Matt's Musings

  I had a strong Week 3, going 11-5. Lindsay was even better, going 12-4, closing the gap. Two picks separate us with a lot of season left to play. Let’s see who we’re picking this week! Matt’s Picks: Bengals Over Jaguars Washington Over Falcons Bills Over Texans Bears Over Lions Cowboys Over Panthers Dolphins Over Colts Browns Over Vikings Saints Over Giants Titans Over Jets Chiefs Over Eagles Rams Over Cardinals 49ers Over Seahawks Broncos Over Ravens Packers Over Steelers Buccaneers Over Patriots Chargers Over Raiders Last Week : 11-5 Season: 33-15 Lindsay’s Picks: Bengals Over Jaguars Washington Over Atlanta Bills Over Texans Lions Over Bears Panthers Over Cowboys Dolphins Over Colts Browns Over Vikings Saints Over Giants Titans Over Jets Chiefs Over Eagles Rams Over Cardinals Seahawks Over 49ers Broncos Over Ravens Packers Over Steelers Buccaneers Over Patriots Raiders Over Chargers Last Week: 12-4 Season: 31-17

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. Dear Evan Hansen (Theaters) Starring: Ben Platt, Kaitlyn Dever, Amy Adams, Danny Pino, Julianne Moore, and Amandla Steinberg Synopsis: This new film is an adaptation of the popular Broadway show and follows a similar story. Evan Hansen (Platt) is a high school senior with some emotional issues and not much in the way of friends. As a therapy assignment, he writes a letter to himself. When a classmate takes that letter then later kills himself, the boy's parents (Adams and Pino) believe Evan was his best friend. Instead of setting the record straight, he steers into the skid and creates an elaborate story that becomes and inspiration to thousands all over the world. But it's a house of cards that can't help but topple. This is a very tough film for me to talk about because it left me feeling angry. I think it's callous and disrespectful. I'd go so far as to characterize the story as dangerous, especially for th...

  Remember a month ago when we felt that lull in new content? Yeah, me either. The flood is turning into a tidal wave as the first set of network shows debuted on top of an already robust streaming and cable slate. And there’s no signs of easing as we careen into October. All of that can leave you wondering what’s worth your time. 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: NCIS: Hawai’i, Mondays at 10 p.m. on CBS (Premiered September 20) About: This is the latest installment in the NCIS universe. This one is fairly by-the-numbers. The stories feel similar to the other installments of NCIS and the location is solid. If you’re a fan of the franchise, this will work for you. Vanessa Lachey is decent in the lead role and the rest of the team fill their roles, as well. There is nothing new or unique here, but CBS is great at building crime dra...

  Week 3: Denver Broncos 26, New York Jets 0 Season Record: 3-0 (1-0 Home) Key Play: In the fourth quarter, with the Broncos leading 23-0 the Jets attempted to mount a scoring drive. Zach Wilson dropped back to pass and was intercepted by Justin Simmons, who returned it deep into Jets' territory. The Jets never got close to scoring the rest of the game. Recap: Beat the teams you're supposed to beat. The Broncos entered the season with a soft and winable three-game stretch to start the season, and they did just that. The team beat the Giants, then dominated rookies Trevor Lawrence and Wilson in back-to-back weeks to move to 3-0. It gets harder from here, but the Broncos did what they needed to do. The team is coming together on offense and defense, and the Broncos sit at 3-0, tied with the Raiders atop the AFC West. Now the team faces a stretch over the next five October Sundays that includes the Ravens-Steelers-Raiders-Browns and Washington Football Team. That will tell the...

