Matt's Musings

  We've made it to August, which is largely regarded as the end of summer. We will see some final summer-like features coming this month. Below is a look at what to expect! Wednesday, August 2: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (Theaters): This new take on the Turtles is an animated film from Seth Rogen, among others. The trailers look fun and this is a subject that feels ripe for a re-boot. I'm intrigued. Friday, August 4: The Meg 2: The Trench (Theaters): It wouldn't be summer without a big creature feature. Here, we get a sequel to The Meg, returning Jason Statham to a battle with some killer sharks. I'm all in. Shortcomings (Theaters): This romantic comedy from director Randall Park debuted at Sundance. It's a bittersweet watch but one that will offer a bit of late-summer counter-programming. Thursday, August 10: Love in Taipei (Paramount+): A straight to streaming feature that's something of an international romance. This will likely fill a void...

  We're rapidly approaching the 2023 NFL Season, which means it's time for some previews. I'm going to be looking at each division, one-by-one, continuing today with the AFC South. Let's dive in. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2022 Record: 9-8, First in the AFC South. Lost in Divisional Round 2023 Outlook : The Jaguars came on at the end of the 2022 season as new coach Doug Pederson got Trevor Lawrence and the young Jaguars moving in the right direction. The Jaguars won't surprise anyone in 2023, but the team is certainly still strong. They welcome back Calvin Ridley this season and brought back Evan Engram and tight end. With Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby in the backfield, the team has a strong offense. The AFC South isn't a tough division but I suspect the Jaguars are the class of the division.  2023 Prediction: I think the Jaguars win the AFC South again. Tennessee Titans: 2022 Record : 7-10, Second in the AFC South 2023 Outlook : The Titans are a team in flux. The...

  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. Christine Everheart : I'm sorry, Mr. Stark, but do you honestly expect us to believe that that was a bodyguard in a suit that conveniently appeared, despite the fact that... Tony Stark : I know that it's confusing. It is one thing to question the official story, and another thing entirely to make wild accusations, or insinuate that I'm a superhero. Christine Everheart : I never said you were a superhero. Tony Stark : Didn't? Christine Everheart : Mmm-mmm. Tony Stark : Well, good, because that would be outlandish and, uh, fantastic. I'm just not the hero type. Clearly. With this laundry list of character defects, all the mistakes I've made, largely public. Rhodey : [whispers to Tony] Just stick to the cards, man. Tony Stark...

  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! King Arthur: I am your king. Woman : Well, I didn't vote for you. King Arthur: You don't vote for kings. Woman: Well how'd you become king then? [Angelic music plays...] King Arthur: The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that I, Arthur, was to carry Excalibur. THAT is why I am your king. Dennis : [interrupting] Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) Starring: John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Micha...

  Last month I went through my revised Dynasty rankings. As we move toward the start of the season, in this month of July, I'm going through my re-draft rankings. Today I finish with my Top 40 TEs. 2023 TE Re-Draft Rankings: 1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs 2. Mark Andrews, Ravens 3. T.J. Hockenson, Vikings 4. Kyle Pitts, Falcons 5. Darren Waller, Giants 6. George Kittle, 49ers 7. Dallas Goedert, Eagles 8. Evan Engram, Jaguars 9. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers 10. David Njoku, Browns 11. Gerald Everett, Chargers 12. Greg Dulcich, Broncos 13. Tyler Higbee, Rams 14. Juwan Johnson, Saints 15. Michael Mayer, Raiders 16. Dawson Knox, Bills 17. Sam LaPorta, Lions 18. Noah Fant, Seahawks 19. Dalton Kincaid, Bills 20. Dalton Schultz, Cowboys 21. Cade Otton, Buccaneers 22. Cole Kmet, Bears 23. Trey McBride, Cardinals 24. Hayden Hurst, Panthers 25. Mike Gesicki, Patriots 26. Chig Okonkwo, Titans 27. Irv Smith, Jr., Bengals 28. Zach Ertz, Cardinals 29. Tucker Kraft, Packers 30. Jake Ferguson, Cowboys 31. Lo...

