Matt's Musings

 Another week of double-digit correct picks. I'm on a roll picking winners, let's see if I can stay hot. NFL Picks, Week 9 Texans Over Jets Cowboys Over Falcons Bills Over Dolphins Bengals Over Raiders Browns Over Chargers Titans Over Patriots Commanders Over Giants Saints Over Panthers Ravens Over Broncos Bears Over Cardinals Eagles Over Jaguars Lions Over Packers Rams Over Seahawks Vikings Over Colts Chiefs Over Buccaneers Last Week : 10-6 Season : 80-43 NFL Picks Spread, Week 9 Texans +.5 Over Jets Cowboys +2.5 Over Falcons Bills -6.5 Over Dolphins Raiders +7.5 Over Bengals Browns +1.5 Over Chargers Titans -2.5 Over Patriots Commanders -2.5 Over Giants Panthers +6.5 Over Saints Broncos +9.5 Over Ravens Bears +1.5 Over Cardinals Eagles -7.5 Over Jaguars Lions -4.5 Over Packers Rams +.5 Over Seahawks Vikings -5.5 Over Colts Buccaneers +8.5 Over Chiefs Last Week : 6-10 Season : 63-60

The last weekend in October brought some interesting films, including a strong group of streaming options. Below is my thoughts on the new movies I saw this week. Want to keep up with everything I’m watching? Follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Canary Black (Prime Video) Starring : Kate Beckinsale, Rupert Friend, and Ray Stevenson Synopsis: This new action film for Prime Video comes from director Pierre Morel, who gave us the Taken franchise. Here, we have a CIA Agent, Avery Graves (Beckinsale), who is at the top of her game. She works for her best friend and mentor (Stevenson) in Europe. She’s married (Friend), but her husband isn’t part of the life. That leaves her to balance the personal and professional. But when her husband is kidnapped, and those that have him demand she steal a secret file from the CIA, the personal and professional become merged. This one had good action sequences and moved at a good pace. Morel has a good feel for delivering a tight action film. The acto...

We’re almost to Halloween, meaning November is hot on our heels. Still, we’re getting plenty of new series to choose from on TV. So, what of these series 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. Mondays: Poppa’s House, Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS (Premiered October 21) About : This new sitcom features Damon Wayans and his son, Damon Wayans, Jr., as a father-and-son who are trying to live life together. They are next-door neighbors, but they’re in each other’s lives quite a bit. The second episode picked up the pace a bit. I like the Wayans together and there were some more humorous moments here. It’s not incredible, but it feels like its growing into a solid series. Pilot Grade : C- Second Episode : C Thursdays: Mandy and Georgie’s First Marriage, Thursdays at 8 p.m. on CBS (Premiered October 17) About : This is a spin-off of You...

Week 8 : Denver Broncos 28, Carolina Panthers 14 Season Record : 5-3 (2-2 Home) Key Play : In the third quarter, Bo Nix connected with Jaleel McLaughlin on a nine-yard touchdown pass to give the team a 21-point lead. Recap : The Broncos have hit a good portion of the schedule and they've done well. With back-to-back wins, and five wins in the last six games, the team now sits at 5-3. That's a great start. The Broncos face three tough games coming up, starting with back-to-back road games against the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. That will teach us a lot about this team. But, for now, Nix is looking strong and the Broncos are showing some signs of team growth. Game Balls: * Courtland Sutton . Sutton caught eight passes for 100 yards and completed a 28-yard pass. * Jaleel McLaughlin . He led the Broncos in rushing with 47 yards on eight carries, and had a touchdown pass. * Pat Surtain II and Ja'Quan McMillian . The Broncos corners registered a pair of interceptions...

  As we hit November, we're full on into award season, while also featuring some big blockbusters. Let's dive in! Friday, November 1: Here (Theaters ): This is a high concept idea from Robert Zemeckis. It features Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, and features a story told in a single location from a static camera over time. It looks interesting. A Real Pain (Theaters): The Sundance darling is now appearing for audiences in theaters. It comes from Jesse Eisenberg and features a great performance from Kieran Culkin. This is an awards contender. Juror No. 2 (Theaters): This is the latest from director Clint Eastwood. It's a courtroom thriller featuring Zoey Deutch and Nicholas Hoult. This hasn't been marketed much, so I remain curious. Wednesday, November 6: Meet Me Next Christmas (Netflix) : The latest from Netflix is a holiday season starring Christina Millian. For those looking for a fun holiday tale, this will hit the spot. Friday, November 8: Heretic (Theaters) : This is...

