Matt's Musings

  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. Miles Morales : [final lines, voiceover] Okay, let's do this one last time, yeah? For real this time. This is it. My name is Miles Morales. I was bitten by a radioactive spider. And for like two days, I've been the one and only Spider-Man. I think you know the rest. I finished my essay. I saved a bunch of people. Got hit by a drone. Did this with my dad. Met my roommate finally. Slapped a sticker where my Dad's never going to find it. And when I feel alone, like no one understands what I'm going through, I remember my friends who get it. I never thought I'd be able to do any of this stuff. But I can. Anyone can wear the mask. You can wear the mask. If you didn't know that before, I hope you do now. Cuz I'm Spider-Man. ...

  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! Laurie Henderson : [quoting from Curt] "It doesn't make sense to leave home to look for home, to give up a life to find a new life, to say goodbye to friends you love just to find new friends." American Graffiti (1973) Starring : Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Cindy Williams, and Harrison Ford Director : George Lucas About : When you think about Lucas, you usually think about sci fi or films with big stories and big spectacles. That is a big part of his cinematic legacy, and will even be a part of this list later. But his first film on this list is a slice of life. It's set in Southern California on one night where recent graduates are cruising the strip, reflecting on their future and thinking about the past. It's...

  Still above .500 in both straight and spread picks. Let's see if I can keep it up! NFL Picks, Week 4 Lions Over Packers Jaguars Over Falcons Bills Over Dolphins Broncos Over Bears Ravens Over Browns Bengals Over Titans Rams Over Colts Buccaneers Over Saints Eagles Over Commanders Vikings Over Panthers Texans Over Steelers Chargers Over Raiders Cowboys Over Patriots 49ers Over Cardinals Chiefs Over Jets Giants Over Seahawks Last Week : 9-7 Season : 27-21 NFL Picks Spread, Week 4 Lions -.5 Over Packers Falcons +3.5 Over Jaguars Bills -2.5 Over Dolphins Broncos -3.5 Over Bears Ravens +2.5 Over Browns Bengals -2.5 Over Titans Rams +1.5 Over Colts Buccaneers +2.5 Over Saints Eagles -8.5 Over Commanders Vikings -3.5 Over Panthers Texans +3.5 Over Steelers Chargers -5.5 Over Raiders Cowboys -6.5 Over Patriots 49ers -13.5 Over Cardinals Chiefs -9.5 Over Jets Giants -1.5 Over Seahawks Last Week : 12-4 Season : 28-20

  It was an interesting week for new films, with a couple wide releases in theaters and a couple anticipated streaming options. I have my thoughts on all four below. You can always find more of what I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Cassandro (Prime Video) Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Raul Castillo, and Roberta Colindrez Synopsis : This biopic is set in the early 1980s and follows Saul (Bernal), a gay wrestler living in El Paso, Texas, who travels south of the border to compete in lucha libre matches. The film premiered at Sundance in January and had a limited theatrical release before dropping Friday on Prime Video. The film focuses on Saul’s career transformation, as he connects with a new trainer (Colindrez) who helps him change his approach, his style and his persona in the ring. He finds fame as he transforms into Cassandro, bringing a sense of flair and style to the sport. It’s as much about Saul and his relationships as his performance in the ring...

  We’re cruising our way through September and we’re starting to see an increase in new shows. But what of these new shows is worth checking out? Let this weekly post 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. Mondays: The Irrational, Mondays at 10 p.m. on NBC (Premiered September 25) About : Jesse L. Martin takes the lead here as a psychology professor who has a knack for getting to the truth. That talent makes him popular in the classroom and also has him moonlighting for law enforcement. Whether it be a hostage situation or getting to the truth of a crime, he plies his skills at reading people to get to the truth. The pilot moved at a decent pace and Martin is a solid lead. This falls into a typical crime show pattern with a case-of-the-week and a long-term mystery introduced in the pilot as well. I liked Martin and I liked the basic premise. I can see this working as a decent ...