  We're about to hit October, which means that the year is winding down. But it's in this last quarter of the year that we often get some of the richest stories and films, with a healthy smattering of blockbusters. Such will be the case for October, where we finally get to see the oft delayed final Bond film for Daniel Craig! Let's see what the month has to offer. Friday, October 1: Venom: Let There Be Carnage (Theaters) --This sequel to Venom , the comic book film focused on the anti-hero played by Tom Hardy, is debuting on the first day of the month. It was originally set for mid-month, then there were rumors it would push to 2022 and finally it landed on coming out early. Let's hope the film is as interesting as the whiplash about when it would begin. The Many Saints of Newark (Theaters/HBO Max) --Once upon a time James Gandolfini led The Sopranos, which helped put HBO on the map as a content producer. Now, his son, Michael, is stepping into his shoes for this preque...

  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! 2012: The Hunger Games About: This was a year that presented some tough choices, but I landed on The Hunger Games. I wasn't as taken with the series of sequels, and I wasn't a big book reader, but I loved the first film. The story is intentionally grim, or at least the idea is. There is a depth to this that is making a commentary or social structures, our fascination with reality television and our cultural lust for violence. You can watch the film without thinking about that, I suppose, but for me that was the heart of what raises this to a level above. And Jennifer Lawrence is great. Other Considerations: Silver Linings Playbook ...

  It's only been two weeks, but the injuries are already piling up for the Broncos. Bradley Chubb had ankle surgery this week, meaning he'll miss at least six to eight weeks. When Chubb was drafted the dream was seeing him play opposite on Miller on a weekly basis. That first season was great. Then Chubb tore his ACL in the first game of the first year with Vic Fangio. Last year, it was Miller who hurt his ankle, missing the season. This season, it seemed like Fangio would finally get to deploy his defense with both star pass rushers. But Chubb couldn't suit up for Week 1 and lasted just a few plays in Game 2, now he's out for most if not all the season. It seems the dream of seeing what these two could do in a Fangio system will have to wait until next season, if ever. Chubb's not the only big injury, either. Josey Jewell is out of the season now, leaving the Broncos thin at linebacker. And Jerry Jeudy is on the shelf with an ankle injury. The Broncos only kept fiv...

  In Week 2 I went 14-2. I will probably never do better in my life. But the good news is that I’m back in front in the competition with Lindsay. Will it last? I doubt it. But here’s out Week 3 selections. Matt’s Picks: Panthers Over Texans Bills Over Washington Browns Over Bears Ravens Over Lions Titans Over Colts Chiefs Over Chargers Patriots Over Saints Giants Over Falcons Steelers Over Bengals Cardinals Over Jaguars Broncos Over Jets Raiders Over Dolphins Rams Over Buccaneers Vikings Over Seahawks 49ers Over Packers Cowboys Over Eagles Last Week : 14-2 Season : 22-10 Lindsay’s Picks: Panthers Over Texans Bills Over Washington Browns Over Bears Ravens Over Lions Titans Over Colts Chiefs Over Raiders Saints Over Patriots Giants Over Falcons Steelers Over Bengals Cardinals Over Jaguars Broncos Over Jets Raiders Over Dolphins Rams Over Buccaneers Seahawks Over Vikings Packers Over 49ers Cowboys Over Eagles Last Week: 7-9 Season : 19-13

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. Cry Macho (Theaters/HBO Max) Starring: Clint Eastwood, Eduardo Minett, and Dwight Yoakam Synopsis : This on is based on the novel from N. Richard Nash and set in 1979. It centers on an aging Rodeo Star (Eastwood) who is tasked by his former employer (Yoakam) to head to Mexico and find his young son (Minett) and bring him home. Eastwood serves as the director and producer here in addition to starring in front of the camera as well. The film opened in theaters and released on HBO Max the same day. Eastwood is 91-years-old and has had a prolific career in front of and behind the camera. I hope when and if I hit 91 I at least have control of my mental faculties, so his work should be impressive from that standpoint. This film isn't great. It is slow and at times awkward. There is probably a depth and intrigue in the source material that isn't quite translating here. Eastwood has made some compelling films but this wouldn't...

