Spread: Panthers -2.5 Over Falcons Bills -3.5 Over Patriots Titans -5.5 Over Bengals...

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. Bad Hair (Hulu) Starring:  Elle Lorraine, Jay Pharoah, Vanessa L. Williams, Lena Waithe, and Blair Underwood Synopsis: This thriller is ideally timed for the spooky season, and comes from writer/director Justin Simien and debuted at Sundance in January. It was snapped up by Hulu, who released it on Friday. The film is set in the late 1980s, and focuses on a woman (Lorraine) who is trying to make a move up at her television network. One thing holding her back is her lock, specifically her hair. When she goes to get a weave, she gets more than she bargained for in the hair that's used. It has a mind of its own, leading to some deadly consequences. This is a fun concept and a twist on these kind of stories. Lorraine does a nice job in the lead role, and the film has some fun moments. Unfortunately, I didn't think the third act held up that well. It's worth checking out, especially if you want a strange a spooky tale, but ...

  We're near the beginning of November, and a number of shows will roll out in the next four to five weeks. Let these weekly posts be your guide to new content this Fall. In these weekly posts I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. This is a shorter one since there were only a couple new additions this week! Sunday Nights: The Undoing, Sundays at 7 p.m. on HBO (Premiered October 25) About: The latest Sunday night series for HBO is the mini-series "The Undoing," which was originally scheduled for May but pushed to the Fall. The series is based on the novel from Jean Hanff Korelitz, and was adapted for television by David E. Kelley. It stars Nicole Kidman as a successful mother and therapist, living happily with her doctor husband (Hugh Grant) in New York City. They seem to have a good life, but soon she meets a new mother at her son's school and strange events happen. Then a tragedy be...

  Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs 43, Denver Broncos 16 Season Record : 2-4 (0-3 Home) Key Play: In the second quarter, with Broncos trailing 17-9 and 5:35 left in the half, the Broncos kicked off to the Chiefs and Byron Pringle took it back for a touchdown, increasing the lead to 24-9. The Broncos never recovered. Recap: That was ugly. The Broncos won the toss and took the ball. A quick three and out, and the Chiefs assault began. Even when the defense could slow them down, the offense for Denver couldn't help out. Instead, Drew Lock threw two interceptions and Melvin Gordon fumbled twice. The Chiefs scored on defense and special teams in the first half, as if they needed the help. And the Broncos couldn't recover. Philip Lindsay looked great running, then got knocked out with a concussion. So, it was another tough day. Albert Okweugbanum continues to look good, but there wasn't much to celebrate yesterday. The Broncos host the Chargers on Sunday, and red hot rookie Justin H...

  As some of you know, I have been a frequent guest host on the Music City Drive In Movie podcast this summer. We've been looking at movies since 2000, re-nominating the Academy Awards. That got me thinking about the actual fields of the awards themselves. In a new weekly series, I'll be looking back at the last 40 years of Oscars and reviewing the choices at Best Picture, Best Director and the four acting categories. 1985 Best Picture: * Out of Africa * Prizzi's Honor * The Color Purple * Kiss of the Spider Woman * Witness About: This is an interesting group of films, where "Out of Africa" came out on top. I like several of these films, and it's tempting to go a number of ways. But I'm going to say "The Color Purple" is Steven Spielberg's most under-rated film, and an under-rated film in general. I think it should have won. Best Director: * Sydney Pollack * John Huston * Peter Weir * Akira Kurosawa * Hector Babenco About: I talked about ab...

  "We Will Do What Is Hard. We Will Achieve What Is Great. This Is A Time For American Heroes And We Reach For The Stars." — President Josiah Bartlett, "The West Wing" Last week on vacation, I started re-watching "The West Wing." I was a college freshman when the show debuted, and throughout the seven years it was on, "The West Wing" was among my favorite shows. I remember seeing some of the moments for the first time, and I remember re-watching it several times. In fact, whenever we hit election season, I often feel like watching Season 7. For my wife, it's been a first time experiencing the show. We like to watch things together, and during this pandemic season, it's been fun to find shows we can watch (or re-watch) together. This seemed like a great one to tackle. In a little over a week, we've watched 20.5 episodes, cruising to the end of Season 1 and, for those who've seen it, a fairly iconic moment. It's also been intere...

