Matt's Musings

  Memorial Day Weekend offered a couple different options, including a family comedy and the latest Live-Action film from Disney. Below are my thoughts.  About My Father (Theaters) Starring: Sebastian Maniscalco, Robert De Niro, Leslie Bibb, Kim Cattrall, David Rasche, Anders Holm, and Brett Dier Synopsis: Family can be tricky. They inform so much of the way we grow into adults and how we define ourselves. But that can be tough, too. Maniscalco based a lot of his comedy on his roots and his family, now bringing that story to the big screen with the latest comedy, About My Father. In this film, we find Maniscalco playing a version of himself. He’s on the cusp of proposing to his girlfriend Ellie (Bibb). But to get his grandmother’s ring, he’s got to navigate his father (De Niro), who tags along to meet Ellie’s family over Fourth of July Weekend. Sebastian’s nervous but can he get through it and come out ahead on the other side? The marketing campaign for this film combined wi...

  We’ve made it through Memorial Day and now we’re on to June. We’re past the Network TV Season but we have plenty of new shows that continue to air. Which are worth your time, and which are safely skippable? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Summer. Tuesdays: Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, Streaming Tuesdays on Max (Premiered May 23) About : HBO Max became Max on May 23, and with it came a slew of new offerings. Many were reality series as the streamer adds the Discovery+ library. But in addition to that came a pair of animated series. This first one is meant to build on the world of the Gremlins. We get a young Gizmo to tie into the movies. But this is the story of the discovery of the Mogwai by someone who wants to protect the world from them and, inevitably, things go awry. The first two episodes dropped May 23 with subsequent episodes dropping each Tuesday. Episodes are around 25 minutes. The humor was OK,...

  We've made it to June, which is a month full of large tent poll options and a few smaller films. Let's dive in to see what's coming. Friday, June 2: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Theaters): The sequel to this animated feature that introduced Miles Morales as Spider-Man. I loved the original and I think this will be one of the better films of the month. The Boogeyman (Theaters): A horror film centered on the concept of a literal Boogeyman. This is the stuff nightmares are made of. Shooting Stars (Peacock): This new biopic is about LeBron James and his rise to the NBA. It's a big swing for Peacock, and is produced by James. I'm interested to see this one. Friday, June 9: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (Theaters): This is the seventh feature film in the expanded franchise. We get Optimus Prime back and some Transformers that look like pre-historic creatures. Not sure we need another Transformers film, but here we are. Flamin' Hot (Disney+/Hulu): Thi...

  The NFL Draft is in the books and the Broncos' roster sits at 90, the maximum for the off-season. Over the next couple months, I'll be looking at each position group on the roster and make predictions for the Training Camp cuts. Today I continue with the Offensive Line. Offensive Line On the Roster : Garrett Bolles, Mike McGlinchey, Ben Powers, Quinn Meinerz, Lloyd Cushenberry, Kyle Fuller, Alex Forsyth, Luke Wattenberg, Cam Fleming, Quinn Bailey, Isaiah Prince, Will Sherman, Hunter Tedford, Alex Palczewski, Henry Byrd, Demontrey Jacobs,  Haggai Ndubuisi, and Christian DiLauro About: It's a new day for the Broncos' offensive line. This is an area that needed improvement, and a place where the team spent money this off-season. Guard Ben Powers and Right Tackle Mike McGlinchey earned large free agent contracts. Combined with Bolles at Left Tackle and Meinerz at the other guard, four of the starting positions seem set. But what about center? That's the question. C...

  Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Lois Lane : I'm gonna' be fine. Don't worry about me. Clark Kent: I like worrying about you. Superman II (1980) Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, and Terrance Stamp Director: Richard Lester and Richard Donner About: Here we get Reeve's second outing as The Man of Steel, a film that is both a classic and an interesting case study. We get Superman against his most famous enemy, General Zod (Stamp). We also see Lois Lane (Kidder) figuring out the truth and beginning a relationship with Clark/Superman. And we get Hackman back as Lex Luthor, offering some fun moments. But this is also a film that features two distinct versions. We got the one released in 1980 that has been a classic for viewers for more than ...