  We’ve arrived at the beginning of the onslaught. The traditional Network TV season began Monday and we’re going to get a flood of new content from here. So, what should you make a point to see? Let this weekly column be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: The Big Leap, Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX (Premiered September 20) About : This scripted series follows a group of people in Detroit looking for a second chance. They hope to find it by auditioning and being selected to be part of a reality show that culminates in a performance of Swan Lake . The series is based on an actual reality series from the U.K., but this one uses a cast of actors to tell the story. It is in a tough time slot, but FOX made the first two episodes available early on Hulu. I thought this looked like one of the most promising new series before it debuted and I loved the first two episodes. Th...

  Week 2 : Denver Broncos 23, Jacksonville Jaguars 13 Season Record : 2-0 (0-0 Home) Key Play: In the third quarter, with the Broncos up 10-7, Teddy Bridgewater connected with Courtland Sutton on a 55-yard bomb. He hit Noah Fant for a 14-yard touchdown to boost the lead to 10 points. The Broncos never looked back. Recap: The Broncos were gifted with a soft early schedule, which led to the hope a talented roster could get off to a good start for Coach Vic Fangio. Through two weeks, it's mission accomplished. The Broncos handled the Giants easily in Week 1 and did the same to the Jaguars in Week 2. Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars to a touchdown strike on the opening drive but the offense wouldn't score a single point after that. The team got a kickoff return for a touchdown to cut the lead to 10 points in the Fourth Quarter, but that was it. Meanwhile, the Broncos' offense started a little slow. Bridgewater missed Sutton and others on long passes a few times early, but they...

  The New Fall Season begins on Monday. Last week I looked at some of the big cable premiers coming our way. Today, I'm going to look at five new Network Premiers I'm excited to check out. Shows appear in release order! The Big Leap, Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX Premiers : Monday, September 20 About : This one is a scripted series focusing on a group of adults who need a second chance. They hope to find that auditioning for a reality show in Detroit that will craft a group of 20 people into a troupe to put on a performance of the ballet Swan Lake . The first two episodes are available now on Hulu and I thought the series was great, and a lot of fun. I like the premise and the potential. It's in a tough time slot on a tough night but it's well worth making a point to find this one, which features a cast led by Scott Foley, Teri Polo and Piper Perabo. The Wonder Years, Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. on ABC Premiers: Wednesday, September 22 About: This is a re-boot of the original,...

  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! 2011: X-Men: First Class About : As we begin the fourth and final decade of this countdown we arrive to an interesting year. This prequel/re-boot launched a new group of X-Men. It focused on the relationship between Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Michael Fassbender). It has a great 1960s setting and a fascinating story. This is one of my favorite superhero films. Other Considerations: Moneyball About: This one sees Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the GM who used a new way of thinking to make the cash-strapped Oakland A's relevant. Based on the non-fiction book, this one was a Best Picture nominee and it works to make some ...

  The Emmy Awards are Sunday night, and below are my predictions for some of the bigger categories. Outstanding Drama Series: The Boys Bridgerton The Crown The Mandalorian Lovecraft Country Pose The Handmaid's Tale This Is Us The Pick: Some interesting options but I'm going with The Crown . Outstanding Comedy Series: Black-ish Cobra Kai Pen15 Emily in Paris Hacks Ted Lasso The Flight Attendant The Kominsky Method The Pick : There's only one choice, and it's Ted Lasso . This is for Season 1. Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Regé-Jean Page, Bridgerton Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us Billy Porter, Pose Jonathan Majors, Lovecraft Country Matthew Rhys, Perry Mason Josh O'Connor, The Crown The Pick : I'm going with Jonathan Majors here. Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Emma Corrin, The Crown Olivia Colman, The Crown Uzo Aduba, In Treatment Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale Jurnee Smollett, Lovecraft Country Mj Rodriguez, Pose The Pick : I'm ...