  As has been the tradition, the even Week 6 was better for me and I took a two pick lead. Will it last. I highly doubt it. Here’s our weekly picks. Matt’s Week 7 Picks: Eagles Over Giants Lions Over Falcons Bills Over Jets Browns Over Bengals Cowboys Over Redskins Packers Over Texans Saints Over Panthers Titans Over Steelers Raiders Over Buccaneers Chiefs Over Broncos Patriots Over 49ers Chargers Over Jaguars Seahawks Over Cardinals Rams Over Bears Last Week : 8-6 Season : 55-36 Lindsay’s Week 7 Picks: Eagles Over Giants Lions Over Falcons Bills Over Jets Browns Over Bengals Cowboys Over Washington Packers Over Texans Saints Over Panthers Steelers Over Panthers Buccaneers Over Raiders Chiefs Over Broncos 49ers Over Patriots Chargers Over Jaguars Seahawks Over Cardinals Rams Over Bears Last Week : 6-8 Season : 53-38 Matt’s Week 7 Picks Against the Spread: Eagles -3.5 Over Giants Lions +2.5 Over Falcons Bills -12.5 Over Jets Browns -3.5 Ov...

  I miss football, and sports in general. I'm guessing you do, too. And in the place of actual games, we've been seeing a lot of countdowns of classic games, players, etc. And that got me thinking about my own favorite team, the Denver Broncos. I have loved the Denver Broncos since I was a little kid, more than 30 years of fandom. I started watching them in the late 1980s, and have been faithful ever since. So I thought it might be fun to take a little walk down memory lane and consider my favorite players from those teams. So this is just a personal list, that will be presented in reverse order starting at number 30. Agree, disagree, have your own stories? Share them in the comments. No. 2 Shannon Sharpe (1990-1999, 2002-2003) About: We reach the second overall pick on this list, tight end Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe was one of the greatest Broncos, and one of the greatest tight ends in football. He's in the Hall of Fame, and should be, a three time Super Bowl champion, includ...

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. Clouds (Disney+) Starring: Fin Argus, Neve Campbell, Tom Everett Scott, Sabrina Carpenter, Lil Rel Howery, and Madison Iseman Synopsis : This latest from Disney is a true story, based on the life of young musician Zach Sobiech, who as a high school senior discovered his cancer was terminal. Instead of wallowing, Zach (Argus) attempts to live life to the fullest and live out his dreams, which includes being a singer/songwriter. Zach and his best friend, Sammy (Carpenter), write and perform a song that gains national attention. This one has a sweet story that really becomes more striking by the end. In the early going I felt like this was "A Walk to Remember" for a new generation, which isn't meant as a slight, and there are elements of that here. But this movie tugged at my heart-strings quite a bit by the end. Campbell and Everett Scott are strong as Zach's parents, and Iseman does a nice job as his love interest...

  We're coming close to Halloween, and the holidays. This is typically a time when network TV begins to wrap up, but with the delays it seems everything is starting to ramp up. We'll get Network premiers, new shows and Hallmark Christmas movies. So with this flood of content coming to your home (while theaters have none), let this weekly post be your guide. I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesday Nights: Swamp Thing, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on The CW (Premiered October 7) About: This series first aired on the DC streaming platform, which is slowly being consumed by HBO Max. It now makes a network debut on The CW, which has been home to a number of DC superhero shows. But "Swamp Thing" isn't like the "Arrowverse," nor is it like "Star Girl," which was a co-production with the DC Streaming Service that aired this summer. This one is darker in tone and...

  Week 6: Denver Broncos 18, New England Patriots 12 Season Record: 2-3 (0-2 Home) Key Play: In the fourth quarter, with the Broncos up 18-12 and Cam Newton driving with the game quickly fading away, the Broncos' defense stepped up with a sack from Malik Reed on second down. On fourth and 10, Newton's pass sailed wide and the Broncos took over on downs with time winding down, leading to the victory. Recap: After more than a week of uncertainty, it was nice to just get a game. Prior to Sunday, the Broncos last played on October 1, recording a win over the Jets. Yesterday Drew Lock was able to return after missing two full games and most of a third thanks to a shoulder injury. He looked pretty good, hitting Tim Patrick on a few long throws and helping the Broncos build an early lead. Noah Fant was out with an ankle injury, but seems close to a return, hopefully against the Chiefs. The Broncos also got Philip Lindsay back, and he looked good. The defense also looked good, smoth...

  As some of you know, I have been a frequent guest host on the Music City Drive In Movie podcast this summer. We've been looking at movies since 2000, re-nominating the Academy Awards. That got me thinking about the actual fields of the awards themselves. In a new weekly series, I'll be looking back at the last 40 years of Oscars and reviewing the choices at Best Picture, Best Director and the four acting categories. 1984: Best Picture * The Killing Fields * Amadeus * Places in the Heart * A Soldier's Story * A Passage to India About : This was a big year of some famous commercial hits. "Ghostbusters," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Gremlins," "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," and "Romancing the Stone" are some of the films that were released in 1984. And yet the awards narrowed in on some smaller, more independent films. "Amadeus," the film about Mozart, was the winner of Best Picture here. I'm going with "...