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Patton: Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of man. If mountain ranges and oceans can be overcome, then anything built by man can be overcome. Patton (1970) Starring: George C. Scott and Karl Malden Director: Franklin J. Schaffner About: General Patton cut an imposing figure in the history of our country. Likewise, the film that bears his name makes an impression. It won Best Picture, among its haul of seven Academy Awards. Schaffner won for directing and the script, co-written by Francis Ford Coppola, also won. But when you think of the film, just as you think of the man, you think of the performer. Scott was an incredible actor who gives a magnificent and striking performance. His monologues, many of which are deliv...

  “Shouting is Roy’s love language.” — Trent Crimm I’m not ready for it to end. I’ve felt this way watching shows before. There’s a sense of excitement and investment as we approach the finale, but also a sense of loss. Though it’s polarized some critics, I’ve found this third and presumed final season of Ted Lasso to be a beautiful and emotionally rich experience. As we hurdle toward the end, this penultimate episode was the best of the season so far, and perhaps one of the series’ best. It focused on three stories, all deeply intertwined. We begin with Richmond on a 15-game winning streak, with two matches left in the season and a chance to be the top seed. To do that, they have to get past Manchester City. But, in typical Ted Lasso fashion, there’s more afoot than just an epic football match. For Ted (Jason Sudeikis), it’s an unexpected visit from his mother, Dottie (Becky Ann Baker). For Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), it’s an unexpected loss of mojo as he prepares to return to fac...

  The third week in May brings us the latest from the Fast Franchise. Below is my take on Fast X as well as a few other options now available. If you’d like to see more of my scores for films and thoughts, feel free to follow me on Letterboxd here. Fast X (Theaters) Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriquez, Chris Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jason Statham, Jason Momoa, Scott Eastwood, Alan Ritchson, Sung Kang, John Cena, Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, and Jordana Brewster Synopsis: At some point it’s going to be easier to list who’s not in these movies than the cast, which continues to expand. This is the 10th installment in the Fast Franchise and the 11th film in the expanded universe. It’s billed as the beginning of the end. It was always going to be two films—now likely three films. And will that be the end of the franchise? Who knows! At this point, you know what to expect from these films. Since The Fate of the Furious, they’ve gotten increasingly ...

  May is rolling right along and the new series keep coming. But what’s worth checking out if you have a little time heading into the long holiday weekend? Let this weekly post 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. Wednesdays: High Dessert, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV+ (Premiered May 17) About : Ben Stiller serves as an executive producer for this series, which finds Patricia Arquette as a down-on-her-luck woman who stumbles her way into a job as a private investigator. Sort of. Rather she cajoles a private investigator (Brad Garrett) into giving her an internship. Can she find her calling and find a way to solve her financial woes? It’s possible. The series comes from Jennifer Hoppe, who served as a writer on a number of series, including Nurse Jackie. Jay Roach directs all eight of the first season episodes. The first three episodes are available now with new episod...

  The NFL Draft is in the books and the Broncos' roster sits at 90, the maximum for the off-season. Over the next couple months, I'll be looking at each position group on the roster and make predictions for the Training Camp cuts. Today I continue with the Defensive Line. Defensive Line On the Roster : Zach Allen, D.J. Jones,  Eyioma Uwazurike, Jonathan Harris, Matt Henningsen, Mike Purcell, P.J. Mustifer, Elijah Garcia, Jordan Jackson, and Marcus Haynes About : This is an interesting unit. In a 3-4 Defense you only usually keep five to seven on the defensive line. So, this will be an area where people are scrapping for spots. Allen, a high-profile free agent pass rusher, feels like a lock. Jones, a cog in the middle, and Purcell, a scrapper who has been with the Broncos for years, also feel safe to me. So, too, is second-year man Uwazurike, who has some rush skills. That leaves a handful of guys fighting for two or three spots. It's a great place for someone to make a name...

  The NFL Draft is in the books and the Broncos' roster sits at 90, the maximum for the off-season. Over the next couple months, I'll be looking at each position group on the roster and make predictions for the Training Camp cuts. Today I continue with Special Teams Special Teams On the Roster : Brandon McManus, Riley Dixon, and Mitchell Fraboni About: The easy part is the kicking game, which is listed above. McManus is the longest tenured Bronco and that doesn't figure to change. Dixon is a capable punter, and I expect both to hold those positions down when the season comes. Next up is the long-snapper position. Currently, Fraboni is the only long snapper on the roster, and is a player that was recently added. I suspect he'll stay in that role, too. So, it would seem there isn't much to talk about here. The focus, though, is in the return game. Montrell Washington was the return specialist last year. The rookie receiver didn't do much on offense and was capabl...

  Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Uncle Ben: This guy, Flash Thompson, he probably deserved what happened. But just because you can beat him up doesn't give you the right to. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Spider-Man (2002) Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, and James Franco Director: Sam Raimi About: Over the last 20 years, we've gotten to see Spider-Man a lot. We've seen four different film franchises built around the webslinger, including three live action and one animated franchise. We've seen nine stand alone Spider-Man films since 2022, not including team up films like The Avengers. So, it's no surprise there's plenty of Spider-Man on this list. In fact, this is the first of six stand alone Spider-Man fil...

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Arthur Kirkland: You're out of order! You're out of order! The whole trial is out of order! They're out of order! That man, that sick, crazy, depraved man, raped and beat that woman there, and he'd like to do it again! He *told* me so! It's just a show! It's a show! It's "Let's Make A Deal"! "Let's Make A Deal"! Hey Frank, you wanna "Make A Deal"? I got an insane judge who likes to beat the shit out of women! Whaddya wanna gimme Frank, 3 weeks probation? And Justice For All (1979) Starring: Al Pacino, Jack Warden, Christine Lathi, Jeffery Tambor, and John Forsythe Director: Norman Jewison About: There are a couple things we see in big films of the 1970s. First, it was ...

  “I will cut your eyes out.” — Roy Kent We have only three episodes left, including this one, so it’s natural we’re in the end game. That’s led to some speeding up of the storylines. Some have struggled with this season. I’ll admit it’s not like previous seasons, but there is an emotional weigh here that’s undeniable. I felt that this week even though this episode wasn’t as strong as some this season. We have a number of big storylines in this episode. We start with the news that Nate (Nick Mohammed) is out at West Ham. We also have the International Games, for which Sam (Toheeb Jimoh) was left off the Nigerian roster in a major snub. And we have the return of Edwin Akufo (Sam Richardson), who is trying to build a super league. But this was mostly about Keeley (Juno Temple), Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) taking a step forward into the future they want. And all of it comes thanks to some deep introspection. For Keeley, it’s forced introspection. As she arriv...

  The second week in May featured a deluge of new releases. Below are my thoughts on a big group of films that are now playing in limited release or available online. BlackBerry (Theaters) Starring: Glenn Howerton, Jay Baruchel, and Matt Johnson Synopsis: It’s hard to remember it in our modern world, but there was a time when phones—even cell phones—were just a means of making voice calls. But a few pioneers saw the possibility for it to do more, much more. The new film BlackBerry takes us back to that time, chronicling the efforts of a group of people who had a vision for what the cellular market could be. As the film notes, at one point, BlackBerry controlled 45 percent of the market. Now, it’s a relic that only some seem to remember fondly. But how did it come into being, and how did it get into so many hands? That’s what this new film, which opens in limited release Friday, seeks to tell. The film is based on Sean Silcoff’s book Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the ...

  We’re in the midst of the May season, and while the Networks are wrapping up and turning to reality programming and re-runs, we’re still getting new options on streaming and cable. But what should you make time to check out? 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 listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Class of ’09, Streaming Tuesdays on Hulu (Premiered May 10) About : The new drama on Hulu, part of the FX on Hulu experience, is focused on a group of FBI Agents over three time periods. We see them in 2009, as they make it through the academy, in the present, and again in 2034, when one of them (Brian Tyree Henry) is the director of the FBI and has changed the bureau substantially. The core cast includes Kate Mara, Jake McDornan, Brian J. Smith and Sepideh Moafi, along with Henry, as members of the group that appear in the different timelines. The first two episodes—released Wedne...

  The NFL Draft is in the books and the Broncos' roster sits at 90, the maximum for the off-season. Over the next couple months, I'll be looking at each position group on the roster and make predictions for the Training Camp cuts. Today starts with quarterbacks. Quarterbacks On the Roster: Russell Wilson, Jarrett Stidham, and Jarrett Guarantano About : It's a bit of a new day, especially with Payton as Head Coach. Wilson, the starter, is still here, but the rest of the men on the roster are new. Stidham was with the Raiders in 2022 and came to the Broncos on a decent free agent contract. Guarantano is a developmental player, so it's hard to have much of an opinion. The Broncos have two solid players at the position and, likely, that's all they need. What the Broncos really need is for Wilson to look more like the player they traded a haul to acquire last off-season. Prediction: Wilson and Stidham make the final roster.

  The 2023 NFL Schedule was released on Thursday night, meaning we know when the Broncos are playing their opponents. A few thoughts are below. Opening Sunday: The Raiders About: I love playing the Raiders, which are probably still our biggest rivals. Since Josh McDaniels took over the Raiders, that's merely been intensified. The Broncos lost to McDaniels twice in 2022. We need to get the win here, and this will be a great test for Sean Payton in the opener. Tough First Half About: After the Raiders, the Broncos get the Commanders at home, then two on the road against the Dolphins and Bears, home for Aaron Rodgers and the Jets, at the Chiefs on a Thursday, home for the Packers and Chiefs. There aren't any easy outs there, the Broncos will be tested. It's a good stretch and one where Denver needs to at least split with the Chiefs to have a good shot at the playoffs. Week 10 in Buffalo About: Coming off a bye, the Broncos get a Monday night game at the Bills. This will be a ...

  Throughout 2023 I'll be sharing my favorite Superhero Films each Saturday, counting down from 50 to 1. Check back each week throughout the year for the next installment. Agree? Disagree? What to share a favorite? Post it in the comments. Clark Kent at 13 : Can't I just keep pretending I'm your son? Jonathan Kent : You are my son. But somewhere out there you have another father too, who gave you another name. And he sent you here for a reason, Clark. And even if it takes you the rest of your life you owe it to yourself to find out what that reason is. Man of Steel (2013) Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, and Michael Shannon Director: Zack Snyder About: I mentioned last week that Cavill might be my favorite to play this role. I know that not everyone appreciates Snyder's style or approach, but several of his superhero movies have worked for me. This is his second film on the list, and there will be others. I enjoyed this as an origin story...

  Throughout 2023 I'm looking at my favorite films from the decade of the 1970s. I'll be counting down from 50 to 1 throughout the year, posting a new installment each Friday. Agree? Disagree? Want to share a story? Post it in the comments below! Harry Callahan : Uh uh. I know what you're thinking. "Did he fire six shots or only five?" Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and would blow your head clean off, you've gotta ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?" Well, do ya, punk? Dirty Harry (1971) Starring: Clint Eastwood Director: Don Siegel About : There were many iconic films from the 1970s, including many featuring Eastwood. But Dirty Harry is something a little more special. Sure, the line I posted at the top is one of the most oft quoted, and an iconic moment. But really, the whole film is something special. It created a famous...

  “Every single one of you knows my ass is not hairy and none of you spoke up. I will never forgive you.” — Roy  As we enter the final four episodes of the season, we’re seeing the end game come into shape. We want to see these characters we love left in the best position possible. This week’s episode had humor, pathos and plenty of forward movement for the storylines we’ve seen this season. In particular, it focused on Roy (Brett Goldstein) and Colin (Billy Harris). Both these members of the team have been mulling their future. For Roy, it’s what he wants out of life and if he can get out of his own way long enough to achieve it. Roy has the makings of a great coach and a great motivator, but his prickly demeanor sometimes prevents him from achieving those aims. Colin, meanwhile, has been harboring a big secret. While Trent Crimm (James Lance) is aware of Colin’s secret, no one else on the team was—at least until last week when Isaac (Kola Bokinni) found out. The question was...

  The summer movie season is under way. This week we got the first big blockbuster of the summer season, while I also looked ahead at a few movies opening May 12. My thoughts on all of them are below! Book Club: The Next Chapter (Theaters May 12) Starring: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen Synopsis: The second week of the summer movie season features an onslaught. Without a major blockbuster release, it’s more of a choose your own adventure. Being Mother’s Day Weekend, we get offerings that are more geared toward the female audience. One of those includes the sequel to Book Club. Released in 2018, the film followed four lifelong friends whose lives changed after ready 50 Shades of Grey. It’s an interesting set up, but it worked because of the connection between the stars—Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen and Diane Keaton. Now, five years later, we get a follow up. The film picks up in the present. It begins by showing how the quartet survived...