  Week 3: Miami Dolphins 70, Denver Broncos 20 Season Record: 0-3 (0-2 Home) Key Play: On the third play of the game, Tua Tagovailoa connected with Tyreek Hill on a 54-yard touchdown strike. The Dolphins never looked back. Recap: There are losses and then there are historic losses. Sunday, for the Broncos, was a historic loss. The team gave up the most points in team history. The Broncos were only two points shy of giving up the most points in NFL history. Those are grim signs. The Broncos' offense, at times, looks nominally better. But the defense is horrendous. It might already be time for a coaching change on defense. This Broncos team is 0-3 and it looks like we might not have yet hit bottom. Not much to say. Game Balls: * Marvin Mims. The rookie caught two big passes for 68 yards and had a fun 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Lingering Questions: * Defense. The Broncos' defense was one of the league's best in 2022 and appears to not exist in 2023. That's ...

  Some weeks we’re blessed with wonderful matchups throughout the day. Some weeks we’re not. This week is one of those second option weeks. There are some interesting matchups in the early window but only three late games. None of the late window games, nor Sunday Night Football, are very exciting. Nevertheless, below are my best games of the Sunday slate! Sunday Early Games: Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at Detroit Lions (1-1) About: This is two up-and-coming teams. The Falcons are 2-0 after two wins at home, the second of which was a one-point comeback victory. The Lions, meanwhile, won on Opening Night in Kansas City only to lose a heartbreaker in overtime to the Seahawks in Week 2. Both are hungry for wins as they try to make moves in the NFC. This should be a fun one. New Orleans Saints (2-0) at Green Bay Packers (1-1) About: Another battle of surprise teams early in the season. The Saints are 2-0 but it has been far from pretty. The Packers, meanwhile, opened with two straight road...

  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. Barry Allen: What are your superpowers again? Bruce Wayne: I'm rich. Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) Starring: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Amy Adams, and Ray Fisher Director: Zack Snyder About: When the Justice League movie was announced, it was meant to be the D.C. answer to the MCU. But the production was fraught. When we got the film released in 2017, it was more of a dud. It took years, but in 2021 we finally got the version original director Zack Snyder always intended. Some scoffed at the four-hour run time, but I was intrigued. Turns out, it was worth the wait. It was not only one of my favorite films the year it was released, it is one of my favorite superhero tales. I love the way it ...

  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! McMurphy : I must be crazy to be in a loony bin like this. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) Starring : Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, and Will Sampson Director: Milos Foreman About : I wouldn't say I love this film. It's a difficult story and one that doesn't have a happy ending. Many people know that as the book by Ken Kesey is often foist upon high school students, or was when I was in that age range. But this is a classic and well made film. There have been three films in American history that have won the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay, and this is one of those films. Foreman does a great job bringing the film to life, but it is the iconic performance fro...

  Week 1 I was better against the Spread. Last week it evened out. Can I master both in Week 3? Let's find out. NFL Picks, Week 3 49ers Over Giants Titans Over Browns Lions Over Falcons Saints Over Packers Dolphins Over Broncos Vikings Over Chargers Patriots Over Jets Bills Over Commanders Jaguars Over Texans Ravens Over Colts Seahawks Over Panthers Chiefs Over Bears Cowboys Over Cardinals Steelers Over Raiders Eagles Over Buccaneers Rams Over Bengals Last Week : 10-6 Season: 18-14 NFL Picks Spread, Week 3 49ers -10.5 Over Giants Titans +3.5 Over Browns Lions -3.5 Over Falcons Saints +2.5 Over Packers Dolphins -6.5 Over Broncos Vikings -.5 Over Chargers Patriots -2.5 Over Jets Bills -6.5 Over Commanders Texans +9.5 Over Jaguars Colts +7.5 Over Ravens Seahawks -6.5 Over Panthers Chiefs -13.5 Over Bears Cowboys -12.5 Over Cardinals Steelers +1.5 Over Raiders Eagles -5.5 Over Buccaneers Rams +2.5 Over Bengals Last Week : 6-10 Season : 16-16