  I grew up in California, but for the most part I don't have an allegiance to any California sports teams. The big exception to that is the Lakers, a team I watched with my dad growing up. Those who follow this space know how much I appreciated Kobe Bryant, and it's been interesting to see the Lakers seemingly playing for him in the wake of his death. This NBA season has also been a journey like no other. It literally went more than a year, with a huge gap in between. This season started in October 2019, and just as the Lakers were hitting their dominating stretch in March, the season got put on pause. When the team picked back up in July, there were questions about whether they were still going to be the favorite and could still get the win. And yet, they rolled on strong in the playoffs. There were minor hiccups at times, but it seemed like the team was able to rise to the occasion when needed. That was true in the finals, too, as LeBron James and Anthony Davis proved enough...

  I miss football, and sports in general. I'm guessing you do, too. And in the place of actual games, we've been seeing a lot of countdowns of classic games, players, etc. And that got me thinking about my own favorite team, the Denver Broncos. I have loved the Denver Broncos since I was a little kid, more than 30 years of fandom. I started watching them in the late 1980s, and have been faithful ever since. So I thought it might be fun to take a little walk down memory lane and consider my favorite players from those teams. So this is just a personal list, that will be presented in reverse order starting at number 30. Agree, disagree, have your own stories? Share them in the comments. No. 3 Terrell Davis (1995-2001) About: We're into the Top 3 in this countdown. The top pick for me was easy, but I struggled a lot with two and three. I settled on an order, and that's what's going to get posted, but it's hard for me to pick between these next two, beginning today...

  Last week Lindsay and I finished with the same record, 9-5, and remain tied heading into Week 6. I’ve tended toward better performances in even weeks, will that continue? Let’s find out. Matt’s Week 6 Picks: Vikings Over Falcons Bears Over Panthers Colts Over Bengals Steelers Over Browns Patriots Over Broncos Lions Over Jaguars Titans Over Texans Washington Over Giants Ravens Over Eagles Dolphins Over Jets Packers Over Buccaneers Rams Over 49ers Chiefs Over Bills Cowboys Over Cardinals Last Week : 9-5 Season : 47-30 Lindsay’s Week 6 Picks: Vikings Over Falcons Panthers Over Bears Colts Over Bengals Browns Over Steelers Patriots Over Broncos Jaguars Over Lions Titans Over Texans Washington Over Giants Ravens Over Eagles Dolphins Over Jets Packers Over Buccaneers Rams Over 49ers Chiefs Over Bills Cardinals Over Cowboys Last Week: 9-5 Season : 47-30 Matt’s Week 6 Picks Against the Spread: Vikings -3.5 Over Falcons Bears +2.5 Over Panthers ...

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. The Addams Family (Hulu/Prime) Starring: Charlize Theron, Oscar Isaac, Chloe Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, and Nick Kroll Synopsis: There have been a few versions of "The Addams Family" over the years, but last Fall we got an animated version. There are some big name voices attached to this project, and it feels like the perfect film to stream this time of year. I thought this one did a pretty good job with the story, and Alison Janney was fun as the antagonist. It wasn't incredible, but it was pretty entertaining, and a short commitment at less than 90 minutes. Rating:  PG for macabre and suggestive humor, and some action. Verdict: Two stars out of four. Babyteeth (Hulu) Starring : Eliza Scanlen, Essie Davis, Toby Wallace, and Ben Mendelsohn Synopsis : This one is about a teen girl (Scanlen) who is struggling with a long-term illness and falls for a local drug dealer (Wallace). It focuses on their love story and th...

  We're in the midst of October, and a groundswell of new content. With the Network premiers right around the corner, it will only get busier. Let these weekly posts be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Monday Nights: Soulmates, Mondays at 10 p.m. on AMC (Premiered October 5) About: This six-episode anthology series is set in the near future where the gene for the soul has been uncovered, allowing people to take a test to find out who in the world is there perfect match. This opens a sort of Pandora's Box for many. While a bit of a downer, I loved the performances in the pilot. This second episode was intriguing because it was more of a straightforward revenge tale that unfolds through the guise of this twist in the world. It isn't really about the test or the twist in the world. It's well done, but it was also something of a downer. I have a feeling all of ...