  The biggest weekend of the year arrived on Friday, and it did not disappoint. Below are my takes on all the week’s new releases I saw. Barbie (Theaters) Starring : Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, and Will Ferrell Synopsis : How do you create a feature film based on a toy? Three different live-action G.I. Joe films would suggest it’s harder than you think. And yet, in the hands of Gretta Gerwig, we get something engaging and masterful with Barbie. In the film, we meet stereotypical Barbie (Robbie), who is living her dream life in Barbieland. She’s surrounded by all her fellow friends and Barbies, and she’s surrounded by a number of Kens, including Beach Ken (Gosling), who is completely smitten. But in the midst of her dream life of parties and dancing, Barbie starts having some strange thoughts. Soon, her daily life goes off the rails. She turns to the wise sage—Weird Barbie (McKinnon)—who suggests she needs to venture out into the real world to find o...

  We’re in the Dog Days of summer. The flow of new shows is slowing and likely with the ongoing labor stoppages that will only get worse. But what about the new shows we do have? What’s worth your 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! Tuesdays: Justified: City Primeval, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on FX (Premiered July 18) About : When Justified premiered in 2010, I knew it was destined to become one of my favorites. The seasons it offered, showcasing Timothy Olyphant as Marshal Raylan Givens didn’t disappoint. But it’s been eight years since that show concluded its run. Now, we get a new series featuring Givens based on another of Elmore Leonard’s novels. This time, we pick up 15 years later, with Raylan dealing with his now teenage daughter and a case that takes him from Florida to Detroit. Soon, he’s embroiled in a murder mystery featuring...

  We're rapidly approaching the 2023 NFL Season, which means it's time for some previews. I'm going to be looking at each division, one-by-one, starting with the reigning champions in the NFC North. Let's dive in. Minnesota Vikings: 2022 Record : 13-4, Lost in the Divisional Round 2023 Outlook : The Vikings had a strong 2022 if you consider just their record. They won 13 games and finished atop their division. The problem was the team couldn't compete with good teams. They finished 13-4 and lost easily in the Wild Card Round to a nine-win Giants team, as was largely predicted. Now, the team has moved on from Dalvin Cook and the question is whether this team can improve or will be challenged again. The defense was a problem in 2022, has it improved? That's another of the big questions that must be considered. 2023 Prediction : I think the Vikings will be a winning team, likely in playoff contention. But I don't see them as a title contender. Detroit Lions: 20...

  We're rapidly approaching the 2023 NFL Season, which means it's time for some previews. I'm going to be looking at each division, one-by-one, starting with the reigning champions in the AFC North. Let's dive in. Cincinnati Bengals: 2022 Record : 12-4, Lost in AFC Championship Game 2023 Outlook : The Bengals remain one of the best teams in the NFL. They have an incredible offense, led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. The Bengals were in the Super Bowl in 2021 and made the AFC Championship Game last season. I think they're a top contender and maybe the best AFC team heading into the season. 2023 Prediction : The Bengals will win the AFC North again and make a deep run. Baltimore Ravens: 2022 Record : 10-7 2023 Outlook : The biggest question for the Ravens going into the off-season was the future of Lamar Jackson. The Ravens tagged their quarterback and eventually came to an agreement on a multi-year deal. They also worked to get him some new weapons, signing Ode...

  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. Superman : Listen; what do you hear? Lois Lane : Nothing. Superman : I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one. Superman Returns (2006) Starring : Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, and Frank Langella Director: Bryan Singer About : I have probably had some entries on this list that didn't resonate with everyone, but doubtless this is one that will be the most polarizing. I gather that many didn't care for this sequel/re-boot. And now, nearly 20 years later, it's more problematic due to the involvement of Singer and Spacey. However, I loved the film when it was released and I've continued to enjoy it. In fact, it's my favorite stan...

  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! Nick : I don't think about that much with one shot anymore, Mike. Michael : You have to think about one shot. One shot is what it's all about. A deer's gotta be taken with one shot. The Deer Hunter (1978) Starring: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep, and John Cazale Director: Michael Cimino About: This week we get another Best Picture winner, this time a drama with an incredible cast and a heart-breaking story. It focuses on a group of friends before, during and after the Vietnam War. It looks at the horror, both literal and mental, that those that went to fight endured. De Niro is great, but so is the rest of the cast. Walken, in particular, plays a hard but memorable role. This isn't ever an easy watc...

