Matt's Musings

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 Wide Receivers. On the Roster: Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Tim Patrick, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, Brandon Johnson, Lil' Jordan Humphrey, Phillip Dorsett, David Sills V, Michael Bandy, Jalen Vigil, and Devaughn Vele About : This is an interesting group. Jerry Jeudy is gone, so that's one less target. With the rest of the makeover on offense, it's possible this group changes, too. Sutton wants a new contract and has been the subject of constant trade rumors. The team says he's staying, but will that be the case? Only time will tell. If he stays, he's the best receiver on the team. If he goes, this becomes something of a wide open group. The other question is how many the Broncos will keep. I think the team keeps six, though it...

  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! Wreck-It Ralph: My name's Ralph, and I'm a bad guy. Uh, let's see... I'm nine feet tall, I weigh six hundred and forty-three pounds. Got a bit of a temper on me. My passion bubbles very near the surface, I guess, not gonna lie. Anyhoo, what else? Uh... I'm a wrecker. I wreck things, professionally. I mean, I'm very good at what I do. Probably the best I know. Thing is, fixing's the name of the game. Literally. "Fix-It Felix, Jr." So yeah, naturally, the guy with the name Fix-It Felix is the good guy. He's nice enough as good guys go. Definitely fixes stuff really well. But, uh, if you got a magic hammer from your fat...

  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.  Rollin H Parker: As you no doubt heard from your neighbors, our railroad is moving west... Jesse James: Well, that makes sense as, see, east would put you under water. American Outlaws (2001) Starring : Colin Farrell, Gabriel Macht, Scott Caan, Ali Larter, Will McCormick, and Timothy Dalton Director : Les Mayfield About : There are films that are serious and ones that take the genre in a lighter, more fan-oriented direction. This film falls into that latter category. It's about Jesse James, the famous outlaw. It's about his gang and their work robbing banks. But this isn't a serious exploration of the man or the topic. It does have some fun action, a fun script, and a pretty great cast. Farrell is Jesse James, while Macht plays his brother, Frank, and Caan ...

  We're into July, the heart of summer. We're getting a couple of the most hotly anticipated blockbusters of the year this month, as well as a couple edgy horror offerings. Let's dive in. Wednesday, July 3: * Despicable Me 4 (Theaters): The fourth adventure in this animated franchise finds Gru (Steve Carell) on another adventure. With him are the Minions, who this time get some special powers. This looks fine, another solid entry in a decent animated franchise. *Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. (Netflix): It's been 40 years since the first Beverly Hills Cop film, and 30 years since the last installment in the franchise. That's a long layoff. I've always enjoyed Eddie Murphy in this role and these films, so I'm curious to see it back in action. Thursday, July 4: * Space Cadet (Prime Video): For the Fourth of July, we get this comedy about Emma Roberts as a Florida party girl who ends up in the Space Program. This should be a lot of fun. Friday, July 5: * MaXXXin...

  We’re into June and we’re getting an interesting mix of new releases. This week saw the wide release of a film that got buzz near the end of 2023. Below is my take on that and others I saw this week. The Bikeriders (Theaters) Starring : Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, and Jodie Comer Synopsis: This film, from writer/director Jeff Nichols, is based on the book of the same name and made the rounds at festivals late in 2023. It seemed like a potential contender in last year’s awards until it got pushed to this summer. The film takes place between 1965 and 1973 and follows the Vandals Motorcycle Club in Chicago. We get a view into the club via Kathy (Comer), who provides some interviews with Danny (Mike Faist), a young photographer who is following and documenting the club for a book. Kathy is an outsider at first, but when she meets Benny (Butler), it’s love at first sight. Benny is a member of the Vandals and practically the right-hand man to its leader, Johnny (Hardy). Soon, Kathy is p...

  The third season of Welcome to Wrexham, the FX documentary series, wrapped up this month. It was another thrilling and emotional journey with the Wrexham Football Club, following a little Welsh team and town on a sports odyssey. The show was made because the team was purchased by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, two American actors. And, initially, it was their presence that was a big part of the draw of the series. While the owners, and their interviews, are still fun, it's the people and this journey that's the real appeal. I am not a big fan of soccer, so I wasn't sold on this concept. But from the moment I watched the pilot, I was drawn to this story. It's a great exploration of the town, its history, and the players and people that populate Wrexham. It's a true under dog story. The team had been stuck in the lowest division for years, and the goal of Rob and Ryan was to help build a champion and get a promotion. But what's made it fun along the way are t...

