Matt's Musings

  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! Héctor: [sings] Remember me, though I have to say goodbye / Remember me, don't let it make you cry / For even if I'm far away, I hold you in my heart / I sing a secret song to you, each night we are apart / Remember me, though I have to travel far / Remember me, each time you hear a sad guitar / Know that I'm with you, the only way that I can be / Until you're in my arms again, remember me... Coco (2017) Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Benjamin Bratt Director : Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina About : This is my favorite Pixar film, which came as much as a surprise to me as to anyone. I remember when I went to go see this fi...

  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.   Stella: The world is what you make of it, friend. If it doesn't fit, you make alterations. Paden: I'll drink to that. Silverado (1985) Starring: Kevin Kline, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover, Scott Glenn, Brian Dennehy, Jeff Goldblum, and Linda Hunt Director : Lawrence Kasdan About : Some movies have a special connection to you thanks to the person who introduced it to you. For me, with this film, it was thanks to my dad. It's one of his favorite movies and favorites Westerns, and I remember seeing it with him. It didn't take much to realize why he liked it. We have an incredible cast and an incredible scope with this film. The story works well and the way it's been put together is great. Kasdan is a talented writer and director, and he applies that ta...

  I had another good week in the NFL's Week 12. This is Thanksgiving Week with a lot of games throughout the next few days. Below are my Week 13 picks. NFL Picks, Week 13: Lions Over Bears Cowboys Over Giants Packers Over Dolphins Chiefs Over Raiders Falcons Over Chargers Steelers Over Bengals Vikings Over Cardinals Colts Over Patriots Seahawks Over Jets Commanders Over Titans Texans Over Jaguars Rams Over Saints Buccaneers Over Panthers Ravens Over Eagles Bills Over 49ers Broncos Over Browns Last Week : 9-4 Season: 122-57 NFL Picks Spread, Week 13 : Lions -11.5 Over Bears Cowboys -3.5 Over Giants Dolphins +3.5 Over Packers Raiders +13.5 Over Chiefs Falcons +1.5 Over Chargers Steelers +2.5 Over Bengals Vikings -3.5 Over Cardinals Colts -2.5 Over Patriots Seahawks -2.5 Over Jets Commanders -5.5 Over Titans Texans -4.5 Over Jaguars Rams -2.5 Over Saints Panthers +5.5 Over Buccaneers Ravens -2.5 Over Eagles Bills -6.5 Over 49ers Broncos -5.5 Over Browns Last Week : 10-3 Season : 99-8...

  The weekend before Thanksgiving was a packed time at theaters and on streaming. Below is my take on the new movies I saw this week. As always, you can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Blitz (Apple TV+) Starring : Saoirse Ronan, Harris Dickinson, and Elliott Heffernan Synopsis : The latest from writer/director Steve McQueen takes place in London in 1940 as the residents of the city are enduring the German Blitz during World War II. London is bombed nightly, and the lack of shelters makes things unsafe for the residents, many of whom send their children to the country for safety. Rita (Ronan), a single mother working in the factories, sends her son George (Heffernan) away for his safety. He’s upset by the decision. As the train makes its way to the country, George jumps for it and makes a perilous journey back to his mother. When Rita learns that her son is missing, she begins a frantic search to find him. Meanwhile, the bombs keep...

  We’re up to Thanksgiving Week, and that means there isn’t much left to debut among the Fall TV series. We also have some holiday breaks coming up, providing a little extra time. So, what of the new shows out there is worth the investment? 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: Get Millie Black, Mondays at 9 p.m. on HBO (Premiered November 25) About : This is a co-production with U. K’s Channel 4 that is now debuting on HBO. The series focuses on a detective, Millie Black (Tamara Lawrance), who grew up in Jamaica and had a troubled childhood. That led her to England, where she worked for Scotland Yard. Now, she’s back plying her skills as a detective in her Jamaican home. She’s dealing with a brother that has issues and assigned to the case of a missing girl that spirals into something much bigger, drawing the attention of a Scotland Yard detecti...

Week 12: Denver Broncos 29, Las Vegas Raiders 19 Season Record: 7-5 (3-2 Home) Key Play: In the Fourth Quarter, with the Broncos up by three points, Bo Nix connected with Courtland Sutton on their second touchdown of the day to give the Broncos a 10-point lead. Recap: The Broncos are tracking toward the playoffs. If the playoffs started today, the Broncos would be the AFC's No. 7 seed. That's encouraging. The team has one more game before their bye week, a Monday night clash with the Cleveland Browns. They need a win to push their record to 8-5 and put them in position to secure a trip to the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Better still, Nix continues to grow as a passer and looks to be the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. It's been a good season for a young Broncos team that continues to grow and shine. I'm excited about the potential and the future, and this team has been fun to watch again. That is a welcome surprise. Game Balls: * Bo Nix. ...