  It was a busy week for new releases, and I have my thoughts on the big theatrical release and streaming options below. As always, you can follow my thoughts on everything I’m seeing by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. El Conde (Netflix) Starring : Jamie Vadell, Gloria Munchmeyer, Alfredo Castro, Paula Luchsinger, and Stella Gonet Synopsis : The latest from director Pablo Larrain is about a Central American dictator who is harboring a big secret. Turns out he’s a vampire. He fakes his own death to escape the day-to-day grind and now he’s pondering whether he wants to die for real. It’s something of an existential crisis. We get his history, including his coming into his power and role during the French Revolution. Through flashbacks we learn more of his story, while also seeing his family come together to squabble over who gets his hidden fortune. From a style standpoint the film, which is in Spanish and French, is shot in black-and-white. It gives a unique visual style...

We’re making our way through September and the traditional Fall TV season is starting, of sorts. With the ongoing strike this Fall looks a little different. But what of the new shows is 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 Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: The Swarm, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on The CW (Premiered September 12) About : The CW was an early adopter of imported programs and has been using them to fill the Prime-Time lineup since the summer. This one is a globe-trotting adventure, mostly focused on Canada and England. It’s focused on the ocean, or rather the creatures of the ocean and their evolving relationship with man. Most of the first episode is about setting an ominous mood but it isn’t until the last act with get to the main show. This is about nature taking a deadly turn. The subject matter feels right up my alley. I liked some of the basi...

  Week 2: Washington Commanders 35, Denver Broncos 33 Season Record: 0-2 (0-2 Home) Key Play: With time expiring, and the Broncos trailing 35-27, Russell Wilson connected with Brandon Johnson on a Hail Mary. While attempting to get the two-point conversion to tie the game, the pass to Courtland Sutton came up short and the Broncos lost. Recap : If you looked at the offensive stats, you'd think the Broncos had a huge game. The offense did look better. Russell Wilson had a couple turnovers but the first of them was a fumble caused by a face mask penalty that went unnoticed. Unfortunately, the rest of the game took a turn. The defense, which was so incredible in 2022, just couldn't get it done in Week 2. They allowed the Commanders to drive and score 35 points, which was enough for the win. The Broncos are 0-2, which is bad, having lost two winnable games, which is worse. The Broncos hit the road to face a tough Miami team next week which means that by the end of September the ...

  We’re into Week 2 of the NFL season. Week 1 certainly produced some big surprises. No doubt the NFL’s second week will as well. In this weekly piece I highlight the five games I’m most excited to see on the Sunday slate. Below are my games for Week 2. Sunday Early Games: Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) About: This is the second straight divisional game for the Bengals to start the year, and they need to do better. The Bengals couldn’t get anything going Week 1 in Cleveland and a Super Bowl hopeful can ill afford to start 0-2. The Ravens, meanwhile, got the win but lost J.K. Dobbins for the season. How will they overcome that loss? And can the passing game continue to make strides? All that will be on display in this battle of division rivals on Sunday. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) About: This is a tale of two teams with very different Week 1 experiences. The Chiefs lost a heart-breaking game on the NFL’s opening night. They didn’t ge...

  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. Thanos : I know what it's like to lose. To feel so desperately that you're right, yet to fail nonetheless. It's frightening, turns the legs to jelly. I ask you to what end? Dread it. Run from it. Destiny arrives all the same. And now it's here. Or should I say, I am. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin, Tom Holland, Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, and Paul Bettany Director : Joe and Anthony Russo About : This was a film that was about a decade in the making. That's how long the Marvel Cinematic Universe had been going by the time we got this mashup that brought them all together. That was half the fun of thi...

