Matt's Musings

  We’re coming to the end of April, with the tide of new shows slowing some. But we still have options to consider. The question is 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 Spring. Don’t see a show listed below? Check previous weeks. Streaming Series: Dead Boy Detectives, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered April 25) About : The latest for Netflix is a series adapted from a D.C. Comic by Neil Gaiman. It becomes part of an extended Sandman universe for Netflix, even featuring Kirby as Death early in the pilot to bridge the connection to the previous series. This one centers on a pair of dead teens—Edwin Paine (George Rexstraw) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri). Both died while at boarding school—albeit years apart—and instead of continuing to the afterlife, they stayed put to ply their investigative skills to solving crimes. Soon, they connect with a living medium, Crystal Palace (Ka...

  We're into May, which means the start of the summer blockbuster movie season. Are you ready? I know I'm ready for some fun. Below is a look at what's coming this month! Thursday, May 2: The Idea of You (Prime Video): Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine take the lead in this romance film. It looks interesting and like something for a date night. Friday, May 3: Fall Guy (Theaters): Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling come together for the first big blockbuster of summer. This looks like it will be amusing and action-packed. In short, a great way to kick off Summer. I Saw the TV Glow (Theaters): This film debut at the Sundance Film Festival to good reviews. It's a horror film with an interesting hook and a strong cast. It should find an audience. Unfrosted: The Story of Pop Tarts (Netflix): This comes from Jerry Seinfeld, who stars and directs. It looks like it has the potential to be really fun and really funny. Thursday, May 9: Mother of the Bride (Netflix): Miranda Cos...

  The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. It's time to look at how the Broncos did, and analyze their picks. That kicks off with taking a potential Franchise quarterback in the First Round. In total, the Broncos made seven selections. The team moved up in the Fourth Round, didn't have a Second or Sixth-Round pick, and made two selections in the Seventh Round. The team snagged a quarterback, a running back, two receivers, a center, an edge player, and a cornerback. Let's dive in. In the First Round, the Broncos used the No. 12 overall pick on Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. Sean Payton was taken with Nix and thinks he has all the tools to succeed in Denver. He was part of a historic run at the position, as Nix was the sixth quarterback taken in the Top 12 picks. He joins a crowded room, as the Broncos traded for Zach Wilson from the Jets last week and still have Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci. The Broncos have a lot of holes to fill, so I wasn't sold on taking a quarterback. I s...

  Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Mrs. Tweedy : Husbands and chickens, the bane of my life. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023) Starring : Zachary Levi, Thandiwe Newton, Bella Ramsey, Miranda Richardson, and Nick Mohammed Director : Sam Fell About: The original film was released in 2000. It has a cult following and I thought it was fine. But this sequel, which came 23 years later and featured a number of different voice actors, worked for me better. I enjoyed the story here and voice acting. This has a fun story and a fun vibe. I haven't always loved this style of claymation animation, but this worked for me. I thought it was a fun follow up story and ended up being one of my favorite...

  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1.   Narrator: His name was Jeremiah Johnson, and they say he wanted to be a mountain man. The story goes that he was a man of proper wit and adventurous spirit, suited to the mountains. Nobody knows whereabouts he come from and don't seem to matter much. He was a young man and ghosty stories about the tall hills didn't scare him none. He was looking for a Hawken gun, .50 caliber or better. He settled for a .30, but damn, it was a genuine Hawken... you couldn't go no better. Bought him a good horse, and traps, and other truck that went with being a mountain man, and said good-bye to whatever life was down there below. Jeremiah Johnson (1972) Starring: Robert Redford Director: Sydney Pollack About: Another who will appear on this list more than once is Redford...

  Film released in 2004 are celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year. As part of a look back at films celebrating an anniversary in 2024, I'm looking at five films I liked from 2004. Today, it's Garden State. Mark : Don't tease me about my hobbies. I don't tease you about being an asshole. Garden State Starring:  Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, and Ian Holm Director : Zach Braff About : There are films that just take you to a place and time. In 2004, I was recently out of college and starting my own adult journey. I was about the same age as Braff's character, back in my home town and trying to make something of myself. We didn't have the same childhood, but I identified with a lot of the journey and character here. I was also a huge fan of Scrubs , and so I loved the way this film came together. It's got an incredible soundtrack and a really fun story. I love the performances from Braff, Portman and Sarsgaard, too. There's a lot of lin...

