Matt's Musings

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. America: The Motion Picture (Netflix) Starring: Channing Tatum, Olivia Munn, Simon Pegg, Judy Greer, and Jason Mantzoukas Synopsis: This new animated feature, delivered today just in time for the Fourth of July Weekend, is an animated re-telling of the founding of America. Now, I know what you're thinking, this is a patriotic endeavor. You would be wrong... This one is as much a send up of American pop culture and business as it is a riff on American history. It wants to be funny and compelling in a way we've seen in these kind of films before. But this one misses the mark. It's weird, crude and ends up being overly ridiculous. Given many people's tenuous grasp of history, however, some may not notice. By the end, George Washington (Tatum) and the other Founding Fathers are some kind of superheroes, fighting in an overly graphic battle to found America in all its glory. Rating: TV-MA Verdict: One star out of fou...

  After a few busy weeks littered with new releases, this end of June has seen the pace slow. There are only two new scripted series that debuted this week. But don’t fret, the content wave will continue to roll on as we turn the page to July. As always, this weekly post is your guide to the new scripted series this summer. I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted offerings each week. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Fridays: The Mysterious Benedict Society, Fridays on Disney+ (Premiered June 25) About: While Disney moved its Marvel releases to Wednesday, this new offering is still making weekly drops on Fridays. The series is based on the young adult novel series from Trenton Lee Stewart and the first season features eight episodes, two of which dropped on Friday. The series centers on a world in crisis. During a global emergency from a suffering economy and other factors, Mr. Benedict, a very talented and smart individual, recruits four k...

  It's June and the 2021 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. As it does, I'm going to be looking at some key position battles throughout the league each Monday as a preview of the upcoming NFL Season. Today, it's another quarterback competition, this time down in New Orleans. Some don't think it will be a competition, as Jameis Winston will be the "obvious" choice to succeed Drew Brees. But I'm not ready to count Taysom Hill out yet, after all it was Hill who started four games when Brees missed time in 2020. Either way, Training Camp and the Pre-Season will tell the tale. Winston was a former No. 1 overall draft pick. When last we saw him as a full-time starter for the Buccaneers in 2019, he threw for more than 5,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also tossed 30 interceptions, and the Buccaneers declined to pick up his contract. They signed Tom Brady and won the Super Bowl. Winston signed with the Saints and hardly saw the field. Hill, meanwhile, has long bee...

  Last month we saw a traditional summer movie schedule begin to return. In July, it's back in earnest. It's a great time to dive into the movies! Here's what's coming. Thursday, July 1: Audible : This Netflix release follows Maryland School for the Deaf high school athlete Amaree McKenstry and his close friends as they face the pressures of senior year and grappling with the realities of venturing off into the hearing world. This one has football and should hit you right in the feels. No Sudden Move: This 1955 in Detroit-set film from Steven Soderbergh debuts exclusively on HBO Max. The cast includes Jon Hamm, and it looks like an interesting watch for the long holiday weekend. Friday, July 2: The Forever Purge : This one promises to flip the format of the now-tiresome horror franchise. Doubtless this will have some points to make about class disparity in addition to copious violence. Happy Fourth of July everybody. Boss Baby: Family Business : This animated sequel pi...

  2021 is the year I turn 40. As part of my celebration, I'm looking back at 40 years of movies, picking my favorite film from each year I've been around! To learn more about the criteria for this process, check this introduction. Each post will feature my pick, plus three runner's up. So check back over the next 40 weeks of this journey! 1999: The Mummy About: The summer of 1999 is when I graduated from high school. It was a time before I went to theaters as much as I do now, something that started in college. That summer I saw two movies in theaters, Star Wars, Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Deep Blue Sea . Both are interesting, but neither is on this list. The Mummy is one I saw in my dorm room during the first Fall of college, and it's stuck with me. Brendan Fraser is great in the lead role, while the story, direction, and setting are a lot of fun. It's one I've watched time and again, and remains a movie I treasure. Other Considerations: The Matrix Abo...

  The 2021 NFL Draft is over, and the rookies are on their squads. So it's time to revisit dynasty rankings with the rookies incorporated. Today, I continue with the Top 50 wide receivers. WRs: 1. Davante Adams, Packers 2. Tyreek Hill, Chiefs 3. DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals 4. Stefon Diggs, Bills 5. A.J. Brown, Titans 6. Calvin Ridley, Falcons 7. Justin Jefferson, Vikings 8. D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks 9. CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys 10. Terry McLaurin, Washington 11. Michael Thomas, Saints 12. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers 13. Allen Robinson, Bears 14. Amari Cooper, Cowboys 15. Keenan Allen, Chargers 16. D.J. Moore, Panthers 17. Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals 18. Mike Evans, Buccaneers 19. Kenny Golladay, Giants 20. Cooper Kupp, Rams 21. Courtland Sutton, Broncos 22. D.J. Chark, Jaguars 23. Tee Higgins, Bengals 24. Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers 25. Juju Smith-Schuster, Steelers 26. Diontae Johnson, Steelers 27. DeVonta Smith, Eagles 28. Tyler Lockett, Seahawks 29. Robert Woods, Rams 30. Jerry Jeudy, Broncos 31. C...