 We're into the final month of 2024. That means a lot of big holiday releases and some films that will be fighting for Best Picture. Let's dive in! Friday, December 6: Y2K (Theaters) : What if the Y2K fears were proven right? This new horror comedy takes things back to December 31, 1999 and imagines that our worst fears come true. Can a group of teens survive? This looks like a fun way to kick off the month. The Order (Theaters): This could be in limited release but it's a drama with a very interesting premise. It features a good cast, led by Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult, and a story that feels very timely. I'm intrigued. Night Bitch (Theaters): Another film that's in limited, this one features Amy Adams in a role as a stressed and tired mother who feels some changes coming. It's an interesting premise that looks like a potentially engaging film. Mary (Netflix): This timely biopic sees the world though the eyes of Mary, the young girl who would become Mother t...

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! Andy : Now Woody, he's been my pal for as long as I can remember. He's brave, like a cowboy should be. And kind, and smart. But the thing that makes Woody special, is he'll never give up on you... ever. He'll be there for you, no matter what. Toy Story 3 (2010) Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, and Michael Keaton Director: Lee Unkrich About: At some point, we all have to bid childhood farewell. It's a formative time that helps shape us into the people we're going to become. As we reach the Top 5 of this countdown, we come to the first of back-to-back Pixar films that sit atop my list. This is the third installme...

  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.   Anna : There is something about connecting over mutual hatred that is just so much deeper than mutual love. A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014) Starring : Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Neil Patrick Harris, Giovanni Ribisi, Amanda Seyfried, and Sarah Silverman Director : MacFarlane About : You probably didn't expect MacFarlane to be on this list. I wouldn't have, either. Then I saw this film. It's hilarious. It's inappropriate. It's a lot of fun. And it's incredibly memorable. It's a send up of Westerns in a lot of ways, but it's also a fun entry to the genre. It has an amazing cast and it has an amazing script. I really enjoyed the film and it's one that's been incredibly rewatchable for me. So, for all those...

  Last week I was on fire, recording a near perfect week of picking winners. Let's see if I can stay hot in Week 12. NFL Picks, Week 12: Steelers Over Browns Vikings Over Bears Lions Over Colts Dolphins Over Patriots Buccaneers Over Giants Commanders Over Cowboys Chiefs Over Panthers Texans Over Titans Broncos Over Raiders 49ers Over Packers Seahawks Over Cardinals Eagles Over Rams Ravens Over Chargers Last Week : 13-1 Season : 113-53 NFL Picks Spread, Week 12 : Steelers -3.5 Over Browns Bears +3.5 Over Vikings Lions -7.5 Over Colts Dolphins -7.5 Over Patriots Buccaneers -5.5 Over Giants Commanders -10.5 Over Giants Panthers +11.5 Over Chiefs Titans +8.5 Over Texans Broncos -5.5 Over Raiders 49ers +2.5 Over Packers Seahawks -1.5 Over Cardinals Eagles -2.5 Over Rams Ravens -2.5 Over Chargers Last Week : 10-4 Season : 89-77

  We’re in November and we’re getting a blend of big blockbuster releases and films that have award aspirations. This week had a mix of both. 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 Letterboxed @knighthawk7734. Emilia Perez (Netflix) Starring : Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Selena Gomez Synopsis : This new film on Netflix premiered at film festivals and now is making its way to wider audiences. It’s a new drama and musical from director Jacques Audiard that is a daring vision for a film. It’s got a fascinating story and a fascinating approach to the material that is unlike anything I’ve seen this year. That’s the good part of this experience. The film is beautifully shot and crafted, with moments of deep emotional depth. There are some good performances, too. I particularly liked Saldana in the lead role. And it certainly feels like something different. The downside is that it doesn’t always work. The...

We’re into November and we’re getting some of the bigger streaming debuts that will be part of the content picture to end 2024. But what of these new series 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 Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks. Tuesdays: St. Denis Medical, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC (Premiered November 12) About : The new sitcom for NBC is a documentary-style series set inside a hospital. The cast includes Allison Tolman, David Alan Grier, and Wendi McLendon-Covey as the staff of St. Denis, a hospital catering to the community despite being understaffed and underfunded. The series comes from Justin Spitzer, who created Superstore and American Auto, co-created by Eric Ledgin, a writer on both those series. The first two episodes premiered in a block on Tuesday. It is a good set up with a good cast. I thought the pilot episode moved at a decent clip. Comedies c...