  It was a good week for a couple high-profile new releases. Below are my thoughts on all the weekend’s big films. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Abigail (Theaters) Starring : Dan Stevens, Melissa Barrera, Kathryn Newton, Alisha Weir, and Giancarlo Esposito Synopsis : It was supposed to be a simple job. Six strangers brought together to kidnap a little girl. A ransom demand and 24-hours to pay. Then each of the conspirators walks away with millions of dollars. But when something seems too good to be true, it usually is. That’s the set up in Abigail, a new horror film from the team behind the past two Scream installments. The film has a good cast, a fun script, a great setting, and a new spin on a vampire tale. It’s a heck of a ride. Abigail (Weir) is a tiny ballerina who is snatched to be held for ransom. The job was organized by Lambert (Esposito), who leaves his team behind to watch the girl while he conducts negotiatio...

We’re quickly approach May. While the traditional Network season will wrap up, the content flows year-round. We even saw several new series drop last week. So, what of these new shows are 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 Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Under the Bridge, Streaming Wednesdays on Hulu (Premiered April 17) About : This series hits at a good time for Hulu. It co-stars Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone, fresh off an Academy Award run. It’s based on a true story—which chronicled the murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta). The book comes from Rebecca Godfrey, who was on the ground during the events and investigation. In the series, Godfrey is played by Keough, while Gladstone plays one of the primary investigators. The first two episodes, each about 45 minutes, dropped Wednesday, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly. I en...

  The Summer Movie season is rapidly approaching. In yesterday's post I looked at May and June, highlighting five projects I'm excited to see. Today, I'm looking at July and August! July: Twisters (July 19) About: The original Twister , released in 1996, is one of my favorite all time films. I'm excited and curious about this sequel. I like the cast and the director, and I'm excited for a return to the world. I hope it is a worthy follow up to the original! Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26) About: This long-awaited third Deadpool film promises to be a heck of a ride. Seeing Ryan Reynolds paired with Hugh Jackman should be fun. As this is the only MCU film this year, it's also got a lot of hopes pinned on it. I'm excited to see what they do here. Other July Releases: * Despicable Me 4 (July 3) * Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (July 3) * MaXXXine (July 5) * Skywalkers: A Love Story (July 10) * Project Artemis (July 12) * Thelma (July 19) * Find Me Falling (July ...

  The summer movie season is nearly upon us. It usually kicks off at the beginning of May and runs through August. Over the next two posts, I'm going to be previewing what's to come this summer. Today I'm looking at films from May and June. I'll highlight five from the first part of summer I'm most pumped to see! May: The Fall Guy (May 3) About: This one features Emily Blunt as a director and Ryan Gosling at a stunt man who have a connection and get drawn in deep during a new film. I love the actors at the top of the call sheet and I love the early trailers. This looks like a heck of a way to kick off the summer season and it will hopefully be a fun ride. IF (May 17) About: This not only looks like fun, it looks like the kind of film that will work for wide audiences. It comes from John Krasinski, who serves as the director, and stars Ryan Reynolds, among others. The trailers are charming and the characters look delightful. This has a great cast and a great premis...

  Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Mr. Wolf : Do I wish people didn't see us as monsters? Sure, I do. But these are the cards we've been dealt, so we might as well play 'em. The Bad Guys (2022) Starring : Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Craig Robinson, and Richard Ayoade Director: Pierre Perifel About : Can you really change who you are? That's a question posed by this animated film, which focuses on a group of villains who are moved to change their stripes. Can they go from being the villains to being the good guys? Can the high of good acts keep them on the straight-and-narrow? That's some of the fun of this story. I also enjoy the look here and the c...

  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1.  Mitch Robbins : Value this time in your life kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have your choices, and it goes by so quickly. When you're a teenager you think you can do anything, and you do. Your twenties are a blur. Your thirties, you raise your family, you make a little money and you think to yourself, "What happened to my twenties?" Your forties, you grow a little pot belly you grow another chin. The music starts to get too loud and one of your old girlfriends from high school becomes a grandmother. Your fifties you have a minor surgery. You'll call it a procedure, but it's a surgery. Your sixties you have a major surgery, the music is still loud but it doesn't matter because you can't hear it anyway. Seventies, y...

