Matt's Musings

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.   Gillom Rogers : [ Books has just given Gillom a shooting lesson] But how could you get into so many fights and always come out on top? I nearly tied you shooting. John Bernard Books : Friend, there's nobody up there shooting back at you. It isn't always being fast or even accurate that counts. It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't. The Shootist (1976) Starring : John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, and James Stewart Director : Don Siegel About : This is another film featuring John Wayne, the legend. We're getting close to the end of his films on the countdown. This film also marked the end of a distinguished career....

  We're now squarely into summer, with blockbusters and other special releases making their way to theaters and streaming. Let's take a look at what awaits us during the first full month of summer. Thursday, June 6: Am I OK? (Max): This film made a splash at Sundance in 2023 and waited a while to get a wide release. It's a comedy starring Dakota Johnson that's sure to be engaging for fans. It streams on Max! Friday, June 7: Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Theaters) : This is the fourth installment in the franchise that started in 1995. It's sort of a return to theaters for Will Smith, too, who has been largely absent since his Oscars incident. I love him and Martin Lawrence in these movies, so I'm excited to see what we get here. The Watchers (Theaters): This one is produced by M. Night Shymalan, based on a script from his daughter, Ishana, who also directs this film. It is an intriguing concept with a solid cast, led by Dakota Fanning, and a good trailer. It's a b...

  Memorial Day Weekend always presents plenty of blockbuster movie options and this year didn’t disappoint. 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. Atlas (Netflix) Starring : Jennifer Lopez, Sterling K. Brown, Simu Liu, and Mark Strong Synopsis : We’re firmly in the summer movie season. That means a season of ambitious, CGI-heavy blockbusters. But, as has been the case for the past few years, you don’t have to exclusively travel to theaters to get your blockbuster fix. In fact, Netflix has an option for those looking to enjoy a blockbuster story from the comfort of home this Memorial Day Weekend. The newest film from Netflix, Atlas, streams starting May 24. It has a star-studded cast led by Jennifer Lopez and including Brown, Strong, and Liu. It’s got a unique concept, a strong look, and plenty of high-octane action. The film is set in an alternate world where A.I. has risen with ...

  We’re nearing the end of May. The traditional Network season has wrapped but we’re still getting a slow trickle of new scripted series. But what 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 Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Streaming Series: Tires, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered May 23) About : This new sitcom for Netflix comes from Shane Gillis, who co-stars. It’s a short commitment—a six-episode season with no episode more than 22 minutes. It’s about a pair of cousins working at a location in the family’s automotive franchise, Valley Forge. Though Will (Steve Geben) tries hard to find creative ways to boost the business and impress his father, Shane (Gillis) is kind of in it for a paycheck and a good time. Most of Will’s schemes backfire and Shane is there to compound the issues. The first two episodes moved at a decent pace and the humor works fine, t...

  The 2024 NFL Draft is over, so it's time to analyze the position groups. Today, I conclude with tight ends. Below is my Top 50. Top 50 Tight Ends: 1 Sam Laporta 2 Trey McBride 3 Kyle Pitts 4 Travis Kelce 5 Dalton Kincaid 6 Mark Andrews 7 TJ Hockenson 8 Evan Engram 9 George Kittle 10 Brock Bowers 11 Jake Ferguson 12 David Njoku 13 Pat Freiermuth 14 Dallas Goedert 15 Dalton Schultz 16 Cole Kmet 17 Ben Sinnott 18 Cade Otton 19 Ja'Tavion Sanders 20 Chigoziem Okonkwo 21 Luke Musgrave 22 Theo Johnson 23 Erick All 24 Hunter Henry 25 Jonnu Smith 26 Tyler Higbee 27 Noah Fant 28 Dawson Knox 29 Isaiah Likely 30 Michael Mayer 31 Cade Stover 32 Tucker Kraft 33 Zach Ertz 34 Mike Gesicki 35 Greg Dulcich 36 Harrison Bryant 37 Irv Smith Jr 38 Tyler Conklin 39 Adam Trautman 40 Gerald Everett 41 Juwan Johnson 42 Will Dissly 43 Taysom Hill 44 Cole Turner 45 Brenton Strange 46 Jared Wiley 47 Tip Reiman 4...

  Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, it's time to analyze the Broncos' roster. I'll be looking at each position group over the next few weeks as we lead into Training Camp in July. Today, I continue with a look at the linebackers. On the Roster : Baron Browning, Jonathan Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Eliss, Drew Sanders, Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Justin Strnad, Jonas Griffith, Jaylon Allen, Levelle Bailey, Thomas Incoom, Alex Mock, Ronnie Perkins, and Durell Nchami About : This is an interesting position. With Sanders' injury, it's clear he'll miss the season. That hurts the Broncos' depth, but likely creates an opening for what is now a deep roster position. When you talk about linebackers, too, there are two modes. The team plays a 3-4, meaning four linebackers on the field. In fact, usually the two outside linebackers are the pass rushing force. So, players are competing as pass rushers and as traditional linebackers in the middle. I suspect thi...

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! Master Splinter: My son, Michelangelo, you have heart. Donatello, you have wisdom. Raphael, you have bravery. And Leonardo... honor! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) Starring : Ayo Edebri, Jackie Chan, Micah Abbey, Brady Noon, Shamon Brown, Jr., Nicholas Cantu, John Cena, Seth Rogen, Ice Cube, and Giancarlo Esposito Director: Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears About : This is one of the newest films on this list. I quite enjoyed the crop of animated films in 2023, a number of which didn't get enough love for me. This film is one of them. We've seen the Ninja Turtles adapted to film a few times. This is one of the best, capturing a unique take...

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.  Sheriff J. P. Harrah : Cole, they laughed at me. Right in front of McLeod, they just laughed at me. Cole: They've been laughing at you for a couple of months. You just haven't being sober enough to hear it. El Dorado (1966) Starring: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, and Ed Asner Director : Howard Hawks About : Here we get another entry from Wayne, who as I noted makes plenty of appearances. Here he's paired with Hawks as director and Mitchum as his co-star. Wayne plays a gunslinger who's offered a job he doesn't take. When he discovers someone else is taking it, threatening his friend, the Sheriff (Mitchum), he heads to town to help with the fight. We get a young Caan here, and Asner as the antagonist. It's a good cast and a good story that...

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, I conclude my look with the Best Picture winner, Million Dollar Baby Frankie Dunn : [to Maggie] All right. I'm gonna disconnect your air machine, then you're gonna go to sleep. Then I'll give you a shot, and you'll... stay asleep. Mo cuishle means "My darling, my blood." Million Dollar Baby Starring : Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, and Morgan Freeman Director: Clint Eastwood About : Sometimes a movie hits you like a ton of bricks. It's fair to say there have been few bait-and-switch moments in movies in the last 20 years that hit harder than the one in this film. If you've never seen it, you might want to go check it out then come back to this recap. But, it's been 20 years, so I'm going to progress forward. This was marketed as a sports movie. Better ...

  As we move deeper into the summer season we’re getting some family-friendly options. Those among, others, are part of this week’s movie review roundup, which also includes the latest big screen musical biopic. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Back to Black (Theaters) Starring: Marisa Abela, Eddie Marsan, and Jack O’Connell Synopsis : By this point, most everyone has heard and appreciated Amy Winehouse’s music. But what do we know about her life? She was the subject of a 2015 documentary, but now she’s also the subject of this biopic from director Sam Taylor-Johnson. In it, we follow Amy (Abela) through her highs and lows, including some iconic performances, her relationship with her father (Marsan), and her troubled relationship—and marriage—to Blake (O’Connell). Through it all her star burns bright but also burns out quickly, as the singer died at just 27 years old. We’ve seen plenty of biopics, especially in recent yea...

  We’re quickly racing toward summer, and with it the close of the Emmy consideration window. That means we’re seeing a bit of a slowdown in the rate of new series. But we still have some new series to consider, so which of them are worth your time? Let this weekly post be your guide as I look at the pilot and second episode of new scripted, and select unscripted, series this Spring. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Fridays: The Big Cigar, Streaming Fridays on Apple TV+ (Premiered May 17) About : The latest from Apple is a biopic focused on Huey P. Newton, the founder of the Black Panthers. The series finds Andre Holland in the role, focusing on 1974, when Newton conspired with movie producers Bert Schneider (Alessandro Nivola) and Steve Blauner (P.J. Byrne) to find a way to get to Cuba and avoid a police pursuit tied to charges he denied. The first two episodes, released Friday, were directed by Don Cheadle and the series was created by Jim Hecht. The episo...

