Matt's Musings

  On February 8 the Academy Award nominations were announced and 10 films were nominated for Best Picture. On March 27, the winners will be announced. Between now and then, I'll be looking at each of the nominees and considering their chances. King Richard Starring : Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Tony Goldwyn, and Jon Bernthal Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green Total Nominations : 6 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Actor Will Smith, Best Supporting Actress Aunjanue Ellis, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Original Song About : This original film was one of the more anticipated offerings, dropping in theaters and on HBO Max the same day. It focuses on the rise of Venus and Serena Williams in the world of tennis, but more specifically on their father, Richard (Smith), who helps guide them with a plan for their careers. Smith gives a strong performance, as does Ellis as Brandy Williams. Both were nominees and have a chance in their categories, though I wouldn't see either...

  On February 8 the Academy Award nominations were announced and 10 films were nominated for Best Picture. On March 27, the winners will be announced. Between now and then, I'll be looking at each of the nominees and considering their chances. Nightmare Alley Starring : Bradley Cooper, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Richard Jenkins, and Willem Dafoe Director: Guillermo del Toro Total Nominations : 4 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design About: This was a film released in December that really caught my eye when it was released. I loved the lead performance from Bradley Cooper and I wondered if the film would be an Awards season player. Cooper didn't make the final field, which is a shame, but it did get four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. But can it win? I think it's a long shot for Best Picture and I think it's also a bit of a long shot for cinematography, though that was quite good. Where ...

   Welcome to this year's exploration of TV, the Best of the Small Screen. Throughout the year I'll be looking at my favorite shows in four categories: Network Sitcoms, Network Dramas, Cable Series and Streaming Series. We'll cap the exploration with my Top 10 shows of all time regardless of format. Check back each Saturday for another installment in the countdown! Michael Scott: Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me. The Office (2005-2013) Starring : Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, and Rainn Wilson Favorite Episodes : "The Dundies," Episode 2.01, "The Booze Cruise," Episode 2.11, "Casino Night," Episode 2.22, "Business School," Episode 3.16, "The Negotiation," Episode 3.18, "Beach Games," 3.22, "Fun Run," Episode 4.01, "Dinner Party," Episode 4.09, "Goodbye Toby," Episode 4.14, "Stress Relief," Episod...

  In 2022 I'm revisiting my favorite films of all time, doing a countdown of the Top 50 throughout the year. Check back each Friday for the latest installment in the countdown of films, which include releases through 2019. Agree? Disagree? Have a thought on the choice? Be sure to share in the comments below! T'Challa : You were wrong - all of you were wrong - to turn your backs on the rest of the world! We let the fear of discovery stop us from doing what is right. No more! I cannot stay here with you. I cannot rest while HE sits on the throne! He is a monster of our own making! I must take the mantle back. I must! I must right these wrongs! Black Panther (2018) Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, and Lupita Nyong'o Director: Ryan Coogler About: I know what you're thinking, another superhero film? It's OK, I get it. This is the last superhero film on the list for a little bit. But superhero films are such a pa...

  With the coaching staff in place, it's time to look toward the reloading in the off-season. Free Agency begins on March 16, with the Draft following in April. In the run up, I'm going to be looking at the offense and defense, examining what the Broncos might need as the off-season period begins. Quarterback On the Roster: Drew Lock About: Quarterback is the biggest question for any successful team, and the Broncos are no different. Lock is the only quarterback under contract, entering his fourth and final year. The new coaches have spoken about him in terms that make it seem as if he'll get a shot to compete. That also makes me think the Broncos may grab an option in the draft, possibly with the No. 9 pick, though I think Round 2 makes more sense. Either way, the Broncos need to solidify this position. Running Back On the Roster : Javonte Williams, Mike Boone, Damarea Crockett About : Williams is a stud to build around but depth is a question. Also a question is whether...