  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! Kristoff : You want to talk about a problem? I sell ice for a living. Anna : Ooh, that's a rough business to be in right now. That is really. Ahem. That's unfortunate. Frozen (2013) Starring : Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff Director : Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee About : I know that we've probably seen some overexposure to Frozen at this point. That's certainly true of the signature song, "Let It Go." But when it came out 11 years ago, it was a revelation. The comedy and the story were a lot of fun, and the music really stuck with you. That's why it's become a phenomenon and such a big part of the Di...

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.  Margaret Blackledge : I know what I've lost. George Blackledge : Sometimes that's all life is, Margaret. The list of what we've lost. Let Him Go (2020) Starring: Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Lesley Manville, and Jeffrey Donovan Director: Thomas Bezucha About: A staple of the Western genre is loss followed by confrontation to safeguard the innocent we love. This film, though set in a modern context, perfectly captures that idea. Just after he'd begun his tenure as the patriarch of the Dutton family, Costner gave us a stirring modern Western on the big screen. As I've noted, I love him in this genre and I loved him in this role. He and Lane are very good in this film and the action sequences work well, too. I also enjoy Manville in the villainous role. T...

 Week 8 of the NFL Season is here. I had another 10 correct picks in both straight and picks against the spread. Let's keep the double-digit good times rolling. NFL Picks, Week 8 : Vikings Over Rams Ravens Over Browns Lions Over Titans Dolphins Over Cardinals Jets Over Patriots Falcons Over Buccaneers Packers Over Jaguars Texans Over Colts Eagles Over Bengals Chargers Over Saints Bills Over Seahawks Bears Over Commanders Broncos Over Panthers Chiefs Over Raiders 49ers Over Cowboys Steelers Over Giants Last Week : 10-5 Season : 70-37 NFL Picks Spread, Week 8: Vikings -2.5 Over Lions Ravens -9.5 Over Browns Lions -11.5 Over Titans Dolphins -3.5 Over Cardinals Jets -7.5 Over Patriots Falcons +2.5 Over Buccaneers Packers -4.5 Over Jaguars Texans -5.5 Over Colts Eagles +2.5 Over Bengals Saints +7.5 Over Chargers Bills -2.5 Over Seahawks Bears -2.5 Over Commanders Broncos -7.5 Over Panthers Chiefs -9.5 Over Raiders Cowboys +5.5 Over 49ers Steelers -6.5 Over Giants Last Week : 10-5 Season...

  We’re cruising toward Halloween and we’re also nearing the rest of the Fall holiday season, which means some interesting streaming options. Below is a look at the new movies I caught this week. If you want to keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Brothers (Prime Video) Starring: Josh Brolin, Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Brendan Fraser, and Glenn Close Synopsis: This new comedy is set near Thanksgiving, so it feels like Prime Video sprung it on us a little early. That being said, it’s a fun cast and an interesting premise. It focuses on unlikely twin brothers (Brolin and Dinklage) who were born into a family of criminals. Jady (Dinklage) is just out of prison from his last job gone wrong. He sprung his release thanks to a corrupt guard (Fraser) who wants a piece of his next job. He looks up his brother, Moke (Brolin), who is trying to go straight. Moke is married (Paige) and expecting a child. But he’s recently lost his job, so his brot...

We’re making our way through October and our flow of new shows is moving at a good clip. We have new series on streaming and on network, as CBS got into the Fall Premier Game this week. Below are the new shows of the week, but what of them are worth checking out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted series, and select unscripted series, that debuted this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Mondays: Poppa’s House, Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on CBS (Premiered October 21) About : The latest CBS sitcom features Damon Wayans, and his son Damon Wayans, Jr., as an adult father-and-son who still live next to each other and are daily in each other's lives. The elder Wayans is a podcast host looking to get his edge back. The younger is trying to find his place in the world. The pilot felt a little stiff, though the stars are likeable enough. It's an OK premise and we'll see how it develops. So far, I wasn...

  Week 7: Denver Broncos 33, New Orleans Saints 10 Season Record : 4-3 (1-2 Home) Key Play : In the fourth quarter, with the Broncos leading 26-3, Cody Barton snapped up a fumble recovery from Spencer Rattler and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown, making it 33-3. The Broncos held on to win. Recap : It was a good night for Denver. Sometimes it feels like a tale of two teams on offense. Last week, the Broncos couldn't get the offense or the ground game going. Thursday night, the Broncos were able to establish the running game, which helped feed everything else. Bo Nix looked solid, if unspectacular, and the defense was stout despite missing Patrick Surtain. Overall, it was a good night and a positive sign. The Broncos are now 4-3 heading into a battle with the Carolina Panthers in Week 8. After that, it's three tough games in a row with the Ravens, Chiefs, and Falcons. That will go a long way toward showing whether the Broncos are ready for a playoff run, or just showing some...