  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! Johnny Hooker: He's not as tough as he thinks. Henry Gondorff: Neither are we. The Sting (1973) Starring : Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Robert Shaw, and Charles During Director : George Roy Hill About : Redford and Newman. That's probably all that's needed to explain the popularity of this film and why it lands on the list. It's a great team up of the two. Butch Cassidy came in the previous decade, but here they're playing con men again. The Sting is a classic film that ended up winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Redford and Newman are great, as is the rest of the cast. The story moves along well, is engaging and really has a fun resolution. This is one of the best films of the decade and one of...

  I got off to a middling start in straight picks but did well against the Spread in Week 1. Let's see if I improve overall in Week 2! NFL Picks, Week 2 Eagles Over Vikings Falcons Over Packers Bills Over Raiders Bengals Over Ravens Lions Over Seahawks Chargers Over Titans Buccaneers Over Bears Chiefs Over Jaguars Texans Over Colts 49ers Over Rams Giants Over Cardinals Cowboys Over Jets Broncos Over Commanders Dolphins Over Patriots Saints Over Panthers Browns Over Steelers Last Week: 8-8 NFL Picks Spread, Week 2 Vikings +7.5 Over Eagles Falcons +1.5 Over Packers Raiders +8.5 Over Bills Ravens +3.5 Over Bengals Lions -6.5 Over Seahawks Chargers -3.5 Over Titans Bears +3.5 Over Buccaneers Chiefs -2.5 Over Jaguars Texans +1.5 Over Colts 49ers -7.5 Over Rams Giants -3.5 Over Cardinals Jets +8.5 Over Cowboys Broncos -3.5 Over Commanders Dolphins -2.5 Over Patriots Panthers +3.5 Over Saints Browns -1.5 Over Steelers Last Week : 10-6

  It was a strong week for new releases and below I take a look at a couple weekend film. As always, you can track all my takes on new movies by following my on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (Theaters) Starring : Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Louis Mandylor, and Andrea Martin Synopsis : It’s been 21 years since we first were introduced to Toula Portokalos (Vardalos) and her big, Greek family. That first film was a sensation, catching audiences by storm and captivating viewers. I remember catching the film and being drawn to the larger-than-life characters and the fun story of family. In the sequel, which dropped in 2016, we got another check in on the family. This time Toula and Ian (Corbett) were dealing with being parents to Paris (Elena Kampouris) and dealing with their own families and drama. It was another engaging slice of life, albeit a little less engaging than the first. You’d be forgiven for not realizing a third installment was coming and is now ou...

  We’re past Labor Day so Fall is upon us. This will be a different kind of Fall owing to the strike, but there are still new shows. So, what should you make a point to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted series, and select unscripted series, this Fall. Fridays: The Changeling, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV+ (Premiered September 8) About : The latest drama for Apple is based on the novel of the same name from Victor LaValle. This is a horror drama, one that focuses on a couple who are struggling in the wake of the birth of their child. There is narration that sets this up as a dark fairy tale. The main players are Apollo (LaKeith Stanfield), a used book dealer, and his wife Emmy (Clark Backo). The pilot is mostly about their meeting and courtship, ending with the birth of their child. The second episode descends into more madness. The episodes run about an hour, with the first three episodes dropped on Friday and s...

  Week 1 : Las Vegas Raiders 17, Denver Broncos 16 Season Record : 0-1 (0-1 Home) Key Play: In the Fourth Quarter with 6:34 remaining, Jimmy Garoppolo connected with Jakobi Myers on a short touchdown pass to give the Raiders a one-point lead. The Raiders held on for the win. Recap: Same old Broncos. It was hard not to think that watching this game as the Broncos played poorly on Special Teams, gave up a go-ahead score late in the game and made crucial penalties and gaffs that kept them from winning. The Sean Payton era began much as the previous era left off, with a loss. The Broncos start 0-1, making the push to do better and reach the playoffs for the first time in eight years even tougher. Much worse, it was a loss at home to the Raiders and Josh McDaniels. We've lost three games to McDaniels since he took over and I'm tired of it. I'd like to see the Broncos turn it around, but it's hard to have confidence right now. There were some good moments, but this was a med...