  Last month I went through my revised Dynasty rankings. As we move toward the start of the season, in this month of July, I'm going through my re-draft rankings. Today I'm continuing with my Top 60 WRs. 2023 WR Re-Draft Rankings: 1. Justin Jefferson, Vikings 2. Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals 3. A.J. Brown, Eagles 4. CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys 5. Garret Wilson, Jets 6. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins 7. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions 8. Davante Adams, Raiders 9. Cooper Kupp, Rams 10. Stefon Diggs, Bills 11. DeVonta Smith, Eagles 12. Chris Olave, Saints 13. Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins 14. D.J. Moore, Bears 15. Deebo Samuel, 49ers 16. Tee Higgins, Bengals 17. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers 18. Amari Cooper, Browns 19. Keenan Allen, Chargers 20. Diontae Johnson, Steelers 21. D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks 22. Mike Evans, Buccaneers 23. Drake London, Falcons 24. Calvin Ridley, Jaguars 25. Courtland Sutton, Broncos 26. Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers 27. Brandin Cooks, Cowboys 28. Terry McLaurin, Commanders 29. Tyler Lockett, Seahawks 3...

  One of the biggest releases of the summer dropped this week, and I have my thoughts on that and other films I saw this week. For reviews of all the films I’m watching, follow me @knighthawk7734 on Letterboxd. Bird Box Barcelona (Netflix) Starring : Mario Casas, Georgina Campbell, and Diego Calva Synopsis : A few years ago, Sandra Bullock took the lead in Bird Box, a post-apocalyptic survival film. It felt like the Netflix answer to A Quiet Place. It was a decent if unspectacular film, and not one that needed to be revisited. But, in 2023, we’re all about adding more to existing IP. Bird Box: Barcelona is a sequel of sorts, but aside from the title and the loose connection to the world, it doesn’t have anything to do with the first film. The location is different. The characters are different. And the story is different. In some ways, it feels more like it’s making the point that even in the apocalypse it’s the other people that are the biggest danger. We’ve seen that before, too....

  We’re rapidly moving through the summer and with the ongoing writers and actors’ strike, we’re seeing a slowing of content. That normally happens during summer, but this is likely the start of a trend that will impact the balance of 2023 and possibly longer. Still, what of these new shows 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 and select unscripted series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: Miracle Workers: End Times, Mondays at 10 p.m. on TBS (Premiered July 10) About: The fourth and final season of this anthology series takes the action to the end times. We have the same core cast—Daniel Radcliffe, Geraldine Viswanathan, Jon Bass, Karan Soni, and Steve Buscemi—this time in a dystopic future. We get something like Road Warrior at the beginning as Sid (Radcliffe) and Freya (Viswanathan) meet, fall in love, get married and move to a dystopic su...

  We're rapidly approaching the 2023 NFL Season. To get ready, I'm previewing the teams division by division. Today, I turn my gauze to the NFC West. San Francisco 49ers: 2022 Record : 13-4, Lost in NFC Championship Game 2023 Outlook : The 49ers still have one of the best rosters in the league. The question remains who plays quarterback. Once Upon a Time Trey Lance was drafted to be the future of the franchise. That seems to be off the table now, and the question is if he even remains on the roster or gets traded. It seems Brock Purdy is the starter, but will he be healthy? Sam Darnold is on the roster, but is he the guy they want to lean on. Outside of quarterback, the 49ers have a great roster. Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle makes for a spectacular core. And the 49ers' defense remains impressive. 2023 Prediction : I think the 49ers win the west, finish as a top seed and make another deep run. Seattle Seahawks: 2022 Record : 9-8, Lost in...