  Film released in 2004 are celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year. As part of a look back at films celebrating an anniversary in 2024, I'm looking at five films I liked from 2004. Today, it's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Joel : What a loss to spend that much time with someone, only to find out that she's a stranger. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Starring : Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, and Kirsten Dunst Director : Michel Gondry About : Some movies hit you and just stick with you. That's the case with Eternal Sunshine, which is wildly creative, deeply emotional, and features a unique visual style. There are still a lot of people that don't understand comedians who do serious films. Carrey is one of those. And yet, some of my favorite of his films are when he eschews the wild characters and finds something with depth and heart. That's the case here, where he's paired with Winslet. It asks fundament...

  This week saw a couple interesting new films, including the hotly anticipated Civil War from director Alex Garland. Below is my take on this week’s new films. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Beast (Theaters) Starring : Lea Seydoux and George MacKay Synopsis : The connection with another person can throw us for a loop. So, too, can the lack of that connection. In the new film, The Beast, we see these ideas explored in a unique, twisty way that was inspired by a Henry James novella. The film comes from writer/director Bertrand Bonello. It is a science fiction film. It’s a film that takes place in multiple time periods. And it draws inspiration from James’ The Beast in the Jungle. But this isn’t a pure adaptation—rather it latches on to the themes and ideas of that story to look at those same ideas through a new lens. The film begins in 2044. Gabrielle (Lea Seydoux) is plagued by a sense of impending doom. She lives in ...

  We’re racing through April, but we’re in the midst of a great swell of original programming. This includes some high-profile series on streaming. But which of these new shows are worth the investment? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Sight Unseen, Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on The CW (Premiered April 3) About: Can a detective be a detective if they can’t see? That’s the meta question posed by this new series on The CW, which was imported from Canada. After watching the pilot, it struck me that this would likely have made a better feature than a series. I still think it’s a tough concept to make work on a week-to-week basis. And yet, the second episode was equally as compelling, finding a way for our protagonist to solve another crime. I enjoyed the back-and-forth, and I still enjoy Dolly Lewis in the lead role. The second episode expanded ...

  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co...

  The 2024 NFL Draft is 10 days away. Earlier this month I gave my rankings for quarterbacks and running backs. Now, we look at one of the best and deepest groups, which is wide receivers, I'll also throw in my Top 5 at tight end. I'll be curious to see where these guys all land. Below is 15 at receiver, placed in some Tiers. Tier 1: 1. Marvin Harrison, Jr. 2. Malik Nabers 3. Rome Odunze Tier 2: 4. Brian Thomas, Jr. 5. Adonai Mitchell 6. Ladd McConkey 7. Jalen McMillian 8. Xavier Worthy 9. Troy Franklin Tier 3: 10. Xavier Legette 11. Ricky Pearsall 12. Tez Walker Tier 4: 13. Javon Baker 14. Keon Coleman 15. Jermaine Burton Tight Ends: 1. Brock Bowers 2. Theo Johnson 3. Ja'Tavion Sanders 4. Cade Stover 5. Ben Stinott

  Animated Films have come a long way over the years. It's a genre and format that presents a wide range of styles and stories. This year, I'll be taking a look at my 50 favorite Animated Films, offering a new one from No. 50 to No. 1 each Saturday in 2024. Join along and feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments! Young Fei Fei : Magnetic levitation's the coolest. Over the Moon (2020) Starring: Kathy Ang, John Cho, Sanda Oh, Ruthie Ann Miles, and Ken Jeong Director : Glen Keane and John Kars About : It can be hard to get over loss. It's harder still when those in your life are ready to move ahead and you're not. That's the heart of this story. This little film debuted on Netflix and earned an Academy Award nomination. It's beautifully colored with a fun, and fantastical story. All those elements are great, but what moves me is the story of a young girl (Ang) trying to get past the death of her mother and accept the new family her father (Cho) seeks...