  The NFL Draft is over, so it's time to re-visit the Broncos' position groups and see where the team is heading into the season. Today I'm continuing with the linebackers. The Broncos may have their best defense in years and one of the best in the NFL in 2021, and a big piece of that is the linebacking corps. This is the teeth and heart of the defense in this system, and a unit that features some of the Broncos' biggest contributors, beginning with Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. Miller was brought back, but this may be his last dance in Denver. I hope not, but if it is, he'll play a crucial role in whatever this unit can accomplish. He's a star and the backbone of the defense, as he has been his whole career. Aside from Miller, the Broncos have a budding star in Bradley Chubb. This is Vic Fangio's third season as Head Coach. In his first season, Chubb tore his ACL in the first game. In his second season, Miller was injured and lost for the year just prior to...

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week Fatherhood (Netflix) Starring: Kevin Hart, Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery and Frankie Faison Synopsis: This new film for Netflix was released in time for Father's Day weekend. It centers on a man, Matt (Hart), whose wife dies shortly after giving birth to their daughter. Suddenly, Matt is left to raise he on his own, which often sets him at odds with his mother-in-law (Woodard), who wonders if he can really do it. The first part of the film is about those challenges, Matt learning to balance work, home and the demands of being a single father. Then it jump ahead a few years to see how that process has evolved and how Matt can find a way to resume living his own life as well. This is a more dramatic role for Hart. There are a few amusing moments for him, but mostly this is a serious story for him while Howery provides the comic relief. There are some powerful moments in the film, which I thought was well done. This is an engagin...

  We’re closing in on the end of June but the new series keep coming. This week alone features a few different options, all different styles and different types of stories. But which ones are for you? Let these weekly posts be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Monday Nights: The Republic of Sarah, Mondays at 9 p.m. on The CW (Premiered June 14) About : The CW typically has a certain kind of series, often centered around young people, sometimes with super powers. So, a new series, set in extreme northern New Hampshire that centers around a teacher who stands up for her small town when a mining company threatens to demolish it feels a little off brand. But The Republic of Sarah has a fun twist, as said heroine Sarah (Stella Baker) finds a loophole that allows her small town of Greylock to become its own sovereign nation. That’s the hook for the pilot, which ends with Sar...

  It's June and the 2021 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. As it does, I'm going to be looking at some key position battles throughout the league each Monday as a preview of the upcoming NFL Season. Today I'm tackling the quarterback battle for the Bears. Previously I looked at the Patriots, who took Mac Jones, and the 49ers, who took Trey Lance. Now it's the Bears, who took Justin Fields out of Ohio State with the No. 11 pick in the first round. He joins a quarterback room that's under-going a shift. The Bears were a playoff team in 2020, albeit one that finished at just 8-8 on the season. Mitch Trubisky, who had been the No. 2 overall selection for the team in the 2017 draft, was the starter. He ended up being allowed to walk at the end of the season, and landed a back up job with the Buffalo Bills. The Bears also had veteran Nick Foles on the team in 2020. He wasn't strong as a starter, and while he's still on the roster it seems like the Bears want to m...

  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. 2017: Best Picture: * The Shape of Water * Dunkirk * Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri * The Phantom Thread * Get Out * Lady Bird * The Post * The Darkest Hour * Call Me By Your Name About : This was a tough year. There are a number of good and interesting movies, but I wasn't passionate about one being much better than the others. The Shape of Water won, and I think I'm going to stick with that. Best Director: * Guillermo del Toro * Christopher Nolan * Jordan Peele * Gretta Gerwig * Paul Thomas Anderson About : Del Toro was the winner here, but I...

  2021 is the year I turn 40. As part of my celebration, I'm looking back at 40 years of movies, picking my favorite film from each year I've been around! To learn more about the criteria for this process, check this introduction. Each post will feature my pick, plus three runner's up. So check back over the next 40 weeks of this journey! 1998: Simon Birch About: There was a time in my life when this was my favorite movie, period. It's loosely based on my favorite John Irving book, A Prayer for Owen Meany, and has a great cast. It's a beautiful and emotional story, though it distills the book down to about its first chapter. I loved the story of friendship and family in this film, and the performances were solid. The supporting cast includes Ashley Judd and Oliver Platt, and both are great here. This wasn't an incredibly popular movie when it came out but it's always been one of my favorites. Other Considerations: Saving Private Ryan About: This classic fro...