  Week 11 : Denver Broncos 38, Atlanta Falcons 6 Season Record : 6-5 (3-2 Home) Key Play : In the third quarter, on Fourth and Three, Bo Nix connected with Lil Jordan Humphrey on a pass that appeared to hit the ground. It was ruled a catch and fumble, giving Denver a key First Down that led to a touchdown to put the team up 28-6. Recap: After two tough road games against good AFC Teams that didn't go their way, the Broncos returned home and made a statement win against the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons. The game wasn't particularly close as the Broncos' offense traded touchdowns to Falcons field goals early, then pitched a shut out in the second half. This was one of the Broncos' best games on both sides of the ball as rookie quarterback Bo Nix continues to mature, the Broncos continue to grind on offense and get it done on defense. The Broncos have the Raiders and Browns before getting a bye in Week 14. With a couple wins against weaker opponents, the team should ...

  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 Coen Brothers classic. Norville Barnes : You know, for kids! The Hudsucker Proxy Starring : Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bill Cobbs, Charles During, and Paul Newman Director : Joel and Ethan Coen About : For me, peak Coen Brothers is the 1990s. Some of my favorites of their films were released in that decade. And that includes this screwball comedy with an outstanding cast. Robbins is great in the lead here, but it's the world built around him that is the most fun. Durning and Newman add a bit of fun, and class, while Leigh is great as the fast-talking lady reporter. I loved Cobbs in his supporting role, and the twists and turns in this story. It's unexpected but it's a lot of fun. If you haven't ever seen it, this Coen Brothers classic is worth checking out.

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! Miles Morales : Everyone keeps telling me how my story is supposed to go. Nah. I'm-a do my own thing. Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse (2023) Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, and Oscar Isaac Director : Joaquin Dos Santons, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson About: It's hard to craft a much-anticipated sequel. That was the challenge for the team behind this second of three films in the Sony animated Spiderverse. The first film won an Oscar. This film should also have won an Oscar, but I digress. It's not as high on my list as the first, but this film is very powerful. It's the last of an incredible ...

  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.  Eli Whipp : "Short or long, we ain’t here but a moment. You nor me. None of us." The English (2022) Starring : Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer, and Tom Hughes Director : Hugo Blick About: This is the last of the long-form entries on this list, and it's easily the best. It's a six-episode series written and directed by English writer Blick. It stars Blunt as a woman who comes to America to seek revenge for her dead son. She also forms a connection with a Native man, Spencer, who is on his own journey. It features beautiful performances and some incredible dialogue. It hooked me from the pilot and I raced through the whole series. It's heart-breaking and touches on a number of classic Western themes. It's beautifully done and incredibly compelling. I...

  Last week I was over .500 in picks again, improving my overall record. Let's try and stay hot in Week 11. NFL Picks, Week 11 Eagles Over Commanders Packers Over Bears Lions Over Jaguars Vikings Over Titans Dolphins Over Raiders Rams Over Patriots Saints Over Browns Steelers Over Ravens Colts Over Jets Broncos Over Falcons 49ers Over Seahawks Bills Over Chiefs Chargers Over Bengals Texans Over Cowboys Last Week : 10-4 Season: 100-52 NFL Picks Spread, Week 11 Commanders +3.5 Over Eagles Packers -6.5 Over Bears Lions -13.5 Over Jaguars Vikings -5.5 Over Titans Dolphins -7.5 Over Raiders Patriots +5.5 Over Rams Saints -1.5 Over Browns Steelers +3.5 Over Ravens Colts +3.5 Over Jets Broncos -1.5 Over Falcons 49ers -6.5 Over Seahawks Bills -2.5 Over Chiefs Chargers -1.5 Over Bengals Texans -7.5 Over Cowboys Last Week : 9-5 Season : 79-73

It’s getting to be a busy time for movies. We have original films in theaters, award contenders expanding their reach, and holiday films on streaming and on the big screen. Below is my take on all the new films I saw this week. If you want to keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Anora (Theaters) Starring : Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, and Karren Karagulian Synopsis : This film from writer/director Sean Baker made a splash at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Palm D’Or, which is the festival’s highest prize. Now, it’s getting a wide expansion domestically in front of an Award season run. Likely it will be a film that will get people talking. It focuses on an exotic dancer, Ani (Madison), who has dreams of more. When she meets a new Russian client, Ivan (Eydelshteyn), there is a connection. Soon, he books time with her outside the club, then books a whole week. Despite the Pretty Woman set up, Ani thinks she knows what this is. But when I...

We’re into November. As we get closer to Thanksgiving, we’re coming closer to the end of the new Fall season premier schedule. Due to the election, there weren’t as many new offerings this week. But of those new shows out there, which is worth your time? 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. Thursdays: Mistletoe Murders, Streaming Thursdays on Hallmark+ (Premiered October 31) About : Is the show Christmas themed? I guess it kind of is. It appears to be in the run up to Christmas, but our protagonist also runs a Christmas store, meaning it’s Christmas 365 days a year. That’s just how Hallmark fans like it. They should also be pleased with Sarah Drew in this lead role. The second episode was a wrap up of the murder(s) from the pilot. It brings Drew’s feisty investigator Emily closer to detective Sam Wilner (Peter Mooney). We’re slow playing Emily’s background a...

