Matt's Musings

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. The Big Short Starring: Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Steve Carell, and Christian Bale Synopsis: Most of us remember when the housing bubble burst. There was a crazy few days when banks looked like they were going to fail. The economy around the world was suffering. People were losing their jobs and their homes. And then the government stepped in. For many, that was probably the end of their experience of the “economic crisis.” Others may have watched some of the movies, such as the HBO biopic “Too Big to Fail” or sought to learn more. But a whole subculture of media was devoted to exploring the crisis, why it happened and who might have seen it coming. Michael Lewis, who chronicled true life stories in the books “Moneyball” and “The Blind Side,” was one of those who explored this topic further. In his book, “The Big Short,” he looked at those in the financial system who saw the crash coming and, better yet, profited from it. Now a new ...

Today the countdown continues with a film that has to be considered a cult classic. No. 18 — Serenity (2005) Starring: Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Gina Torres, Adam Baldwin, Morena Baccarin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Ron Glass, and Chiwetel Ejiofor Director: Joss Whedon Quote: The Operative: It's not my place to ask. I believe in something greater than myself. A better world. A world without sin. Capt. Malcolm Reynolds: So me and mine gotta lay down and die... so you can live in your better world? The Operative: I'm not going to live there. There's no place for me there... any more than there is for you. Malcolm... I'm a monster.What I do is evil. I have no illusions about it, but it must be done. About: In the fall of 2002, FOX aired a show from Joss Whedon called "Firefly." Whedon — who created "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" — had created a new show that can only be described as an incredibly space western. The ra...

In these weekly posts I look at the new shows of winter, reviewing the pilot and second episode of each new series. The new year has barely begun, but already new shows are hitting the airwaves. Monday Nights: Superstore, Mondays at 8 p.m. on NBC (Premiered January 4) About: Technically this series "premiered" last night. But NBC aired the first three episodes over two nights in December. So last night's "premier" was the fourth episode of the series. Go figure. Anyway, here's my review of the first two episodes from back in December. Having seen all four so far, I like this show and think it could work. But I'm not sure NBC is scheduling it in a way that gives it a real shot. From December: I have to say, I had low expectations going into the preview — which offered the first two episodes of "Superstore." But I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the cast was good — particularly America Ferrera — and the comedy worked. This is a work place co...

We're the top seed in the AFC! This is a day for celebration. Come tomorrow, it's back to work. Two more wins to get to the Super Bowl. Week 17: Broncos 27, San Diego Chargers 20 Season Record: 12-4 (6-2 Home) Key Play: In the third quarter, trailing 13-7, the Broncos made a change at quarterback, bringing in Peyton Manning off the bench to replace Brock Osweiler. Manning led the Broncos on a touchdown drive, and scored on four of five drives he was in the game to help the Broncos come up with the crucial win. Recap: One of the amusing things about going to games at Sports Authority Field is all the unauthorized sellers outside the stadium. My favorite was a guy who sells shirts that say Peyton F***ing Manning on them. I think it's meant to be a compliment to his greatness. That's what I first thought of yesterday when Manning came in during the third quarter and saved the game — helping the Broncos get the No. 1 seed in the AFC. After an up-and-down season, it all ...

I remember the first time I saw "Downton Abbey." My parents had seen the series and I'd heard it was good. So I popped in an episode and figured I'd watch one before heading out for my day. That one turned into the entire first season. That was how the show drew me in and hooked me. And I wasn't alone. Each January when new episodes have debuted on PBS, millions of Americans have been drawn to the world of the Crawley family, too. Amazingly, the show has made it to its sixth season. And now the time has come for it to end. Creator and writer Julian Fellows tackled this story once before — with the film "Gosford Park" — but really nailed it with this show, which has become an International phenomenon. The final season debuts tonight in America — though it is long since finished in England. I have mixed feelings about the ending. From one standpoint, I love to get drawn into this world each year. It's consistently been compelling and interesting, show ...

It's a big start to the new year for the BBC. "Sherlock" is back with an all new special, and later this weekend "Downton Abbey" begins its final season run in America. First, a review of "Sherlock." Sherlock: The Abominable Bride Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Mark Gatiss Synopsis: It's been over a year since the last season of "Sherlock," one that left with a big cliff hanger. We still aren't to a new season yet, but to appease fans, the creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have delivered a special meant to help fill the void. In "The Abominable Bride" the action goes back to the 1800s, where the novels were originally set, and takes off on a case. We get the same actors as Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, but a different setting and a different take. But that's not really all that's happening, which I won't spoil here. When we last saw Sherlock, his nemesis had reappeared. This film att...

We've turned the calendar to a new month — January, the place where new movies often go to die. The hottest ticket the next month will still be "Star Wars" or whatever awards season film is en vogue. But that won't stop studios from jumping new chaff on us each week. Friday, January 8: The Revenant — Technically this was released in limited fashion on Christmas Day. But it goes wide here and will likely be an awards season contender. The Forest — You'd think October was the ideal time for horror films. While many do come out then, it is these lean winter months where they pop up. Such is, "The Forest." Friday, January 15: 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi — This isn't your typical film from Michael Bay. It's an action story, yes, but it's also a true story and a political football. It will be interesting to see how Bay melds his typical style with a more serious story. Ride Along 2 — Kevin Hart and Ice Cube are back as mismatched co...