  We’re through President’s Day Weekend, and we’re starting to get some bigger releases. This week’s offerings include a horror re-boot and Tom Holland spending time falling out of airplanes without a Spider Suit. Here’s a look at all the new movies I saw this week! If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here . Ascension (Paramount+) Synopsis : One of five documentaries nominated for an Academy Award and for an Independent Spirit Award, this documentary is streaming on Paramount+. Filmmaker Jessica Kingdon takes a look at the economic situation in China. This isn’t a film that focuses on a single or a group of subjects, and it doesn’t feature a lot of dialogue. It’s more of a cinematic take at the pursuit of the Chinese Dream. It’s about those that try to move ahead in a culture that prizes innovation and productivity above all. There are some beautiful shots into this observational-style film. Those that appreciate th...

  With the Winter Olympics behind us, networks will start to spring into action. February is a Sweeps month, so many favorites are returning and new series are debuting. The same goes for the cable landscape, making it a crowded chilly season. But which series are worth your time? Let this weekly column be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: All American: Homecoming, Mondays at 9 p.m. on The CW (Premiered February 21) About : This spin-off from All American takes the action to college in Georgia, where Simone (Geffri Maya) is a budding tennis star. This one got a back door pilot, of sorts, as part of All American , and it makes sense for The CW to be trying to expand an established brand. This will likely hold some appeal to the same core demographic, featuring a cast of a certain age and mixing in sports—in this case Tennis and Baseball. Likely there will be plenty of dra...

  For the first time this year I'm a member of Film Independent and get to cast a vote for the Independent Spirit Awards. Voting closes officially tomorrow, and below is my ballot for this year's list of nominees. We'll find out who the winners are in March! BEST FEATURE A CHIARA C’MON C’MON THE LOST DAUGHTER THE NOVICE ZOLA My Pick: Some great options here, but I'm going with The Lost Daughter BEST FIRST FEATURE 7 DAYS HOLLER QUEEN OF GLORY TEST PATTERN WILD INDIAN My Pic k: I'm going with a film I saw through Film Independent that I found delightful, and that's 7 Days. I loved the story and cast, and I loved the way it put all those things together. BEST DIRECTOR Janicza Bravo, Zola Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Lost Daughter Lauren Hadaway, The Novice Mike Mills, C’mon C’mon Ninja Thyberg, Pleasure My Pick : This is another tough one, but I'm going with Maggie Gyllenhaal for her excellent work on The Lost Daughter. BEST SCREENPLAY Nikole Beckwith, Together Toge...

  On February 8 the Academy Award nominations were announced and 10 films were nominated for Best Picture. On March 27, the winners will be announced. Between now and then, I'll be looking at each of the nominees and considering their chances. Don't Look Up Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Cate Blanchett, Rob Morgan, and Mark Rylance Director : Adam McKay Total Nominations : 4 Nominated For : Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Editing About : This was a highly anticipated release among a strong slate of original films from Netflix. It earns a Best Picture nomination, among others, but it's far from the biggest Netflix awards player. It is a fun entry into the biography of McKay as a writer/director. He previously delivered nominated comedies in Vice and The Big Short . If you were a fan of those films, and the blend of humor to tackle difficult subjects, this one will work for you, too. The cast i...

   Welcome to this year's exploration of TV, the Best of the Small Screen. Throughout the year I'll be looking at my favorite shows in four categories: Network Sitcoms, Network Dramas, Cable Series and Streaming Series. We'll cap the exploration with my Top 10 shows of all time regardless of format. Check back each Saturday for another installment in the countdown! Rachel: You didn't finish reading it? Ross: It was 5:30 in the morning, and you had rambled on for eighteen pages - front and back! Friends (1994-2004) Starring : Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer Favorite Episodes: "The One Where Rachel Finds Out," Episode 1.24, "The One Where Ross Finds Out," Episode 2.07, "The One With the Prom Video," Episode 2.14, "The One Where No One's Ready," Episode 3.02, "The One at the Beach," Episode 3.25, "The One With the Jellyfish," Episode 4.01, "...