  The 2024 NFL Draft is over, so it's time to analyze the position groups. Today, I continue with wide receivers. Below is my Top 100. Top 100 WRs: 1 Ja'Marr Chase 2 Justin Jefferson 3 CeeDee Lamb 4 Garrett Wilson 5 Amon-Ra St. Brown 6 AJ Brown 7 Michael Pittman Jr 8 Tyreek Hill 9 Drake London 10 Marvin Harrison Jr. 11 Brandon Aiyuk 12 Puka Nacua 13 Deebo Samuel 14 Tee Higgins 15 Chris Olave 16 DK Metcalf 17 DeVonta Smith 18 Jaylen Waddle 19 DJ Moore 20 Nathaniel Dell 21 Malik Nabers 22 Terry McLaurin 23 George Pickens 24 Diontae Johnson 25 Rome Odunze 26 Davante Adams 27 Cooper Kupp 28 Amari Cooper 29 Calvin Ridley 30 Mike Evans 31 Jaxon Smith-Njigba 32 Nico Collins 33 Zay Flowers 34 Christian Kirk 35 Jordan Addison 36 Jayden Reed 37 Xavier Worthy 38 Rashee Rice 39 Romeo Doubs 40 Chris Godwin 41 Stefon Diggs 42 Brian Thomas Jr. 43 Ricky Pearsall 44 Keenan Allen 45 Courtland Sutton 46 La...

  Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, it's time to analyze the Broncos' roster. I'll be looking at each position group over the next few weeks as we lead into Training Camp in July. Today, I continue with a look at the offensive line. On the Roster : Garrett Bolles, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Bailey, Matt Peart, Will Sherman, Alex Palczewski, Alex Forsyth, Calvin Throckmorton, Frank Crum, Sam Mustipher, Demontrey Jacobs, and Nick Gargulio About: How will the Broncos' line be in 2024? That's a question that sits at the heart of the team's success. I like Bolles at left tackle, while Meinerz and Powers are a decent guard tandem. McGlinchey was OK at right tackle, but it's still not a position of strength. And this off-season, the Broncos lost their center. That leaves an inexperienced trio of Wattenberg, Forsyth, and Gargulio potentially competing for the job. That, plus the search for depth, makes this an inte...

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! Sox : [as Izzy is about to jump to the other side of Zurg's ship] Don't look down. Don't look up either. Nothing but space. Sorry, I'm not being helpful, am I? Lightyear (2022) Starring : Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, Taika Waititi, and James Brolin Director : Angus MacLane About : This film is a spin-off of the Toy Story franchise, but it's very different. It's about Buzz Lightyear, the one that inspired the toy. It's a different kind of story that some didn't enjoy. I felt differently. It's not as good as the best of the Toy Story films, but I enjoyed the story and the performances here. There are some fun moments...

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.   Blondie : You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966) Starring : Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach Director : Sergio Leone About : When you think about Westerns, John Wayne is probably first, but not far back on that list is Clint Eastwood. He did a number of films in the genre, including several with Spaghetti Western director Leone. This is probably the most well-remembered, and for good reason. It's a classic story, well told. It also serves as part of a trilogy of films, following A Fist Full of Dollars and For A Few Dollars More . Eastwood is the star in all of them. This is a fun film and an iconic entry in the genre. It's a bit longer, but it's ...

  This week saw the return of Upfronts week, where networks present their Fall schedule to the advertisers. With COVID and last year's strikes, we haven't seen one of these in a bit. It wasn't a complete return to form as CBS launched its schedule well in advance, on May 2. But it was nice to get a roll out and to be targeting a Fall Network Schedule for 2024. With that said, we see some interesting trends. Networks are scaling back on scripted content with a rise in reality, and live sports, on the Fall Schedule. Perhaps that's an effect of the strike both in the expected contraction but also in the fact that networks saw success with a return to reality shows (which are cheaper) and live sports (which are a big ratings grab). Either way, it's clear we're seeing a decline of new scripted shows. Particularly hard hit have been comedies. In fact, ABC only has a single sitcom on its Fall schedule while FOX doesn't have any sitcoms (outside of the Animation Dom...