  The opening weekend of the NFL season is here. As will be the case each week during the regular season, every Friday I’ll be offering my five favorite games on the Sunday slate. Let’s dive into our Week 1 gold-star matchups. Sunday Early Games: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns About: The Bengals went to the Super Bowl in 2021 and the AFC Championship Game in 2022. They’re one of the top contenders in the AFC again in 2023. The Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, are hoping Deshaun Watson is the answer at quarterback and they can make a playoff run of their own. This is one of the bi-annual battles for Ohio and a heck of a way to kick off the season. It’s also the most appealing of the early window games by far. Sunday Late Games: Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos About: Speaking of rivalry games, here is another great one for opening day. The Raiders and the Broncos is a storied rivalry that got bigger last year when former Broncos’ coach Josh McDaniels took over the Raiders. T...

  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. Ramonda: I am Queen of the most powerful nation in the world! And my entire family is gone! Have I not given everything? Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) Starring: Angela Bassett, Leticia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Dani Gurira, and Tenoch Huerta Director: Ryan Coogler About: How do you replace Chadwick Boseman? How do you continue the legacy of the Black Panther? Those were the questions that hung over this film. How would it deliver a continued story in the wake of the tragedy that claimed the life of Boseman. This film was the result, a powerful, emotional and beautifully crafted film. It drives the story of the world and the characters forward but it's also a meditation on grief and a loving tribute to the first Blac...

  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! Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle : All right, Popeye's here! Get your hands on your heads, get off the bar, and get on the wall! The French Connection (1971) Starring: Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider, and Fernando Rey Director: William Friedkin About: I love a good investigation film. This one, based on a true story, gives us that. It also gives us a fairly intense and iconic chase sequence. It pairs a director in Friedkin and actor in Hackman who made their marks in the 1970s. This is the first of two films for the director on this list, while Hackman already appeared once and will be in another film coming up. Here, Hackman gives a great and intense performance as Popeye Doyle. He's an iconic character in an iconic film from the de...

 It's Week 1 of the NFL Season. Here's a look at my picks for the week! NFL Picks, Week 1: Chiefs Over Lions Falcons Over Panthers Bengals Over Browns Jaguars Over Colts Vikings Over Buccaneers Saints Over Titans 49ers Over Steelers Commanders Over Cardinals Ravens Over Texans\ Bears Over Packers Broncos Over Raiders Chargers Over Dolphins Eagles Over Patriots Seahawks Over Rams Cowboys Over Giants Bills Over Jets NFL Picks Spread, Week 1: Lions +6.5 Over Chiefs Falcons -2.5 Over Panthers Bengals -2.5 Over Browns Jaguars -4.5 Over Colts Buccaneers +6.5 Over Vikings Saints -3.5 Over Titans 49ers -3.5 Over Steelers Cardinals +5.5 Over Washington Ravens -9.5 Over Texans Bears -1.5 Over Packers Broncos -3.5 Over Raiders Eagles -4.5 Over Patriots Chargers -1.5 Over Dolphins Seahawks -4.5 Over Rams Cowboys -2.5 Over Giants Jets +1.5 Over Bills

  For many, high school can be tough. When you’re on the outside looking in it doesn’t feel like the best years of your life. When you’re on the bottom climbing your way up, anything that gives you a leg up can be a relief. That’s the backdrop for Bottoms, a new comedy from director Emma Seligman and star Rachel Sennott. The two teamed before for Seligman’s feature film debut, Shiva Baby. Released in 2020, it was a comedy that pushed boundaries but made an impression. Now, they’re back doing the same with Bottoms, a film they co-wrote. In the film, PJ (Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri) are longtime friends who are on the bottom of the social pyramid. They also spend their time pining for the popular cheerleaders Brittany (Kaia Gerber) and Isabel (Havana Rose Liu), who happens to be the girlfriend of the school’s star football player Jeff (Nicholas Galitzine). The football players run the school, and when Josie and PJ try to stand up to Jeff, they have to scramble to ensure they aren...