  Week 1 didn’t break my way. I went 8-8 while Lindsay started out red hot at 12-4. I’m in a hole but the path to redemption begins this week. Matt’s Picks: Washington Over Giants Bears Over Bengals Browns Over Texans Rams Over Colts Broncos Over Jaguars Bills Over Dolphins Patriots Over Jets 49ers Over Eagles Steelers Over Raiders Panthers Over Saints Cardinals Over Vikings Buccaneers Over Falcons Cowboys Over Chargers Seahawks Over Titans Ravens Over Chiefs Packers Over Lions Last Week : 8-8 Lindsay’s Picks: Giants Over Washington Bengals Over Bears Texans Over Browns Rams Over Colts Dolphins Over Bills Patriots Over Jets Eagles Over 49ers Steelers Over Raiders Panthers Over Saints Jaguars Over Broncos Cardinals Over Vikings Buccaneers Over Falcons Cowboys Over Chargers Seahawks Over Titans Chiefs Over Ravens Packers Over Lions Last Week : 12-4

  Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. Come From Away (Apple TV+) Synopsis: It's been a big year for Apple TV+, which continues to turn out some of the most compelling original content. A week ago I reviewed the documentary 9/11: Inside the President's War Room , which was a gripping and emotional look at 9/11. Last Friday, Apple released Come From Away , a filmed version of the Broadway musical that focuses on the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, which received 38 planes and 7,000 passengers grounded when the United States closed its airspace on 9/11. The town responded by hosting scared and stressed people, and the play is a true story that tells the experience of residents and guests who are now bonded forever by this shared event. It's got beautiful music and is beautifully told. It's a stirring tribute to 9/11 and well worth checking out. I enjoyed this a lot. Rating : TV-14 Verdict : Four stars out of four Kate (Netflix) Starring : Mary Eliza...

  We’re in the middle of September and careening toward the start of the new Fall TV Season on networks. But out ahead of the Big Four getting their new content to the world cable and streaming services are beginning the deluge. But with football games and a finite number of hours in the day, what’s worth your time? Let these weekly posts be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: Y the Last Man, Mondays on FX on Hulu (Premiered September 13) About: This new series has been long anticipated, an FX original that is streaming exclusively on Hulu. The first four episodes dropped on Monday with future installments dropping on subsequent Mondays. It’s an interesting piece of IP, based on the comic book from Brian K. Vaughn and Pia Guerra. In the story, all at the same time one morning every creature on the planet with a Y chromosome dies. This includes all animals, inclu...

  Week 1 : Denver Broncos 27, New York Giants 13 Season Record : 1-0 (0-0 Home) Key Play : In the third quarter with the Broncos leading 10-7 after scoring a touchdown to close the first half, Teddy Bridgewater connected with tight end Albert Okwuegbunam on a four-yard pass for a touchdown to give the Broncos a 10-point lead. It capped a 16-play drive and solidified a lead the Giants couldn't overcome. Recap: After an interesting off-season and Training Camp the Broncos finally hit the field for a game that counted. Bradley Chubb wasn't able to play, so his playing opposite Von Miller will have to wait for at least one more week. But the Broncos looked good on both sides of the ball and did something they haven't done since Vic Fangio became the Head Coach--they won a game in September. Teddy Bridgewater was solid and effective if not incredibly impressive. He threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns without producing a turnover. He could have had more but he and K.J. Hamler...

  We are rapidly approaching the new Fall TV Season. While the Network bonanza returns after a lost season last Fall, that's hardly the only spot for original content. Below are some hotly anticipated streaming and cable series debuts set for the Fall. There are a lot of new shows coming, so I limited it to one per channel or service. The shows appear in premier order. The Lost Symbol, Peacock Thursday, September 16 About: Peacock was the last of the major streaming services to launch and its the one that has most struggled to find an identity. It's first wave of original programming didn't land and its back catalogue is OK but not great. However, the return of the Olympics and live football from NBC have already boosted its profile. It will get a same-day release of Halloween Kills in October, too. But perhaps the most interesting Fall piece is The Last Symbol, a series adaptation of the Dan Brown novels that center on Robert Langdon. The three Tom Hanks films were at lea...