  Films released in 1999 will turn 25 this year. Over the next few months, I'll be looking at some of the memorable films from that year, including some of my favorites. Today, I'm continuing with another blockbuster that changed films. Bob Porter : Looks like you've been missing a lot of work lately. Peter Gibbons : I wouldn't say I've been *missing* it, Bob. Office Space Starring : Ron Livingston, Jennifer Anniston, Gary Cole, Stephen Root, Diedrich Bader, David Herman, and Ajay Naidu Director : Mike Judge About : Have you ever struggled with your job? If you have, you can likely identify with Office Space . Even if you're just a fan of a good comedy, you can probably identify with Office Space . Judge gave us a lot of interesting comedies, including the animated series Beavis & Butthead and King of the Hill . But here is a live-action film that continues that vibe in a dysfunctional, modern office. Cole is great as the clueless boss, while Herman and Nai...

  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 Running Backs. On the Roster : Brandon Jones, Caden Sterns, P.J. Locke, Delarrin Turner-Yell, JL Skinner, Devon Key, Omar Brown, Tanner McCalister, and Keidron Smith About : This is a group in transition. Gone are veterans Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, who headlined this group for years. Now, the team is ready to go with some young players who've shown potential. Can Sterns stay healthy? Can Locke do it again? That will likely determine how good this group can be in 2024. The Broncos are likely to keep 10 for the secondary, but as I mentioned I think that could well be six cornerbacks and just four at safety. That makes the competition for the final spot something of an interesting challenge. I think Sterns, assuming health, Locke, and veter...

  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! Raya : The world is broken, you can't trust anyone. Sisu: Maybe it's broken, because you don't trust anyone, you just have to take the first step. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) Starring : Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Benedict Wong, and Daniel Dae Kim Director : Don Hall, Paul Briggs, and Carlos Lopez Estrada About : I remember when I first saw this film, which released on Disney+ during the middle of the pandemic. It was beautiful and moving, a film I wish I'd seen on the big screen. When I watch it today, I feel the same way. Tran is wonderful as the lead voice, while Awkwafina is great as the dragon Sisu. The humor here works,...

  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.  Agent Sands : El, you really must try this because it's puerco pibil. It's a slow-roasted pork, nothing fancy. It just happens to be my favorite, and I order it with a tequila and lime in every dive I go to in this country. And honestly, that is the best it's ever been anywhere. In fact, it's too good. It's so good that when I'm finished, I'll pay my check, walk straight into the kitchen and shoot the cook. Because that's what I do. I restore the balance to this country. And that is what I would like from you right now. Help keep the balance by pulling the trigger. Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003) Starring : Antonio Banderas, Selma Hayek, Johnny Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Eva Mendes Director : Robert Rodriguez About : This is the third and f...

  We're getting closer to the 2024 NFL Season, so I'll be taking stock of how I rate groups in the NFL. Today, it's AFC running back rooms. This means taking stock of the whole room. Below is my take on the AFC rooms from No. 1 to No. 16. No. 1: New York Jets About: This is about Breece Hall. He's arguably the best running back in the AFC, and finished as RB2 in 2023 despite being part of a weak offense. Behind him, I liked the acquisition of Braelon Allen, while Israel Abanikanda and Isaiah Davis give them options. So, with Hall at the lead, this was my top group. No. 2: Miami Dolphins About: If the Jets earned the top spot by star talent, it was depth that had me vault the Dolphins to No. 2. The Dolphins have a great group, led by Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane, who formed a great tandem in 2023. The team added a solid rookie in Jaylen Wright, and still has depth veterans like Jeff Wilson and Salvon Ahmed. The only problem with this group is that they might no...

  It was a solid week for new releases, including my favorite animated film of the year. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.  Brats (Hulu) Synopsis : From Andrew McCarthy, this new documentary takes a look at the infamous Brat Pack. The film features interviews with the members as they look back at the title that branded them and helped define some of their career. As a member of the group, McCarthy brings a unique perspective. Often the interviews, with actors such as Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Timothy Hutton, and Demi Moore, among others, feels more like old friends catching up. There’s a sweetness and a lightness to the documentary that is incredibly appealing. The film does a good job of capturing the highs and lows, and helping these actors and actresses give an account of what the pressure of that time—and these high-profile films—meant in their lives and their careers. As a child of the 1980s, I was fascinating by t...