  We're rapidly approaching the 2023 NFL Season, which means it's time for some previews. I'm going to be looking at each division, one-by-one, starting with the reigning champions in the AFC West. Let's dive in. Kansas City Chiefs: 2022 Record: 14-3, won the Super Bowl 2023 Outlook : Last season the Chiefs let Tyreek Hill walk and still won the Super Bowl. This off-season, the Chiefs again saw turnover at receiver. Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman both left in free agency. That leaves them with a young, inexperienced group outside of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney and rookie Rashee Rice will have an opportunity to step up. But as long as the Chiefs still have Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, they'll be OK. The Chiefs still have the pieces to be a tough team and I like the backfield of Isaih Pacheco and Jerrick McKinnon. 2023 Prediction : I think the Chiefs win the West again, but it will be tight. I think they'll be among the AFC 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. Katy : I know you don't like to talk about your life, but a guy with a freaking MACHETE FOR AN ARM just chopped our bus in half! Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) Starring : Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, and Tony Leung Chiu-wai Director: Destin Daniel Cretton About: Coming out of COVID, in the aftermath of Endgame , it was unclear what to expect from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We saw four films released in 2021 and Shang-Chi was probably the least hyped of the four. And yet, it offers a great introduction to a new character played by Liu, some solid action sequences and becomes a memorable addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I loved Liu in the lead and Awkwafina is great as his friend, Katy. We get some grea...

  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! Ted Kramer : Hi, what's up? Tell me. What? What's the matter? Joanna Kramer : I woke up this morning, kept thinking about Billy and I was thinking about him waking up in his room with his little clouds all around that I painted and I thought I should have painted clouds downtown because then he would think that he was waking up at home. I came here to take my son home. And I realized he already is home. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) Starring : Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Jane Alexander, and Justin Henry Director : Robert Benton About : There were some masterful, timely and topical films released in the 1970s. This film, which won three Academy Awards, is one of them. It's about a couple that splits and goes through a painful d...

  Last month I went through my revised Dynasty rankings. As we move toward the start of the season, in this month of July, I'm going through my re-draft rankings. Today I'm continuing with my Top 60 RBs. 2023 RB Re-Draft Rankings: 1. Christian McCaffrey, 49ers 2. Jonathan Taylor, Colts 3. Derrick Henry, Titans 4. Bijan Robinson, Falcons 5. Austin Ekeler, Chargers 6. Nick Chubb, Browns 7. Josh Jacobs, Raiders 8. Saquon Barkley, Giants 9. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions 10. Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots 11. Tony Pollard, Cowboys 12. Najee Harris, Steelers 13. J.K. Dobbins, Ravens 14. D'Andre Swift, Eagles 15. Javonte Williams, Broncos 16. Travis Ettienne, Jaguars 17. Miles Sanders, Panthers 18. Aaron Jones, Packers 19. Alexander Mattison, Vikings 20. Breece Hall, Jets 21. Joe Mixon, Bengals 22. Ken Walker III, Seahawks 23. Jamaal Williams, Saints 24. Khalil Herbert, Bears 25. Dalvin Cook, Free Agent 26. Dameon Pierce, Texans 27. Alvin Kamara, Saints 28. Jerrick McKinnon, Chiefs 29. Brian...

  It was a week without a major blockbuster tent pole release, but there were still options out there! Here’s a look at the new movies I saw this week. Joy Ride (Theaters) Starring : Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu Synopsis : It’s been said that friends are the family we choose. They’re the ones who know us best and who stick by us. When needed, they also challenge us to be our best selves. Joy Ride, a new comedy from Adele Lim, delivers on this theme. We begin with Audrey (Park) and Lolo (Cola) meeting as children. As the only Asian kids in a fairly white neighborhood, Audrey’s adoptive parents hope they can bond. Turns out it doesn’t take much for them to become fast friends. Fast-forward 25 years and they are leading completely different lives. Audrey is a high-achiever and a lawyer on the fast-track. Lolo is a free spirit and an aspiring artist. But they’re still fast friends. And when Audrey needs to make a trip to China for business, Lolo tags along as...

  The month of July is flying by and with it has come a major slow down in original scripted content. Still, you might be wondering if the few new offerings are worth your time. 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. Fridays: My Adventures With Superman, Streaming Fridays on Max (Premiered July 7) About : The latest for Max is another animated series. When HBO Max became earlier this year, animated series were part of the launch platform. Now, we get another one, this time a DC series that is also airing the day before on Adult Swim. The series tells of the adventures of Clark Kent (Jack Quaid), Lois Lane (Alice Lee) and Jimmy Olsen (Ishmel Sahid). We get another origin story of sorts for Clark, and we see a different kind of Clark, Lois and Jimmy, serving as interns at the Daily Planet and just breaking into the industry. It’s the start of their friend...