  Films released in 1994 will turn 30 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, it's a classic journalism film. Alicia : We're not exactly the Washington Post, okay? Michael McDougal : No, we're not. We run stupid headlines because we think they're funny. We run maimings on the front page because we got good art. And I spend three weeks bitching about my car because it sells papers. But at least it's the truth. As far as I can remember we never ever, ever knowingly got a story wrong, until tonight. The Paper Starring : Michael Keaton, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei, Randy Quaid, and Jason Alexander Director : Ron Howard About : I love journalism films and I love Michael Keaton, so no doubt this was a match that was going to appeal to me. In a lot of ways, this film spurred me toward following a career in journalism and writing. I saw it when I was in high 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! Marcel : [about the laundry room] It's not the safest place to be. My cousin fell asleep in a pocket. And that's why I don't like the saying, 'everything comes out of the wash'. Because sometimes it doesn't, and other times it does but they're like a completely different person. Because after that, my cousin would just sit by the window and wait for fire trucks to come by. Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (2021) Starring : Jenny Slate, Dean Fleischer Camp, and Isabella Rossellini Director : Dean Fleischer Camp About : This delightful little film began as a series of shorts that gained popularity. Eventually, that was enough to lead t...

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.  Doc Holliday : I'm your huckleberry... Tombstone (1993) Starring : Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Michael Biehn, and Powers Boothe Director: George P. Cosmatos and Kevin Jarre About: There have been many versions of the events at the O.K. Corral and the life of Wyatt Earp over the years. Of those, this is my favorite. This week we move into the Top 10 of this countdown and we start with a banger. Yes, Russell is solid in the role of Earp. And the big confrontation at the O.K. Corral is fun in this version. But what really makes this hum is Kilmer, who gives one of his best performances as Doc Holliday. He is so much fun here, and his swagger really takes this film to another level for me. I enjoy the heck out of this film.

 I am on fire of late. I was nearly perfect in straight picks and I'm back over .500 in picks against the spread. Let's stay hot for Week 7! NFL Picks, Week 7: Saints Over Broncos Jaguars Over Patriots Falcons Over Seahawks Bills Over Titans Bengals Over Browns Texans Over Packers Colts Over Dolphins Lions Over Vikings Eagles Over Giants Rams Over Raiders Commanders Over Panthers 49ers Over Chiefs Steelers Over Jets Ravens Over Buccaneers Chargers Over Cardinals Last Week : 13-1 Season : 60-32 NFL Picks Spread, Week 7: Saints +1.5 Over Broncos Patriots +5.5 Over Jaguars Seahawks +3.5 Over Falcons Bills -8.5 Over Titans Bengals -4.5 Over Browns Texans +2.5 Over Packers Colts -3.5 Over Dolphins Lions +2.5 Over Vikings Eagles -3.5 Over Giants Rams -5.5 Over Raiders Commanders -7.5 Over Panthers 49ers -1.5 Over Chiefs Steelers +.5 Over Jets Ravens -3.5 Over Buccaneers Chargers -2.5 Over Cardinals Last Week : 10-4 Season : 47-45

  As we continue through October, we’re continuing to get a flurry of new releases, including plenty of streaming options befitting the Spooky Season. 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 Apprentice (Theaters) Starring : Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, and Maria Bakalova Synopsis: Sometimes we get biopics that help explore a subject who we know little about. Sometimes it’s meant to give us a window into who they are—or who they would become. The Apprentice—which focuses on a young Donald Trump (Stan) and Roy Cohn (Strong)—falls into the latter category. The film picks up the action in the 1970s as Trump is trying to make a name for himself and build a business—and a brand. That means both trying to please his father Fred (Martin Donovan) and trying to find a way to get ahead in spite of him. The film follows Trump’s life and career over about a decade. It shows his meeting ...

We’re into October now, and we’re seeing an uptick of Spooky Season content as we get ready for Halloween. We’re also on the cusp of another wave of premiers as more networks kick off their seasons. That leaves plenty of viewing options, but which new shows are for you? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted and select unscripted series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: NCIS: Origins, Mondays at 10 p.m. on CBS (Premiered October 14) About: Have you ever wondered how Leroy Jethro Gibbs got his start with NCIS? If so, you’re in luck. This new spin-off to the franchise is a prequel. It kicks off with Gibbs (Mark Harmon) building a fire and thinking back, beginning to weave a story “he doesn’t ever tell.” Quickly we transition to Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in 1991 in California. He’s just been hired by NIS (the forerunner to NCIS) despite failing his psychology exam. He’s in a raw state. He’s just...