  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1.  Peter Gordon: When my father passed, I wanted nothing more than my mother's happiness. For what kind of man would I be if I did not help my mother? If I did not save her? The Power of the Dog (2021) Starring : Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Jesse Plemons Director: Jane Campion About : Another modern entry, and another unconventional choice for this list, perhaps. This is a quiet and pensive story, but it certainly captures the brutality and struggle of the western genre. Campion does a beautiful job of laying out this story and world. The cinematography here works well to build the story and the vibe of the production. That's one of the things that stuck out to me. In addition, the film features some great performances from all four ...

  This year films from 2009 are celebrating a 15th Anniversary. I will be looking at five films from 2009 that I've enjoyed as part of an anniversary celebration. Today, I'm looking at Up in the Air. Ryan Bingham : [narrating last lines] Tonight most people will be welcomed home by jumping dogs and squeling kids and thousands more will ask about their day and tonight they'll sleep. The stars will wheel forth from their daytime hiding places; and one of those lights, slightly brighter than the rest, will be my wingtip passing over. Up in the Air Starring : George Clooney, Anna Kendrick, Vera Farmiga, and Jason Bateman Director: Jason Reitman About: I wrap up my look at some favorites from 2009 with my favorite film from that year, Up in the Air . It was a Best Picture nominee and earned nominations for all its stars. I loved the film and I pulled hard for it. Naturally, it didn't win a thing. Still, 15 years later, it remains a personal favorite. In fact, it continues ...

  The first weekend in April brought plenty of interesting options on both the big and small screen. Below is a look at the new movies I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The First Omen (Theaters) Starring : Nell Tiger Free, Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga, and Bill Nighy Synopsis : It’s a big time for unwanted demonic pregnancies on screen. After the Neon film Immaculate last week, we got a prequel to The Omen this week. We pick up the action in 1971, as a young girl, Margaret (Free), arrives in Rome to work at an orphanage and take her vows. She doesn’t speak much Italian, but she’s excited to be in service after being a ward of the church all her life. But she finds things at the orphanage different than she expected, connecting with an outcast ward who reminds her of her own journey. And it doesn’t take long to see how this film connects to the original Omen, released in 1976. This is a slow build. If we hadn’t ...

  Here in the beginning of April we’re in the heart of Emmy run season, meaning plenty of high-profile projects are being released weekly. But which of these projects are truly worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Sight Unseen, Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on The CW (Premiered April 3) About : The CW has seemingly turned over a huge chunk of its programming schedule to International series. That’s returned some mixed results. But we’ve seen some interesting ones come to American audiences. The latest, Sight Unseen, follows a cop who loses her eyesight. She still wants to close cases, but she can’t see. That’s a problem. But she connects with an operator who is homebound in New York and plying her skills by seeing for those who are blind. Together, they set out to close the case she couldn’t finish when her blindness struck while ke...

  The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, so I'm looking at my pre-draft rankings. Today it's my Top 10 RBs. I don't have a lot of analysis, except to say this isn't a great draft class. I'd be surprised if any go in Round 1 and I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see one go in Round 2, either. But, let's dive in! Tier 1: The top options No. 1: Trey Benson No. 2: Jonathan Brooks No. 3: MarShon Lloyd No. 4: Braelon Allen Tier 2: Could have a chance to do something No. 5: Blake Corum No. 6: Ray Davis No. 7: Isaac Guerendo Tier3: Feels like shifting sand in terms of value No. 8: Jaylen Wright No. 9: Bucky Irving No. 10: Audric Estime

  The 2024 NFL Draft is coming quickly. Over the next few weeks I'll be looking at my pre-draft rankings in a few fantasy categories. Today, I'm starting with quarterbacks. Below is my current Top 10. No. 1: Caleb Williams . He's the top of the heap, and I think he's likely to end up at the No. 1 overall pick. No. 2: Drake Maye . It's harder in this next range. I'm going with Maye as I'm not sold on Daniels. It's quite possible Maye drops, too. No. 3: J.J. McCarthy . Is this me buying the hype, or is this just feeling leery of Daniels. Could be a bit of both. No. 4: Jayden Daniels . He could have a higher ceiling, but I feel like he has a lower floor. No. 5: Bo Nix . Nix is a somewhat polarizing player right now. Still, I like him as the No. 5 quarterback. But it's close. No. 6: Michael Penix, Jr . This is why it's close. I like Penix. I could go either way, but it feels like Penix is more of a risk. No. 7: Spencer Rattler. Now we come to guys t...