  We’re making our way through June and we’re seeing a lot of different kind of programming on the small screen. That includes reality, re-runs, and special engagements. That limits the number of new scripted series, and yet we have some. And of those new shows, which should you be seeking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series this summer. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Wednesdays: Presumed Innocent, Streaming Wednesdays on Apple TV+ (Premiered June 12) About: The latest for Apple is a re-make of a feature film from writer David E. Kelley. The film—starring Harrison Ford—was released in 1990. The series, which like the film is based on the novel from Scott Turow, features Jake Gyllenhaal as a prosecutor in Chicago who finds himself dropped into a powder keg with a young attorney in his office is found murdered. He’s assigned the case by the current prosecutor, Raymond Horgan (Bill Camp), wh...

Films released in 1999 will turn 25 this year. Over the next few months, I'll be looking at some of the memorable films from that year, including some of my favorites. Today, I'm continuing with another blockbuster that changed films. Rick: The Book of the Dead? Are you sure you want to be playing around with this thing? Evelyn: It's just a book. No harm ever came from... reading a book. The Mummy Starring : Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Oded Fehr, and Arnold Vosloo Director: Stephen Sommers About: This is another film that was part of the epic summer slate in 1999. It's been re-made in the 25 years since its release, as a more somber take starring Tom Cruise that flopped. This original film also spawned a pair of sequels, the best of which was the second film released in 2001, and a spin-off for Sommers as he tried to create his own monsterverse. This was a re-visiting of a story that was first introduced in the classic film from 1932. It's fair to...

  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 Running Backs. On the Roster : Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, Blake Watson, and Michael Burton About: This is a solid group and one that has options. That's good for the Broncos, but it could be bad for some of those players trying to make the active roster. The Broncos kept three tailbacks and a fullback in 2023. They could keep an additional player, but given the needs at other positions and the likelihood the Broncos will keep three quarterbacks on the active roster, I think a total of four at the position makes sense. Burton, the team's fullback, has a specific role and set of skills. I think his job is probably safe. So, if we consider him one of the backs, that narrows it to three options...

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! Wade Ripple : Sometimes, when I lose my temper, I think it's just me trying to tell me something I'm not ready to hear. Elemental (2023) Starring : Mamoudou Athie, Leah Lewis, Wendi McClendon-Covey, and Catherine O'Hara Director : Peter Sohn About : This was a fantastic release from last year. I thought 2023 was a year rich in animated films, and Elemental was one of my favorites. It was our yearly release from Pixar, with a unique story and concept and lacking star power in the voice cast. Maybe that's why it went under-the-radar for some many. I have seen the film three times, and it's moved me every time I've seen it. I love the anima...

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.  Maverick : Lord... whatever I've done to piss you off... if you could just get me out of this and somehow let me know what it was I promise to rectify the situation. Maverick (1994) Starring : Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner Director: Richard Donner About : This is a fun movie. It was also a big screen event when it was released with a great top line cast. It is based on an old Wester series from the late 1950s that featured Garner in the titular role. That is, in part, what made it great to have him part of the cast here. In the new movie, Gibson takes the lead as Maverick, a gambler and con man who is just trying to get ahead. Garner plays a marshal, while Foster is the main love interest. It's a fun film from Donner, who had directed a number of clas...

We're getting closer to the 2024 NFL Season, so I'll be taking stock of how I rate groups in the NFL. Today, it's NFC quarterback rooms. This means not just the QB that's likely a starter, but the depth of the room. Below is my rankings, 1-16, of QB rooms in the NFC. No. 1: Philadelphia Eagles About: With the AFC, my argument was that Patrick Mahomes is the best in the conference, giving them a good start at the top of the list. That's certainly also true for the Eagles, where Jalen Hurts is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. And, like the Chiefs, the Eagles worked to improve their depth, adding Kenny Pickett as a backup this off-season. That combination was enough for me to put them at No. 1 overall. No. 2: Atlanta Falcons About : The Falcons have taken a big step up for me this year. Not only did they add a quality veteran starter in Kirk Cousins, they used the No. 8 overall pick to snag a top rookie prospect in Michael Penix, Jr. Those two comb...

  We’re into June and that means plenty of interesting films making their way to our homes via streaming. This week I’m looking at a couple interesting ones I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Am I OK? (Max) Starring : Dakota Johnson, Sonia Mizuno, Jermaine Fowler, Kiersey Clemons, and Molly Gordon Synopsis: We all have a best friend—that one person who knows us best and who we share everything with. In the new streaming film Am I OK?, a pair of best friends get thrown for a loop. Jane (Mizuno) gets offered a big promotion, but it means relocating to London. Lucy (Johnson), still reeling from the prospect of her friend leaving comes to a realization—she’s a lesbian. The two big changes throw the friendship for a loop, as both women deal with the fallout. For Jane, that means navigating her relationship with Danny (Fowler) and for Lucy, it means exploring a crush on her co-worker (Clemons). This film comes fro...