  In 2022 I'm revisiting my favorite films of all time, doing a countdown of the Top 50 throughout the year. Check back each Friday for the latest installment in the countdown of films, which include releases through 2019. Agree? Disagree? Have a thought on the choice? Be sure to share in the comments below! Catwoman : Come with me. Save yourself. You don't owe these people any more. You've given them everything. Batman : Not everything. Not yet. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Starring: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, and Michael Caine Director: Christopher Nolan About : This is probably the film that has moved the most for me in this countdown. I have always enjoyed it and been drawn to some of the moments. It wasn't my favorite in Nolan's trilogy, but it's grown in my esteem over the decade since its release. In fact, the biggest move was vaulting it over last week's selection, ...

  After two great seasons of  The Mandalorian , fans were told we'd be Mando free in 2021 and, in fact, the next  Star Wars  series to bow would be  The Book of Boba Fett . The spin-off, focused on bounty hunter Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) and his right-hand woman Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) as they tried to take over the criminal kingdom once ruled by Jabba the Hutt. Both characters were introduced in  The Mandalorian , and it made sense to spin-off and continue their story. From the pilot through the first  four episodes, the focus was on Boba in the present, and the journey to get to that moment. It was engaging and serviceable, featuring an interesting journey for a character that had mostly been on the sidelines in the  Star Wars  universe. But the big question was where was it all going. Episodes five and six were arguably the best of the first season, and that had little to do with the title character and the supposed focus of the seri...

  Everyone wanted to offer something during Valentine’s Day weekend, and everyone did. We had a couple theater releases, while seemingly every streaming service also offered a new release. But which were worth checking out? I saw them all and have reviews of a packed weekend slate below. If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here . Death on the Nile (Theaters) Starring: Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Russell Brand, Annette Benning, Tom Bateman, Leticia Wright, Sophie Okonedo, and Emma Mackey Synopsis: This mystery, based on the novel from Agatha Christie, centers on the famed literary detective Hercule Poirot. Branagh returns as Poirot and as the director, just as he did with Murder on the Orient Express . This film was shot in 2019 and faced a number of delays due to the ongoing pandemic. But it finally opened on Friday with a packed cast and plenty of interest. And it was, OK. It’s about a wedding part...

  The Winter Olympics are heading into the home stretch and the Super Bowl is behind us, that might mean some holes opening up in your viewing schedule. But which new show is worth diving into? Let this weekly post be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Fairview, Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. on Comedy Central (Premiered February 9) About: The latest animated series for Comedy Central comes from Stephen Colbert. It’s meant to be a send up of conservative small towns, I think. It’s incredibly political, with the pilot focused entirely on COVID. The episode was a lot. The comedy didn’t land, while the characters and characterizations felt like a dangerous type of parody. Whatever the intent, this feels mean-spirited and completely skippable. Pilot Grade : D- Thursdays: Bel-Air, Thursdays on Peacock (Premiered February 13) About: This new drama is one of the m...

  On February 8 the Academy Award nominations were announced and 10 films were nominated for Best Picture. On March 27, the winners will be announced. Between now and then, I'll be looking at each of the nominees and considering their chances. Dune Starring : Timothee Chalomet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, and Jason Momoa Director : Denis Villeneuve Total Nominations : 10 Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Original Score About : Dune is a technical masterpiece based on a famous and famously difficult to adapt novel. It was a film once before, helmed by David Lynch, who opted to tell the whole story in a single film. This film is the first half of the novel, with a second film coming in the next few years. It boasts a solid cast and comes from a great director in Villeneuve. It was a highly...

  We’ve finally arrived at the end of the road. The 2021 NFL Season began back in March, with free agency. It carried through the draft, mini camps, training camp, pre-season and an 18-week, 17-game regular season. Then came the playoffs, a Super Wild Card Weekend, incredible Divisional Round and two Championship Games. All that’s left us with the Cincinnati Bengals, who went from worst to first in 2021, and the Los Angeles Rams, who pulled off a blockbuster trade last January, competing for the title. Who will win? What will the half time show be like? Will the commercials be any good? How many chicken wings can one human consume in a 12-hour period? The big questions will be answered on Sunday. The Super Bowl is more than just a game—it’s an event. It’s also one of the biggest parties of the year, and it’s upon us. While there is plenty of time to plan your party, place your bets and prepare for hours of fun on the couch, I’m going to look at the matchup. And it figures to be...

  Welcome to this year's exploration of TV, the Best of the Small Screen. Throughout the year I'll be looking at my favorite shows in four categories: Network Sitcoms, Network Dramas, Cable Series and Streaming Series. We'll cap the exploration with my Top 10 shows of all time regardless of format. Check back each Saturday for another installment in the countdown! Michael: You humans take something wonderful and ruin it just a little bit so you can have more. The Good Place (2016-2020) Starring: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper, Manny Jacinto, Jameela Jamil, and D'Arcy Carden Favorite Episodes : "Pilot," Episode 1.01, "What We Owe to Each Other," Episode 1.06, "Chidi's Choice," Episode 1.10, "Mindy St. Clair," Episode 1.12, "Michael's Gambit," 1.13, "The Trolley Problem," Episode 2.05, "The Burrito," Episode 2.11, "Somewhere Else," Episode 2.12, "Janet(s),...

  In 2022 I'm revisiting my favorite films of all time, doing a countdown of the Top 50 throughout the year. Check back each Friday for the latest installment in the countdown of films, which include releases through 2019. Agree? Disagree? Have a thought on the choice? Be sure to share in the comments below! The Joker : [fuming] Batman... Batman... Can somebody tell me what kind of a world we live in, where a man dressed up as a *bat* gets all of my press? This town needs an enema! Batman (1989) Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Jack Palance, Billy Dee Williams, and Robert Wuhl Director : Tim Burton About : We come now to a classic film from my childhood. Ever since I can remember I've enjoyed superhero stories, but Batman has long been my favorite. I used to watch Batman: The Animated Series when I came home from school while I did homework. But Tim Burton's Batman was the first feature film I remember seeing from my favorite superhero. It was magi...

  As is so often the case, the Oscar nominations, released Tuesday, caused quite a stir. This year featured a lot of beautiful and moving films and the nominations announced Tuesday, meant to reflect the best of the year in film, didn't feel like they reflected that. As always, there was the good, the bad and the disappointing. Below are some thoughts. The Good: * I was excited to see both CODA , my No. 1, and Belfast , my No. 3, make the Best Picture field. I will be pulling for both. * It's a fun and diverse field of films in the competition. * I was happy to see Denzel Washington make the Best Actor field and Jessica Chastain make the Best Actress field. I loved both! The Bad: * While Nightmare Alley did better than I expected, including a Best Picture nomination, Bradley Cooper went unrecognized for his great performance. * Some are enamored of Kristen Stewart in Spencer , but I thought it was a middling performance in an underwhelming film. * There were some wonderful fil...

  We’ve made it to February, and that means things are starting to heat up at theaters. This first Friday in February gave us two highly anticipated releases and I saw both. My thoughts on those and other films I saw this week! If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here . A Hero (Amazon Prime) Starring: Amir Jadidi, Mohsen Tanabandeh, and Sahar Goldust Synopsis: This is the entry into the International Feature competition from Iran, making its American debut on Amazon Prime after a short theatrical run. Rahim (Jadidi) is in debt and, as a result, has been placed in prison. He seeks to get out so he can marry Farkhondeh (Goldust), but he needs money. He also needs to convince his creditor (Tanabandeh) to free him. Along the way, Rahim and Farkhondeh find a pursue containing gold coins. Rather than using the money to help his situation, Rahim decides to return it, which takes him down an unexpected path. This is an i...

  The Winter Olympics are in full swing, which means a lot of regular network programming is taking a break. But we’re still getting a full compliment of new shows on streaming and cable. But which are worth diving into? Let this weekly column be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Winter. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Pam and Tommy, Wednesdays on Hulu (Premiered February 2) About : Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee are fairly recognizable figures in culture. This new docudrama dives into their whirlwind love affair and marriage, and the infamous sex tape that made the rounds. It focuses on Tommy (Sebastian Stan) and Pam’s (Lily James) relationship, and also Tommy’s treatment of a construction crew, particularly carpenter Rand (Seth Rogen) who ultimately decides to get revenge, finds the tape and releases it. This is a different and edgy kind of new series. The first three episodes of a planned eigh...