  Week 6 : Los Angeles Chargers 23, Denver Broncos 16 Season Record : 3-3 (1-2 Home) Key Play : In the Fourth Quarter, with the score 23-13, the Broncos went for a two-point conversion. Marvin Mims, Jr., came up short. That left it a two-score game, dictating the Broncos path. Recap : This was a tough game. The Broncos really struggled in the first half on both sides of the ball. The Chargers scored on all four possessions, while the Broncos couldn't get anything going. That led to a 20-0 deficit. To the team's credit, it was a 16-3 second half that cut it down and made the game close. The Broncos' offense is still wildly uneven. The biggest loss was Patrick Surtain, who went out with a concussion on the first play of the game for the Chargers. The Broncos felt that loss in the first half. In the second half, the defense was much better. But, still, the team wasn't able to generate enough to come back. Now, the Broncos have to play on a short week, which will be somethi...

Films released in 1994 will turn 30 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, it's a murder mystery set in the era of Radio. Announcer : And that's it from WBN in Chicago. If it wasn't clear before, it's certainly clear now; There'll never be anything quite like... radio. Radioland Murders Starring : Brian Benben, Mary Stuart Masterson, Ned Beatty, Scott Michael Campbell, Jeffrey Tambor, and Christopher Lloyd Director : Mel Smith About : As a writer and director, George Lucas has his challenges. But as a producer and an idea man, he's incredible. This little film is based on a story from Lucas, who served as a producer. It has a great cast and has a lot of humor and drama. This is a hidden gem that didn't have a huge audience, but it's become a cult classic. For those that love a good yarn, this one is worth seeking out and checking out. You'll be gla...

  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! Moonwind: You know, lost souls are not that different from those in the zone. The zone is enjoyable, but when that joy becomes an obsession, one becomes disconnected from life. Soul (2020) Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Richard Ayoade, and Graham Norton Director: Pete Docter and Kemp Powers About: This film got the streaming role out on Christmas in the midst of a pandemic. It might not have gotten the high-profile release it deserved, but it remains one of my favorite Pixar films. I like the idea this film and the way it's been put together. Foxx and Fey are fun here, and the film is funny, emotional, and compelling. The animated sty...

  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.  Mattie Ross : You must pay for everything in this world, one way or another. There is nothing free except the grace of God. True Grit (2010) Starring : Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin Director : Joel and Ethan Coen About : Yes, John Wayne made the character of Rooster Cogburn famous. His version of True Grit is considered a classic, and even inspired a sequel. And yet, the Coen brothers plied their talent to adapting the novel in a new version in 2010. Bridges steps into the role and is incredible. The original is on this list, but it's the Coen Brothers version that I have a great appreciation for. The writing is crisp and the performances are great from Bridges, Steinfeld, and Damon. It's an engaging and beautifully crafted film tha...

 Week 6 of the NFL Season is here. I was on fire with straight picks but I have work to do picking against the Spread. Let's see how I fare in Week 6. NFL Picks, Week 6: NFL Picks, Week 6: 49ers Over Seahawks Bears Over Jaguars Packers Over Cardinals Colts Over Titans Texans Over Patriots Buccaneers Over Saints Eagles Over Browns Ravens Over Commanders Broncos Over Chargers Steelers Over Raiders Lions Over Cowboys Falcons Over Panthers Bengals Over Giants Bills Over Jets Last Week : 10-4 Season : 47-31 NFL Picks Spread, Week 6: 49ers -3.5 Over Seahawks Bears -2.5 Over Jaguars Packers -4.5 Over Cardinals Colts -.5 Over Titans Texans -6.5 Over Patriots Buccaneers -2.5 Over Saints Eagles -8.5 Over Browns Commanders +6.5 Over Ravens Broncos +2.5 Over Chargers Steelers -2.5 Over Raiders Lions -3.5 Over Cowboys Falcons -6.5 Over Panthers Giants +3.5 Over Bengals Bills -2.5 Over Jets Last Week : 9-5 Season : 37-41

October began much as September ended, with a flood of new releases. That includes some highly anticipated releases. 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. A Different Man (Theaters) Starring : Sebastian Stan, Adam Pearson, and Renate Reinsve Synopsis : We all have things about ourselves we wish were different. But what happens when those outward issues are removed? Does it mean we can live the perfect life? That’s part of the heart of this new film, which features Stan as a man with a face mutation that has led him to lead a life in the shadows. But when he undergoes a radical new procedure that fixes his face, he still doesn’t find perfection. When he encounters another man (Pearson) who never let his affliction dictate his life, Edward begins to realize it’s not the outside but the person inside that’s long been part of the problem. The ideas here are interesting, as is the way this film ...