  The 2021 NFL Draft is over, and the rookies are on their squads. So it's time to revisit dynasty rankings with the rookies incorporated. Today, I continue with the Top 50 running backs. RBs: 1. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers 2. Jonathan Taylor, Colts 3. Dalvin Cook, Vikings 4. Alvin Kamara, Saints 5. Saquon Barkley, Giants 6. Nick Chubb, Browns 7. D'Andre Swift, Lions 8. Derrick Henry, Titans 9. Aaron Jones, Packers 10. Najee Harris, Steelers 11. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys 12. Cam Akers, Rams 13. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs 14. J.K. Dobbins, Ravens 15. Joe Mixon, Bengals 16. Antonio Gibson, Washington 17. Miles Sanders, Eagles 18. Austin Ekeler, Chargers 19. Javonte Williams, Broncos 20. Josh Jacobs, Raiders 21. David Montgomery, Bears 22. Kareem Hunt, Browns 23. Travis Etienne, Jaguars 24. Myles Gaskin, Dolphins 25. James Robinson, Jaguars 26. Chris Carson, Seahawks 27. Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers 28. Zack Moss, Bills 29. Trey Sermon, 49ers 30. A.J. Dillon, Packers 31. Devi...

  The NFL Draft is over, so it's time to re-visit the Broncos' position groups and see where the team is heading into the season. Today I'm continuing with the defensive line. The defensive line is the backbone of the defense, and often one of the more overlooked groups. Heading into the season, the Broncos currently have 12 players on the roster and will likely have only six or seven on the final roster. That will create some fierce competition. Let's look at the options. First, the sure bets. Chief among them is Shelby Harris. Over the past two seasons Harris has 16 batted passes and 8.5 sacks . He's a force on the line and the anchor of the returning group for the Broncos. Also a lock is Dre'Mont Jones, the third year player has 10 sacks in his first two seasons and has been a solid performer.  On the next level is veteran nose tackle Mike Purcell and second-year lineman McTelvin Agim. Those two figure to add some depth and have a good chance of being in the...

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. Awake (Netflix) Starring: Gina Rodriguez, Ariana Greenblatt, Lucius Hoyos, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Finn Jones Synopsis : The latest from Netflix centers on a single mother (Rodriguez) who is struggling to earn back the trust of her children (Greenblatt and Hoyos). When a phenomenon happens, all electrical devices fail and people are left unable to sleep. Her daughter (Greenblatt) can sleep, making her rare and valuable in a world gone mad. So Rodriguez works to find answers and keep her kids safe as the world falls apart. This film is an interesting concept but the execution ends up falling a bit flat. Rodriguez is fine in the lead role, but overall this film is mediocre at best. Rating : TV-MA Verdict : One star out of four Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard (Theaters) Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Selma Hayek Synopsis : In the summer of 2017, Reynolds and Jackson teamed in an action film about a bodyguard, Mi...

  Hot summer days persist—in fact I’m in a state that’s part of a record-breaking heat wave in the West. On days like that, it’s great to curl up by the air conditioning and take in a show or movie. There are still plenty of new shows popping up and vying for your attention, but what, if any, are worth your time? Let this weekly column be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Monday Nights: The Republic of Sarah, Mondays at 9 p.m. on The CW (Premiered June 14) About : In terms of premise pilots, this one is a doozy. A high school teacher, Sarah (Stella Baker), lives in an idyllic New Hampshire town when a mining company fronted by her brother (Luke Mitchell) arrives planning to seize land to make a profit. She wants to stop it and comes up with a unique solution, finding a land treaty loophole that allows the town to vote to become its own nation. This starts as an all-to...

  It's June and the 2021 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. As it does, I'm going to be looking at some key position battles throughout the league each Monday as a preview of the upcoming NFL Season. In 2019, the San Francisco 49ers made it all the way to the Super Bowl. In 2020, the team failed to make the playoffs. The difference was a healthy quarterback that was capable of guiding the offense. That's why this off-season, the 49ers looked to improve their odds and improve the position. The team was rumored to be in on Deshaun Watson, but when that became an unviable option, the team traded three First Round picks, plus extras, to move up to the No. 3 pick in the draft. There, the 49ers took North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance, who has quickly become a popular pick in dynasty rookie drafts. Lance appears to be the future, but just when that future will start is an open question heading into 2021 as the 49ers still have veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G. w...