  We’ve made it through Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, which means the Fall is upon us. It will be a different Fall TV season than we’ve seen in the past owing to the labor disputes between Producers, Writers and Actors. But we’ll dive into the new Fall series next week. Until then, it’s time to look at the last of the new offerings this summer. What’s worth checking 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. Thursdays: Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake, Streaming Thursdays on Max (Premiered August 31) About : The latest adult animated series on Max is based on the Cartoon Network series. It focuses on Fionna, her cat Cake and jumps to follow Simon Petrikov, known as the Ice King. The first two episodes, each about 25 minutes, dropped Thursday while subsequent episodes drop weekly. If you watched the original series, this would likely hold some ...

  And for the final piece in the 2023 NFL Preview, it’s come time for my fearless playoff predictions. Below are my predictions for the finishes in the AFC and NFC along with my picks for the Super Bowl. Check back in January to see how close I come. NFC Playoff Field No. 1: Philadelphia Eagles . The Eagles were in the Super Bowl last year and I think they’ll be a strong contender again this year, winning the NFC East. No. 2: San Francisco 49ers . I’m not one of those that thinks Brock Purdy’s success was a fluke. I like the 49ers to be a top contender again this season. No. 3: Detroit Lions . If you read yesterday, you would know that I’m all in on Dan Campbell and the Lions. I think they win the NFC North this season. No. 4: Atlanta Falcons . Someone has to win the NFC South. I like the Falcons behind Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson to get to nine wins and take the division. No. 5: Dallas Cowboys . The Cowboys are a talented team that figure to be contenders again. If...

  We’ve made it through the listing of teams and previews. Now it’s time to look at the predictions for the post-season. Today, that begins with my predictions for who might win the awards at the end of the season. Check back in January to see how close I come! NFL MVP: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals QB About: Burrow is a heck of a quarterback. I’m pushing my chips in with Burrow and the Bengals this year, as you’ll see in the playoff predictions tomorrow. I have Burrow listed as my QB1 for re-draft this year, too. I think he and the Bengals will have a big season and he’ll end up as the NFL’s regular season MVP. NFL Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions About: Yes, I know the Lions were good last year. They finished at 9-8 and nearly made the playoffs. This has been part of a multi-year re-build for the Lions. I like what Campbell has brought to the team and I think he’s going to enjoy more success this season. I think the Lions will win the NFC North and make the playo...

  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. Batman: Our scars can destroy us, even after the physical wounds have healed. But if we survive them, they can transform us. They can give us the power to endure, and the strength to fight. The Batman (2022) Starring: Robert Pattinson, Colin Farrell, Paul Dano, John Turturro, Zoe Kravitz, and Jeffrey Wright Director: Matt Reeves About: I've mentioned before on this countdown that Batman has always been my favorite superhero. This is the first of five films remaining on this list that feature Batman, but this might be the most surprising. When it was first announced, it's fair to say I had my doubts. I had doubts about the description and also doubts about Pattinson in the lead role. But when I saw the film, those doubts faded. There is...

  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! Travis Bickle: Loneliness has followed me my whole life. Everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There's no escape. I'm God's lonely man... June 8th. My life has taken another turn again. The days can go on with regularity over and over, one day indistinguishable from the next. A long continuous chain. Then suddenly, there is a change. Taxi Driver (1976) Starring: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, and Albert Brooks Director: Martin Scorsese About: Some films make the list because I'm moved by their story. Some make the list because of the intensity of craft. This film from Scorsese, one of his best, makes it due to the latter. There's nothing easy or heart-warming about this story. Travis Bickle...