  We’re more than half-way through 2023, I know it’s hard to believe. Today I’m looking at my Top 10 TV Shows of the year so far, plus 10 more I enjoyed. The list includes only series for which I have seen every episode of the season referenced. 1. Ted Lasso, Season 3 (Apple TV+) About: If you followed my recaps, you know I loved this season. Ted Lasso has been my favorite series the past few years and it goes out on a high note. The penultimate episode was one of the most beautiful of the series. 2. Shrinking, Season 1 (Apple TV+) About: Much of the creative team behind Ted Lasso worked to bring this series, starring Jason Segel, Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams to life. It’s got the same sense of beauty, humor and pathos. It’s a beautiful journey. 3. Drops of God (Apple TV+) About: I don’t know much about Manga or wine, so I shouldn’t be the target audience for this series, based on a Manga of the same name about a Japanese Man and a French Woman competing to win the inherit...

  We’ve crossed the mid-point in 2023, which feels like a good time to pause and reflect on the year so far. This post features my Top 10 films of 2023 at the mid-point, plus 10 more I liked. By this time last year, we’d already seen the eventual Best Picture winner—Everything Everywhere All At Once—as well as the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. Let’s see how many of these films remain in the Top 10 to end the year! 1. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 About: If you’re a regular reader, you know Guardians of the Galaxy is my favorite film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I was excited and nervous about this final film in the James Gunn trilogy. Turns out, I didn’t need to worry. It’s a beautiful, moving and action-packed adventure that remains my favorite film of the year so far. 2. Past Lives About: This film debuted at Sundance but went wide at the end of June. From writer/director Celine Song, this beautiful drama looks at love, friendship and the timing and decisions that impac...

  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. Peter Parker: So, to become an Avenger, are there like trials, or an interview. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) Starring : Tom Holland, Robert Downey, Jr., Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, and Michael Keaton Director : Jon Watts About : We got an introduction to Holland as Spider-Man during the action of Captain America: Civil War . But this is his first stand-alone film. He shares much of the screen with Downey as Iron Man, who serves as a mentor. But this lets Holland do his thing, and he does it quite well. I love the humor and pacing here and Keaton makes for a solid villain. The script from Watts, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley works well. I think Holland is perfect in the role and while we don't see Zendaya much in this film, their ...

  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! Willy Wonka : The suspense is terrible... I hope it'll last. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) Starring: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, and Peter Ostrum Director : Mel Stuart About : Gene Wilder was a talented performer. This isn't his only appearance on the list, but it is one of his most iconic performances. He's incredibly as Wonka, dominating this quirky film based on the novel from Roald Dahl. We've seen this story adapted other times, once by Tim Burton and Johnny Depp and once again this year with Timothee Chalomet in the role. This is a fun and engaging film; a wild tale built around a larger-than-life character. Charlie, played by Ostrum, is fine. But this is about Wilder and the charisma he brings to...

  Last month I went through my revised Dynasty rankings. As we move toward the start of the season, in this month of July, I'm going through my re-draft rankings. Today I'm beginning with a look at my Top 40 quarterbacks. 2023 QB Re-Draft Rankings: 1. Joe Burrow, Bengals 2. Josh Allen, Bills 3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs 4. Jalen Hurts, Eagles 5. Justin Herbert, Chiefs 6. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins 7. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars 8. Deshaun Watson, Browns 9. Justin Fields, Bears 10. Dak Prescott, Cowboys 11. Lamar Jackson, Ravens 12. Russell Wilson, Broncos 13. Jared Goff, Lions 14. Bryce Young, Panthers 15. Anthony Richardson, Colts 16. Aaron Rodgers, Jets 17. Kirk Cousins, Vikings 18. Desmond Ridder, Falcons 19. Daniel Jones, Giants 20. Derek Carr, Saints 21. Mac Jones, Patriots 22. Geno Smith, Seahawks 23. Jordan Love, Packers 24. C.J. Stroud, Texans 25. Sam Howell, Commanders 26. Ryan Tannehill, Titans 27. Brock Purdy, 49ers 28. Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders 29. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneer...