Matt's Musings

  “Sometimes you have to settle for what’s possible.” — Ellen Wilson The dream of traveling among the stars has been a part of our culture for decades and whatever gains we’ve made have come at a cost. While For All Mankind is a fictional take on the space race, it’s grounded in reality. The space race of the series has always come with a cost—sometimes an extremely high cost—for all those involved. At the outset of season three, Molly Cobb (Sonya Walger) noted that, “space remains an unrelenting bitch.” At the time, she used that as a justification for why Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman) was a better choice to command a Mars mission than Danielle Poole (Krys Marshall). As it turned out, both ended up commanding a mission. And Molly was both right and wrong. Space is an unrelenting bitch, but it is Poole that has, time and again, proven the commander more capable of success. As we left the last hour, Danny (Casey W. Johnson) had spun completely out of control. His lapses finally ...

  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! Ted Lasso : "Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're doing it, you're probably doing it wrong." Ted Lasso (2020-) Starring : Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, Brett Goldstein, Hannah Waddingham, Nick Mohammed, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, and Toheeb Jimoh Favorite Episodes : "Trent Crimm: The Independent," Episode 1.03; "Make Rebecca Great Again," Episode 1.07; "The Hope That Kills You," Episode 1.10; "Carol of the Bells," Episode 2.04; "Rainbow," Episode 2.05; "Man City," 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! Cobb: "What is the most resilient parasite? Bacteria? A virus? An intestinal worm? An idea. Resilient... highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it's almost impossible to eradicate. An idea that is fully formed - fully understood - that sticks; right in there somewhere." Inception (2010) Starring : Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Marion Cotillard Director : Christopher Nolan About : Nolan is a fascinating filmmaker. We've already had one of his films, Dark Knight Rises , appear on this countdown. There will be more after this, but Inception is one of those fascinating origi...

  We've reached August (almost), which means the end of summer. The first half of the month is usually full of some last high-octane thrills, while we start transitioning to different kinds of films by the end. What are you looking forward to this August? Check roster below and put some films on the checklist! Friday, August 5: Bullet Train (Theaters) : This is probably the last of the big summer action releases, a film with a top cast set on a train full of assassins on a job. Brad Pitt leads the cast and the trailer makes it look like a heck of a ride. Easter Sunday (Theaters): Jo Koy takes the lead in a film based on his comedy and experiences. It seems weird to have an Easter film released in August, but here we are. Bodies Bodies Bodies (Theaters): A horror comedy set at a hurricane party, this one starring Pete Davidson, among others. Horror films do well no matter the time of year, so I suspect there will be an audience for this one. Sharp Stick (Theaters): This one is di...

  We’re in late July and the films keep on coming. It was a busy week, but I had time for a pair of documentaries and the latest from the Russo brothers. All my takes are below! If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here . The Day the Music Died (Paramount+) Synopsis : You’d be hard pressed to find someone that hasn’t heard the song “American Pie” in some context, whether the version from original creator Don McLean or others who’ve sung the song. It’s become a piece of American culture and music, and this new documentary on Paramount+ chronicles the song and its cultural impact over the past 50 years. It includes interviews, celebrations and a look at the time when the song was written and the time that inspired the iconic lyrics. It’s a fun and interesting look at this piece of American culture that will appeal to fans and those who have a casual knowledge alike. Rating : NA Verdict: Three stars out of five The...

  We’re nearing the end of July, which means we’re closing in on the NFL and the new Fall TV Season. But, before we do, there’s still some summer series making their debuts. If you find yourself with some time on your hands you might be wondering which series to start. Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the Pilot and Second episode of new Scripted—and select unscripted—series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: The Captain, Mondays on ESPN (Premiered July 18) About: The latest ESPN documentary series focuses on former Yankees’ captain Derek Jeter. The first episode was about his beginnings and how he ended up with the Yankees. This second episode were about the early seasons and how he established himself as a star and leader for the team. It features interviews with teammates, coaches and friends as well as file footage. I’m enjoying this documentary, learning more about a great player and about the Yankees of the 1990s a...

  We're rapidly approaching the start of the 2022 NFL Season. Training Camps begin this week and soon it will be actual game action. Your drafts are probably coming soon, too. I'm looking at my 2022 re-draft rankings, and this week I'm going with WRs. Below are my Top 50. WR Rankings: 1. Cooper Kupp, Rams 2. Davante Adams, Raiders 3. Justin Jefferson, Vikings 4. Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals 5. Stefon Diggs, Bills 6. Keenan Allen, Chargers 7. Deebo Samuel, 49ers 8. CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys 9. Mike Evans, Buccaneers 10. Michael Pittman, Jr., Colts 11. A.J. Brown, Eagles 12. Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins 13. Mike Williams, Chargers 14. D.J. Moore, Panthers 15. Courtland Sutton, Broncos 16. Allen Robinson, Rams 17. Tee Higgins, Bengals 18. Hunter Renfrow, Raiders 19. Diontae Johnson, Steelers 20. Brandin Cooks, Texans 21. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins 22. D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks 23. Terry McLaurin, Commanders 24. Darnell Mooney, Bears 25. Marquise Brown, Cardinals 26. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers 27. A...

  “You always wanted to be first at something dad, now maybe you’ll be the first to kill life on another planet.”— Kelly Baldwin We all have things we hold tightly and sometimes we build these things up on the wrong kind of foundation. It becomes a house of cards, waiting to cave in on itself. As we’ve moved through the third season of For All Mankind, we’ve seen this struggle in the characters on the series. They’re all holding on to things too tightly, building a house of cards in their lives that is teetering on the brink of collapse. But what will go with them when they do collapse? We begin to see the foundations slipping away in this week’s episode, and we’re heading toward a collapse of epic proportions. The episode ends with one such collapse on the Red Planet. But before we get to that, let’s look at the other situations teetering on the brink. Secrets and Lies Both Ellen Wilson (Jodi Balfour) and Margo (Wrenn Schmidt) are holding on to secrets that have come to de...

  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! The Mandalorian : “I’m a Mandalorian. Weapons are part of my religion.” The Mandalorian (2019-) Starring: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, and Gina Carano Favorite Episodes : "Chapter One: The Mandalorian," Episode 1.01; "Chapter Three: The Sin," Episode 1.03; "Chapter Eight: Redemption," Episode 1.08; "Chapter Nine: The Marshal," Episode 2.01;  Chapter 13: The Jedi," Episode 2.05; "Chapter 14: The Tragedy," Episode 2.06; "Chapter 16: The Rescue," Episode 2.08; "Chapter Seven: In the Name of Honor," Episode 1.07 of The Book...

  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! Leo O'Bannion : Dammit, Tom, I forgive you! Tom Reagan : I didn't ask for that and I don't want it. Good-bye, Leo Miller's Crossing (1990) Starring : Gabriel Byrne, Albert Finney, John Turturro, and Marcia Gay Harden Director : Joel and Ethan Coen About : No one tells stories like The Coen Brothers. When I was in college, I was exposed to a few of their films and it set me on a path of going through the cannon. When I hit Miller's Crossing , their fourth feature and one of the least talked about films, I was enraptured. The dialogue. The story. The shots. The performances. It all hit me strongly and I was hooked. I enjoy many of the Coen Brothers films, but ...

  Training Camp for the 2022 NFL Season kicks off next week. In short, Football is back. Before camp begins, I'll make my fearless prediction for who makes the final 53-man roster. Below is what I'm thinking now, watch for updates throughout camp! QB (2) Russell Wilson Josh Johnson About : I think the Broncos only keep two here, leading with Wilson and adding Johnson, the veteran signed this off-season, as a backup. RB (3) Javonte Williams Melvin Gordon Mike Boone About: The Broncos could keep more, but I think they go with three here, too. I think the three is fairly set with the star in Williams, the veteran in Gordon and the utility man in Boone. WR (6) Courtland Sutton Tim Patrick Jerry Jeudy K.J. Hamler Travis Fulgham Montrell Washington About: This is one of the tougher groups to guess. The Broncos could keep more. The top four seem set. I think Fulgham gets the nod as a veteran who could be a good contributor, while Washington makes it as the primary returner. This is ...

  It was an interesting week for new releases, but due to a packed schedule I was only able to catch a couple. Below are 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 . Don’t Make Me Go (Amazon Prime) Starring : John Cho, Mia Isaac, and Kayla Scodelario Synopsis : This new film from director Hannah Marks and writer Vera Herbert begins with a warning that we, the audience, might not like how the story ends. As we get into the set up and learn that good guy single father Max (Cho) has a brain tumor, that seems apt. What we get is Max trying to figure things out with his girlfriend Annie (Scodelario) and taking his daughter Wally (Isaac) on a road trip. They bond and learn from each other and then we get a third act that defies expectations. The warning proves apt, just not for the reasons you think at first. This is a well-made film, and at times it’s a great showcase for Cho. He’s an affab...

  We’re in the dog days of summer. It’s hot, school is around the corner and you might be looking to detach from the world and relax. But what of these new shows is worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series, and some unscripted series, this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: The Captain, Mondays at 10 p.m. on ESPN (Premiered July 18) About : By now, the ESPN documentary series 30 For 30 is a known quantity. For years, it’s been a premier place to learn more about the key stories in sports. Now, with The Captain , they’re practicing telling this story in a longer form. The sports giant had some success with The Last Dance , telling the story of the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. Now, the storytelling focuses on Derek Jeter, the shortstop and captain who played for the New York Yankees for 20 years. The first episode showcases how Jeter grew up and ended up on the Yankees...

 The 2022 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. Training Camps open in the next couple of weeks, which means pre-season and the regular season aren't far behind. In the run up, I'm looking at my re-draft rankings for this season. Today, I'm looking at my Top 50 RBs. RB Rankings: 1. Jonathan Taylor, Colts 2. Najee Harris, Steelers 3. Austin Ekeler, Chargers 4. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers 5. Joe Mixon, Bengals 6. Dalvin Cook, Vikings 7. Aaron Jones, Packers 8. Derrick Henry, Titans 9. Javonte Williams, Broncos 10. D'Andre Swift, Lions 11. Nick Chubb, Browns 12. Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers 13. James Conner, Cardinals 14. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys 15. Saquon Barkley, Giants 16. Elijah Mitchell, 49ers 17. Antonio Gibson, Commanders 18. David Montgomery, Bears 19. Josh Jacobs, Raiders 20. Breece Hall, Jets 21. J.K. Dobbins, Ravens 22. Alvin Kamara, Saints 23. Cam Akers, Rams 24. Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons 25. Miles Sanders, Eagles 26. A.J. Dillon, Packers 27. Devin Single...

  “Major Tyler has served his country with honor and distinction but his actions violate current Department of Defense guidelines and he’ll be discharged from the Army upon his return.” — President Ellen Wilson For years, the dream of humanity has been to continue our exploration of the cosmos. A big part of that means an expedition to Mars. While that remains a dream in our here and now, it’s the reality for the alternate timeline presented in For All Mankind , that dream is a reality. Getting there, it turns out, might have been the easy part. In this sixth installment of the third season, it’s about trying to survive on Mars and trying to live as our authentic selves. Neither proves easy in “New Eden.” As the episode begins, Ed (Joel Kinnaman) and his crew have landed on Mars as well, but neither group is having an easy time of it. With Helios, the tension between Danny (Casey W. Johnson) and Ed is reaching a boiling point. When Danny watches Ed’s messages and learns he was ...

  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! Ellen Waverly : "Remember, we chose to go to the moon not because it was easy, but because it was hard." For All Mankind (2019-) Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dornan, Wrenn Schmidt, Shantel VanSanten, Krys Marshall, Sonya Walger, Jody Balfour, and Sarah Jones Favorite Episodes: "Nixon's Women," Episode 1.03; "Bent Bird," Episode 1.09; "A City Upon a Hill," Episode 1.10; "Rules of Engagement," Episode 2.03; "Triage," Episode 2.09; "The Grey," Episode 2.10; "Polaris," Episode 3.01 About: A show about the race to the moon. Space...

  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! Mia : [During her audition] My aunt used to live in Paris. I remember when she used to come home, and tell us... these stories about being abroad. And... I remember... she told us once that she jumped into the river once. Barefoot. She smiled. [sings] Mia : Leapt without looking, / And tumbled into the Seine. / The water was freezing. / She spent a month sneezing, / But said she would do it again. / Here's to the ones who dream, / Foolish as they may seem. / Here's to the hearts that ache. / Here's to the mess we make. La La Land (2016) Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and J.K. Simmons Director : Damien Chazelle About : Sometimes you see a film and its perfect b...

  Training Camp is quickly approaching, and with it will come the 2022 NFL Season. I spent the last few months looking at the position groups and depth as we head into Camp, and today I'm looking at five players who could find themselves squarely on the roster bubble and fighting for a job. Brett Rypien, QB: Rypien has been with the team for years, even starting a game in 2020. But there's a new coaching staff in town and a new approach. The Broncos traded for star Russell Wilson, and he's the starter. The team also signed veteran Josh Johnson to the roster. While it's not unheard of for teams to carry three quarterbacks, it's also often a place where teams cut a player to free up a spot. I think Wilson and Johnson are locks, which likely means Rypien will be the odd man out. He could end up on the Practice Squad again, or he could be looking at a new team. Kendall Hinton, WR: Hinton has been the ultimate team player for the Broncos. He's done everything asked...

  The second weekend in July brought an interesting, animated film and the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I caught them both, and I give my thoughts below! If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here . Hello, Goodbye and Everything In Between (Netflix) Starring: Jordan Fisher, Talia Ryder, and Ayo Edebiri Synopsis : It’s the classic tale of boy meets girl, sparks fly, a relationship blooms and then they need to break up since college is around the corner. Wait, what? I know what you’re thinking, yikes. This Claire (Ryder) and Aidan (Fisher) meet at a party and sparks fly. But they know there’s a ticking clock on any potential relationship, so they make a pact to break up at the end of summer. We see the relationship play out over months until we arrive at the eve of their heading out to college. They have a big breakup date, during which they consider their entire relationship. Fisher and Ryder ...

  We’re in the middle of summer. The days are long. The temperatures are hot and you might find yourself looking to kick back and catch a show. But what of the new series are worth investing in? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this summer. Don’t see a new show below? Check previous weeks. Fridays Black Bird, Now Streaming on Apple TV+ (Premiered July 8) About: This new series is based on a true story and comes from writer Denis Lehane, who previously gave us the novels for Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone , among others. So, you know you’re getting something fascinating and gritty. The cast is led by Taron Egerton but also includes a final performance from Ray Liotta, which will spark attention. The one who’s sucked me in through two episodes is Paul Walter Hauser, who is doing a great job as the mysterious Larry Hall. Egerton stars as Jimmy, a guy who gets popped for selling drugs and guns and ends up with a 1...