  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 . 2016: Best Picture: * Moonlight * Arrival * La La Land * Fences * Hacksaw Ridge * Hell or High Water * Hidden Figures * Lion * Manchester By the Sea About: This was probably the most memorable Best Picture reveal in recent Oscar memory as La La Land , the favorite, was announced as the winner when it was really Moonlight . Brutal. I'm going with the film that should have won, La La Land . Best Director: * Damien Chazelle * Barry Jenkins * Dennis Villeneuve * Mel Gibson * Kenneth Lonergan About: Chazelle won here and does a great job. I'm tempted by Vill...

  2021 is the year I turn 40. As part of my celebration, I'm looking back at 40 years of movies, picking my favorite film from each year I've been around! To learn more about the criteria for this process, check this introduction. Each post will feature my pick, plus three runner's up. So check back over the next 40 weeks of this journey! 1997: L.A. Confidential About: This film from Curtis Hanson was based on a novel from James Ellroy is an interesting mystery with a few strong action sequences. James Cromwell is solid as the antagonist, while the cast includes Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger and Kevin Spacey. I enjoy the period setting and the way the story unfolds. This one isn't exactly a happy story, but it's well put together and the performances really pop. In looking at the films released in 1997, this is the one that pops out to me. Other Considerations: Kiss the Girls About: This one is based on the novel from James Patterson and follows Detective...

  The 2021 NFL Draft is over, and the rookies are on their squads. So it's time to revisit dynasty rankings with the rookies incorporated. Today, I begin by looking at the Top 32 quarterbacks. QBs: 1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs 2. Josh Allen, Bills 3. Dak Prescott, Cowboys 4. Kyler Murray, Cardinals 5. Justin Herbert, Chargers 6. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars 7. Russell Wilson, Seahawks 8. Lamar Jackson, Ravens 9. Joe Burrow, Bengals 10. Matthew Stafford, Rams 11. Deshaun Watson, Texans 12. Aaron Rodgers, Packers 13. Baker Mayfield, Browns 14. Justin Fields, Bears 15. Carson Wentz, Colts 16. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins 17. Trey Lance, 49ers 18. Ryan Tannehill, Titans 19. Zach Wilson, Jets 20. Matt Ryan, Falcons 21. Derek Carr, Raiders 22. Jalen Hurts, Eagles 23. Sam Darnold, Panthers 24. Mac Jones, Patriots 25. Jared Goff, Lions 26. Daniel Jones, Giants 27. Kirk Cousins, Vikings 28. Tom Brady, Buccaneers 29. Drew Lock, Broncos 30. Jordan Love, Packers 31. Kellen Mond, Vikings 32. Jameis Winst...

  The NFL Draft is over, so it's time to re-visit the Broncos' position groups and see where the team is heading into the season. Today I'm continuing with the Tight Ends. The Broncos' tight end group remains similar, but also has changed. Noah Fant and Albert Okweugbunam are still the top of the depth chart, but the Broncos saw Nick Vannett go to New Orleans, while Jake Butt's contract expired and he remains unsigned. The team still has Troy Fumagalli, blocking specialist Andrew Beck, veterans Austin Fort and Eric Saubert and rookie Shaun Beyer. That leaves the team currently with seven players at the position, which will likely trim significantly before the regular season. Fant is a lock to make the roster. He was a First Round pick in the 2019 draft, and caught 62 passes for 673 yards and three TDs in 2020 . That was good enough to be TE9 , and I suspect he'll take step forward in year three. He's a Top 10 option in Dynasty Leagues and will be a big piece...

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (Theaters/HBO Max) Starring: Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga Synopsis: This is the latest installment of The Conjuring Franchise, which has spawned three films under the original banner and several others as spin-offs. This one is based on a story from creator James Wan, and returns stars Wilson and Farmiga as real life monster hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren. Based on another of their famous cases, this one focuses on a demon possession. Michael Chaves takes on the directing duties and does a decent job conveying the story. This installment, which premiered in theaters and on HBO Max the same day, is different than the others, but heads into the well-worn path of exorcism and possession films. In that sense, it adds little new. It didn't seem to have as much tension as the previous installments, either. Farmiga and Wilson are great in these roles, which helps prop up these films. This i...

  It went from moderate and wet to sweltering here in Colorado. With that kind of weather, it’s often nice to huddle by the air conditioning and take in some new entertainment. We have some new releases this week, but are any worth the effort to follow in this heat? Let this weekly column be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Monday Nights: Housebroken, Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX (Premiered May 31) About : This new FOX animated comedy focuses on the lives of house pets. The voice cast includes Lisa Kudrow and Tony Hale, and it centers on a group of pets that meet as a support group to help get through the challenges of life. It’s part of an expanded animated block running on Monday nights. It’s a fine show, but hardly compelling. It feels like a similar of FOX animated series. It was mildly entertaining but far from compelling. Pilot Grade: C Second Episode : C Fridays:...