Week 10 : Kansas City Chiefs 16, Denver Broncos 14 Season Record : 5-5 (2-2 Home) Key Play: In the Fourth Quarter, with only seconds remaining and the Broncos trailing by two points, the Chiefs blocked a go-ahead field goal to win the game. Recap : I haven't given my heart to this team the way I have in years past with the Broncos. Part of it is the last decade has left a sour taste in my mouth, and part of it was a lack of faith in Sean Payton and George Paton. But when the Broncos got to 5-3, I got a little excited. Last week's loss to the Ravens seemed to confirm my feelings that this team wasn't ready. But this week's battle with the Chiefs got me excited again. In fact, I thought Denver was going to win and be 6-4, making a case to be considered for the playoffs in 2024. Sure, they might still get to the post-season. But this loss is gutting. A chip shot field goal for a win as time expired, and it's blocked by Kansas City. Yes, the Chiefs are a good team with...

  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 Eddie Murphy film. Det. Sgt. William 'Billy' Rosewood : [In prison] I'm all washed up - dead in the water. Axel : Will you stop worrying? I talked to Flint, he's gonna get us outta here. Det. Sgt. William 'Billy' Rosewood : I REALLY like that office! Beverly Hills Cop III Starring : Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, Hector Elizondo, and Jon Tenney Director : John Landis About : It's fitting, in a year when we got a long-awaited sequel, that we celebrate the anniversary of an under-rated chapter in this franchise. This film came 10 years after the original and didn't feature all the same players. But Elizondo is a fun addition to the team, and Reinhold and Murphy are still great here. I also like the setting here at a theme park. This is a fun film and one of my ...

  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! Bruno : You're the real gift, kid... let us in. Encanto (2021) Starring: Stefanie Beatriz, John Leguizamo, and Maria Cecilia Botero Director: Jarod Bush, Byron Howard, and Charise Castro Smith About: The best films are about family, that's especially true for animated films. Encanto is a Disney original with vibrant music, beautiful characters, and a mesmerizing world. It hooked younger viewers and older viewers alike, myself included. I loved the story, the rich cultural exploration, and the narrative in this animated adventure. It's a deeply emotional journey and one worth taking if you've never made time to check it out. Encanto is a tr...

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.  One Stab : Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness and they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy, or they become legends. Legends of the Fall (1994) Starring : Brad Pitt, Julia Ormond, Aidan Quinn, Anthony Hopkins, and Henry Thomas Director: Edward Zwick About: This is another entry that, though a feature film, might not fit the traditional mold of a Western. But it's classified in that genre and it certainly feels like that kind of a story in the way its told and in the way it's a tale of families and struggle. It's well cast and it's beautifully shot. It's also bittersweet at best and sad at worst. I think the performances are great and I love the way this story is told on screen. I remember when I first saw it and I...

 I finished with 10 wins again in straight picks, but another week just below .500 against the Spread. I'm still in the black in both, let's see if it stays that way. NFL Picks, Week 10 : Ravens Over Bengals Panthers Over Giants Bears Over Patriots Bills Over Colts Chiefs Over Broncos Falcons Over Saints 49ers Over Buccaneers Steelers Over Commanders Vikings Over Jaguars Chargers Over Titans Eagles Over Cowboys Jets Over Cardinals Lions Over Texans Rams Over Dolphins Last Week : 10-5 Season : 90-48 NFL Picks Spread, Week 10 : Ravens -5.5 Over Bengals Panthers +4.5 Over Gaints Patriots +6.5 Over Bears Bills -3.5 Over Colts Broncos +9.5 Over Chiefs Falcons -3.5 Over Saints Buccaneers +5.5 Over 49ers Steelers +2.5 Over Commanders Vikings -4.5 Over Jaguars Chargers -7.5 Over Titans Eagles -7.5 Over Cowboys Jets +.5 Over Cardinals Lions -3.5 Over Texans Rams -2.5 Over Dolphins Last Week : 7-8 Season : 70-68

We’re into November, which means the tide of releases are picking up steam. We have a combination of holiday-themed releases and films that have lofty aims when it comes to year-end accolades. If you want to keep up with everything I’m watching, follow me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734. Conclave (Theaters) Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow Synopsis: The latest from director Edward Berger is a drama adapted from a novel and set at a tense meeting of the leadership of the Catholic Church. We begin with the death of the Pope. That sets us to a Conclave, the duty for which falls to Dean Lawrence (Fiennes). He’s pulling for his friend (Tucci) to get the post, but there are many contenders vying for the post. It’s up to Lawrence to follow his conscience, seek God’s will, and uncover all the information needed for the process to find the next leader of the church. Berger does a fantastic job putting this film together. Though it’s mostly just men in rooms having conver...