  An unexpected bye week. That's what the Broncos got in Week 5. After having their game with the New England Patriots shifted to Monday afternoon, a positive test for New England Sunday morning led to the game being postponed. Now the Broncos will play the Patriots in Week 6, their Week 8 bye is gone and the rest of the schedule was shifted like so many Tetris blocks. The Broncos have become the latest team to have to pivot in a big way in the time of Covid. In Week 4, it was the Steelers that got an unexpected bye after logging most of a week of practice. Now it's the Broncos. This comes with good news and bad news. The bad news is for a team that's banged up, they didn't get a true bye week to rest. They practiced all week, found out they weren't playing Sunday, and will be back at it in a day or two. That's a blow. The good news is it gives some time to heal. Quarterback Drew Lock is close to a return. Coach Vic Fangio said that return likely wouldn't ha...

  As some of you know, I have been a frequent guest host on the Music City Drive In Movie podcast this summer. We've been looking at movies since 2000, re-nominating the Academy Awards. That got me thinking about the actual fields of the awards themselves. In a new weekly series, I'll be looking back at the last 40 years of Oscars and reviewing the choices at Best Picture, Best Director and the four acting categories. Best Picture: * Terms of Endearment * The Big Chill * The Dresser * The Right Stuff * Tender Mercies About: It's interesting we hit this year this week as "The Right Stuff" has been re-made as a series on Disney+ and its first two episodes dropped Friday. I'll be honest, this isn't a year where I'm as taken with the nominees as some. "Terms of Endearment" won here, and I think it was the right choice. Best Director: * James L. Brooks * Peter Yates * Ingmar Bergman * Mike Nichols * Bruce Beresford About : Brooks was the winner h...

  Regular, major theatrical releases aren't coming back any time soon, but there are still movies to check out. So let's explore some of our October highlights. Wednesday, October 7: Hubie Halloween (Netflix): This is the latest from Adam Sandler, a comedy set in Salem on Halloween. It follows a shy outcast, Hubie (Sandler), who loves Halloween and seeks to keep people safe. The local authorities don't take him seriously, but when he stumbles on real trouble he doesn't hesitate to dive in. This one features an all star cast of cameos. Thursday, October 8: Charm City Kings (HBO Max):  Originally intended for a theatrical release, this coming-of-age film set in Baltimore follows 14-year-old Mouse (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) as he’s pulled between the biker gang of the title and dreams of becoming a veterinarian.  Friday, October 9: War with Grandpa: Finally, a theatrical new release. This one is a fun family comedy about a kid who tries his darndest to make his Grandpa (Robe...

Last week Lindsay had a small lead heading into the week, but I was able to erase it and we ended Week 4 tied. The pattern has been poor odd weeks for me and strong even weeks. We’re in Week 5, and I started by losing a game to Lindsay last night, so it seems like the pattern might continue. Matt’s Week 5 Picks: Buccaneers Over Bears Panthers Over Falcons Bills Over Titans Chiefs Over Raiders Ravens Over Bengals Rams Over Washington Cardinals Over Jets Steelers Over Eagles Jaguars Over Texans 49ers Over Dolphins Browns Over Colts Patriots Over Broncos Cowboys Over Giants Seahawks Over Vikings Saints Over Chargers Last Week : 10-5 Season : 38-25 Lindsay’s Week 5 Picks: Bears Over Buccaneers Panthers Over Falcons Ravens Over Bengals Chiefs Over Raiders Rams Over Washington Cardinals Over Jets Steelers Over Eagles Jaguars Over Texans 49ers Over Dolphins Colts Over Browns Cowboys Over Giants Seahawks Over Vikings Broncos Over Patriots Saints Over Charger...

  I miss football, and sports in general. I'm guessing you do, too. And in the place of actual games, we've been seeing a lot of countdowns of classic games, players, etc. And that got me thinking about my own favorite team, the Denver Broncos. I have loved the Denver Broncos since I was a little kid, more than 30 years of fandom. I started watching them in the late 1980s, and have been faithful ever since. So I thought it might be fun to take a little walk down memory lane and consider my favorite players from those teams. So this is just a personal list, that will be presented in reverse order starting at number 30. Agree, disagree, have your own stories? Share them in the comments. No. 4 Champ Bailey (2004-2013) About: As the Top 5 continues, we come to the highest ranked defensive player on the list, Hall of Famer Champ Bailey. In fact, all of my Top 5 are Hall of Fame players! Bailey was one of my favorites, and is still my favorite Bronco Jersey I own. I wear it usually a...