  We’re into May, the second week in May to be exact. That means we have blockbusters at the theater and some more female-centric fare on streaming in honor of Mother’s Day. Below is a look at my take on the new films I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. The Idea of You (Prime Video) Starring: Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine, Ella Rubin, Annie Mumolo, and Reid Scott Synopsis : It wasn’t the weekend she had planned. Solene (Hathaway), a single mother, had planned a solo camping trip while her ex-husband (Scott) took their daughter (Rubin) and her friends to Coachella. Instead, he gets called to work and she has to shepherd the group to the concert. That includes a VIP meet-and-greet with one of the headlining bands, August Moon. While looking for the VIP bathroom, Solene stumbles into a trailer belonging to Hayes (Galitzine), one of the band’s featured singers. After the awkward meeting, and a flirtatious mee...

  As we reach the middle of May the Upfront presentations are upon us, and the network season is coming to an end. We’re also coming to the end of the Emmy consideration window. All that means that the number of new shows launching is slowing a bit. Still, what of those shows are worth checking 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: Dark Matter, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV+ (Premiered May 8) About : Based on the novel of the same name from Blake Crouch, who helped adapt the series for Apple TV+, this is a twisty science fiction drama. It features Joel Edgerton as Jason Dessen. He once had a bright future on the cutting edge of science, but he gave it up for love nearly two decades ago. Now, he’s a professor, a loving husband to Daniela (Jennifer Connelly), and a father. One evening, he’s attending a party at a bar with an old friend...

  The 2024 NFL Draft is over, so it's time to analyze the position groups. Today, I continue with running backs. Below is my Top 100. Dynasty Top 100 RBs: 1 Christian McCaffrey 2 Bijan Robinson 3 Breece Hall 4 Jonathan Taylor 5 Jahmyr Gibbs 6 Saquon Barkley 7 Josh Jacobs 8 James Cook 9 Nick Chubb 10 Travis Etienne 11 Joe Mixon 12 Isiah Pacheco 13 Rachaad White 14 Kenneth Walker III 15 Kyren Williams 16 Najee Harris 17 Rhamondre Stevenson 18 Trey Benson 19 Derrick Henry 20 Tony Pollard 21 Jonathon Brooks 22 Devon Achane 23 Javonte Williams 24 Zack Moss 25 Alvin Kamara 26 David Montgomery 27 D’Andre Swift 28 Devin Singletary 29 Zamir White 30 Brian Robinson Jr 31 Tyjae Spears 32 Blake Corum 33 Re'Mahn Davis 34 Jaylen Wright 35 Audric Estime 36 Aaron Jones 37 Gus Edwards 38 Zach Charbonnet 39 Chuba Hubbard 40 Jerome Ford 41 Chase Brown 42 MarShawn Lloyd 43 Roschon Johnson 44 Braelon Allen 45 ...

  Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, it's time to analyze the Broncos' roster. I'll be looking at each position group over the next few weeks as we lead into Training Camp in July. Today, I continue with a look at the defensive line. On the Roster : Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, John Franklin-Myers, Malcolm Roach, Rashard Lawrence, Matt Henningsen, Elijah Garcia, Jordan Jackson, Eiyoma Uwazurike, and Angelo Blackson About: This is shaping up to be a good, strong, and deeper group for the Broncos. The team added Roach as a free agent and brought in Franklin-Myers via trade. That goes along with recent additions of Jones and Allen as free agents in the past few seasons. That's the beginnings of some improvement in a group that's been something of a weak link on a good defense for a couple seasons.  The question is how many and who makes the final roster. Uwazurike was an interesting prospect, but he was suspended for the whole 2023 season. That doesn't bode w...

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! Poppy : You have to be able to listen to other voices, even when they don't agree with you. They make us stronger, more creative, more inspired. So whether your song is sad and heartfelt, loud and defiant, or warm and funky, or even if you're a little bit of each, it's all these sounds and all our differences that make our world a richer place. Because you can't harmonize alone. Trolls World Tour (2020) Starring : Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Rachel Bloom, Kelly Clarkson, and Sam Rockwell Director : Walt Dohrn and David P. Smith About : This sequel to Trolls dropped at the worst possible time during the midst of the pandemic. And yet, havin...

  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.  Marian Starrett : Guns aren't going to be my boy's life! Joey : Why do you always have to spoil everything? Shane : A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that. Marian Starrett : We'd all be much better off if there wasn't a single gun left in this valley - including yours. Shane (1953) Starring : Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Brandon De Wilde, and Jack Palance Director : George Stevens About : Not all Westerns get a happy ending. That's certainly the case for Shane, which tells the story of an old gunslinger trying to find a life of peace. He settles with a family on a farm and tries to leave violence behind. But when an antagonis...