It’s June, so we’re in the midst of summer. It’s a time when some aspects of life begin to slow down, but that doesn’t mean we’re bereft of new content. But which of these 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 summer. Tuesdays: Clipped, Streaming Tuesdays on Hulu (Premiered June 4) About : We know a lot about the history of the Los Angeles Lakers. There was a scripted series on Max the last couple years, in addition to documentaries, docuseries, and other chronicles of the franchise. But what about Los Angeles’s other basketball team? This new series, Clipped, focuses on the tumultuous happenings in 2014 that led to former owner Donald Sterling (Ed O’Neill) being forced to sell the franchise. It was a black mark in the history of a team that doesn’t have much to celebrate. The series, which runs six episodes, focuses on a time when the Clippers, under new coach Doc Rivers (Laure...

  Films released in 1999 will turn 25 this year. Over the next few months, I'll be looking at some of the memorable films from that year, including some of my favorites. Today, I'm continuing with another blockbuster that changed films. The Matrix Starring : Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburn, Joe Pantoliano, and Hugo Weaving Director : The Wachowskis About : I remember when I first saw The Matrix. I had just started college, and we went to see it in IMax, at midnight, at the Universal City Walk. It was a theater unlike I'd ever seen, coming from a small, coastal town. And it was a film unlike anything I'd ever seen. The way the Wachowskis crafted the world, the post-modern swirl of religions and philosophies, and the characters was great. But what was the most amazing was the action. We've seen a lot of progressions in the last 25 years, but I remember seeing bullet time and the action sequences and framing here when it was released. It felt like a c...

  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 Cornerbacks. On the Roster : Patrick Surtain, II, Levi Wallace, Ja'Quan McMillian, Damarri Mathis, Kris Abrams-Draine, Tremon Smith, Riley Moss, Art Green, Reese Taylor, and Quinton Newsome About: This is an interesting group. Surtain is one of the best in the game and one of the best players on the roster. He's a star and locked in as a starter. But what's the rest of the top group? McMillian played well last year, Wallace is a veteran, and the team has some interesting prospects. Who all works themselves into the top group, and how many can the Broncos keep? Those are all questions that will factor greatly into the final roster construction. We'll talk about safeties in a few weeks, but the turnover in that group is another factor i...

  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! Homer Simpson : Hey, Marge. Isn't it great being married to someone who's recklessly impulsive? Marge Simpson : Actually, it's aged me horribly. The Simpsons Movie (2007) Starring : Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Yeardley Smith, Nancy Cartwright, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, and Albert Brooks Director : David Silverman About : The Simpsons are an institution. They began their series run in 1989, when The Cosby Show was still airing original episodes. This feature film brought their action to the Big Screen. It came nearly 20 years into the show's run on the small screen. It's now been nearly 20 years since the film came out and the show ...

  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.   Henry : It can be hard to tell who and what a man is, he's got a mind to convince you otherwise. Old Henry (2021) Starring : Tim Blake Nelson, Stephen Dorff, Trace Adkins, Scott Haze, and Gavin Lewis Director: Potsy Ponciroli About: This is a unique film with an interesting twist. We focus on a widower and a farmer, Henry (Nelson), who is taking care of his son. He comes across a man who is injured and has a saddle bag full of money. Soon, three other men, one of whom is wearing a badge (Dorff), arrive asking about the man. Instead of turning him over, Henry defends him and his property. He shows a level of skill with a gun that's unexpected and, eventually, leads to the revelation of a huge secret regarding who he really is. The twist here is fantastic, but Ne...

  We're getting closer to the 2024 NFL Season, so I'll be taking stock of how I rate groups in the NFL. Today, it's AFC quarterback rooms. This means not just the QB that's likely a starter, but the depth of the room. Below is my rankings, 1-16, of QB rooms in the AFC. No. 1: Kansas City Chiefs About : Patrick Mahomes is probably the best quarterback in the league. So, that gives the Chiefs a leg up. But, remember, this isn't just about starters. The Chiefs added Carson Wentz as a backup, giving them a solid No. 2 option. That helped solidify their spot at No. 1 on the list. No. 2: Houston Texans About : The Texans jump up to No. 2 because they have an explosive starter in C.J. Stroud, but also good depth. The team still has veteran Case Keenum, who has started for a number of teams, and Davis Mills, who was holding down the position before Stroud arrived. They not only have a top-flight young quarterback, they have depth. That landed them at No. 2. No. 3: Buffalo B...